Join helping hands and volunteer to build better lives

"Buffalo Build"

Vietnam – December 2025

6 - 13 December 2025

Dong Thap

Vietnam

Registrations close by August 1, 2025

In the decade prior to the pandemic, Vietnam made significant progress in reducing its poverty rate, though the benefits were not equally shared. The pandemic, however, halted job creation and income growth, exacerbating the divide between the rich and the poor.

The country still faces significant challenges in combating poverty and hunger, particularly for vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and the elderly. These groups remain in urgent need of basic services, including safe housing. The lack of adequate housing severely impacts the poorest communities, leading to health problems, poor sanitation, and a lack of comfort. For many children, this also means missing out on education.

Vietnam is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters, with poor families living in inadequate housing being the hardest hit.

Over the course of a week, the team will work alongside families in Dong Thap to build disaster-resistant homes that can withstand floods, storms, and typhoons. Your support will not only help provide safe shelter but also improve access to water, sanitation, and vital training in disaster preparedness. Together, you will be building more than just homes— you will be creating hope, strengthening communities, and shaping brighter futures.

Sample Itinerary

6th December – 13th December : A perfect time of year to visit Vietnam

Saturday: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Your adventure begins today with your arrival in Hanoi! We will arrange your transfer from your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International airport to your hotel, where you have time to unpack and unwind. Take yourself on a walk to acquaint yourself with the city before heading back to your hotel for dinner. You will finally get to meet your fellow volunteers, your Team Leader and the Habitat for Humanity coordinator who will be accompanying you for the week. This is your opportunity to get to know one another and get excited to spend the week working together!

Sunday: Travel to Dong Thap Province

This morning, you and your teammates will travel to the build location in Dong Thap Province and check in to the hotel where you will be staying for the duration of the build week. After lunch, you can explore the local area, or enjoy some R&R before and reconvene with the group for a welcome and orientation session from Habitat Vietnam, who will present on the week ahead, including construction safety and building tips. Enjoy dinner as a team and have a good rest to prepare for your first day on site the following day!

Monday: Begin construction of the house

Arriving on the build site for your first day of construction, you’ll meet the family whose home you will be helping to construct and will have the opportunity to learn about their stories. The construction supervisor and local labourers will show you the ropes, and you can get started on the house construction. There will be rest breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, which will all be provided on site. You can stop for a drink of water and a break as often as you need. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a team dinner and a well-earned rest!

Tuesday to Thursday: Full days building with your teammates

For the next few days, you will see the new house take shape. You will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. From laying bricks to mixing cement and rendering walls, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Each night we will take you to some local restaurants, where you can unwind with the team and get to know one another better.

Friday: The handover ceremony and farewell lunch

The final day on the build site is emotional for everyone involved. You will add the finishing touches to the house and maybe even add some celebratory decorations too. You will welcome the partner family to their new home and reflect together on the contribution that you have all made. This is the time to celebrate all your hard work and imagine the new life that the partner family will have in the home that you have built. That afternoon, you will travel back to Ho Chi Minh City for a celebratory meal and a final night’s stay in the hub city.

Saturday: Global Village concludes

Today you will depart for home or further adventures. You might like to combine your build with travel to other overseas destinations or indulge in some well-deserved R&R. Although your trip has come to a close, you will be left with amazing memories and long-lasting friendships that will keep the experience alive.

Financial Contribution

Fundraising

Once you register for a Global Village build you commit to contributing $1,800 towards Habitat’s Programs. This program donation allows Habitat to fund our ongoing developmental work across the Asia Pacific. Whilst you may chose to pay this program donation yourself, we encourage you to fundraise to reach this target to further immerse yourself in the cause, raise awareness for Habitat’s mission and have fun along the way.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Fundraising contribution deadline: One month before the build start date

Costs

Registration fee: $200, which you pay when you select a build. This covers medical and evacuation insurance, your online fundraising page and a build pack to get you on your way. It is non-refundable if you can no longer join the build but can be transferred to another build within 24 months.

In-country expenses: Estimated between $800 per person (twin share) – $1,100 per person (single room)
This covers your accommodation, meals, snacks,bottled water, ground transportation and local activities for the week. These expenses can be fundraised separately from the fundraising above but these donations are not tax deductible. Build week costs are finalised and due 2 months before departure.

What’s Included
- Habitat branded T-shirt and cap
- Accommodation
- All meals for the week
- Transportation to and from site
- Airport pick up and drop off (if arriving on the first and last days of the build week)
- Snacks and water
- All necessary building materials and safety equipment
- 24 hour support
- Insurance whilst on the build site

What’s Not Included

Volunteers are responsible for booking these on their own but the Habitat team is happy to assist you with your search

Flights to and from the country
Travel Insurance for before and after the build
Visa*
Vaccinations
Police Check (if not already current)

*The Visa required for Vietnam is the NN3 type, for which the application process begins at least 3 months before your arrival date in Vietnam. The NN3 type visa is applied to the whole team and is valid for one month from the date of arrival of the first team member. Volunteers are therefore encouraged to carry out any extended travel at the end of the build.

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