Vietnam Volunteer Adventure - 27 days

Want to experience the real Vietnam and want to give something back too?

From the very start of your trip in Ha Noi you'll be faced with the wonderful sights and sounds of one of South East Asia's most vibrant and fascinating countries. From the stunning sights of Halong Bay to trekking in the mountains around Mai Chau,  the picture perfect town of Hoi An to beauty of the Mekong delta - your first two weeks really do take you everywhere you could want to see, and more. Vietnam is a hugely varied country with more to do and see than you could ever wish for. It's also a great fun place to explore with friendly and sociable people happy to share their country with travelers.  After this incredible introduction to what the country has to offer you will then spend two weeks living with a rural community (an incredible experience on it's own) helping them to build much needed wells. So, not only do you get a real insight into what Vietnam is really like, you also make a lasting and positive impression on a local community - what a fantastic combination.

 

Trip Highlights

• Visiting Ha Long Bay - you'll have seen the photos but nothing compares to the real thing
• Trekking in the stunning mountains around Mai Chau
• Spending time in  Hoi An - one of Vietnam's gems
• Exploring vibrant Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)
• Cruising down the Mekong Delta
• Living and working with a rural agricultural community

Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! You will be met at the airport by the your guides and taken to your hotel. There is an optional welcome dinner or you can spend your own time exploring the old city! Overnight hotel in HaNoi

 

 

Day 2: Hanoi to Mai Chau and Hang Kia Village

After breakfast you will leave Hanoi for the stunning small town of Mai Chau where you will have lunch at a traditional Thai stilt house before carrying on to Sa Linh village. Here you will start your trek small paths towards Hang Kia village. You will have your evening meal and stay overnight in a traditional long house where you can rest your weary limbs. Please note that luggage can be left at the hotel in Hanoi and you need only bring the clothes needed for your trek with you in a daypack. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, overnight in Kang Kia village.

 

Day 3: Hang Kia village to Van village

Today, you will get well and truly off the beaten track as you trek through tropical rain forest, using local tracks and passing through cornfields on the way as you descend back into the Mai Chau Valley. The trek usually takes around 5 hours and can be quite steep in places, but don't worry - the views are well worth itt! Lunch will be provided for you en route. You will arrive at Van village in the late afternoon and have time to wander round taking in the traditional way of life of the people who live here. You may be able to sample some of their homemade rice wine over your evening meal - but be careful, it's strong! Breakfast, lunch and dinner, overnight stay in Van village.

 

Day 4: Van village, Khoe to Hanoi

This morning, you will trek for a couple of hours passing through several more hamlets. You will walk along the valley floor and be able to take in the views of the surrounding paddy fields and beautiful scenery. After arriving at the small village of Khoe you will meet up with the transport for your drive back to Mai Chau. Lunch will be provided in Mai Chau and there is also the chance to do a little souvenir shopping before you return to Hanoi. Your evening can be spent at your own leisure in Hanoi - 'bia hoi' anyone? Breakfast and lunch, overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 5: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

After breakfast you will leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay - taking around 3 hours or so. En-route you can enjoy a short stop at the famous Sao Do Arts and Crafts Centre run by handicapped children and pick up some more souvenirs! Arriving at the bay around midday you will board your private sleeping boat for a delicious seafood lunch. During lunch you will be able to take in the beautiful scenery of the hundreds of tiny islands that make Ha Long Bay such a stunning place. After lunch explore some of the limestone caves and then your captain will find a secluded spot for you to swim and relax before dinner. Enjoy another seafood feast for dinner and for the night owls there is the option of night fishing before falling asleep to the gentle sound of the waters of the bay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, overnight on board the boat.

 

Day 6: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

Wake up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the boat (perfect) and then you will have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. As you continue your cruise around the bay you will be able to find some more secluded areas to swim and kayak. Overnight in Ha Noi

 

Day 7: Ha Noi city tour and overnight train to Hue

You will spend the day touring Ha Noi learning more about the city`s history and seeing the great variety of sights that it has to offer. You will explore Hanoi including the Museum of Ethnology, temple of Literature, the Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous Old Quarter. Hanoi is yet another place that you really won't want to leave - great people, a 'buzzing' atmosphere, wonderful architecture and just a brilliant vibe. Don't miss out on a 'bia hoi' stand in the early evening - a Hanoi tradition where friends get together for a cold beer on the street after a hard days work, or in your case exploring. You will have the use of a 'dayroom' to freshen up before your overnight train at 19:00 to Hue.

