Job Discussion Forums

ingrown · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 6

Hello, I've been searching for information about living in Vung Tau, but so far haven't found any posts from anyone who is currently teaching there. How does it compare to living and teaching in HCMC? I've been offered a job by ILA in Vung Tau, but I would definitely like some information about Vung Tau and or ILA.

Galileo · Joined: 10 Oct 2006 Posts: 63

haller_79 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 145

I have been in HCMC for just over 2 weeks and spent 1 day in Vung Tau, and let me tell you if I had a choice between working in the two places I wouldn't hesitate to choose VT. It has a decent beach for starters and that counts for a lot because the weather here is incessantly hot and humid. As far as the rest of it goes it seems to have everything you would need except maybe the big city buzz if that's your thing.
Actually if anyone happens to be reading this who has spent time in Hanoi can you tell me which city is better to live in, HCMC or Hanoi because I am thinking about heading up there as the school I am teaching at here seems fairly disorganised and some of my classes (all young kids) have been like trying to herd cats and the course readers they have are useless because they are all mixed ages and abilities in the same class, so half the class is bored and restless (the older kids) and the other half (some of whom are as young as 6) barely know a word of English Sad

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randrew · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

Hello,

I was also offered a position in vung tau for april. When are you starting? if you start let me know how it is? I hear vung tau is nice I am not sure about the school.

thanks

ingrown · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 6

Sure thing randrew. I've been offered a position beginning in January, so if I expect I'll have something to say about the place by February.

randrew · Joined: 22 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

Good luck, mail me when you have any news.

thanks

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

Vung Tau is about 2 hours (maybe a little less) by hydrofoil from HCMC. It costs either $8 or $10US, I forget, but whatever you can't find in Vung Tau you can get in HCMC easily.

Work options are expanding there. As you know, ILA is there, as is VATC. There used to be an SITC, but that went the way of all of the SITCs.

It's definitely a quieter place than HCMC, but it is growing.

katie100 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

Hi, i'm also looking for info about Vung Tau. I've been offered a job there with ILA starting in March, I'm also deciding between working there or HCMC. It would be great if you could tell me if you've found out anymore info about the place!

Cheers

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

Vung Tau is a quiet sleepy coastal town n the south of VN. The town itself is somewhat of a weekend getaway for HCMC dwellers with the population of VT probably doubling from Friday to Sunday.

There is a fair population of expats down there now, being a mix of teachers, aid workers and oil and gas industry people. The options for western comforts in the last few months has doubled with the addition of a few great western restaurants, cafes and bars.

By day, walks, bike rides, the beaches (not great, but swimmable and clean) the sports - tennis, cricket (in the summer the pub teams go at it), the greyhound races on a Saturday are a must, some surfing when the swell is on, windsurfing and some kitesurfing.

By night, some fantastic seafood at local restaurants, some brilliant international food and more bars than one could ever want in a small town. Some of the bars may not be the most moraly upstanding, but remember that this town has its roots well implanted in the area of R & R, being the resting point for weary soldiers back in the days.

These days the town has come a long way, the footpaths are tended to, making it one of the few walkable cities in VN. People tend to leave the footpaths to the pedestrians as well, again making this a unique place. The town has recognised tourism as its saviour and has invested accordingly, parks are kept neat and tidy, the beaches are regularly cleaned, the trees that line the streets have been maintained well and there really is a well kept feel about the place.

For someone seeking a very relaxed, quite and low key teaching experience this is the place. I really do stress low key. Really, HCMC and VT just dont compare, the only similarity is that both cities are in Vietnam.

Wahoo · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 17

Windsurfing? Kiting? So, Vung Tau is windy enough?

Smile

Is the wind usually sideshore or onshore?

Are there any QUIET beaches with simple accommodation, (like, bamboo huts) or is it all built up with concrete and tile chalets?

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

All over the shop really, usually on shore, but is very consistent. Has the same seasons as Mui Nei, so if you figure them out, same applies to VT.