Vietnam Volunteering And Discovery Journey – 12 Days

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, you will have a meeting with the local coordinator for a comprehensive tour briefing and an introduction to the volunteering activities ahead. Meet your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you through the enchanting sites of Hanoi. Admire the ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and scenic lakes that characterize this captivating city. Pause at an old coffee shop in the Old Quarter, savoring the taste of delicious Vietnamese coffee while listening to fascinating stories about the daily life of Hanoians. Next, visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand monument built with marble and granite to enshrine the revered body of Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as "Uncle Ho." Explore the square and the exterior of the mausoleum, then proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda, a captivating Buddhist temple shaped like a lotus blossom and perched on a single stone pillar. Continue your journey by visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to the 11th century. This beautifully preserved temple exemplifies traditional Vietnamese architecture and is even featured on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Afterward, return to your hotel, where you'll have leisure time for the rest of the day. Overnight in Hanoi. NOTES Suggested departure time: 13:30 Tour duration: 3.5 hours.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, as you gear up for an active and meaningful experience with the children at the forest park on the banks of the Red River. Collaborate with local volunteers to revitalize and care for green spaces in children's playgrounds. Get involved in planting trees, watering plants, collecting garbage, and adding decorative elements. Take part in planning and building Green Spaces for children, which includes planting more trees and creating educational signs and seating areas. Interact with the community to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for the children. Overnight in Hanoi. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 7 hours

Today, you will have a rewarding experience as you join our partner, the Blue Dragon Foundation, in farming activities that promote organic agriculture in Vietnam. Witness how locals grow tropical fruits and chemical-free vegetables in the scenic and rural area of Long Bien district in Hanoi. Roll up your sleeves and participate in gardening tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting fruits and vegetables, alongside like-minded volunteers who share the vision of sustainability. The produce from this farm directly benefits disadvantaged families with children, disabled children, and children residing in the Blue Dragon's shelter. Additionally, the surplus is sold in the market to generate funds for further support for these kids. Overnight in Hanoi. Notes Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 7 hours.

Today, join our activists to spend the day with disabled children, teaching them English and engaging in fun activities. Your presence will provide these children with more educational opportunities and help them develop language and social skills, facilitating their integration into society. Vietnam is making efforts to improve infrastructure for disabled children, but the facilities remain limited, and they often lack sufficient education and care. By supporting these children alongside dedicated volunteers, you'll discover their talents in music, arts, and crafts, providing them with training that can lead to future professions. Throughout the day, interact with the community, assisting children and local staff in enhancing their English proficiency, and participate in cultural exchanges with the locals. Later, return to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. NOTES Suggested departure time: 08:30 Tour duration: 7 hours.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and prepare for the transfer to Da Bac in Hoa Binh province. Da Bac, situated approximately 100 km from Hanoi, offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, immersing you in the local lifestyle and breathtaking natural scenery. The region is home to various ethnic villages, allowing you to explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam, from traditional houses to clothing and customs. Upon arrival, check-in at the homestay and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later, embark on a tour of the area, relishing the views of mountains, rice paddies, and cornfields. The journey continues to the Da River, where you'll have the opportunity to experience kayaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside. Overnight in Da Bac.

After a delightful traditional breakfast at your homestay, immerse yourself in the local community and partake in community-based activities. Depending on the season, you can engage in various farming tasks, support environmental preservation efforts, and contribute to the renovation of playgrounds and green spaces for children in the local school. This enriching experience provides a unique opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their traditions, and witness the authentic life of Vietnamese people. Overnight in Da Bac.

Start your day with a customary breakfast at the homestay, and once again, join the local community in their daily activities and community-based projects. Embrace the opportunity to participate in farming activities, assist in environmental conservation initiatives, and contribute to enhancing the school's facilities for the children. The close interactions with the locals and immersion in their cultural practices offer a profound understanding of Vietnamese life. Overnight in Da Bac.

Today's adventure leads you off the beaten paths as you embark on a trek towards Da Bia village, famously known for its Rock Landmark. This landmark holds historical significance as it was a focal point of a territorial dispute between Tien Phong and Phong Phu communes in 1960. Witness the rock that marked the suggested boundary by Tien Phong officers during a boat ride through the area. During the trek, you'll be enchanted by the traditional daily life and rich culture of the Muong Au Ta ethnic people. Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local homestay before continuing an 8 km trek to Mo Hem village, offering breathtaking landscapes along the way. The journey continues with a boat ride to Mo Hem village, where you'll have an unforgettable overnight stay in a local homestay. Overnight in a local homestay. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:30 Tour duration: 10 hours.

Begin your day with a leisurely morning to explore the village at your own pace. Later, embark on a picturesque 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, savor a delightful lunch before continuing to Tam Coc, renowned as the "Halong Bay on Land." Immerse yourself in a 2-hour serene boat journey, guided by a skilled rower, through meandering rivers and canals. Marvel at the captivating karst formations and venture into natural caves nestled beneath the hills. After the boat trip, ascend Mua Mountain, resembling a bell-shaped structure with a base area of approximately 800 square meters. Admire the intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes lining the staircase. The path leads to the cave, a long stone staircase zigzagging through the karst landscape, comprising nearly 500 steps leading to a simple altar dedicated to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy. Conclude the day with a transfer to your Ninh Binh hotel. Overnight in Ninh Binh. NOTES Suggested departure time: 08:00 Duration: 9 hours

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will journey to Halong Bay, a natural wonder of the world. The breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands emerge from the emerald waters, shaped into captivating formations, is an iconic image of Vietnam. Upon arriving at the port around midday, board the cruise and savor a welcome drink while being introduced to the program and safety instructions. Indulge in a delectable lunch as the boat cruises through the bay. In the afternoon, explore the limestone islets up close through kayaking or relaxing on the beach. As the day draws to a close, admire the sunset views from the top deck of the boat. Anchor the boat among the karst formations for the night, enjoying dinner on board and engaging in cruise-arranged activities or socializing with fellow travelers. Overnight on the cruise.

Witness the sunrise over Halong Bay and savor breakfast on board. Spend a tranquil morning relishing the mesmerizing natural vistas and participating in cruise activities. Complete the check-out process and enjoy an early lunch as the boat leisurely cruises back to the port. From there, we will transfer you to Hanoi airport for your return flight. Have a safe flight! Trip concludes.