Home > TEFL & TESOL Infographics > Living and Teaching English in Vietnam - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Living and Teaching English in Vietnam - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Vietnam is now one of the fastest growing markets for EFL teachers in Asia due to a high demand for the English language in the business world, the tourism industry and most state and private schools.

As well as plenty of job opportunities, Vietnam also offers a good income, a relaxed pace of life and a tropical paradise to enjoy in your time away from the classroom.

On this page you will find a range of guides to life in Vietnam, including things to see and do in some of the country’s most popular destinations.

Over the past 20 years Vietnam has gradually become one of the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese cuisine is also a big attraction as it is well known for being both delicious and extremely healthy. If you plan on staying in the country for a while you will probably want to learn a bit of the local language, including some of the basic words and phrases shown here.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions including exotic beaches, lush green jungles, breathtaking scenery, a unique cultural heritage, and local people who are more than happy to welcome visitors from all over the world. Among the most popular dishes with locals and visitors are Pho noodle soup and Vietnamese spring rolls.

As Ho Chi Minh City is the home of Vietnam’s busiest airport which handles almost 75% of international visitors, a large number of foreign tourists spend at least some time in and around the city. You will also find some suggestions of local specialties to look out for, particularly the delicious Pho noodle soup which is served by restaurants and street vendors throughout the city.

This travel guide to HCMC provides a brief overview of what to expect during your stay, including how much to budget for basic expenses such as meals and taxi fares. During your visit you will find plenty of great attractions to enjoy such as Independence Palace and the huge Ben Thanh Market which is a one-stop shop for all your souvenirs and presents.

If you are thinking about visiting Vietnam then you might want to consider adding Phu Quoc Island to your itinerary. This brief guide to Phu Quoc highlights what weather to expect at different times of the year and the best things to do during your stay. If you arrive during the wet season from May to October you will find the same beaches are almost deserted and the island’s waterfalls are at their most impressive.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand in the far southwest of the country, the island is fast becoming one of Vietnam’s most popular beach resorts. During the dry season from November to April you can enjoy some of the best beaches in the region, including world-class diving and snorkeling.

This handy beach guide to Phu Quoc Island highlights ten of the best beaches and the reasons why you should check them out during your stay on Vietnam’s premier island destination. If you prefer more peaceful surroundings then there are several other options such as Vung Bao Beach where you will find just a small number of local restaurants spread along the shore, and Fingernail Island which offers the feel of a real secret hideaway just a short boat ride away.

For a lively selection of hotels, bars and restaurants you should head to Long Beach which is the main center of the island’s thriving tourism industry. Whatever kind of beach you prefer, you will find it on Phu Quoc Island.

The stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay in the far north of Vietnam is a major draw for many visitors to this part of Southeast Asia. If you enjoy watersports then you are in for a treat as snorkeling, diving, kayaking and swimming are all popular. Those who prefer a more sedate pace of life are equally well catered for as scenic boat cruises, BBQs on the beach, and fishing lessons with local guides are all available.

If you decide to spend time in the area you will have plenty of things to look forward to including the 11 activities shown here. Away from the water, you can also take part in rock climbing, trekking and cycling trips.

If you happen to be in Vietnam during the first two months of the year you might be lucky enough to join in with the Tet celebrations that mark the Vietnamese New Year. You will also find a guide to do’s and don’ts during the Tet holiday, such as avoiding wearing black as it is associated with funerals, and not eating squid, duck or shrimps.

Take a look at this guide for facts about the festivities including traditional foods to sample and the varieties of flowers that you will see adorning people’s homes and businesses. Swearing, arguing and many other forms of boisterous behavior should also be avoided in case it brings bad luck on you or your fellow festival goers.