Vietnam's stunning landscapes — from Ha Long Bay to the rice terraces of Sapa — and rich history captivate travelers. The country's delicious street food and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City add to its allure.

Vietnam has a national multidimensional poverty rate of about 10 percent, but for ethnic minorities in highland regions it's nearly 29 percent. NGOs depend on international donors for around 65 percent of their funding. There is an estimated shortage of 60,000 teachers in remote areas and limited access to primary healthcare. Volunteers supporting teaching and mobile clinic programs provide crucial services for isolated communities.