Gap Year Programs in Vietnam

Are scattered tropical islands more your thing or is steamy street food stalls between sky-high office buildings? Check out these beautiful places in Vietnam.

Halong Bay. Take a boat across the emerald waters through a maze of limestone-faced islands. Adventure gappers revel in the opportunity for escaping the main port of high-rise speckled Halong City by taking a scenic boat cruise or island hopping over to Lan Ha Bay. Googling pictures yet? Please do. Halong Bay is the perfect gapper getaway to refresh your mind and invigorate your spirit.

Hoi An. This coastal city is a revitalizing blend of ancient melting pot architecture and snaking water canals with a surprising lack of modern day automobile traffic and pollution—perfect for lackadaisically snapping photos of its famous lanterns or helping a community project in need. Hoi An is a perfect gap year destination for anyone looking to have a relaxed time abroad amongst the rice fields and beaches while still having good access to WIFI.

Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with industrial and culture evolution. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal location for any gapper looking to be welcomed by friendly locals, pick up a new language (Vietnamese is pretty easy grammatically and there are handfuls of gap year language programs in Vietnam), and teach others how to speak and write English. If you are a history nut, definitely check out the Vietnam war museums.

Eclectic, historical, daring...oh my! When taking a gap year in Vietnam, consider these favorite pursuits.

Teach Abroad. Though maybe not as strongly as Japan or Korea, Vietnam is still a TEFL hotspot. The cost of living in this country is extremely cheap, which could make your gap year weekends that much more exciting. Landing in a gap year teaching program in Vietnam could be your ticket to living abroad!

Scuba Dive Instructor. Vietnam rests on the Southeastern tip of Asia, right in the northern tropics. Tourism flocks heavily to the serene coastlines to enjoy the beautiful blue waters or dive right in. Become a scuba dive instructor during your Vietnam gap year for the most memorable year yet.

Adventure Travel. Vietnam is a prime spot for all things wanderlust and adventure. Bring your gear; you’re going to need it as you spend your gap year travelling in Vietnam Camping, hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, snorkeling, and scuba diving are just a handful of the undertakings that you’ll accomplish and grow from while taking an adventure gap year program in Vietnam.

Costs. Compared to some other gap year destinations, Vietnam is a relatively affordable place to life. Food is also really cheap; in some markets you can pick up a loaf of bread for under a dollar (but don't worry, you'll want to leave the bahn-mi making to the cute old ladies at the food stalls)! Renting a small motorcycle for a month costs around $35. If you still need a way to save up some additional money, check out FundMyTravel. It is a sweet way to ask people you know to donate to your gap year living in Vietnam.

Accommodations. You probably won’t be spending more than $150-250 a month for rent. However, once you land in Vietnam, stay at a guesthouse or hostel for a few weeks to really shop around for beautiful places in Vietnam that you want to call home for the next year. Usually gap year programs help you out with room and board, which leaves you more time to find the best spring rolls at the local street markets.

Visas. Usually people coming from Europe or the US won’t need a visa if staying shorter than 15 days in Vietnam. It’d be a weeeeee bit hard to squeeze a gap year into two weeks, so check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for specific information about living in Vietnam and which visa you need to be there.

Safety. Some parts of Vietnam, in particular Ho Chi Minh City, are more prone to mild burglary. When searching for a house anywhere in the country, try to find one with iron bars on the windows for added protection. Gap year providers generally all have the best safety protocols to handle any emergency and will be there to offer support with any hurdles you need help leaping over. Lock the doors when you leave, stick to public lit-up places, and you’ll be having a blast living in Vietnam in no time!

Ever thought about taking a gap year on the path less traveled? DO IT! All it takes is a little bit of planning...alright, a lot of planning...and a heart full of courage to take the leap. Once we break through the initial barrier the reward is SO immense. Not only will you reap the benefits in the 12 or so months in Vietnam, but you’ll come back with stories, experience, and wisdom to support you the rest of your life AND be a beacon of inspiration for those you come into contact with. People can tell when someone is worldly and experienced. Be that person.

Pack an extra raincoat and rainboots while you are living in Vietnam. It rains, a LOT. Precipitation also helps it cool off some nights, so think about bringing a light jacket with you. Umbrellas are easy to come by in the markets, so we recommend saving that room in your pack for a fresh baguette instead (you did know that Vietnam was once colonized by the French and now you can get delicious bread here, right? Right!).

Whether you want to polish your motorcycle driving skills, soak up the effects of world history, or leave no stone unturned in national parks, you never know what you’re going to get while doing your gap year program in Vietnam.

Keep reading! Make the most of your gap year in Vietnam while avoiding these mistakes!