Overview

Childcare volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) offers opportunities to make a positive impact on children's lives while immersing yourself in local culture.
The Childcare Program in Ho Chi Minh City encompasses various initiatives, including preschools, special education centers for children with disabilities, and those with developmental disorders. The program aims to enhance the quality of care and education for children, while bringing joy and sharing meaningful educational and cultural experiences with both the children and the local staff.

As a developing country with a rapidly growing population, Vietnam faces challenges such as limited financial resources and a lack of specialized knowledge about children's disabilities, making it difficult for institutions to meet the needs of children in both quantity and quality.
The involvement of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers has greatly impacted the children’s daily lives and the work of local staff, fostering cultural exchange and introducing positive ideas that enrich the field of childcare.

Volunteering with children in HCMC can be a rewarding experience that not only benefits the children you work with but also offers you the chance to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and society.

Sample Placement Profile - KỲ QUANG II ORPHANAGE PAGODA

Kỳ Quang II Orphanage Pagoda was built in the early part of the 20th Century in 1924 and is quite famous in Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda is now a place of charity for unlucky children and also helps treat diseases. Now, the pagoda is taking care and bringing up more than 200 children in the South of Vietnam. The children here have unfortunate backgrounds as many have been abandoned by their parents and relatives.

Many of the children at the center were found abandoned at the pagoda's gate by the head monk. Occasionally, hospitals also contact the head monk to take in newborns who have been left behind at the hospital. Among these children, some suffer from congenital defects, mental illnesses, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Children who are healthy enough attend classes at the pagoda or local schools. This ensures they receive an education and social interaction appropriate for their age and abilities.
Age Range: From infants to teenagers

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Sunday- Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam
Monday - An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, informing the volunteers about relative topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behaviour, food, and other suggestions about things to do in Vietnam
Tue - Fri - Volunteer work at project placement. Evenings will be free for volunteers
Sat and Sunday - Free day for you to explore and prepare yourself for the volunteer work
Monday to Friday - Volunteer Work

The programme ends on Sat of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. In case you need an airport drop, you can drop us a mail or directly get in touch with your coordinator.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating in.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in various activities to support the children, including:

Playing with the children
Teaching skills
Helping nannies with cleaning
Teach children and the nannies there some simple English
Teach games to the kids they have class for pre school
Spend time with the kids
Listen to their stories or just to sit with them
Networking and fundraising
Organize charity campaigns for books, old clothes, old shoes for the children

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

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Childcare Volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with Volunteering Solutions

Living

Airport Transfer

You should arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (airport code: SGN) on the selected start date. Our program representative will be there at the airport to greet you and you'll be taken to the volunteer house. You'll be provided with further details once you book your Ho Chi Minh city volunteering trip with us, in your Pre-Departure Guidebook.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City will be provided at a volunteer house, located 12km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and 6km from District 1. It has 4 floors with 4 bedrooms, 2 terraces, a living room, kitchen, and 3 bathrooms. It can accommodate 12-16 volunteers, though typically only 4 per room. The house is spacious, cool, and located in a quiet, clean area. Rooms have air conditioning, fans, and private bathrooms. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a washing machine, fridge, and storage.

Orientation

You'll be arriving on a Sunday and have your Orientation on Monday. Before you start working at the project site, you'll have a detailed Orientation Session where the local team will provide you with all the necessary information about volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City. All your doubts regarding the Vietnamese culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements will be given during the orientation.

Meals

An assistant is provided in the volunteer house for cooking and cleaning common areas. Two main meals are served daily (lunch at 12:00 PM and dinner at 7:00 PM), while breakfast is self-prepared before volunteers go to work. Volunteers should inform the cook about food allergies or dietary preferences.

Breakfast is self made and generally consists of toast, coffee, tea, eggs and some fruit. Lunch is taken at the volunteer house or also offered at some project placements. A typical dinner at the volunteer might feature options like pork, fish, beef, or chicken, accompanied by tofu or egg, a selection of vegetable dishes, rice, and some soup.

If you're keen to explore local flavours, you'll find numerous cafes and amenities nearby. For a more vibrant experience, you can easily hop on a bus or taxi to the bustling Old Quarter in Hanoi, where countless dining options await!

