Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Vietnam
- Although improving, around 10% of the population in Vietnam sits below the poverty line
- In 2016 around 30% of the rural population in Vietnam did not have access to clean water
- Although Vietnam is doing better then some South East Asian countries, it does still suffer from a malnutrition problem in children below 5 years of age
- 24.2% of women in Vietnam are believed to have anaemia, and around 5.5% of men have diabetes
HOW can you help?
- Preserving and improving the natural environment through hands-on volunteer activities.
- Cleaning public spaces to planting trees
- Help with combating soil erosion
- Play a key role in restoring Da Lat’s beauty and promoting eco-friendly practices.
WHAT you can do?
- Participate in tree planting, trash collection, and composting activities.
- Learn and apply conservation techniques that directly benefit the local ecosystem.
- Waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
LOCATION: DA LAT, VIETNAM
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Play an active role in sustaining the charm and ecological health of Da Lat by joining meaningful environmental initiatives. As a volunteer, you’ll engage in hands-on eco-activities that make a real difference:
- Clean Public Spaces – Remove litter from forests and community areas to help preserve Da Lat’s stunning landscapes.
- Plant Trees – Expand green spaces, combat deforestation, and support local biodiversity.
- Erosion Control – Implement eco-friendly practices to protect soil and strengthen natural ecosystems.
- Composting – Learn to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, reducing landfill waste while supporting our Eco Farm project.
Spend four days focused on litter collection and composting, with one dedicated day for tree planting. Guided by experienced environmental professionals, your efforts will have a direct and lasting impact on Da Lat’s sustainability.
This program offers a hands-on approach to conservation through activities like litter cleanup, tree planting, and composting. You’ll contribute to a greener future by promoting eco-friendly practices and helping to restore natural spaces. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable skills in erosion control, composting, and forest restoration—all while leaving a lasting impact on the community and inspiring others to embrace sustainability.
Work alongside local experts to clean, restore, and protect Da Lat’s environment.
By joining this community-driven movement, you’ll contribute to a cleaner, greener future while inspiring others to take action. Let’s work together to protect the beauty of Da Lat and create a more sustainable world!
Location
Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is known for its cool climate, lush pine forests, and stunning landscapes. Often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” it offers a refreshing escape with its rolling hills, vibrant flower gardens, and picturesque lakes. Rich in French colonial architecture and local culture, Da Lat blends history, nature, and adventure, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and exploration alike. Whether you’re strolling through bustling markets, visiting waterfalls, or enjoying the local coffee scene, Da Lat promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Project Tasks
- Tree Planting: Help reforest areas and promote biodiversity.
- Litter Collection: Keep public spaces clean and free from litter.
- Composting: Turn organic waste into sustainable fertiliser.
- Eco-Learning: Apply conservation techniques that benefit the local ecosystem.
Food & Accommodation
This homestay offers shared rooms of 4-6 people (single gender). You’ll stay with the family of the staff, creating a warm and secure atmosphere that truly feels like home.
The house features a spacious common area where you can unwind, read, or socialise. Outside, a lush garden filled with fruit trees provides fresh air and the opportunity to enjoy seasonal fruits straight from the source.
The homestay is within walking distance of coffee shops, eateries, and convenience stores for your daily essentials. The local market, just 3.5 km away, offers a vibrant selection of delicious food and unique local products, easily accessible on foot or via ride-hailing services.
Please keep in mind that internet quality may vary depending on the weather. As is common in Southeast Asia, heavy rain can occasionally impact connectivity. Laundry facilities are available at an extra cost, hot showers, bed linen, fans and mosquito protection are also provided.
Enjoy a peaceful and authentic stay while immersing yourself in the charm of Da Lat!
3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are provided on weekdays, and on weekends only brunch and dinner. Basic Vietnamese meals are provided at our homestay. There is a kitchen in the house if you wish to cook your own food. Meals will also be served based on your dietary requirements, but you need to inform us in advance.
Standard
Projects
- Nutrition Support for the Poor
- English Teaching
- Kindergarten Teaching
- Special Needs Teaching
- Eco Farming, Da Lat
- *Environmental Conservation, Da Lat
- English Teaching, Da Lat
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1 Week - $465
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2 Weeks - $485
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3 Weeks - $660
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1 Month - $895
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2 Months - $1795
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3 Months - $2690
- Private rooms (dorm) cost additional $200 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
- Be prepared for a trek of 5 to 20 km on planting day. Ensure you are in good health and physically fit to participate in this activity.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
In Ho Chi Minh, volunteers are encouraged to take up the 1 week introduction to Vietnam to ease you into the lifestyle and get to know the city and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. These start on every 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen volunteer placement.
If you prefer to move straight into your volunteer without the orientation week, you’ll still have plenty of support. When you first arrive you may have to spend one or two days with the program coordinator aligning you strengths and interests within your chosen program. From there, you will need to ensure you are taking into account factors such as local customs, business practices and resources available and to keep an open and positive mind.
On your first Monday, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings, as well as local culture. Your project will continue as usual from Tuesday onwards.
Schedule
- Welcome meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
- Vietnamese Do’s and Don’ts, Vietnamese Culture Lesson and Local Language Lesson.
- Tour around the campus accommodation and local area; where to find local shops and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
- Lunch
- Activities with local students and more
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to DLI (Lien Khuong airport). You must arrive between 06:00 – 18:00 on Saturday or Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.
If arriving on Saturday, you will need to pay for an extra night’s accommodation, or arrange your own accommodation for the night.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From Lien Khuong airport to the Da Lat accommodation is takes around 60 minutes by taxi.
