Teaching and Building in Vietnam - 14 days

[Jessica]

Days 1: Hanoi - Delve into the heart of Vietnam, a busy metropolis full of ornate temples, colonial architecture and colourful cafes. Perhaps stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where the French influence melds with over a thousand years of Vietnamese history and architecture to create one of the continent's most lively districts. After a steaming bowl of pho or perfectly brewed latte, join the volunteering group and leader for a welcome meeting. Jump onboard a local bus and head to a remote village in the Moc Chau district, high in the mountains of northwest Vietnam. Watch as Hanoi's urban streets soon give way to emerald paddy fields, water buffaloes and the tumbling hills high in the Vietnamese mountains. On arrival at the village, pair up with a fellow volunteer and meet a local host family who will open their home for the next two weeks. The accommodation will be basic, so look forward to living like the locals do.

Days 2-13: Teaching & Building - Settle into village life, get to know the host family, try local food and enjoy the daily routine of building and teaching. Duties will rotate throughout the day and there will be plenty of free time to learn the local dialect, challenge the kids to a sports competition or get to know the hardworking villagers. The key to a successful project is to become familiar with the village and how it needs support - so throughout the next two weeks keep on the look out for new opportunities. This could include everything from health care and sanitation to sports coaching and environmental education. Remember, this is also a two way learning process, so take the opportunity to discover local culture, perhaps join the locals in their cooperative groups and pick up some of their skills as well - from dancing and weaving to subsistence farming. In free time, explore the surrounding hillside, which is dotted with other hilltribe villages. Trek through lush landscapes and experience a secluded part of Vietnam seldom visited by other travellers.

Day 14: Hanoi - Jump on a local bus and wave goodbye to new-found friends before heading back to Hanoi. Celebrate the project work, community achievements and new friendships with fellow volunteers over a final group dinner in Vietnam's capital. Toast this memorable adventure and swap stories before bidding farewell to vibrant Vietnam.

For more information go to www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/VMA