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One of the best things about moving to Vietnam is the opportunity to explore a new part of the country in your time off. Once you have settled into work and started getting used to your new surroundings, you will quickly realise just how many places are within easy reach.
While you wait for your Temporary Residence Card (TRC) to be issued, I recommend starting to think about your first short trip away. Wherever you work in Vietnam, there are lots of incredible places that you can visit on a day trip or over a couple of days. One of the great things about living and working in Vietnam is that you do not always need to take a plane to have a mini holiday.
For example, I recently took the ferry from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. The journey took around two hours each way and cost 350,000 VND per person each way, so 700,000 VND in total, which is about $27. This makes it relatively easy and affordable to reach one of Vietnam’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You can visit Ha Long Bay in a single day, but my recommendation would be to stay overnight if you have the time. With two days, you can travel to Ha Long Bay, take a cruise, explore the surrounding area and enjoy the sights without feeling like you are rushing from one place to another.
All in, including the hotel, food, travel, kayaking and a cruise around the bay, I spent around 3 million VND. That worked out at under $60 a day for a mini holiday during my days off. It is the kind of short trip that can really help you feel refreshed, especially when you are settling into a new job and a new country.
One of the best things about living in Vietnam is having so many travel opportunities right on your doorstep. You can have a relaxing weekend away, explore a new town, spend time in nature or experience some of the country’s most famous sights without having to take annual leave or spend a fortune on flights.
Once you have settled into your new life in Vietnam, you will quickly realise just how easy it is to explore. Your days off can become an opportunity to discover somewhere completely different, even if you only have one or two days available.
A few recommendations for places to visit depending on your city
Hanoi
Ha Long Bay is my top pick! It is an easy option for a short break and gives you the chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions. Ninh Binh is another fantastic option, particularly if you enjoy beautiful scenery, boat trips and being outdoors.
Ho Chi Minh City
From Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao and Mui Ne are great options for a short break. Con Dao is ideal if you are looking for beaches, nature and a quieter atmosphere, whilst Mui Ne is a popular choice for a relaxing trip away from the city.
These are just a few examples of the places you can explore while living and working in Vietnam. Whether you have one day, a weekend or a few days off, there is always somewhere new to discover. That is one of the things I love about living in Vietnam. Your next mini adventure could be just a few hours away.
Ready to explore Vietnam?
One of the best parts of living and working in Vietnam is having so many incredible places within easy reach. From weekend trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh to relaxing by the beaches of Con Dao and Mui Ne, there is always somewhere new to discover.
Start planning your next adventure and make the most of your days off in Vietnam!