Gap Year in Vietnam

Steeped in history and tradition, Vietnam’s rural green rice paddies and conical hats are the iconic images which come to mind.

Visitors to this South East Asian country however are more likely to recall kayaking through calm tropical waters past paradise beaches, trekking through the rugged mountains and jungle landscapes or the vibrant and captivatingly historic cities in which they ate, slept and partied.

With so many exhilarating experiences on offer, inspirational natural beauty and fascinating cultures Vietnam is a magical budget backpacking and gap year destination.

Best Vietnam Gap Year Programs

Vietnam Gap Year Ideas

Ideas for taking a gap year in Vietnam can include teaching English, volunteering, booking an overland tour or including Vietnam as part of an epic gap year in Asia taking in other countries too like Thailand and Cambodia.

No matter what you do, these are some places not to miss when backpacking Vietnam.

Halong Bay: Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer natural beauty of Halong Bay. Thousands of tiny tropical islands, lime stone karsts, sheltered inlets and lush vegetation make up this pristine idyll. Get the most from your experience in Halong by hiring a kayak and exploring the magical private coves.

Ho Chi Minh City: Crowded and polluted with some hazardous roads, Ho Chi Minh City might take a little getting used to but with some perseverance it is a highly rewarding destination. A true cultural centre, with historic architecture and beautiful traditional pagoda’s standing alongside the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum which allow visitors to gain an insight in Vietnam’s darker times. Sample some of the country’s best cuisine and nightlife in this vibrant city.

Phong Nha Cave: A UNESCO world heritage site, the beautiful Phong Nha caves in the village of Son Trach consist of thousands of metres of eerily beautiful passages, river caves, stalactites and stalagmites. The largest cave in Vietnam and Millions of years old this magical and mysterious place is a must on all itineraries. .

Nha Trang: The beaches at Nha Trang are often voted amongst the best in the world with their powdery white sands, tropical palms, unimaginable clear-blue waters and perfect paradise islands scattered just off shore. There is plenty of accommodation and amenities near by.

Vietnam Travel Tips

Climate and Best Time to Visit: Vietnam has a diverse climate with two wet seasons and regular typhoons every year. In the south the dry season (December to April) can be stiflingly hot and humid with temperatures up to 40°C. The best time to visit Vietnam is probably the transition months of April and October when you should find more balanced conditions.
Currency: Dong (D)
Religion: Predominantly Christian (75%)
Language: Vietnamese (official), English (other), Chinese (other), French (other), Russian (other)
Health Conditions: Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis