By Kaitlyn Webster
Ho Chi Minh City is one of ISA’s newest study abroad destinations, and if you’re looking for an exotic and life-changing experience abroad, this is the city for you. Located at the southern end of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is the perfect blend of traditional and modern and a great jumping off point for exploring the culturally rich country of Vietnam. Here are six reasons why you should study abroad in Vietnam with ISA.
The World-Class Street Food
It’s no secret that Vietnam is home to some of the best street food in the world. Authentic Phở, Banh Mi, and more can be found at little roadside stands where you can pull up a plastic stool and enjoy your meal while people-watching. The best part? It’s a great value! Vietnam’s world-class street food gives you plenty of bang for your buck, with most dishes costing about $1-$3.
The Natural Beauty
There’s no shortage of sprawling landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty in Vietnam, between the sprawling maze of the Mekong Delta to the endless green valleys of the Ha Giang Province. Vietnam will give you plenty of photo opportunities and chances to take the road less traveled by western travelers, but at the top of every explore’s Vietnam bucket list is the one and only Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay, or “Descending Dragon” is a World Heritage site, famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. It’s a can’t-miss destination in Vietnam that’s worth the trip up to the country’s northern border.
The Beaches
Love the beach but hate the crowds? Ho Chi Minh City is just around the corner from some gorgeous coastline that the tourists haven’t discovered — yet. Enjoy the peaceful beaches and uncrowded waters before others catch wind of the pristine beaches of southern Vietnam. Your weekend getaway is closer than you think when you study abroad in Ho Chi Minh City!
The Low Cost of Living
If you’re looking to study abroad on a budget, Vietnam is an ideal destination. The cost of living in Vietnam is significantly lower than the U.S., which means you can find great deals on food, travel, and more! That world-class street food, as we already mentioned, costs just a few dollars and buses to nearby beaches or historical sites run about $5; not to mention since prices are always higher in a major city like Ho Chi Minh City, if you travel to smaller villages in Vietnam, you can stretch your budget even further!
The Coffee
If you’re a coffee connoisseur or just enjoy a good cup of joe at an even better price, you’ll love Vietnam’s world-famous coffee. While you may think of places like Brazil or Colombia when it comes to coffee production, Vietnam is actually the world’s second largest exporter of coffee. Vietnamese coffee is known for being strong and flavorful — the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of classes.
The History
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, placed a critical role in the Vietnam War, and there’s plenty of history to discover during your time in this historical city. Sites like the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels preserve the city’s past and give history buffs the chance to learn about the controversial war from another perspective. In addition to the war monuments, students can explore incense-laden temples and pagodas, some of which have been around for over two hundred years!
No matter what you’re looking for, Ho Chi Minh City won’t disappoint. For more information about ISA’s new program in Ho Chi Minh City, click here.
We always try to get some coffee from Vietnam when possible! Although its quite hard to find it very worth the hunt for it! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful post – keep up the great content.