Vietnam is among the greatest countries in Asia for foreigners to live. You may enjoy year-round tropical weather and contemporary amenities for a fraction of the cost. These are the top best places to live in Vietnam for foreigners.
Ho Chi Minh City ( Sai Gon)
There are around 8 million people living in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, many of whom you will encounter in the daily rush. The city is ideal for people who like large urban centers because it is chaotic yet well-organized.
Living in Ho Chi Minh city
With stores open around-the-clock and a nightlife that features beer priced as little, the city never sleeps. Ho Chi Minh city has 12 districts, all of which have fantastic residential neighborhoods, lots of places to eat and drink, parks and leisure activities, and other essentials that foreigners search for, such retail centers, hospitals, schools, banks, and convenient access to transportation. From Ho Chi Minh, you can easy transfer to Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and Vung Tau.
Geographical location and Population
There are 8.4 million people living in Ho Chi Minh metropolis, making it the biggest metropolis in Vietnam. Situated in the southern region of Vietnam, it is the epicenter of the Ho Chi Minh City Metropolitan Area, home to almost 20 million people, 16 million of whom are urban dwellers.
Ho Chi Minh is currently Vietnam's financial and economic center, the city is currently experiencing rapid population and economic expansion, drawing immigrants from neighboring provinces.
Besides, Saigon presently contributes 20% of foreign direct investment and 23% of Vietnam's GDP.
Weather & climate Ho Chi Minh
The climate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is tropical. Between December and April, the range of daytime temperatures is 31 °C (88 °F) to 35 °C (94 °F). In January, the nighttime low is 22 °C (71 °F), whereas in May, it is 25 °C (76 °F). With just one wet day, February is the least rainy month in Ho Chi Minh City, while October has the most rain, falling on 19 days.
The best time to visit in Ho Chi Minh is from from December to March. In Ho Chi Minh City, the average daily temperature in December is 31 °C (88 °F). It's the ideal temperature for tanning by the pool or the sea; otherwise, you'll probably be a little too hot. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day; severe temperatures call for frequent hydration.
Tour attractions
The city of Ho Chi Minh is a lively and bustling location that provides visitors with a great deal of opportunities. With its modern shopping centers and entertainment complexes like Landmark 81, as well as its ancient landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Thien Hau Pagoda, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this city. The city of Ho Chi Minh has a diverse selection of locations to explore, so regardless of whether you are interested in history, culture, gastronomy, or shopping, you won't be let down by the city's offerings. Therefore, make your way here and discover this bustling metropolis for yourself!
Getting around Ho Chi Minh
Despite the difficulty of the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, getting about the city is not too difficult.
The classic cyclo continues to be a well-liked mode of transportation; but, there is also a well-functioning network of motorcycle taxi taxis, public buses, and private taxi cabs that connect you to the city center and other areas of the city. In addition, tourists have the option of renting a bicycle or a motorcycle; nevertheless, managing the city's congested and potentially hazardous traffic may prove to be quite a task for those who lack prior experience. Please refer to our guide on Saigon's public transit if you are looking for a hassle-free method of getting around the city. Besides, rent a car for Saigon city tour from Vietnam Trust Car Rental is the best choice to explore the beatiful city only 129usd/4 seats/day. Book now.
>>> See more: TOP 25 THINGS MUST DO IN HO CHI MINH 2024
Hanoi capital Vietnam
While Ho Chi Minh City in the south may have more of a cosmopolitan flare, Hanoi is unquestionably a greater cultural center. In addition to having easy access to all of Vietnam's stunning northern regions, like Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay, the weather is cooler here.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Range cost of living in Hanoi is the same to that of Ho Chi Minh City, and you can enjoy many of the southern city's amenities, such as an abundance of dining and shopping options, parks, nightlife, and convenient transportation. The majority of the welcoming expat population is dispersed across Tay Ho and Dong Da District.
Geographical location and Population
The city of Hanoi is the political, economic, cultural, scientific, and technological hub of the entire nation. Hanoi is located in the midst of the Northern Delta with a population 2.9 million people, and an area 920.97 km2. Hanoi is a historic city which has been formed and grown for approximately 1,000 years since 1010.
Hanoi encompasses two main geographical features: the delta and the Middle Region of the North. Most of the deltaic area lies on both banks of the Red River and its tributaries (Đuống, Đáy, rivers, etc.). The Middle Region encompasses Sóc Sơn district and a piece of Đông Anh district, a prolongation of the Tam Đảo mountainous mass stretching into the Delta which is 7-10 meters or sometimes even hundreds of meters above the sea level.
