Global Engagement Trips
VIETNAM
Embark on the Journey of a Lifetime
For over 20 years, our YMCA has partnered with the YMCA in Vietnam to create life-changing travel experiences, blending cultural immersion, service, and adventure.
Now, it’s your turn to join us on this extraordinary journey, where you’ll witness firsthand the impact of our YMCA's global mission.
Learning and interacting with...
Community Members
Each year, our volunteers in Vietnam participate in a charity home project that closely resembles a Habitat for Humanity-style build. Working alongside local families, we help construct safe, stable housing for those in need.
The project not only provides critical shelter, but also strengthens community bonds and fosters cross-cultural understanding. It’s one of the most meaningful and hands-on service opportunities of our global engagement program. Plus, participants cruise the jungle on motorbikes!
Learning and interacting with...
School Children
Our YMCA partners with local schools in Vietnam to support educational enrichment and youth development. Volunteers engage directly with students through English language activities, cultural exchange, and creative learning programs.
These interactions help build confidence, broaden worldviews, and foster meaningful relationships. The experience is mutually impactful, offering both students and volunteers a chance to learn and grow together.
Learning and interacting with...
YMCA Vietnam Volunteers
Working with YMCA Vietnam staff and volunteers is an incredibly welcoming and inspiring experience. Their deep commitment to community service and youth empowerment is evident in everything they do. Collaboration is filled with warmth, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.
Many participants say this is the most meaningful part of the trip, as we build strong partnerships that transcend language and culture, creating lasting impact and lifelong friendships.
VIETNAM
Destinations & Excursions
Visiting Vietnam, north to south, is an incredible journey through stunning beaches, ancient towns like Hoi An, vibrant cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon, and the lush Mekong Delta—offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Highlights include the majestic limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, making every stop unforgettable.
Vietnam Trip Schedule
March 4-5: Travel Days
March 6: Welcome & Orientation
March 7: Explore Saigon (HCMC)
March 8: Explore Saigon (HCMC)
March 9: Mekong Delta Tour
March 10-12: School & Charity Home Projects
March 13: Community Celebration
March 14: Spa & Beach Day in Da Nang
March 15: Visit Ba Na Hill
March 16: Visit Hoi An
March 17: Visit Hanoi
March 18-19: Ha Long Bay Cruise
March 20: Depart for USA or Taiwan
Taiwan Trip Schedule
March 20: Arrive in Taipei
March 21: Taipei City Tour
March 22: Island Tour
March 23: Cultural Attractions
March 24: Depart for USA
Your trip leader will review the detailed and finalized schedule during the pre-trip departure meeting.
South Vietnam
Saigon
Visiting Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) offers an exhilarating blend of rich history, vibrant street life, and culinary delights, all set amidst the dynamic energy of Vietnam's largest city.
Key attractions include Ben Thanh Market, Central Post Office, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral, Opera House and the War Remnants Museum.
Central Coastal Vietnam
Da Nang
Visiting Da Nang provides a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, including the serene My Khe Beach and the towering Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda.
The city’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by attractions like the Dragon Bridge and the Marble Mountains, making it a must-see destination in Vietnam.
South Vietnam
Ben Tre
Ben Tre, located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, is a charming riverside city known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Key attractions include the Vinh Trang Pagoda and boat tours to nearby islands like Thoi Son, where you can sample fresh tropical fruits and local honey. This is the area of Vietnam where we conduct our service-learning.
Central Coastal Vietnam
Hoi An
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a picturesque ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, and centuries-old charm.
Visitors can explore its charming riverside setting, enjoy traditional cuisine, experience local crafts, and shop for unique gifts while immersing themselves in the town's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
North Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, blends centuries-old history with dynamic modern life, where ancient temples and French colonial architecture meet bustling markets and motorbike-filled streets.
From the serene shores of Hoàn Kiếm Lake to the rich flavors of street-side pho, Hanoi offers a deeply cultural and captivating experience for everyone who visits here.
North Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam, renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with lush greenery.
Cruising through the bay reveals hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world—making it one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic and unforgettable destinations.
Nguyen Thi Diem Thuy
Vietnam-Based Program Manager & Leader
Xin chào! I’m Thuy, and I’ve had the privilege of working with YMCA Vietnam on projects that empower youth, serve communities, and connect international volunteers.
Vietnam is my home—rich in culture, resilience, and warmth—and I’m always excited to welcome new friends to experience it.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, I’d love to connect!
Jeff Watkins
US-Based Trip Leader
Xin chào! My name is Jeff Watkins, and since 1999, I’ve had the incredible privilege of taking hundreds of people on YMCA trips to Vietnam.
It’s truly an amazing place—rich in culture, history, and hospitality—and I love sharing this life-changing experience with others. I hope you’ll consider joining us on this unforgettable journey.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email, in English or Vietnamese. I speak both languages fluently! Thank you!