Gap Year Programs in Vietnam

Are scattered tropical islands more your thing or is steamy street food stalls between sky-high office buildings? Check out these beautiful places in Vietnam.

Halong Bay. Take a boat across the emerald waters through a maze of limestone-faced islands. Adventure gappers revel in the opportunity for escaping the main port of high-rise speckled Halong City by taking a scenic boat cruise or island hopping over to Lan Ha Bay. Googling pictures yet? Please do. Halong Bay is the perfect gapper getaway to refresh your mind and invigorate your spirit.

Hoi An. This coastal city is a revitalizing blend of ancient melting pot architecture and snaking water canals with a surprising lack of modern day automobile traffic and pollution—perfect for lackadaisically snapping photos of its famous lanterns or helping a community project in need. Hoi An is a perfect gap year destination for anyone looking to have a relaxed time abroad amongst the rice fields and beaches while still having good access to WIFI.

Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with industrial and culture evolution. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal location for any gapper looking to be welcomed by friendly locals, pick up a new language (Vietnamese is pretty easy grammatically and there are handfuls of gap year language programs in Vietnam), and teach others how to speak and write English. If you are a history nut, definitely check out the Vietnam war museums.

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Latest Program Reviews

Unforgettable Experience

March 13, 2025by: Cara Christie - United KingdomProgram: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

8

I had an even better time than I could have imagined. I met some amazing people and definitely made the most incredible memories. I feel like the trip was a good mixture of fun and also cultural enrichment. It was the perfect start to my gap year travels.

SEA review

March 13, 2025by: Malachy Talty - IrelandProgram: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

10

I did so many things and had so many experiences as well as making real friends that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if it weren’t for the trip. The tour leader Callum was so cool and we all got along really well. The accommodation was nice and clean and you can just put it down to a cultural experience if anything ever went slightly wrong. I saw areas of the world that I had always dreamed of seeing but never actually thought I would and for a very reasonable price overall. On the whole I had a great and unforgettable time.

Unforgettable Experience

March 13, 2025by: Cara Christie - United KingdomProgram: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

8

I had an even better time than I could have imagined. I met some amazing people and definitely made the most incredible memories. I feel like the trip was a good mixture of fun and also cultural enrichment. It was the perfect start to my gap year travels.

SEA review

March 13, 2025by: Malachy Talty - IrelandProgram: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

10

I did so many things and had so many experiences as well as making real friends that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if it weren’t for the trip. The tour leader Callum was so cool and we all got along really well. The accommodation was nice and clean and you can just put it down to a cultural experience if anything ever went slightly wrong. I saw areas of the world that I had always dreamed of seeing but never actually thought I would and for a very reasonable price overall. On the whole I had a great and unforgettable time.