Job Discussion Forums

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Can anybody tell me about this city? I've been shortlisted for a job here, and I'd like to learn a bit more about it. It seems fantastic -- coffee and elephants are straight up my alley.

What is cost of living like? Are people friendly towards foreigners? What is transportation like -- say to HCMC, Nha Trang, or Hue. I know they have an airport.

Thanks for any help!

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Its in the southern/central highlands.
There are about zero foreigners there so the infrastructure suitable for foreigners is also zero.
Not much of the crazy traffic, wide streets, lots of stares from the locals-you will be quite a curiosity in BMT.
Coffee a plenty-elephants? You wont see many running around the streets.
Main claim to fame? It has a road out. Clean air- Cool in the mornings and in winter.
I love the countryside, but BMT is not my cup of tea (or coffee)-That doesnt mean it wont be yours. If you like quiet, clean air, curious locals and can get by without fellow countrymen, then it may suit you well.
No negatives to report actually.

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Just about every Vietnamese town village etc has places to play snooker- Look for "bia Da"

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

The Fat Rabbit · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 61 Location: Vietnam

its actually "Bi Da", which is the closest you can come to saying billiards using the Vietnamese alphabet. Not that beer isnt available at these places.

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks! So can anybody tell me a bit more about Buon Ma Thuot?

Andy123 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 206

short list? I doubt there is any list at all. I think they would take a one eyed pirate to fill their white face position.

Can you say isolation? Many experienced expats have tried and very few make it one year. It will be fun for a month then reality sets in.

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Well we got the job and we're coming out!

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Congrats, man. Do share a link to a blog or pics: that sounds like a pretty interesting place. Elephants and coffee. Smile

Andy123 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 206

I wish you and your girlfriend well, sincerely. I just know of too many stories of expats going to isolated "paradises" only to return with horror stories.

Keep us updated and maybe you will find a little piece of paradise.

s10czar · Joined: 20 Feb 2010 Posts: 60

recommend you read "Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad before you head out

cigrainger · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks for the well-wishes! We head out the 17th. We're going to blog about it -- check out www.cigrainger.com. And I'm sure we'll be posting on here as well. I'm not too worried about it. We've been working with an American and the school seems just absolutely fantastic. I don't see BMT as a 'paradise' -- it's not really supposed to be one. But it will offer us the opportunity of experiencing a different culture without the expat community bubble to slip into.

flossie · Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Michoacan, Mexico

I was in this city for a couple of days 3 years ago. I found the people friendly, the food very good (especially the iced coffee with chocolate) and there were lots of interesting sights to see. I got a flight out to Danang for a very reasonable price. This might be something to keep in mind if you need to get away.