 

Day 8: Hue

Be prepared for an early arrival! You will be met at the train station and taken to your hotel for your early check in and breakfast. In the evening go on boat on Huong River (Perfume River), sightseeing Trang Tien Bridge, release flower lanterns for praying happiness and fortune, listen to Hue traditional folk songs. Stay overnight at Hue.

 

Day 9: Hue/ Hoi An

Visit the Citadel of Nguyen Dynasty – Royal Palace of 13 Kings of Nguyen Dynasty with Ngo Mon Gate (The Noon Gate), Thai Hoa Palace, The Purple Forbidden City, The Mieu (Dynastic Temple), Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of Splendor), The Nine Dynastic Urns, stop at Duyet Thi Duong to enjoy the Hue “Ceremonial Court” music show - which is recognized as World Immaterial Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb. Enjoy the specialty dishes of Hue (instead of dinner). Overnight in Hue.

 

Day 10: Hue/ Hoi An

After breakfast you visit the local market (Dong Ba market) then you will travel to Hoi An stopping at the famous China Beach in Danang, the Cham museum and taking in Hai Van Pass on the way. Breakfast and overnight hotel in Hoi An.

 

Day 11: Hoi An - HCMC

Today you will have a free day to explore the beautiful sleepy old town of Hoi An, shop till you drop and don`t forget the amazing suits that you can buy! Many people come to Hoi An for a day and end up spending weeks, captivated by it's wonderful atmosphere, friendly people and great places to explore - you've only got a haft day so make the most of it!

After lunch you head to the airport to fly to HCMC. Your flight will be unaccompanied but you will be met by a member of the team and transferred to your hotel in HCMC. There is an optional welcome dinner or you can spend your own time exploring the old city! Overnight hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Day 12: Full day tour of Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast you will spend the day touring Ho Chi Minh City learning more about the city`s history and seeing the great variety of sights that it has to offer. You will visit all the major sights including Reunification Palace,  the War museum, Notre Dame cathedral, Thien Hau Pagoda, and Ben Than market before heading back to the hotel for a well deserved rest! Breakfast and overnight hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh city to Vinh Long, Mekong Delta

After an early morning start you will take the 2 hour journey to the Mekong Delta and then board your boat for a relaxing cruise on one of the many tributaries. You will stop at the Cai Be floating market - a stunning local fruit and vegetable market. After lunch you will then transfer to smaller boats and enjoy the journey to Vinh Long where you will stay with a local host family. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, overnight homestay.

 

Day 14: Vinh Long to Ho Chi Minh City

Rising early you will get back on your boat and cruise to Vinh Long to explore the town before transferring back to land and travelling on to My Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta. You will then head back to Ho Chi Minh City. After returning HCMC you will begin your journey to the project site in Tay Ninh province, around 100kms from Hanoi. Once you have arrived at the village you will be introduced to the community and the family that you will be working with.  During the project you will be divided into several groups  / work parties to ensure that you can get involved in a range of activities including digging / building the wells and helping out the local farming community. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, homestay accommodation.

 

Day 15 to 26: Volunteering at the project

In Tay Ninh you will be working with the local community helping to dig a water well and helping the local farmers in the rice fields, teaching English for local children. Every weekend, you will visit one famous attraction in the area: Cu Chi Tunnels, Central Office for South Vietnam, Cao Dai Temple.

Homestay accommodation is provided. Because of your meaningful work, the host familiy will provide 3 meals everyday the project. However, you have to prepare meals with the family.  Perhaps, after back home, you will surprise your families and friends buy a Vietnamese dinner cooked by yourself.

 

Day 27: Return to HCMC

Now it is time to say a fond farewell to all the great friends you have made within the community and head back to HCMC where either to fly home or to continue your adventures - phew! As you will be arriving back into HCMC around midday the earliest you should book your flight if you are flying out of HCMC would be 5pm.

 

What the project does and why does it need you?

Although there has been huge economic development in Vietnam in recent years, Tay Ninh province remains very poor and people here face many hardships. One of the biggest difficulties the people have had to cope with is the debilitating affects of Agent Orange – toxic herbicides used during the American-Vietnam war which has left its effects on 3 generations of families. More than 100 families have been affected and the effects can be seen in parents, children and grandchildren, and with physical and mental disabilities the families struggle to survive financially.  The project helps the local community improve their basic standard of living through the building of wells to supply the village with water. Travellers will also help with the farming, working in the fields cutting rice, watering etc depending on the season - a real experience and far more challenging than you may think. You'll certainly leave with a healthy respect for how tough and strong this community is.

 

Who is it for?

