Vietnam Road Trip
Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang- Hoi An – Da Nang (3 Weeks)
Embark on the wonderful Vietnam Road Trip Gap Program! This is a gap program adventure that will expand your horizons and transform your life! It offers the perfect blend of travel, adventure, cultural immersion, and volunteering. Join us on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, all while making a meaningful impact through volunteer and immersion adventures!
Also check out our volunteer programs in Vietnam.
An Adventure of a Life Time!
Embark on an Adventure
Step into a world of discovery with our exhilarating road trips! Explore diverse cultures, taste unique cuisines, and uncover the rich history that shapes each destination. Whether you’re wandering through bustling cities or hiking serene landscapes, every moment promises new experiences and endless possibilities.
Connect with Culture
Immerse yourself in the heart of different communities, where traditions thrive and locals warmly welcome you. Gain profound insights into their way of life and beliefs as you engage firsthand with the rhythm of daily existence.
Make Your Mark
Beyond sightseeing, our trips offer a chance to make a real impact. Get involved in local initiatives and connect with people who share your passion for meaningful travel. Together, we can create lasting memories and leave a positive footprint on the places we visit. Join us on a journey where every mile is a revelation, and every encounter is a story waiting to be told. Let’s redefine adventure and embrace the world with open arms!
Why Join With Abroad Escape
Doing a gap year program overseas is the best way to travel abroad. so when you are set to plan my gap year, consider joining the Abroad Escape Gap Year Adventure Programs Abroad filled with travel, culture, adventure and volunteer experiences including the Gap Road Trip Programs in Bali, India, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Zanzibar. Our gap trips are different where you can have unique experiences and make a difference with our volunteering projects abroad immersions. Discover the local history and culture and jump into our transformational trips!
Abroad Escape is committed to providing you with the highest-quality and most meaningful travel experiences possible. With our 133 international programs in 21 countries, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact in the lives of local communities. With our immersive volunteer programs, you’ll have the chance to engage with local communities and make a real impact in the lives of those around you. But that’s not all – you’ll also be creating lifelong friendships with fellow international travelers who share your passion for travel and making a positive impact.
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I volunteered in with Abroad Escape, which was definitely the best trip and the best experience of my life!
The program was a great experience for me. The kids I taught were very smart and happy. They were very willing to learn which was amazing.
I had an amazing time in volunteering. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back in the future!
Your Arrival
Get ready for a warm welcome! Your adventure begins the moment you arrive, with our airport pick-up on Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide you with all the necessary arrival and contact details when you book your program. The local team will be waiting for you, ready to transfer you to your accommodation where you’ll meet fellow participants from around the world. The tour finishes in Da Nang.
Your Accommodation & Meals
Your accommodation is included from Sunday night until Saturday morning of your last week, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable place to call home throughout your journey. You’ll be staying in shared rooms with other participants in guesthouses, hostels and volunteer accommodation, giving you the perfect opportunity to make lifelong friends from around the world. You’ll be accommodated in single-gender rooms, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy. But that’s not all – we’ve got your meals covered too!
Itinerary
Vietnam Road Trip
Embark on a captivating 21-day journey through the heart of Vietnam! Get ready for an unforgettable odyssey in Vietnam that goes beyond the ordinary. This journey is a fusion of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling adventures. This program promises a perfect mix of exploration and giving back, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Begin your incredible road trip journey from Ho Chi Minh City to our stunning cities, beaches, and heritage sites on an action-packed 21-day tour. Get ready for an unforgettable 21-day odyssey in Vietnam that goes beyond the ordinary. This journey is a fusion of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling adventures.
During the first week, you’ll immerse yourself in meaningful work at a food outreach program, where you’ll lend a hand to underprivileged individuals and families. This experience offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and contribute to a cause close to your heart. In the second week, after delving into the city’s culinary delights, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey along the country’s breathtaking coastline. Explore pristine beaches, with crystal-clear waters and golden sands, while engaging in a variety of exciting activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the coastal wonders of Vietnam promise an unforgettable experience. Throughout your time in Vietnam, you’ll discover the rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that defines this enchanting country, leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
About the Food outreach program
In Ho Chi Minh City, many locals face the challenge of expensive and unaffordable food. Thankfully, local soup kitchens offer accessible meals every lunchtime to those in need. Your support is crucial to maintain these kitchens and ensure they continue serving meals to the community.
