About Vietnam Service & Adventure Program
Join this 10-day summer program and make a meaningful difference in rural Vietnam while exploring one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful regions. Your adventure begins in Mai Chau, a remote mountainous village surrounded by stunning rice terraces, where you'll participate in hands-on community service projects alongside trained professionals. You'll work on construction projects like bathroom renovations and kitchen improvements that directly improve the quality of life for families living in extreme poverty. The experience goes beyond typical volunteer work—you'll meet the families you're helping, witness the impact of your labor firsthand, and stay in their homestay, sleeping on traditional floor mattresses in a Vietnamese family's home. This authentic cultural immersion is paired with genuine service that earns you up to 20 hours of community service credit.
After your service work, you'll transition to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital, where you can indulge in world-class Vietnamese cuisine and explore the colorful Old Quarter filled with local shops and handicrafts. From there, the program takes you to Ninh Binh, the former capital, where you'll boat down the scenic Trang An river and hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the valley and ancient pagodas. The journey culminates with an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay, one of the world's natural wonders, where you'll sail through emerald waters dotted with dramatic limestone formations.
This program is designed for high school students (grades 9–12) from around the world who want to combine meaningful service with adventure and cultural exploration. Your tuition covers all ground transportation, accommodations, meals, guides, and program activities—though airfare and visas are separate. You'll be supported by experienced chaperones and local guides throughout, staying in safe, centrally located accommodations selected for their ability to facilitate group supervision and authentic local connections rather than impersonal chain hotels. Whether you're seeking service hours, cultural immersion, or simply a transformative teen travel experience, this program offers a rare opportunity to give back while discovering the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality and the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Vietnam.