A staff member gives the Projects Abroad volunteers a cultural induction in Vietnam.

Vietnam Arrival Procedures

Airport pickup, flights, and visas for your trip to Vietnam

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Vietnam. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

Arrival airport and pickup in Vietnam

You’ll arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN. A Projects Abroad driver will welcome you at the main arrivals area. They’ll be wearing a Projects Abroad t-shirt and have ID with them.


After arriving at the airport, our driver will take you to your accommodation. This is about a 40 minute journey from the airport to just outside Hanoi’s city centre. Our Projects Abroad office is located near to the center of Hanoi, and is about 45 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. We cover the cost of all transfers to and from the airport.


When you get to your accommodation, another Projects Abroad staff member will be waiting for you. If you arrive in the evening, a staff member will contact you on your arrival to ensure that your transfer to your accommodation happened smoothly.


Even if you are volunteering in a rural area outside of Hanoi, like Thuy An, you will follow the same arrival procedures as volunteers staying in Hanoi. You’ll travel to your project location the day after your induction in Hanoi.

Booking your flights with us to Vietnam

Projects Abroad has over 20 years of experience arranging flights for thousands of volunteers around the world. Searching for flights online can be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. Let us do the work for you!


We can help you book the best return flights, making sure you have the safest, most convenient, and cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans. Find out more about booking your flights through us.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Vietnam

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Your induction and orientation in Vietnam

Your induction takes place the day after you arrive. If you arrive over a weekend, your induction will normally begin on the Monday.. There will be plenty to do over the weekend. We’ll introduce you to the other volunteers if we can, and you can spend time getting to know your host family.


For your induction, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the main Projects Abroad office. At the office, we’ll go over the Projects Abroad handbook with you, and you can ask us any questions you have. We’ll also share information with you about how we run our projects in Vietnam.


You’ll receive an induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of Hanoi with important places highlighted. It also has contact information for all the relevant local Projects Abroad staff.


You’ll then be shown important places around the city. We’ll point out landmarks and show you internet cafés, the post office, and where to change your money. We’ll also make sure to show you exactly how to get to these places from your accommodation. You can also buy a local SIM card if you need it.


If your project is in Thuy An, you’ll have your induction in Hanoi. This is because you are able to travel to Hanoi over weekends, so we want you to be familiar with it. From Hanoi, you’ll travel to your new accommodation and project location the day after your induction. Here, you’ll be given a tour of the area.

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Vietnam

You’ll go to your placement the day after induction. We’ll show you exactly how to get to your placement from your accommodation on your first day of work. Your mode of transport will depend on how far the placement is from your accommodation. You could either walk, or take a motorbike taxi or the bus. We’ll help you choose the best option.


All of your work-related transportation costs will be covered by Projects Abroad.


At your placement, you’ll meet your local supervisor and your new colleagues. We’ll show you around the placement and explain how everything works and what is expected from you. You’ll only begin with project work on your second work day.

Support, safety, and backup

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.


Find out more about safety and backup.

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