The meals provided by these soup kitchens are available at a fraction of the cost of other options. Locals often prefer to pay a small fee for their meals to avoid the stigma associated with receiving free food. The soup kitchens are well-frequented and serve up to 600 meals daily to low-income workers, the elderly, and others who require lunch.
Get hands-on experience with food prep, serving, and cleanup at The Smile Food Shop, a community-driven program offering affordable, nutritious meals to people who need them most. This food shop, run by a dedicated NGO in partnership with local volunteers, makes healthy eating accessible by providing meals at just 2000 VND (about 10 cents). By joining, you’ll be part of a team that brings comfort and nourishment to the community, from elderly locals to students and families facing tough times.
This project thrives thanks to donations, local support, and the dedication of volunteers like you who handle everything from cooking to serving and cleaning. Every meal served here is a product of this team effort, bringing warmth and a sense of community to all who walk through the doors. Your time and enthusiasm are invaluable, and by helping out, you’ll play an essential role in spreading hope and support through simple, delicious meals.
Founded in 2012, this program now serves hundreds daily, including up to 500 people in need. As a volunteer, you’ll get the chance to meet people from all walks of life and experience firsthand how impactful a simple meal can be.
Aims & Objectives Vietnam Road Trip
This program aims to bring you closer to authentic Vietnam. Through different projects and activities, you will get to truly immerse yourself in the culture, customs, and lifestyle.
Itinerary Vietnam Road Trip
Day 1 – Sunday: Pick-Up (Ho Chi Minh City)
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by a local guide or driver who will take you to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in, relax, and acclimate to the surroundings.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Monday: Orientation – Vietnamese Language & Culture class (Ho Chi Minh City)
Meeting with the local team
Neighborhood Exploring
Vietnamese language & culture class
Dinner and Karaoke night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – 7 Tuesday- Saturday: Food Outreach program (Ho Chi Minh City)
Working hours: 7: 00-13:00
Cooking meals
Serving customers
Cleaning up after meal times
Free time in the afternoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Sunday: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights (Ho Chi Minh City)
Morning: Visit the historic War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War.
Afternoon: Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office, iconic colonial-era landmarks.
Evening: Stroll around Ben Thanh Market, a bustling night market, and try local street food for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9 – 10 Monday- Tuesday: Mekong Exploration
Row through small canals on a sampan, visit a village, explore local workshops, and taste fresh fruits and honey tea.
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda showcasing Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian architecture.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11 – Wednesday: Cooking class & bracelet making
Morning: Visit the local wet market and see local life. Join a cooking class- learn how to cook like a Vietnamese
Afternoon: Bracelet Making
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12 – Thursday: Cu Chi Tunnel Excursion
Full-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and try your hand at shooting at a nearby shooting range.
Dinner with locals: Visit the market, pick fresh ingredients, and cook and eat with a local family.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13 – Friday: Leisure Day in Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy your free day in Vietnam’s largest city with suggested activities at your expense: go swimming, enjoy a relaxing massage, attend an art workshop, go shopping, visit parks, explore local markets, and try tasty Vietnamese cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14 – Saturday: Can Gio – Monkey Island
Visit Monkey Island (home to over 1000 natural monkeys), Hoa Ca Crocodile, and other mangrove animals. Sit in a canoe to experience the journey through the Mangrove Forest system (Sac Forest).
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15 – Saturday: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang
Morning: Journey from HCM to Nha Trang,
Afternoon: Arrive in Nha Trang, check into your accommodation, and explore Nha Trang Beach.
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant/explore nightlife (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 16 – Monday: Nha Trang
Morning: – Embark on an exciting boat trip to explore four beautiful islands. Activities may include snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and having lunch on the boat.
Evening: Explore the Nha Trang Night Market for local souvenirs and try street food.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 17 – Tuesday: Nha Trang to Hoi An
Morning: Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an ancient Hindu temple complex with a rich history.
