Foreign travelers are embracing voluntourism in Vietnam, engaging in teaching, social work, and animal care to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
Vietnam's rich culture and sense of community have captivated foreign travelers, many of whom are choosing to volunteer while exploring the country. By participating in teaching, social initiatives, and animal care, these travelers are gaining unique, life-enriching experiences while making meaningful contributions to local communities.
Immersion Through Volunteering
Mara, a recent high school graduate from Berlin, embarked on a year-long volunteer program in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) after hearing from friends about the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. Using the Worldpacker app, she secured a position teaching English at a center in Binh Thanh District. Nervous at first, Mara quickly bonded with her students, learning about Vietnam's culture and daily life. "These are things I would never have experienced if I had just traveled as a tourist," she said.
Similarly, Sam Mittal, a 34-year-old Briton of Indian heritage, fell in love with Vietnam’s hospitality during his first visit in 2019. A memorable experience where locals helped repair his motorbike for free left a lasting impression. In 2022, Sam returned to Vietnam, this time volunteering in Sin Chai Village in Lao Cai Province, teaching English to children. His six-week program had such a positive impact that even adults joined in on the lessons.
The Rise of Voluntourism
Mara and Sam represent a growing trend known as voluntourism, a movement that combines travel with volunteering. Originating in the U.S. in the 2000s, voluntourism focuses on activities like teaching, conservation, and community development. A survey by Marriott Rewards Credit found that 84% of Millennials have engaged or plan to engage in volunteer work abroad.
According to the Global Voluntourism Market Report, voluntourism was valued at around $1.2 billion in 2023, and Vietnam ranks among the top 10 destinations for voluntourists, with opportunities ranging from child care to English teaching.
Foreigners Caring for Animals in Vietnam
Beyond education, voluntourism in Vietnam extends to animal care. Laws for Paws Vietnam, an organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats, receives 80-100 foreign volunteers monthly. Carmen Le Roux from South Africa, who arrived in Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic, was inspired by the solidarity she witnessed among Vietnamese people during the crisis. Moved by this culture of giving, she began volunteering with Laws for Paws, helping care for rescued animals and promoting the organization's work.
Despite her busy schedule, Carmen finds joy in her volunteer efforts. A moment where she witnessed a child pet a dog’s fur at the rescue center left a profound emotional impact on her, making all her hard work feel worthwhile.
A Growing Voluntourism Industry
Volunteering in Vietnam offers travelers an authentic way to engage with local culture while making a difference. From teaching English in rural villages to caring for animals in urban centers, voluntourism allows visitors to experience Vietnam in ways that typical tourists may never encounter. As the industry continues to grow, more travelers are likely to be drawn to Vietnam not just for its scenic landscapes but for its welcoming communities and opportunities to give back.