During Your Free Time

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has plenty to offer during your free time! The city is vibrant, diverse, and full of energy, so there’s always something to discover! Some of the recommended options for volunteers include :

Visit Historical Sites:

War Remnants Museum: Offers a deep look at the Vietnam War and its impacts
Cu Chi Tunnels: A historical site showcasing the underground tunnels used during the war
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A beautiful French-colonial cathedral in the heart of the city
Saigon Central Post Office: An architectural gem built during French colonial times

Explore Markets:

Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market with souvenirs, local foods, and textiles
Binh Tay Market: A more local market in Cholon (Chinatown) for authentic Vietnamese goods

Cultural Experiences

Saigon Opera House: Attend a performance or simply admire the French colonial architecture
Jade Emperor Pagoda: A beautiful and iconic pagoda with intricate details
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Take a day trip to explore the Mekong River, local villages, and floating markets

Visit Parks and Rivers:

Tao Dan Park: A peaceful park perfect for a morning walk or relaxation
Saigon River Cruise: Take a relaxing boat ride to see the city from a different perspective

Volunteer accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Volunteers eating meals in Ho Chi Minh City

Dates

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
2 Weeks	$560
3 Weeks	$680
4 Weeks	$820
5 Weeks	$950
6 Weeks	$1080
7 Weeks	$1190
8 Weeks	$1320
Extra Week	$150

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

What are you Paying For?

24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation
Food
Accommodation in shared dorm style rooms at Volunteer house
Local coordinators support
Travel and Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Airfare
Visa fee
Vaccinations
Local Transportation
Return Airport Drop
Any personal expenses

FAQ's

Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life

How do I get to the program location?: Your project coordinator will take you to your project placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc. You will be told about the directions to the project location from your accommodation and the best and the most affordable mode of transport you can use. Volunteers usually opt for public transport, as they are much affordable.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Volunteers in Hanoi are provided accommodation in a volunteer house/ hostel. Wireless internet is available for the volunteers and rooms are shared. Shared bathrooms are there for volunteers with running water and flush system. Air conditioning is provided during the night in the volunteer rooms. Convenience stores and internet cafes are also not very far from the volunteer house. The local cook at the volunteer house will prepare meals for the volunteers. Lunch and dinner usually comprise of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken dishes, tofu, and soups. Breakfast can be tea, bread, butter, jam, eggs or local Vietnamese dishes.Volunteers will be provided with three meals everyday except on Saturday.
Participants in Ho Chi Minh City also get to stay in one of the three volunteer/intern accommodations. All meals are provided to the participants.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes, that is not a problem at all. However do inform us beforehand about your any special dietary requirements.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Vietnam?: Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $70-$80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Group to communicate with other participants. To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.
Can you put me in contact with other volunteers who have done this program?: We can only provide contact details for former volunteers who have consented to having their data shared. However, there is a Facebook group for past and current volunteers which you are welcome to join. There are also hundreds of reviews online from our former volunteers as well as social media posts on Instagram, TikTok and our You Tube Channel.

Flights, Arrival and Visa Information

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: All enrolled participants are provided information on the appropriate Visa requirements for Vietnam in the pre-departure manual. You can also contact your pre-departure point of contact to know more about the Visa requirements.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Vietnam?: Vietnam is well connected internationally, with major entry airports in Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Below are some recommended airlines to fly to Vietnam, known for reliability, comfort, and good connectivity.
Best Options from Europe
Qatar Airways (via Doha)
Emirates (via Dubai)
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Vietnam Airlines
Lufthansa
Best Options from North America
Korean Air (via Seoul)
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (via Tokyo)
Japan Airlines (JAL) (via Tokyo)
Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)
Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
EVA Air (via Taipei)

Free Time and Weekend Travel

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?: Volunteers work from Monday - Friday and have their weekends free for sightseeing. Evenings are free for the volunteers and they usually get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or just relax at the volunteer house. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. There is a lot to do in Hanoi. You can start with Cu Chi Tunnels, Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, Hon Viet - The Soul Of Vietnam, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station and much more. You can also go to Mekong Delta or head out to Hanoi.

Health, Safety and Support

How safe is Vietnam in general?: Vietnam is generally a very safe country for travelers, including tourists, students, and volunteers, and is often considered one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, and most visitors experience no serious safety issues.
Do I need to buy health insurance?: Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider. To view details of the coverage offered, please click here
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need ?: All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Vietnam. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Vietnam, click here.

Program Overview and Application Process

How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?: You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ?: Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your My Account and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Vietnam volunteer programs?: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Vietnam volunteer projects:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference
Clean Criminal Background Check Report for participants joining Childcare and Teaching Projects
Participants must be in good health
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in Vietnam Volunteer Program as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Vietnam program. Volunteering Solutions Vietnam programs have hosted large student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the programs. We have hosted groups, from universities in UK, Europe, and the USA as well as other countries.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol experience ?: Yes, most definitely you can, as we believe that every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
When do I need to arrive in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Hanoi?: All volunteers need to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the program starting date i.e Wednesday. Volunteers will be received at the International Airport by the local representative and will be transferred to the volunteer accommodation. A brief orientation would be conducted the next day where you will also be shown the area around the accommodations, the nearest ATM, market, and will be given safety guidelines as well as information about your project.Volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City also need to arrive on the designated program start date.