Long Son Temple, is known for its impressive white Buddha statue.
Afterward, pamper yourself with a mud bath experience at one of the city’s well-regarded spa centers at your own expense)/Relax at the beach
Evening: Take an overnight bus to Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18 – Wednesday: Hoi An
Morning: Arrive in Hoi An and check into your accommodation. After a long bus journey, take it easy in the morning.
Afternoon: Explore Hoi An’s ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the well-preserved streets, visit historic buildings, and admire the lantern-lit evenings.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the ancient town.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 19 – Thursday: Hoi An
Taking a boat trip, each coracle accommodates only two people, and you will row along the river and through coconut groves; this is an exciting and unique experience that you should try.
In the evening, participate in the enchanting tradition of releasing lanterns into the Hoai River.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Hoi An, with various restaurants, bars, and street performances.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 20 – Friday: Da Nang
Morning: Take a bus from Hoi An to Da Nang, which is about an hour away. Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views.
Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang to learn more about the ancient Cham civilization.
Relax on one of Da Nang’s beautiful beaches or explore the Son Tra Peninsula, known for its lush greenery and pristine nature.
Evening: Stroll along the Han River promenade and enjoy the vibrant city lights.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 21 – Saturday: Da Nang (B)
End of the trip
Depending on your flight schedule you may have time to swim at the beach, walk around the city, or visit the local market
Meals: Breakfast only
* The schedule and mode of transportation can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
** The mode of transportation could change due to unavoidable circumstances.
Starting Dates 2025
6 January
3 February
3 March
7 April
5 May
2 June
7 July
4 August
1 September
6 October
3 November
1 December
Arrival is on the Sunday before the start of the tour.
Program Price
3 Weeks
1555 GBP
1845 Euro
2025 US$
What’s included
Itinerary as described
Airport Pickup
Your program coordinator throughout your travel
24/7 in-country support
Pre-departure support
Meals as described
Accommodation in shared single gender rooms
Transportation as per itinerary
Entry fees to all places on the itinerary
What’s Excluded
visa, flight, travel insurance, vaccinations, criminal background check, return trip to the airport, 5% international banking fee, personal expenses, this program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants so participants must have their own insurance before joining the program
Requirements to join
Participants need to be minimum 18 years old
Participants are required to provide a criminal background check (if unable to obtain a criminal background check, you can provide two character reference letters instead)
Participants are required to have their own travel insurance
Participants need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English
How to Book
Fill out the online Application Form below
We give you outcome of your application within 48 hours
Book your program by paying a deposit of £ 200
Frequently Asked Questions Vietnam
When should I start to apply?
It is best to apply as early as possible as we have limited placements available in our programs, especially during summer.
You can apply up to 1 year in the future to guarantee your placement.
We do however accept late applications up to 2 weeks before the start date, let us know and we will check the availability for you!
How long does the application process take?
Very fast with us! You fill out the application form, and we go to work for you within hours! For most placements, you will get an answer within 1-2 days.
Can I get a certificate after the program?
Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after the successful completion of the program. This certificate is provided on request, so just let us know if you would like this!
How does my airport pickup work?
Your airport pick-up is included, and we will arrange this for you on Sunday.
Can I join with a friend or a group?
Yes you can! We can organize your program together with a friend, just let us know this in the comment section on the application form. We can also organize. a family trip or a group, jst contact us, and we will be happy to help you!
How many hours per day do I volunteer?
Volunteers usually work for about 4 to 6 hours a day depending on their program type, and there can also be extra preparation time. You have the weekend off so you can explore the area, go traveling, or just chill and relax on weekends.
Any More Questions?
We’re always here to help. Get in touch now by filling out the form below!
The volunteering was mind expanding and rewarding. The local are the most friendly people I have met anywhere in the world.
The program was good and the support from the coordinator was wonderful. These were the best 2 weeks ever, feeling helpful and special to be part of this program. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks!
I had a really nice time, I learned a lot about the culture and people. It was actually starting to feel like home. The people and children were very nice to me and I loved doing things with them. Thanks for a great time!