This is for anyone with a real desire to explore Vietnam, the beautiful scenery it has to offer and for those who really want to help a community that has suffered years of hardship.  By living with the local community in homestay accommodation during the two weeks at the project you will experience the true rural life of the Vietnamese and the way in which they cope with every day life. This isn't a 'luxury' tour - far from it - but is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get under the skin of one of the most fascinating countries on earth - surely something that appeals to everyone.

 

What you'll be doing?

You will be getting involved in one of two projects in the village. The group will be split into and you will take turns building a water well with the guidance of local engineers and helping with the farming being responsible for your own field, under the guidance of the local farmer! This will includecutting rice, watering, weeding  - dictated by the season and what is required. Another activity is teaching English for the poor local children.

 

Where you'll be staying?

During your time on the tour you will be staying in range of accommodation including 2 star hotels in the cities, homestay accommodation during your time in Vinh Long and Mau Chai, an overnight train to Hanoi and on board a boat in Ha Long Bay. During the project you will be staying in a local homestay in the countryside experiencing the real way of life in the rural area of Vietnam!

 

What you'll be eating?

You will be eating a range of Vietnamese food, with meals included as in the itinerary.

Advice and what to bring

Prepare to get dirty during your time at the project so wear clothes that are durable - and not too precious! Long trousers are more suitable that short shorts and don`t forget to bring a hat as the sun is strong in this part of the world! We also recommend that you bring decent walking shoes or 'trainers' for the trekking. Please note that between November and March it can be quite cold in parts of Northern Vietnam so please bring a warm sweater / fleece with you!

 

When you arrive?

Fly into Hanoi (airport code HAN) and meet Pinklotus staff at the airport. You will spend your first night in a hotel and start the tour the following day. Please note that the trip will end in Ho Chi Minh City (airport code SGN) and you will be free to arrange your onward travel from there.

Please note that this trip has minimum numbers, please enquire for details.

As there are internal flights that will be booked for you by our team in country please ensure that the name that you give at the time of booking is the name shown on your passport and is spelt correctly. No amendments to flight tickets can be made for any errors.

 

 

Fast Facts

Project Information

• Project Duration: Min 4 weeks
• Project Costs: From $1968.00 for 4 weeks
• Location of project:Various locations within along the tour, Tay Ninh province during the project
• Arrival Airport:nHo Chi Minh City (airport code SGN), Hanoi (airport code HAN)
• Activities:Building a water well for the local community, transporting bricks, digging and cleaning the building site, or working with the farmers on the rice fields. teaching English for local children….v.v..
• Working Hours:Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm whilst at the project, however this is flexible and more work can be arranged if desired.
• Getting to the project:On site
• Requirements:Minimum Age 17
• Other:Vietnamese New Year (Tet) will be 03 February 2011. There is a 7 day public holiday around this time which will affect projects. Final dates for this festival are confirmed at very short notice. Dates have been closed for a week either side of Tet but please be aware that you may have some disruptions to your placement around this time (TET in 2012 is January 23)

What's Included

• Accommodation:Shared room in hotel in cities on tour, overnight boat in Ha Long Bay, overnight train to Hanoi based on soft sleeper 4 berth cabin, homestay in Vinh Long, Mau Chai and during the project in Tay Ninh
• Food:Food included; as per the itinerary (food at the homestay included during the project)
• Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
• Training:In-country orientation
• Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
• Transport: All transport as shown in the itinerary

What's not included

• Flights, Insurance, Visas ,Return Airport transfer, Local Transport not mentioned in the itinerary

Special promotion: book the trip before March 2011, you will get FREE visa to Vietnam

 

 

 

Country Guide

Vietnam

A little bit of history...

Vietnam’s history has been marred by war and various power struggles as it has sought to regain and maintain independence. Its earliest origins are believed to date back to the Dong Son civilisation circa the 3rd century. Up until the 10th century it was ruled by a succession of Chinese dynasties before it achieved independence. The period up until the mid 19th century saw a series of dynasties including, Ly, Tran and Le, with aims to carve out the country’s own identity against the influence of China.

The country was unable to fend off the dominance of the French Empire and by 1883 the French had overtaken the country. Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Vietnamese Communist party, was a key force in the country’s quest for independence, and post-WW II he declared the country independent after his communist army defeated French colonists in 1954. At the 1954 Geneva conference the French agreed to withdraw and the country was effectively divided into the communist north and the anti-communist south, which was intended to be temporary and followed by democratic elections. This didn’t turn out as planned when Ngo Dinh Diem, the leader of the south, refused to hold elections and the north began strengthening their communist influence in the south. An armed struggle ensued and the USA, who supported the south, intervened in the early 1960s and was joined by other foreign troops. War raged until a ceasefire in 1973, and two years later the north gained control and un ified Vietnam under communist rule.

