What to do for four months in Vietnam?

Member since 26 March 2012

californiaguyMember26 March 2012 05:51:35

Hi all,

This November, I will likely be coming to Vietnam and staying for about four months. My goal is take Vietnamese language classes and get a pretty good feel of the people and the culture. I've already found some pretty decent schools in HCMC, but I was wondering what I might do with myself outside of class time. I thought about teaching English, but getting a TESOL certificate for such a short stay doesn't seem worth it, plus most schools would like a year commitment, which is something I can't muster. Would doing private lessons or tutoring be a viable option? Also, I hear there is a market to tutor American graduate school exams, (the GRE being chief among them.) Having done quite well on that exam myself, do people think that might be viable.

While it would be nice to make some money while over there, I have quite a bit saved from working, so going broke won't be an issue. I'm mostly just looking for a venue to make friends and develop some contacts, basically something to get me out of the house everyday.

Thanks so much for you help! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Jaitch Guest

JaitchGuest26 March 2012 09:08:40

Why don't you borrow a copy of Plimsleur Vietnamese or download via Bittorrent then you can practice before you come. Getting VN training here isn't cheap and many schools are crap.

A download link is in your mail box. You will need to install UTorrent (small and free) to download with, then you can either burn a DVD or run it from your harddrive.

Given that the coldest month in the North is February, if you start up there, then work your way south you will see the best parts of the country.

Take train from Ha Noi to Sa Pa then get a 'local' bus from SaPa after you have seen the sights then head over the mountains towards Lai Chau and Dien Bien Phu (where the French demonstrated fighting in a valley is a bad idea).

Carry on to Son La and the complete the loop back to Ha Noi vis Mai Chau.

Most people don't see this little part of heaven. Make sure you have lots of storage for photo's. The mountain ranges are spectacular, even better at dawn and sunset.

ATMs in every capital town.

Then you can meander down the whole country and finish at Phu Quoc Island.