Eco Farming in Da Lat, Vietnam

• Basic interest in farming and outdoor work
• Respect for local customs and traditions
• Open-mindedness to learning new agricultural methods

• 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 to Friday

• 7:00-8:15: Breakfast
• 8:30-9:00: Bus ride to the farm
• 9:00-11:30: Gardening, feeding animals, watering plants, and harvesting.
• 11:30-13:00: Lunch, leisure time, and entertainment.
• 13:00-15:00: Feeding animals, cultivating land, planting vegetables, and maintaining garden beds.
• 15:15: Bus ride back to the accommodation
• 19:00: Dinner, followed by free time or teaching English to local staff and farmers.

Join this incredible journey to make a real difference, support local communities, and learn sustainable practices that leave a lasting impact!

***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 Requirements

• Medical clearance for participants over 65 years.
• Signed parental consent for participants under 18 years
• Basic interest in farming and outdoor work
• Respect for local customs and traditions
• Open-mindedness to learning new agricultural methods
• Personal health insurance and emergency contact details

Packing List
        Clothing

• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (essential for cultural respect and sun protection).
• Comfortable clothing for farming
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals or water shoes for wet or muddy conditions.
• Sun hat for outdoor protection.
• Fleece sweater for cooler mornings or evenings.
• Windproof rain jacket, especially during the rainy season.

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

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)

Optional Items:

• A small backpack for day trips.
• Waterproof bags to keep electronics safe.
• Personal Water bottle

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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