Visitors to Vietnam are often captivated by the beautiful landscapes which lie outside the cities, and take reels of photos in an attempt to capture the essence of the country. However, there are many other aspects of the country worth photographing.

The local people make an excellent subject matter, and in particular the local children. Vietnamese people are very friendly and approachable, and they usually don’t mind being photographed if you ask first. Learn a few words of Vietnamese so you can ask. If you forget, just smile making a gesture at your camera and they will usually understand and strike a pose for you.

Markets are a vibrant affair throughout Asia, and markets in the rural areas are usually the most interesting. The floating markets on the Delta are particularly photogenic, as is the surrounding river-life. Markets are also a great place to capture locals conducting their daily business.

Vietnam’s architecture is also worth a few snaps. Aside from the beautiful temples and pagodas, many cities are adorned with classic architectural styles and ancient buildings. Hanoi’s colonial French architecture has distinct character, while Hoi An is adorned with ancient buildings.

Visitors should be careful not to photograph anything military sensitive, as you may find yourself in trouble with the police.

Teaching English in any foreign country is a fascinating and exciting experience, and also one of the best ways to gain insight into the local culture. Foreigners who live and work in this captivating country, not only enjoy the reward of helping others learn a language, but gain from the experience of living in a country steeped in history and culture.

If you have a university degree (in any subject) and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, you can usually find a job quite easily. The TEFL certificate is not absolutely necessary, but it may increase your chances of finding a better job.

Teaching jobs are available in a range of institutions, from universities to language schools, and the job usually entails teaching the staff as well as pupils. The school or college will help you organise a work permit, but finding lodgings is usually left up to the teacher.

There is a demand for native-speaking teachers throughout the country, so if you prefer to live in a particular area, it is likely you will be able to find a job there. Although living costs are higher, there is a wider range of jobs available in the city. The internet can be used as a tool to search for jobs, before or after you set off for Vietnam.

Teaching in Vietnam is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime, however it will not make you rich. To get the most out of your time and travels in Vietnam, it is best to have some savings before you begin your placement. Most teachers find Vietnamese students are a true pleasure to teach, as the Vietnamese are renowned for being warm, friendly and team-spirited as a nation.

Vietnam’s roads are notoriously dangerous, and around 30 lives are claimed on them each day. Cities in Vietnam are crowded, and the roads are chaotic with all forms of traffic moving without discipline and often at great speed.

As a pedestrian negotiating the city, you are probably more at risk than as a driver, as the congestion slows things down. However, the highways are death traps, and many Vietnamese don’t venture on them if they are not travelling in a large vehicle. If you drive a bicycle or motorbike on Vietnam’s highways you are putting your life at risk.

Crossing the road in Vietnam’s cities is also a hair-raising task. Intersections may have red lights, but they are usually ignored by drivers, or else defunct. A gap in the traffic is a rarity in cities such as Hanoi and Saigon, so what is the best way to get from A to B without ending up as an X on the road?

The simplest method is by shadowing a local! Wait for their movements and follow them at the same speed and in the same direction. Locals are faced with this challenge every day, so they know what they are doing. The important thing is to keep moving, don’t stop or change direction, and you will find that somehow the traffic will avoid you!

What you pack for travelling in Vietnam will ultimately depend on your agenda. Some visitors need little more than flip flops, a bathing suit and a few light outfits, while others are laden with reels of photographic equipment or diving gear.

Whatever your plans, weather, customs and activities should all be accounted for, so we have compiled a list of items well worth the extra pounds on the weighbridge.

It is definitely worth taking a few different modes of payment such as traveller’s checks and credit cards, as well as cash. Travel insurance is recommended, and a copy of your passport along with some spare passport size pictures may come in handy.

Clothing will depend on the season and the area you are visiting. Light, conservative and easy to layer garments, are the best bet. A sarong will be invaluable, away from the beach it can be used to cover shoulders in temples, or to shade sensitive sun burnt shoulders while shopping.

Insect repellent will be an essential scent for nocturnal outings, and high-factor sunscreen should be applied throughout the day, although the midday sun is best avoided completely.

A small daypack and a sun hat will be useful for daytrips to places such as Halong Bay or out of town attractions.

Ear plugs, an eye mask and a water bottle are also recommended for train journeys, especially travellers making the 36 hour journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh!

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, but because of its geography, weather conditions vary from north to south. However, throughout the country, south to southeasterly winds blow from May until September, and northerly to northeasterly winds are dominant between October and April.

Vietnam’s single rainy season falls between May and September, at the time of the southern monsoon. The rest of the year is relatively dry. In the north of the country, cloudy days with light showers are more frequent at the time of the northeast monsoon, while the south enjoys a sunny dry spell.

