Volunteering review Northern Vietnam
My volunteering review in Northern Vietnam
Before setting off on my long journey through Asia, I had absolutely no idea I would end up volunteering in Northern Vietnam through Worldpackers. What followed turned out to be a life-enriching experience staying with the Red Dao community, one of Vietnam’s many ethnic minorities. This volunteering review in Northern Vietnam shares my story of how we genuinely felt like we stepped back two centuries in time. Nestled in the mountains near the Chinese border, our volunteer adventure began. Ready to time-travel and experience life in Vietnam’s far north?
What is Worldpackers, and how does it work?
Worldpackers is a platform that connects travellers with hosts all over the world, from hostels and eco-projects to grassroots community initiatives. In exchange for a few hours of work a day (think reception duties, social media help or even teaching), you are offered free accommodation and sometimes meals too. Here is how it works:
- Create your profile and purchase a yearly membership (starting at $59)
- Use my code ‘DORIS‘ to save $10 of your package
- Search for a host based on location, job type and perks – This is the experience at Bikki’s Jungle Homestay
- Complete the available courses on your Worldpackers profile before applying
- Send a personalized application and chat with the host to arrange the details
- Once confirmed, pack your bags and get ready for your adventure!
My experience with Worldpackers in Vietnam
From Hanoi, my partner and I hop on a bus to Ha Giang city, the launch point of the famous Ha Giang Loop. We have visited the Ha Giang region before volunteering, and afterwards we decided to go deeper into the mountains to Bikki’s Jungle Homestay! Right from our hotel in Ha Giang City, a taxi picks us up and brings us to a bustling local market about halfway along the journey. This market only takes place once a week and draws people from all across the region.
Local market
Now, this market is nothing like the ones you see in more touristy towns. Here, you will find everything from meats, fruits and vegetables to clothes, ducks, chickens, and yes even puppies or kittens in tiny cages. According to Bich (our host), the cats and dogs are sold purely as pets.
Local ceremony
As soon as we arrive, we get swept straight into the action! That very day, a coming-of-age ceremony is taking place, a major event where a boy symbolically becomes a man. Some travellers visit this region just for this. We were on a walk when we heard the sound of music drifting through the air. Moments later, friendly locals invited us to come witness the ceremony up close.
Volunteering with the Red Dao tribe
The Red Dao are truly fascinating. They are one of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, easily recognized by their vibrant traditional attire, especially their striking red headwear. Their culture is incredibly rich, with its own language, music and dance. Deeply spiritual, the Red Dao practise animism, showing great respect to nature spirits and their ancestors. Vietnam is home to over 50 such ethnic groups, and as a volunteer, you get a rare chance to step into their world. Bich, in particular, pours heart and soul into her work, and her deep pride in her heritage shines through in everything she shares.
Sleeping, bathroom and laundry facilities
To accommodate visitors, Bich and her father have built a large open-air barn. It is kitted out with beds, thick woollen blankets and curtains for a touch of privacy. They have also installed extra toilets (Western style) and hot showers, so there is plenty of space for everyone to freshen up. Since you sleep in an open structure, it can get rather chilly, especially at night during wintertimes. Moreover, as a volunteer, you can also do your laundry for free.
A typical day with the Red Dao
Morning - My volunteering review in Northern Vietnam
To begin with, the family goes out of their way to make you feel at home. We were gently woken by the crowing of roosters, followed by a hearty local breakfast of noodles and a freshly fried egg. Afterwards, we got stuck into our volunteer duties, unless there was a trip to the local market on the agenda. Around midday, you are treated to a delicious home-cooked lunch, and while it is being prepared, you can cosy up by the fire where even the cats love to curl up and soak in the warmth. Meals here are simple but flavourful, with an abundance of vegetables, eggs, tofu, some meat, and of course, rice as the staple.
Afternoon & evening - My volunteering review in Northern Vietnam
Then, after lunch, it is time to lace up your boots and head out on a hike through the breathtaking surroundings. Think emerald rice terraces, flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls and ancient tea trees. Since Bich knows the area like the back of her hand, she is more than happy to guide you to the most scenic spots. What is more, you will get an insider’s look into how the locals produce their ‘happy water’. In the evening, another tasty dinner is served, shared together while sitting on the floor in traditional style. Just before the meal, the family feeds the pigs with every leftover scrap from the day, a beautiful example of zero waste in action.
Daily tasks as a volunteer and what to expect
At Bich’s place, volunteering involves just 3 hours of work per day, with stays ranging from 4 to 10 days. Because you are given so much free time to explore and enjoy three wholesome meals a day alongside a comfy place to sleep, there is a small contribution of $8 per day. Bich also loves taking volunteers on hikes and sharing stories about the centuries-old tea trees growing in the region. Our tasks at the time included:
- Packaging tea
- Taking product photos for her tea collection
- Helping with her social media
- Organizing her website
Seasonal work - My volunteering review in Northern Vietnam
Depending on the season, your responsibilities may vary. For example, in summer you might be helping out in the garden or harvesting tea leaves, which are then dried. Whereas in winter, tasks like ours were more digital and home-based.
Tips for volunteering in Vietnam
- Plan ahead: Popular places fill up fast! We booked our spot two months in advance.
- Choose a reliable host: Read reviews to make sure others have had positive experiences. Bikki’s Jungle Homestay, for instance, has loads of loving reviews.
- Respect the culture: Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases like Xin chào (Hello) and Cảm ơn (Thank you), and be mindful of local customs.
- Stay flexible: Every host is different and plans can change, keep an open mind. At Bich’s, our tasks sometimes shifted from what was initially planned.
- Bring enough cash: For a possible daily fee, snacks, souvenirs, and the local market.
- Wear practical clothes: Opt for gear that can get dirty, plus layers and a raincoat, especially if you are volunteering in the colder months.
My honest review: Is Worldpackers worth it?
All in all, this experience was nothing short of incredible! It is not something you stumble upon when following the usual tourist trail. With Worldpackers, you truly go off the beaten path and dive deep into authentic adventure. It is a powerful way to connect with local culture and explore raw, untouched landscapes, without the crowds. If you ask me, I would go back in a heartbeat. This was hands-down one of the most enriching and energizing experiences my partner and I have ever had!
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Last update: 23-04-2025 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