Weather & climate Ho Chi Minh
Hanoi experiences a dry, cold winter and a hot summer with lots of rainfall. Throughout the year, the city experiences a high degree of humidity and abundant sunlight. Thanks to transition months, Hanoi experiences all four seasons of the year spring, summer, autumn, and winter despite having two distinct seasons: the rainy season (January to September) and the dry season (October to April).
Tour attractions
Hanoi is home to several historical artifacts, including well-known locations like the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Sword Lake, West Lake, the History Museum, the Flag Pole, and the Ancient City. Hanoi city tour a day will provide you unforgettable insights into the people and culture of Vietnam's capital.
Father and son travelers walk around railway paths in Hanoi
Getting around around Hanoi
Getting around in Hanoi is fairly easy because numerous attractions, restaurants, shopping venues, and hotels are located close to each other. The city’s local population travels mostly on motorbikes while motorcycle taxi cabs, buses, and private car are available for when you want to visit other districts within Hanoi.
>>> See more: LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HANOI, VIETNAM
Danang city
Danang is the best places to live in Vietnam that you should not give up. Danang, with a population of more than 1.3 million, is the third largest city in Vietnam. It was just named Vietnam's most livable city and is surprisingly orderly and clean. The finest thing is that it has urbanization, beaches, and mountains—the three characteristics that most people look for. There are a ton of things to do, see, and explore, and the stunning Hoian Ancient Town is a great place to unwind. You won't get bored here. Similar to other cities, this one has a close-knit expat community that is always expanding.
Woman sightseeing the river view with Dragon bridge, Danang
Geographical location and Population
Da Nang's population has long exceeded 900,000 and is expected to approach one million in the near future.
Although Danang was established in 1888, European settlers first arrived in the harbor of the city in 1535. Da Nang was already a French concession by 1858.
Danang is the biggest port city in central Vietnam and a major commercial hub nowadays. In addition, it is an industrial city with a thriving consumer goods and weaving sector.
Da Nang has become a prominent tourist destination due to the existence of an international airport, a train station, and a state highway. In about one hour, you can take a plane from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.
Weather & climate Danang
Da Nang's climate is split into two seasons: the dry season, which runs from January to July, and the wet season, which runs from August to December. Da Nang is situated in a tropical monsoon zone. Da Nang experiences high temperatures with minimal variations in weather patterns. In Da Nang, the yearly average temperature is roughly 25°C. June, July, and August have the greatest temperatures, which range from 28 to 30°C, while December, January, and February have the lowest temperatures, which range from 18 to 23°C.
The climate of Da Nang, Vietnam, is characterized as hot, muggy, and rainy at different times of the year. Every year, the average air humidity is roughly 83.4%. The months of September through December have the most rainfall.
Tour attractions
With wide beaches, mouthwatering street cuisine, the legendary Hai Van Pass, and an expanding array of cafés, restaurants, and bars, it's no surprise that Da Nang is the best places to visit in Vietnam. My Khe Beach, which stretches south from the rugged Son Tra Peninsula, offers pleasant sands for relaxation. In addition, Marble Mountains, a group of five peaks crowned with evocative pagodas, is accessible in around fifteen minutes from the city. Go for a peaceful stroll up stone steps, discover secret caverns, and take in historic shrines early in the morning.
Getting around Danang
There are numerous daily connections from the Da Nang International Airport to the main Vietnamese cities. Additionally, the quantity of foreign connecting flights is increasing. Da Nang is easily accessible by bus and train, giving it a great starting point for exploring the central region. Both ride-hailing applications and taxis are widely available in the town. Danang Private car tour from Vietnam Trust Car Rental is easily organized for popular journeys from Da Nang, including trips to Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An, and Hai Van Pass.
Nha Trang city
Another stunning beach city, Nha Trang is home to about 400,000 people and one of the best places to live in Vietnam. It's mostly a tourism town with lots of skyscraper resorts and a reputation as Vietnam's diving hub. It's ideal for someone who wants to retire somewhere with lots of beach, sun, and sea.
Nha Trang city seen from above in the morning with beautiful coastline
With beaches on one side and mountains on the other, this area is a great place to explore. It's only four hours' bus ride from Da Lat. Its nightlife is fantastic, it has many of restaurants and supermarkets, and most of all, it's a relatively calm coastal city with beautiful weather and less hectic traffic well-liked by foreigners!
Geographical location and Population Nha Trang
Situated on Vietnam's South Central Coast, Nha Trang is a coastal town and the provincial seat of Khánh HƲa. Recent years have seen Nha Trang gain popularity due to its immaculate beach, Vietnam's top scuba diving location, as well as an abundance of interesting sites and mouthwatering cuisine.
The town is located 1200 km south of Hanoi and 450 km north of Saigon. Nha Trang Bay encompasses 405 km², of which the main beach strip is 4 km long and has 19 major and tiny islands. From a great height, the bay seems as an aquamarine stone shimmering in the sunlight, surrounded by miles of silky golden beach.
