Vietnam Road Trip

Are you ready to embark on a captivating 21-day journey through the heart of Vietnam? This road trip is a fusion of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling adventures. You’ll explore Vietnam’s highlights, give back through meaningful volunteering, and create memories with your fellow travelers that last a lifetime.

Before setting off, you’ll spend time volunteering at a food outreach project in Ho Chi Minh City—helping provide meals for those in need and experiencing the heart of community care.

Weekly Schedule

Week 1: Welcome & Volunteering

Day 1 – Sunday: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

• Pick-up from the airport and transfer to accommodation

• Check-in, relax, and acclimate to the city

• Dinner together with the group

Day 2 – Monday: Orientation

• Welcome meeting with local team

• Explore the neighborhood

• Vietnamese language and culture class

• Dinner & karaoke night

Day 3–7 – Tuesday to Saturday: Food Outreach Project

• Morning volunteer work (7:00–13:00):
  • Cooking meals
  • Serving meals
  • Cleaning after meal times

• Free afternoons to relax, explore, or connect with fellow travelers

Evenings & Weekends (Week 1–2)

• Evenings are generally free for rest, exploring local markets, or bonding with the group

• On Mondays, group activities such as karaoke or local dinners bring everyone together

Week 2: City & Cultural Adventures

Day 8 – Sunday: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

• Visit War Remnants Museum

• Explore Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica & Central Post Office

• Evening at Ben Thanh Market with street food dinner

Day 9–10 – Monday & Tuesday: Mekong Delta Exploration

• Sampan ride through canals

• Visit villages, workshops, and fruit farms

• Taste honey tea and local produce

• Explore Vinh Trang Pagoda

Day 11 – Wednesday: Cooking & Crafts

• Visit a wet market and join a Vietnamese cooking class

• Afternoon bracelet-making workshop

Day 12 – Thursday: Cu Chi Tunnel Excursion

• Full-day visit to Cu Chi Tunnels

• Learn about the Vietnam War history

• Try your hand at shooting (optional)

• Evening cooking and dinner with a local family

Day 13 – Friday: Free Day in Ho Chi Minh City

• Enjoy leisure activities at your own pace:
  • Swimming
  • Massage or spa visit
  • Art workshops
  • Shopping & exploring local parks or markets

Day 14 – Saturday: Can Gio – Monkey Island

• Visit Monkey Island (over 1,000 monkeys)

• See crocodiles and mangrove wildlife

• Canoe ride through the mangrove forest

Week 3: Road Trip Adventures

Day 15 – Sunday: Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

• Morning transfer to Nha Trang

• Afternoon beach time

• Evening seafood dinner or explore nightlife (own expense)

Day 16 – Monday: Nha Trang Islands

• Boat trip to four islands

• Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing

• Lunch onboard

• Evening stroll through Nha Trang Night Market

Day 17 – Tuesday: Nha Trang to Hoi An

• Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers & Long Son Temple

• Optional mud bath or beach relaxation

• Evening overnight bus to Hoi An

Day 18 – Wednesday: Hoi An

• Morning check-in and rest after travel

• Afternoon explore Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO site)

• Evening group dinner in the lantern-lit old town

Day 19 – Thursday: Hoi An

• Coracle boat trip through coconut groves

• Evening lantern-floating on Hoai River

• Explore Hoi An’s nightlife and street performances

Day 20 – Friday: Da Nang

• Bus transfer to Da Nang

• Visit Marble Mountains

• Explore Museum of Cham Sculpture

• Relax at the beach or Son Tra Peninsula

• Evening stroll along Han River promenade

Day 21 – Saturday: Departure from Da Nang

• Depending on flight time: morning swim, city walk, or local market visit

• End of program

Note: This schedule is flexible and may be adapted depending on local conditions, weather, and project needs.

The Vietnam Road Trip takes you through Ho Chi Minh City, Lagi, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Each stop blends culture, history, and natural beauty. From the French colonial charm of Saigon to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang, every destination offers a unique glimpse of Vietnam’s diversity.

About the Accommodation

The Vietnam Road Trip takes you through five destinations, each with its own unique character, culture, and comforts.

Ho Chi Minh City

Dormitory-style rooms on a college campus with a night curfew. Shared rooftop space for tea, coffee, and sunbathing, plus an “office” room with computers. Cafés, supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants are nearby. A swimming pool is also accessible.

La Gi

A cozy guesthouse with 7 rooms located in the town center. Sheets are cleaned twice weekly. Cafés and small restaurants are close by, and the beach is 10–15 minutes away by taxi. Internet quality may be affected by heavy rain.

Nha Trang

Guesthouse in the city center with easy access to local cafés and dining options. The beach is about 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.

Da Nang

Guesthouse in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by local food and coffee shops. The beach is 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.

Hoi An

Guesthouse in the town center, within walking distance of dining and coffee shops. The beach is 10–15 minutes by car.
Note: A curfew is in place from 6:00–24:00.

Available Room Types

Standard Room

• Shared with other participants (2–8 depending on location)

• Lockable rooms with shared or private bathrooms

• Bed linen provided (towels may vary by location)

• Air conditioning provided (fans may vary by location)

• Mosquito protection not provided (please bring your own)

• WiFi available in public areas

• Laundry service available at additional cost

• Safety box available at most locations

• Swimming pool access at some locations

Food Arrangements

You’ll receive three Asian-style meals daily from Monday to Friday, with brunch and dinner served on weekends. Meals are freshly prepared and primarily local cuisine, though vegetarian and dietary requirements can be accommodated if requested in advance. Coffee, tea, and purified water are available at the accommodation. For those eager to explore, numerous restaurants, cafés, and street food stalls are nearby, offering everything from local specialties to international options.

Vietnam volunteer and adventure experiences are some of the best in Southeast Asia for volunteering abroad, gap year adventure and island hopping tours. From the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the mountains of Dalat and the beauty of Halong Bay, Vietnam offers the perfect mix of culture, adventure and meaningful travel. Volunteering in Vietnam with TRU Experience Travel gives travellers the chance to explore incredible destinations while making a real impact in local communities.

Volunteers can join a wide range of Vietnam volunteer projects. Opportunities include medical placements in Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay, support for children with special needs, teaching English, kindergarten projects and construction and renovation work. Volunteers can also take part in environmental conservation, organic waste management, plastic recycling and sustainability programmes. Every project supports local communities while giving travellers valuable hands-on experience.

Dalat is one of the highlights of volunteering in Vietnam. Surrounded by forests, mountains and waterfalls, Dalat offers teaching projects, farming experiences and environmental conservation programmes. Volunteers can also enjoy culture weeks and experience authentic Vietnamese traditions, food and local life.

Vietnam is famous for its street food, local markets and exciting activities. Volunteers can enjoy food shop experiences, kickboxing classes, martial arts training and opportunities to teach the Korean language. Every day offers something new while travelling across different parts of Vietnam.

Adventure is a huge part of the experience. TRU Experience Travel offers unforgettable Vietnam road trips lasting up to 21 days. Explore hidden villages, beaches, mountains and vibrant cities while travelling with like-minded people. Travellers can also join Vietnam island hopping tours ranging from 7 days to 3 weeks. Discover tropical islands, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking coastlines across Southeast Asia.

Vietnam gap year programmes with TRU Experience Travel combine volunteering, adventure and cultural immersion in one unforgettable journey. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or looking for a meaningful experience abroad, volunteering in Vietnam is the perfect way to travel with purpose. Meet new people, experience authentic culture and create lifelong memories while making a difference.

Get in touch with the TRU Team today and start your Vietnam adventure.