Stability was not assured and Vietnam incurred the wrath of China when it invaded Cambodia in 1978 which resulted in China attacking Vietnam the following year. Years of fierce combat meant an economy at near collapse which contributed to thousands of refugees fleeing the country in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Aside from Soviet influence, it remained isolated from the world. Economic reforms in 1986 paved the way for a modernised economy and economic growth. Having established diplomatic relations (notably with the USA) the country opened itself up to foreign investment. While it remains one of the world’s poorest countries, it has one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

Best time to go...

To experience Vietnam at its most weather-friendly, there is no clean cut time of when to go as climate varies between the north, south and central regions. The north is defined by a cool, wet winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October, during which time typhoons may occur. The temperatures in the north are at their mildest from late September to November and in March and April. To avoid the wet season in the central region which runs from August to December, it’s best to visit between January and July; the coastal regions tend to bear the brunt of the wet weather. The most desirable time to visit the south is between October and February when it’s dry and a respite from the baking temperatures experienced during March through to May. The south’s two main seasons are wet, from May to November, and dry, during the months of December to April, with June to August the wettest period.

The busiest time to visit is typically from November to January and April to June when tourists are out in full, leading to a rise in accommodation rates. A worthwhile, albeit packed, time to visit is during the weeks leading up to the lunar new year, known as Tet, a major holiday in Vietnam. During the holiday, there may be limited services and a number of businesses close for three or four days but the build up is the best part if you’re a visitor.

 

Currency and living costs...

The dong is Vietnam’s unit of currency. The current exchange rate is around: $1 to 21,090.00d. Check www.xe.com or equivalent for the most up to date exchange rate.

The average costs of life’s little essentials are as follows:

• Meals – main dishes for lunch can cost between 75,000d and 150,000d in restaurants, while dinner is in the region of 100,000d and upwards. Pho, a traditional soup dish containing meat, can be purchased for as little as 35,000d to 50,000d.
• Beer – a bottle of beer can range between 10,000d to 25,000d.
• Coffee – A cup of coffee is priced between 10,000d to 20,000d.
• Taxi ride – A taxi ride is usually charged from a rate of 14,000d, though it’s possible that some taxis will charge as low as 12,000d and others as high as 16,000d. Most charge between 6,000d and 8,000 per km thereafter.
• Accommodation – A 2* hotel room, depending on season and availability, can be priced at around 380,000d and 650,000d.
• Internet café – Rates per hour differ from as low as 25,000d to up to 35,000d.

Getting around...

For long distances, flying is a doable but often expensive option compared to trains and buses. The main domestic airlines are Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Airlines, Mekong Airline which offer regular services between major cities; flying time between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is around 2 hours. It’s often cheaper to purchase domestic tickets within Vietnam.

Vietnam has an extensive bus network in place and cheap fares but the buses are all too often overcrowded and road safety is dubious; driving is not recommended. While the fares may still be relatively cheap, foreigners are usually charged more than locals. Aimed at the tourist trade, Open Tour Buses are inexpensive, comfortable buses that journey to the major destinations and stop at selected hotels and restaurants along the way. Although a pleasurable way to travel, it can feel like a tourist bubble rather than an experience of the real Vietnam. Minibuses are also plentiful but can be irritatingly slow with numerous pick ups and drop offs. It’s best to ride express minibuses which have far fewer stops and are air conditioned.

If time isn’t an issue, train travel is a relaxed way to travel. The journeys can take longer than by bus but offer more leg room and are generally less crowded. Also, unlike bus fares, foreigners pay the same as locals. Depending on your travel budget, trains range from the non-air conditioned seated variety to air-conditioned sleepers, the latter being an obvious choice if you plan to brave the 30 hour plus trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi which is often referred to as the Reunification Express. All trains require a reservation and it’s often possible to book a train from a station other than the one you are departing from.

Aside from crowded buses, taxis are good for getting around major cities. It’s advisable to used metered taxis or at least negotiate a fare before departure. Cyclos, three-wheeled bicycles, are an alternative way of traversing city streets and can be hired for a full day. For a more high-powered mode of transport, Honda Oms, motorbikes whereby the passenger sits behind the driver, are also plentiful. For both modes, it’s best to have a pen and paper to hand to write down your destination and agree on a fare prior to the journey.

 

 

 

- Year end volunteer program: Organizing Christmas Party for abandoned elder(09/03/2011) - Projects for Victims of Agent Orange Vietnam(08/12/2010) - Teach English in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam(06/12/2010) - Community work with Ethnic Khmer children in Soc Trang ,Chau Doc province , Vietnam(06/12/2010) - Build homes for underprivileged families in Vietnam(06/12/2010)