Weather & climate Nha Trang
Out of all the cities in the nation, Nha Trang has the most sunshine, with over 300 days per year. Though there are occasional monsoons in Nha Trang between September and December, the city generally enjoys Vietnam's shortest rainy season. The city boasts excellent weather for the majority of the year thanks to the refreshing sea breezes; nevertheless, July through August is when you should expect a lot of sun and scorching days.
Tour attractions
Nha Trang is well-known throughout the world for having one of the most stunning beaches in the entire nation. Located in Vietnam's most well-known harbor, Vinpearl Land is regarded as the pearl on the ocean queen's crown and offers wonderful scenery and first-rate services. Here, guests can have a truly tranquil space to spend days without experiencing any issues. Po Naga Cham towers, which date back more than 1200 years and symbolize the Cham mentality, is another great place to visit. These towers and temples are excellent photo locations.
Getting around Nha Trang
With paved roads, railroad tracks, and a range of public transit options, getting around Nha Trang is reasonably easy. This popular coastal town in Vietnam promises a hassle-free holiday. Since most of the town's tourist attractions, well-liked dining options, pubs, nightclubs, and retail establishments are all conveniently located within walking distance of one another, Nha Trang is generally a pedestrian-friendly town. If you don't feel like walking in the intense heat on a warmer day, you can still choose from several other options.
You can rent a private car in Nha Trang to explore the city if you are looking for comfortable transportation and private space. For those on a tight budget or backpacking, the town also has buses, motorbike taxis, and cyclo taxi services. Nha Trang is also connected to other parts of Vietnam via several domestic airlines, railway networks, and open-tour busses if you're looking to venture farther than the seaside town.
Hoian Ancient Town
Another fantastic location for foreiger to live in Vietnam is Hoian. You will want to go around and discover every single lantern-lit alleyway in the Ancient Town since it is so lovely. Here, every yellow tea establishment has an own history.
A beautiful panoramic view of Hoian Ancient Town
Hoian is particularly well-known for the Tra Que Vegetable Village, which is home to all the herbs and vegetables used in Hoi An cuisine and is the nation's first organic vegetable village. You can relax on the beach at An Bang beach and Cua Dai beach. Just keep in mind that Danang is merely a 30-minute drive away if you're missing out on Hoian's metropolitan lifestyle.
Geographical location and Population Hoian
Hoian is situated approximately 25 kilometers from Da Nang Airport on the banks of the Thu Bon River in the province of Quang Nam. The area is bordered to the north and west by Dien Ban District, to the south and west by Duy Xuyen District, and to the east by the East Sea. The average elevation is 13 meters above sea level. About 800 kilometers separate Hoi An from Hanoi and 850 from Ho Chi Minh City. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, this was a significant port for trade with Southeast Asia.
Weather & climate Hoian
One of the most picturesque areas of the nation is Hội An, but beginning in September, tropical storms made landfall in Central Vietnam. March is a great time to visit Hội An because of the vibrant blossoms and calming greens that cover the streets, parks, and farms. The town can get quite hot from May to August, so you should go to the beach to cool off. September through November is when Hội An has a lot of rain and occasionally minor flooding. Before the Vietnamese new year, the weather starts to cool off and reaches its lowest point in January.
Tour attractions in Hoian
Hoi An is surrounded by beaches, rice terraces, and waterways and has all the makings of a classic travel destination. Its verdant countryside, abundant blossoms, and yellowing store houses create a setting fit for enlightening days and wonderful evenings. You may walk around Hoian and see many of the old structures constructed in the traditional Chinese style. The roads in Hoian are also winding and narrow.
A single ticket grants access to the principal sights, and classical music is piped into the Old Town. The Quan Cong Temple, the three so-called Old Houses, and the Japanese Covered Bridge are among of the Old Town's highlights. The Old Town has a number of museums, but you might wish to bypass them in favor of the amazing folk music performances at the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop, which happen multiple times a day.
Getting around around Hoian
The Ancient Town may be reached by car from Da Nang's international airport about fifty minutes. Major Vietnamese cities have direct flights to Da Nang as well as local flights from provincial centers. Buses and shuttle vans are additional ways to get from neighboring locations like Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Hue to Hoi An. The best ways to see the countryside and the Ancient Town are by walking and riding. You can get around with taxis and private car. You can rent a car in Hoian to transfer to longer travels.
Dalat city
One of the best places to live in Vietnam is Dalat. Dalat is 1500 meters above sea level, therefore it is consistently chilly and pleasant there. You will fall in love with this town because of its serene atmosphere and leisurely pace. You can experience the majority of city life while remaining away from visitors if you rent an apartment close to the city center.
