Where were you based, if you don't mind me asking? I was in Vung Tau, so right in the middle of the oil industry. Lots of northerners and lots of nouveau riche northerners and even some Russians/Ukrainians. Actually, most of the foreigners in town were Aussies and guys from the UK, working rigs. I'd bet with your mining experience you'd be able to get some kind of job in Vung Tau if you're ever interested in returning to VN. In my experience, Viet Kieu are treated nicely to their face, but often talked about behind their backs, but from what few Viet Kieu I've encountered, I'd say that the reputation isn't entirely unwarranted from the Viet perspective. It's a strange place (what place isn't) and I'm glad I lived there for a while, but I'm glad I'm moving on to other things.
Oh, very nice! I've heard good things about it and new a few teachers that would visit there. I was based in Can Tho, Soc Trang (with the bat pagoda) and Vinh Long. Most of my mining experience isn't direct with engineering, unfortunately, so I don't think my skills would apply. I knew a 70-year old Aussie who had been in VN since his early twenties. He flipped a car without insurance and fled the country. Characters like that make the place extra strange.
Ah ok. Well, at least those places aren't as out in the boonies as they could be. Such a beautiful country (away from the cities that is). As for your experience, you might be surprised. Sometimes it's more about who is available and if their skills are even somewhat in line with an opening.