By: James Whiteman
By Gilad Rom from Israel (China Beach) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
China Beach and Hoi An
There are few finer ways to escape Saigon’s heaving streets than a few days R&R on picture-postcard China Beach, a legendary former American GI hangout. Follow this by wondering around the charming pedestrianized streets of nearby Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with wonderfully well preserved architecture. A tailored outfit or three may help you further unwind.
Sapa and around
The little explored far north of Vietnam offers a fascinating contrast to city life, home to a handful of the country’s ethnic minorities and hill tribes, each with their own language, customs and heritage. The town of Sapa is increasingly becoming a tourist hotspot, so treat it as a jumping off spot to more remote nearby areas if you want to escape the backpacker crowd.
Set amongst terraced rice fields and green mountains, it is an excellent place for trekking, with some organized tours offering an overnight stay with a family in one of the surrounding villages.
Mekong Delta
Known in Vietnamese as the Nine Dragon River Delta, the region is where the mighty
Mekong divides and empties into the South China Sea. This is the heart of the fertile South, and the centre of Vietnam’s rice production. If you thought if couldn’t get better than pho, wait until you sample the rice balls and delta hot pot…
Two wheels
Many teachers throw themselves headlong into Vietnamese urban culture by buying themselves a small motorbike. There is no better way to get to know the country than by riding off the beaten trail with some likeminded friends, so don your helmet, make sure your papers are in order, and go explore! The road from Da Lat to Nha Trang, and the Hai Van pass, south of Hue, are particularly spectacular. Cycling is also an extremely rewarding option if you have the legs for it!
No doubt there are some glaring omissions, so please comment below with your own travel picks.
Hi James
This the first time I’ve visited this website and given that I’ve been living & working in Vietnam for 7 or so years, of course I headed straight for the articles about the place I now call home.
I think you’ve put together an informative piece of writing. Yeah, there are some omissions – Phu Quoc would have to be one – but overall, you’ve done a great job. Well done.
Peter Goudge
Managing Director
Australia-Vietnam School of English, HCMC, Vietnam
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment.
Would you be interested in writing a guest post about teaching English in Vietnam for our site? It could include a link back to your school.
Please let us know if it’s of interest.
Jon Duckett
Director
TEFL Jobs World
jon.duckett@tefljobsworld.com
Hi Jon
I’d be delighted to help out. Shoot me an email and we can talk further about what would add value.
Cheers
Peter