In the vast urban fog of Ho Chi Minh, there are countless volunteer projects working to better education, health, community development, and the tourism industry. As a volunteer in Vietnam, you will probably be working in a people-focused project in one of these areas.

Orphanages. If the thought of small Vietnamese children without parents tugs at your heartstrings, you could look into volunteering with orphans in Ho Chi Minh. There are various homes to more than 1000 children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or are living on the streets in HCMC. Volunteers will have the opportunity to teach, help, or provide awareness and hope to vulnerable children.

Community Development. Volunteering abroad in Ho Chi Minh provides several opportunities to participate in the development of local communities, with activities such as cooking classes, language education, and independent community projects. Volunteers will have the chance to visit iconic sites and attractions and enroll to workshops such as embroidery and jewelry techniques. English-speaking volunteers are valued for their ability to help the locals learn the basics of English.

Health. Volunteers who are medical professionals or working towards a degree in healthcare will find plenty of opportunities to get practical experience in Ho Chi Minh, where specialized health volunteers are always welcomed. Medical volunteers will gain firsthand insight into how healthcare operates in a developing country, and have the chance to work with diseases and conditions they may not encounter at home.

When choosing your volunteer placement in HCMC, you should also consider what the weather will be like during your stay. Vietnam experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. From May through to November Ho Chi Minh gets a lot of rain, with dry periods in January, February, and March. Whenever you go though, you can expect temperatures to be high, so pack accordingly.