Location

Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.

There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Despite its ongoing economic liberalisation and the pressures of rapid development, this dignified country has managed to preserve its rich civilisation and highly cultured society. It has discarded its post-war fatigues and the boom in budget travelling, coupled with the softening of government control, have enabled more contemporary and relevant portraits of the country to gain currency in the West.

A general view of Ho Chi Minh City:

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a sprawling metropolis of 7 million people. Still referred to as "Saigon" today, HCM city is the hub of financial activity and is the largest and most developed city in Vietnam. You will witness a mix of the old and new where modern skyscrapers are juxtaposed with faded colonial buildings. Amid the city's modernization still exist traditional elements visible in the variety of Chinese-style pagodas and historical landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and the Reunification Hall.

Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife with many local and western bars and cafes concentrated in the city center. The city is also the culinary capital where you can sample a variety of foods ranging from Vietnamese regional specialties to international cuisine. Here you can find the best Vietnamese, French, and Chinese restaurants.

Things to See

The Vietnam (American) War is a topic that still fascinates foreigners, and many of Ho Chi Minh City's tourist attractions focus on this interest. In central Saigon, the most intriguing sites for war buffs include the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. A day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels is also most rewarding.

If you'd rather pursue the topic of religion, be sure to check out the Giac Lam Pagoda, Jade Emperor Pagoda and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. A day-long excursion to Tay Ninh is required to visit the incredible Caodai Great Temple. Another worthwhile excursion is to the One Pillar Pagoda. Boat trips on the Saigon River are always a great way to take refuge from the urban pandemonium. Further afield, beach buffs are sure to appreciate either the glitter of commercialized Vung Tau or the tranquility of barely developed Long Hai.

Local Weather Conditions

Being only 10.5º north of the equator and 5m to 10m above the sea level. Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate. There are two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet season (summer) lasts from May to November (June to August are the wettest months). During this time, there are heavy but short-lived downpours almost daily, usually in the afternoon. The dry season (winter) runs from December to April.

Late February through May are the hottest months, when it's also very humid, but things cool down slightly when the summer rainy season begins. Temperatures vary little with seasons, averaging 26ºC in January and 28ºC in July. Summer daily high are usually in the low 30s, while in January the overnight lows are about 21ºC. Average humidity is 80%. Annual rainfall averages 1979mm, most of which occurs during summer. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Ho Chi Minh City was 14ºC.

About The School

The TEFL International School is located close to a park, a bank, bookstore, and not far from the backpacker area where you can find excellent western, Vietnamese and vegetarian food at very inexpensive prices.

Facilities at the school include free internet access, tea and coffee, well-equipped classrooms and all the teaching resources and facilities that you will require for the duration of the course.

The staff of the school are experienced and friendly, willing to answer any questions you may have, and always there to help.

Accommodation

You can choose to stay in a private hotel room or an apartment located near the school building, which is in the city center area. All rooms have air-conditioning, a private bath, and are clean and adequately furnished.

Please be assured that any special requests or requirements regarding accommodation will be taken into account, and TEFL International will make every effort to honor such requests.

"You receive some of the best training and job placement in the world. It is an EXCELLENT INVESTMENT." John Weaver

Course Dates

• 18 February - 14 March 2008
• 17 March - 11 April 2008
• 14 April - 9 May 2008
• 12 May - 6 June 2008
• 9 June - 4 July 2008
• 7 July - 1 August 2008
• 4 August - 29 August 2008
• 1 September - 26 September 2008
• 6 October - 31 October 2008
• 3 November - 28 November 2008
• 1 December - 26 December 2008
  
  
• 2 February - 27 February 2009
• 2 March - 27 March 2009
• 30 March - 24 April 2009
• 4 May - 29 May 2009
• 1 June - 26 June 2009
• 29 June - 24 July 2009
• 27 July - 21 August 2009
• 7 September - 2 October 2009
• 5 October - 30 October 2009
• 2 November - 27 November 2009
• 30 November - 25 December 2009

Course Fees

• US$ 1,390 (£690) (excluding accommodation)
• Accommodation: US$ 250 (£130) and up

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Map: Click here for the map