Living in Vietnam

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and affordability, Vietnam has become a top destination for expats in Asia. From the energetic capital of Hanoi to the historic port of Hoi An, Vietnam offers a high quality of life immersed in seaside beauty and dynamic urban hubs. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Vietnam.

Why Move to Vietnam?

Vietnam appeals to expats for many reasons:

• Affordable cost of living, especially housing, healthcare and domestic help. Allows disposable income to go further.
• Breathtaking natural scenery from jagged alpine peaks to dazzling white sand beaches to lush rainforests and caves. Outdoor lover’s paradise.
• Fascinating history and resilient culture. Ancient temples, imperial citadels, French colonial architecture and war memorials.
• Delicious, healthy cuisine with fresh herbs, vegetables and seafood. World-famous pho noodle soup and spring rolls.
• Sizzling economy with abundant entrepreneurship and career opportunities, especially in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Danang.
• Great place to travel around Southeast Asia. Relatively easy to access other countries by land or budget airlines.
• Laidback, slow-paced lifestyle outside major metros allows more time for passions, family and relaxation.
• Young, energetic population. More than half under 35 years old. Locals are forward-thinking.

Living in Vietnam: Pros and Cons

Vietnam offers an alluring lifestyle but has some difficulties to consider:

Pros :

1. Affordable cost of living
2. Breathtaking natural landscapes
3. Fascinating history and resilient culture
4. Delicious, healthy cuisine
5. Dynamic economy and career opportunities
6. Easy to access other Southeast Asia countries
7. Laidback, slower pace of life
8. Young, energetic population

Cons :

1. Intense heat and humidity of the tropical climate
2. Language barrier makes daily interactions challenging
3. Underdeveloped infrastructure outside major cities
4. Noise and air pollution in dense urban centers
5. Bureaucracy and red tape dealing with residency
6. Limited amenities and social life outside major metros
7. Traffic congestion and road safety challenges
8. Censorship and restrictions on internet

Vietnam offers expats an alluring blend of affordability, culture and career opportunities but urbanization and climate offer hurdles.

The Cost of Living in Vietnam

Vietnam remains highly affordable for expats, especially compared to the West:

• Housing – Modern apartments rent from $500 – $1,500 monthly in major cities based on size and amenities. Cheap in smaller towns.
• Food – Local meals from $1-3 at food stalls and cafes. Groceries about $200 monthly for two at markets and supermarkets.
• Transport – Taxis like Grab very affordable from 15¢ per km. Gasoline is under $1 per liter. New cars have high import taxes.
• Utilities – About $100 monthly total for electricity, high-speed internet, water and cell phone service.
• Healthcare – Excellent care without insurance around $20 doctor visits, $100 dental work, $500 hospital stays per day.
• Education – Public school free but competitive entry. Private elementary $3,000, high school $7,000+ annually.
• Family Fun – Attractions and day trips around $5 per person. Nanny $500 monthly. Family dinner out $15-25.
• Taxes – Personal income tax up to 35%. Sales tax 10%. Reduced for retirees and remote workers.

Quality of Life in Vietnam

Vietnam offers relatively good overall quality of life:

1. Affordability – Low costs allow disposable income to stretch much further, especially in housing, food and services.
2. Healthcare – Advanced care in major cities rivaling developed nations. Limited coverage but improving for public infrastructure in rural zones.
3. Infrastructure – Modern highways, airports, malls and services in cities. But provincial development still lacks. Power cuts occur during peak usage.
4. Safety & Security – Very low violent crime rate and safer than neighboring countries. But petty theft exists. Traffic accidents major concern.
5. Environment – Tropical climate brings typhoons seasonally. Pollution increasing in urban centers. But amazing natural beauty throughout country.
6. Economy – Rapidly growing middle class with increasing consumption. But small businesses face challenges. Informal economy persists.
7. Leisure & Culture – Abundant history, cuisine, festivals and outdoor escapes. Slower pace outside cities. Work-life balance improving.

A Beginner’s Guide to Vietnamese Culture

Key aspects of Vietnamese culture:

• Incredibly industrious, entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic. Value education and self-improvement.
• Strong sense of community and emphasis on family relationships and structures. Multigenerational households common.
• Respectful, polite and courteous communication valued. Elders highly respected. Save face avoiding embarrassment important.
• Religious mix of Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Ancestor worship and festivals widely practiced.
• Cuisine focused on fresh ingredients, bright flavors and regional varieties like pho, banh mi, spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee.
• Art, theater, music and literature thrive. Social activities like karaoke, cafes and sports are very popular, especially soccer.
• Traditional gender roles still strong but improving for women’s empowerment, especially in cities and among younger generation.

Best Places to Live in Vietnam

Top locations for expats include:

1. Hanoi – Vibrant capital steeped in history with lakes, architecture, cafes and nightlife.
2. Ho Chi Minh City – Fast-paced economic hub with modern conveniences. Warm all year.
3. Danang – Laidback beach city central to foodie and culture attractions like Hoi An.
4. Hoi An – Charming ancient port town dotted with lanterns and craft shops.
5. Nha Trang – Main beach resort area with great scuba diving and nightlife scene.
6. Dalat – “City of Eternal Spring” in central highlands amid pine forests, waterfalls and farms.

From the energy of Hanoi to the serenity of Hoi An, Vietnam offers expats an affordable lifestyle immersed in astounding nature, unique heritage, and delectable cuisine.