Job Discussion Forums

lawalsh · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 2 Location: milwaukee, wi

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Viet Nam this summer. I am planning to stay about two months and do some teaching on a volunteer basis. The programs I have examined so far have options for stays in HCMC or Hanoi. I am trying to learn Vietnamese, of course, and plan to continue studying when I arrive in Viet Nam. Any advice on which city would be preferable? I also would appreciate any practical advice.

Thanks,

phillyroll · Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Houston, Texas, USA

I can only speak for Ho Chi Minh City, as I have lived there for 6 months before and will return there (8 days and counting!!!), but I think it's the ideal city. It's amazing how many people in this forum try to detract people from coming to Viet Nam in general, but I found that the locals in Ha Noi were much less friendly to outsiders. Something in the swagger, I'm not sure, but the feel I got from Sai Gon was very positive. As far as practical things go, don't the programs help you out?

Micro67 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 297 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

I've been to Hanoi a couple of times and it's a nice place to visit, but Saigon is best for me. If I were to be lured out it would be to someplace like Nha Trang or Vung Tau though. Must my $.02.