Monday: Trash Collection/ Composting/ Nursery cultivation
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM : Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Depart to designated areas
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Depart to designated areas
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continue trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Back to the accommodation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Tuesday: Trash Collection/ Composting/Nursery cultivation
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM : Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Depart to designated areas
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Depart to designated areas
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continue trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Back to the accommodation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Wednesday: Trash Collection/Nursery cultivation
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM : Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Depart to designated areas
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Depart to designated areas
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continue trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting / Nursery cultivation/Plant propagation
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Back to the accommodation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Thursday: Tree Planting
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM : Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Depart to designated areas
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Trash collection in designated areas/waste sorting and composting
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Depart to designated areas
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continue trash collection/ waste sorting and composting
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Back to the accommodation
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner.
Friday: Tree Planting
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM : Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Briefing on planting techniques
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Planting trees in selected locations
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continue tree planting
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Care tips and discussion.
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Things to Do in Da Lat
Explore the Flower Gardens
Da Lat is famous for its vibrant flower gardens, including the sprawling Da Lat Flower Park. Bursting with colourful blooms year-round, this park is perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. Don’t miss the annual Flower Festival, which showcases the region’s horticultural heritage through elaborate displays and events.
Visit the Crazy House
The Hang Nga Guesthouse, popularly known as the “Crazy House,” is an architectural marvel that resembles a fairytale gone wild. With its whimsical design, twisting staircases, and themed rooms, it’s a must-see for art lovers and curious travellers alike, and great for cool photos!
Stroll Around Xuan Huong Lake
Located in the heart of Da Lat, Xuan Huong Lake is ideal for a serene walk or a leisurely pedal boat ride. Surrounded by pine trees, gardens, and cafes, it’s a picturesque spot to relax and take in the fresh highland air. Enjoy a coffee at a lakeside café while watching the sunset for a truly calming experience.
Explore Da Lat Market
Immerse yourself in local culture at Da Lat Market, a bustling hub of activity. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and street food to handmade crafts and clothing. Try local specialties like artichoke tea and Da Lat’s famous strawberries as you wander through the vibrant stalls.
Things to Do Further Afield
Pongour Waterfall
Approximately 50 km from Da Lat, Pongour Waterfall is one of Vietnam’s most impressive waterfalls. Known for its multi-tiered cascade and natural pools, it’s a fantastic spot for photography and picnics. The scenic drive through rural landscapes adds to the adventure.
Lang Biang Mountain
A short drive from Da Lat, Lang Biang Mountain offers hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the highlands. Adventurous travellers can trek to the summit or opt for a jeep ride. Along the way, learn about the mountain’s fascinating legends and the culture of the indigenous K’Ho people.
Elephant Falls
Located about 30 km from Da Lat, Elephant Falls is a powerful and awe-inspiring waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The trail to the base can be a bit challenging but rewards you with breathtaking views and a refreshing mist. Nearby, visit the Linh An Pagoda, home to a massive statue of the Buddha.
Datanla Waterfall
For those seeking adventure, Datanla Waterfall offers activities like canyoning, zip-lining, and alpine sliding. Located just 5 km from Da Lat, it’s easily accessible and provides both excitement and natural beauty. The falls are surrounded by forest trails, making it a great spot for hiking and exploration.
These experiences showcase the diverse charm of Da Lat and its surroundings, offering something for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike!
Additional Equipment
Packing List
Clothing
- Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
- Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)
- Bring comfortable clothes (temperature can be from 12-26 degree depends on the season)
Documents
- Passport
- Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)
Health & Safety:
- Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
- First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)
Essentials:
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
- Moneybelt, locks for bags
- Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)
- Mosquito repellent
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: VN – Holidays – All Programs
Vietnam’s history is one of war, colonization and rebellion. Less than forty years since the savagery and slaughter of the American War, this resilient nation is buoyant with hope. Few countries have changed so much over such a short time as Vietnam. The speed with which Vietnam’s population has been able to put the bitter events of its recent past behind it, and focus its gaze on the booming future is incredible.
However, there are broad regional variations in the distribution of poverty. The regions with the highest relative poverty rates include the north-west, north-central, central highlands, central coast and north-east. But in terms of absolute numbers, more poor people live in the north-central and north-east regions, in the Mekong Delta and central coastal regions, which are home to seven out of 10 of Vietnam’s poor people.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in medical institutions caring for children and young people affected by Agent Orange, or in schools and community clinics looking after mentally disabled children. Volunteer work is varied and dependent on the institution where the volunteer is placed.
The weather in Vietnam can vary form North to South, with tropical and temperate climates. March to April is one of the best times overall, to visit the whole country, although Vietnam is a year-round destination.
June to August are the summer months and very hot and humid in Northern Vietnam, whereas this region experiences cold winters (as low as 4 degrees). Southern Vietnam is generally pleasant year-round but does have a rainy season from June to November. February to August is the best time to visit central Vietnam, as it gets hit with heavy rains in the wet season.
Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, creating a rich history with ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. It also has a large Chinese influence. Elders are very well respected in Vietnamese culture, the older you are, the more respect is shown to you. ‘Saving face’ is a concept shown by most Vietnamese people and is thought of as extremely important in their culture. This means that if you feel angered or annoyed by someone, you do not show it and remain respectful. If you lose your temper/ are rude, then this is seen as losing face and therefore a loss of reputation and self-respect.
Vietnamese is the most widely spoken language, other languages include Chinese, Khmer, Cham and tribal dialects. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the main religious beliefs in Vietnam, and you will find many temples dotted around the country. You will often see the local people giving fruits and burning incense to give as offerings.
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