Vietnam has not only become one of the most popular tourist destinations, it’s also a country where you can find lots of expats. More and more people are making the move and it’s not hard to see why people choose to come to Vietnam. If you’re a so-called “digital nomad” and have just started out, chances are you’re not making a big salary. But that’s not a big problem if you want to live in Vietnam since the cost of living is highly affordable and you get good value for your money. It’s also an exciting country to live in since there’s so many possibilities here! For those who’ve always wanted to live in a tropical environment, Vietnam is ideal! If you choose to settle down in the south, you’ll be guaranteed to have sunshine all year round. It tends to get a bit cooler during the winter months in the north, but it can be a nice adjustment after a hot summer.
Since there’s so many places in Vietnam, it can get a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of “best cities to live in Vietnam” for you. Take a look!
1. Hanoi
The first, and obvious, choice is the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. The city of Hanoi is thrilling, charming, fun and with lots of expats living there. If you want to make friends instantly, this is the city to go to. There’s many digital nomads who come here to settle down for a month or two, but you also have the people who actually work in Vietnam and lives there permanently. If you want to find a city where you can always do something, this is it. Besides strolling around in the big city, there’s also plenty of opportunities to do weekend getaways. Catch the bus that goes to Halong Bay and cruise around one of the seven natural wonders of the world, take a ferry to Cat Ba island and lay on the white sand beach, and eat some of the most delicious seafood in the world. But don’t miss out on all the fun in the city as well! At night, head to Hanoi Rock City, a music venue where you’ll meet other expats who’s more than willing to show off their musical skills. Hanoi will make you feel at home and you won’t have a hard time finding friends, that’s for sure.
2. Da Nang
Da Nang has always been underrated due to the fact that most people see it only as a gateway to visit nearby Hoi An. But Da Nang has tons to offer for those who stays. Da Nang is a bit more quiet than the bigger cities in Vietnam, but the calmer pace of life is more attractive for those who likes to relax and take it easy. Go to one of the many cafes in the city and work all day long in peace. There’s also an expat community in Da Nang so you won’t be the only one there. When you’re done working, grab a bus or rent a motorbike, and head to the nearby beaches. You’ll be sure to fall in love with Da Nang.
3. Ho Chi Minh City
The biggest city of Vietnam is not the capital city, it’s in fact the southern city called Ho Chi Minh. Besides being big, there’s also full of opportunities here if you want to work in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is probably the most modern city in Vietnam, but it still has a ton of old charm. Look up and you’ll see all the old colonial French buildings that’s still intact. The city is vibrant, full of life and things to do. If you want to live in a city where there’s always something happening, it’s here you should go. It also helps that there’s a strong expat community here and the social life is engaging. When you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, you can always escape to the nearby beach towns such as Mui Ne and Nha Trang. If you feel more adventurous, hop on a plane and go to the island of Phu Quoc, to get into your vacation mode.
4. Nha Trang
If cities aren’t your thing, consider going to Nha Trang, a beautiful coastal city that’s home to about 400,000 people. It’s a big tourist town with resorts, foreign restaurants, cafés, and is the diving capital of Vietnam. The beaches are splendid, the vibe is nice and the nightlife is great. The traffic here is also less chaotic and life in general moves in a slower pace here. The climate is also pleasant all year round so you’ll be sure to have plenty of beach days.
Remember to apply for a Vietnam visa before you arrive to the country. This is required by most citizens, if they’re not on the visa exempt list or wishes to stay for longer than the visa free period. There are three different types of visas: Visa on Arrival, E-Visa, or go through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate and apply with them.
