Essential guide to Vietnam

General Information:

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – this is approximately 32,487.93 VND to every 1GBP.

National language: Vietnamese.

Geography: Vietnam is a country located in mainland Southeast Asia.

Time in Capital City: GMT +7

Climate: The northern region of the country is temperate, with dry winters and summers that are mild to hot and humid, with rainfall from July to September. Central Vietnam experiences hot and dry weather from January to August, with heavy rainfall and potential typhoons occurring in October and November. South Vietnam has a tropical climate maintaining consistent warm temperatures year-round, with a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to November.

Population: 105.7 million people

Annual Costs (approximate):

University Cost (VND): 25455000 - 63637500 VND (£783.46- £1958.65 GBP)

Living Costs (VND): 28255050 VND (£869.64 GBP)

Total Cost (VND): 53710050 - 91892550 VND (£1653.10 - £2828.29 GBP)

Top Universities in Vietnam:

1. Duy Tan University Ton Duc Thang University
2. Vietnam National University, Hanoi
3. Hanoi University of Science and Technology
4. Hue University

Things You HAVE To Do:

• Explore the capital city of Hanoi. The Old Quarter offers an eclectic and exciting mixtures of shops, numerous museums give you the opportunity to learn more about the country’s history, and don’t forget to check out one of the lively local music venues.
• Make the most of the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, from street performances to live music venues to rooftop bars - and don’t forget to grab a snack on the way home at one of Vietnam’s famous night markets!
• Visit the gorgeous green waters, towering rock formations and floating villages of Halong Bay, where you’ll find the opportunity to fully experience the beautiful views by seaplane, boat or on foot.

Quick tips:

• Vietnam has three emergency numbers: 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for ambulance.
• In general, Vietnam is one of the most affordable places to live in the world. You can make your money go even further by shopping at local markets for Vietnamese goods, rather than seeking out imported brands.
• While many people speak some level of English in the major cities or tourist hubs, a more common second language is French. You may find that you struggle in more rural areas if you don’t speak any Vietnamese at all. Even within the cities, learning some basic Vietnamese phrases will open more doors for you, both in day-to-day interactions and as an advantage when applying for jobs.
• You’ll never be far from a delicious meal in Vietnam! Keep an eye out for where the locals are eating, as this is a pretty good indicator of quality in terms of both taste and food safety. Phở, bánh mì and various regional street foods are all must-try foods.
• Driving in Vietnam is an intense experience, and one you may want to hold off on until you’ve got a feel for it as a passenger.
• The roads can be very congested, and there can sometimes a rather chaotic approach to road safety that is hard to navigate for a newcomer.

* Image reference Unsplash