Temperatures remain high throughout the year, however the north experiences a considerably cooler season due to the north monsoon bringing colder air from China. Frost and snow can occur, but only in the extreme highlands and for a very short period of a few days. The sheltered lowlands of the south are protected from any outbreaks of colder weather, and the dry season is hot and sunny.

During the rain season, the air is humid and oppressive. Coastal and higher regions are particularly sultry due to the frequent cloud, high humidity and lack of sunshine.

The best time to visit the north of the country is between September and December, when humidity is lower and before the heavy rains. The south and central region are best visited during the period of December until April while it is dry.

If you visit a fresh market in Vietnam, you will be dazzled by the rainbow of tropical hues when you reach the fruit section. The array of colours, shapes and textures is a feast to the eyes alone. Under the vibrant and bizarre skins, a new taste sensation is waiting to be enjoyed. The flavours of tropical fruits are as diverse as their skins, and sampling them can be a fun and exciting experience.

Rambutans are the most eye catching fruit. From a distance they have a vibrant red glow, but at closer inspection visitors are surprised and amused by their unusual hairy skin. Under the red and green stubble, a beautiful pearly egg shaped delight awaits. The meat of the fruit has a cool, sweet taste, although the seed is quite woody and difficult to remove.

Mangosteens also have a surprising inner beauty; the white segmented delicate fruit contrasts with the tough, violet outer casing. The fruit has a refreshing sweet and sour tang, and is thought to be a powerful antioxidant.

Jackfruit is also easy to locate at the market, as it has an extremely sweet scent which is released into the air when the edible pulp is removed. The vibrant yellow fruit is extremely sweet and calorific, and contains juice depending on the species.

Most of Vietnam’s longan is grown in the north of the country, and the fruit was once a food reserved as a tribute to the King. A thin, brown skin encases a small white pearly fruit which covers a shiny black seed. The fruit tastes sweet and juicy, and is a good source of protein.

Most of Vietnam’s festivals have been taking place annually for hundreds of years and originate from Buddhist and ancient Confucian beliefs. National festivals serve as important reminders of the country’s history; however, each province has its own festivals which are unique to its region and ethnic communities.

Festivals take place every month in Vietnam, with too many to mention, so this selection is just a taster of Vietnam’s festive flavor.

Tet Festival is Vietnamese New Year, and is a huge celebration throughout the country during February. It is considered the most important festival with entire cities closing down for three days while families reunite and spend quality time together.

Lim Festival is only celebrated in the north of Vietnam and takes place on the 13th day of the first lunar month. This festival is characterized by Quan Ho – traditional songs, sung by talented singers while taking part in activities such as weaving and fishing.

April Festival is a national celebration to pay reverence to the Hung Kings who played an important role in the founding of Vietnam. Festivities continue for three days, featuring processions, marches, songs and dance including an elephant march.

Perfume Pagoda Festival takes place in March at Vietnam’s most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, Perfume Pagoda near Hanoi. Thousands of pilgrims arrive to take the scenic route through sacred caves and along streams in the rice paddies to reach the hundreds of stone steps which lead to the summit.

Mid Autumn Moon Festival is a favourite among the younger generation, as parents spoil their offspring with new toys, delicious candies, and heaps of fun and entertainment. Children parade through the streets of the cities carrying colourful lanterns and take part in a variety of dances. This festival is held on the 15th day of the eight lunar month.

Pho is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and culture. Pho shops can be found on every street corner throughout the country, and locals eat it at all times of the day, although breakfast is the favorite time for pho. This hearty dish, consisting of rice noodles swimming in a rich flavorsome broth and topped with thinly sliced beef, herbs and spices, is a comforting and satisfying meal for all classes and generations.

To produce the rich aromatic broth, beef or chicken bones are boiled with charred onion and spices such as ginger, cloves, star anise and cinnamon. White rice noodles and thin cuts of beef steak or brisket are served in a bowl of the steaming soup and garnished with basil, coriander, chilies, bean sprouts and lime wedges.

Pho is eaten with both chopsticks and a spoon for maximum pleasure. Diners use their chopsticks to fish the noodles from the broth and slurp the soup from the spoon in alternate motions. Pho is best enjoyed while piping hot as the noodles can get soggy and spoil the consistency of the soup. The broth is served in copious quantities and leaving some in your bowl is perfectly fine, just as it is equally acceptable to scoop out every last drop.

Pho’s origins aren’t quite as clear as its broth, however it is thought to have originated over a century ago in the north of Vietnam. The use of onion to color and flavor the broth is evidence of a French influence, while the use of rice noodles and multiple spices is the basis of Chinese cuisine. Despite these foreign influences, pho remains distinctly Vietnamese.