Flight to Hanoi, Vietnam
We begin this program with a chaperoned group flight from New York to Hanoi. Our program leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. Everyone has the opportunity to begin bonding before we even land. For our many travelers from outside the New York area, we require all participants to join our group flight to Vietnam and are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York.

Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $350 USD fee for an internal flight from Hoi An to Nha Trang.

Return Flight Home from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
For your return from Ho Chi Minh City, you fly on a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from other areas, we help you arrange transfers at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA.

Vietnam Entry Regulations
Trip Members require a Vietnamese Visa to Travel to Vietnam: The Vietnamese government has strict guidelines to enter the country. This requires the completion of an e-visa that must be purchased prior to arriving in Hanoi and must be presented upon check-in for your flight. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond the date of your departure. You will also need at least one blank page in your passport. For American and Canadian citizens: we will obtain the e-visa through our land provider in Vietnam on your behalf.

Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.

Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. In Vietnam, your mouth will water over authentic spicy local dishes. Local favorites for you to try include Vietnamese noodle soups called Pho, incredible springs rolls called Goi Cuon and baguettes (Banh Mi). They also have North American style options on the menu.

We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.

Drinking Water
On this program we will have large containers of clean water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.

Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Vietnam. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.

Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.

What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.

Not included is transportation to and from the program, internal flights, and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.

Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!