Custom Trips to Vietnam
Custom Dates, 2023
$3,750 for 12-13 days (*includes airfare out of SFO)
Fees
The cost of the trip covers virtually all in-country experiences, including:
- Airfare
- Housing and meals
- Excursions and cultural activities
- Coordination
- Service project materials and coordination
- Daily transportation
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Dedicated group leader and experienced local guides
- 24-hour emergency contact
- T-shirt
The fee does not cover visa expenses or immunizations (if necessary). With the exception of meals during your free time on the arrival and departure days and any shopping you do, all trip costs are covered from the minute you arrive until the minute you return.
Housing & Meals
Ho Chi Minh City is extremely safe and peaceful. It is very developed, yet has maintained its cultural traditions. Our housing facility in Ho Chi Minh City is a large guest house with various bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, a major common area with couches and coffee tables, and a large dining hall and kitchen where our groups eat together. It is set in a quiet part of the city outside of downtown, but only a $5 taxi ride to just about every popular part of the city.
Vietnam Service Trip Sample Itinerary
Day | Morning | Afternoon |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Depart for Vietnam | Travel Time |
Day 2 | Travel Time | Late Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 3 | Orientation | Tour of Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 4 | Service Projects | Home Visits with Young Dreamers |
Day 5 | Service Projects | Cooking Lessons |
Day 6 | Service Projects | TUS/Vietnam War Discussion |
Day 7 | Excursion to Mekong Delta | Excursion |
Day 8 | Tour of Floating Markets | Return to Ho Chi Minh City |
Day 9 | Service Projects | Project Planning |
Day 10 | Service Projects | Farewell with Young Dreamers |
Day 11 | Free Time | Market Visit & Departure for Airport |
Day 12 | Arrive home |
Preparing to Travel to Vietnam
We are here to help you every step of the way.
Booking Your Flight
Weather
Most travelers to Vietnam aim for the dry months of November to March. Throughout much of the wet season (July – November), rainfall is generally heavy but short lasting, often occurring in a mid-afternoon heavy downpour.
Vaccinations
- Up-to-date boosters for routine vaccinations
(measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc.) - Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Malaria
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever*
Zika has been reported in Vietnam, as is Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis, and the CDC recommends travelers to Vietnam take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Many of the vaccinations should be started four to eight weeks in advance so please check with your healthcare provider or Travel Medicine clinic. Please refer to the CDC website or your doctor for more information on necessary vaccinations and insect repellents.
*There is no risk of yellow fever in Vietnam. The government of Vietnam requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (not the US).
What to Bring
Here are some suggestions:
- Sneakers and closed toe shoes
- Casual wear: light pants, loose-fitting shirts, T-shirts, jeans, raincoat
- Light sleepwear
- Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
- Sunglasses, hat and sun block
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Small bath towel
- Personal toiletries, e.g., shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.
- Personal medical kit with supplies that you think you may need: (i.e. Anti-bacterial gel,Tylenol, Imodium AD, Pepto Bismol, motion sickness pills, bandages, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, antibacterial cream for cuts and scrapes, insect repellent, malaria pills, cipro antibiotics).
Note that we do have first aid and medical support available but if you have preferred over-the-counter treatments, you should bring those with you. - Travel electronics: music players, cameras, etc.
- A notebook or journal and pen
- Water bottle
*Vietnam uses 220 Voltage. You will need a plug adapter in order to use US electronics. This is the same adapter as used in Europe.
Donations & Gifts
- Most of our time in Vietnam will be spent working in orphanages. These orphanages often lack childrens clothing, toys, art supplies, and books. If you have the capacity to collect bring such items with you, it would be greatly appreciated, though is not at all expected. You may also wish to consider small gifts for the directors and caregivers at these facilities, including such things as perfume or cosmetics, chocolate, or other speciality items from where you live.
- Monetary donations are most helpful. If each of us could raise at least $100, we would be able to send 2-3 teens to school for an entire year, as well as improve the physical structure of the local elementary school.
Due to the humanitarian nature of this trip, you may find creative ways to ask friends, relatives, colleagues, teachers, store owners, etc. for monetary and in–kind donations. We can provide you with two documents, which may aid you in your efforts:
1. In-Kind & Monetary Donations Letter for Store Managers/Owners
2.. In-Kind & Monetary Donations Letter for Friends, Relatives, Teachers
All tax-deductible checks can be made payable to our 501(c)(3)non-profit,Young Dreamer Network, and mailed to our headquarters: Dream Volunteers, 2221 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
Fundraising
View Funding Your Trip for more ideas about financing your trip or Fundraise for how to involve others in the cause.
Questions? Let us help! Contact Dream Volunteers