Hanoi

With its Vietnamese trademark motorbike filled streets, Hanoi moves at a more relaxed pace than Ho Chi Min City, an unusual reversal as it is the country’s capital.

This Northern Vietnamese city is one of the most fascinating places in Southeast Asia and an excellent place to call home. With its blend of heritage and modernity, you can wander the old quarter, sampling al fresco beers and some of the country’s most delicious cuisine whilst never being too far away from all that a modern city offers. Most teachers living in Hanoi embrace the favoured mode of transport and hire bikes themselves. For those not feeling as brave you can avail of the motorbike taxi service and let someone else do the driving. Also, you won’t find a better place to base yourself in Vietnam if you are keen to experience more of the country in your free time. Its location is the perfect jumping off spot for scenic Sapa & UNESCO world heritage centre, Halong Bay.