Dalat Hydrangea Garden
Dalat has quite pleasant, mild weather all year round. In addition, there's lots of nature and delicious food. The town's colorful architecture displays a French influence and is quite charming. There are supermarkets, gardens, parks, and a good number of restaurants that you will find yourself going back to time and time again. There is also an peace nightlife. This area has a great coffee scene, with lots of plantations that you could start up if you know what you're doing.
Geographical location and Population
Da Lat is known as the City of Flowers and is a popular destination for honeymooners belong to Lam Dong Province. It is situated in a verdant valley with picture-perfect scenery, charming French homes, clean air, and breathtaking waterfalls.
The beautiful mountains that encircle Da Lat, which is around 1500 meters (4921 feet) above sea level on the Lang Biang Plateau in the southern regions of the Central Highlands, are named Elephant's Head and Lady's Body, according to a local. Thus, you shouldn't be shocked if someone refers to Da Lat as "The City in the Forest."
Weather & climate Dalat
Warm weather is a draw for this quaint mountain city, which is tucked away in the middle highlands. Da Lat's air is consistently clean and fresh. The mountains are an excellent place to get away from the heat of the cities because they consistently provide mild temperatures and a nice breeze. The rainy season in Da Lat lasts from April until October. With lows of 20 degrees in January and highs of 30 degrees in July, the weather is normally consistent.
Lam Vien Square in Dalat
Tour attraction in Dalat
With so many attractions, Dalat is the best to places to visit in Vietnam. You will undoubtedly have a wonderful trip there and make many memories. On Dalat city tour a day, you will see sights in the highlands of South Vietnam. Explore a city that was once intended to be a vacation spot, with French bungalows and villas scattered around. See the Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace, the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, waterfalls, temples, and more. Throughout your journey, take in the breathtaking surroundings in the brisk, windy city and learn about the local way of life.
Getting around in Dalat
Due to the abundance of taxis, buses, and motorbike taxis, Dalat is incredibly simple to get around. Although Dalat lacks cyclos, strolling in the refreshing air is really enjoyable. Most of the city's attractions, including the lake and market, are easily accessible on foot. It's preferable to rent a motorcycle or sign up for a tour to see the sights outside of town. On weekends, auto and motorcycle traffic is prohibited from the central city's busiest streets.
Alternatively, you can rent a car with a driver from Vietnam Trust Car Rental for around 129 USD/per day.
Phu Quoc island
Located just off the coast of Cambodia, Phu Quoc Island is the ultimate holiday destination in south Vietnam. In addition to having beaches all around, it is also mountainous and heavily forested, particularly in the northeast, where the enormous Phu Quoc National Park—which is primarily utilized for research—is located. This is perfect if you're a beach bum who would like a small beach house or to spend the day at the beach.
Traveling Phu Quoc island with family
There aren't many activities in the town; it just contains a few restaurants, bars, and a market. The national park is fantastic for exploring, hiking, and camping. Some days will be spent reading piles of books at the beach, and other days will be spent riding a motorcycle around the island in search of hidden treasures. It will be thrilling and unwinding all at once.
Geographical location and Population
Phu Quoc is located on the Gulf of Thailand, in Kien Giang province, at the southwestern extremity of Vietnam’s territorial seas. Over 1320 km2, the island of Phu Quoc is home to both mountains and woods. With over 93,000 people living there, it is 48 kilometers long from north to south (2010). The most stunning beaches and the tastiest seafood in Vietnam can be found in Phu Quoc, which is located 15 km south of Cambodia and 45 km west of Ha Tien.
In reality, Phu Quoc is not a part of the Mekong Delta and does not inherit the rich silt needed to grow fruit and rice. But the world's best fish sauce, as well as the best in Vietnam, comes from Phu Quoc. In addition, Phu Quoc is well-known for its seafood and pepper.
Weather & climate Phu Quoc
The island of Phú Quốc boasts some of Vietnam's best beaches and year-round pleasant weather. But from July through September, which is the rainy season, you might want to avoid there. Certain storms pass over throughout these months, rendering beaches unsuitable and ferrying unsafe. While the rest of the year is hot and dry, December and January offer a beautiful tropical retreat in Phú Quốc.
Tour attractions
Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc, is situated in Thailand Bay. One of Phu Quoc's numerous beautiful scenes and exquisite animals and vegetation is the Phu Quoc National Park. Additionally, travelers to Phu Quoc have the opportunity to see Phu Quoc's Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, one of the worst prisons in recorded history. The well-known Long Beach, which stretches almost half the length of the island, is located along the west coast. It is home to numerous resorts and eateries and is the ideal location to witness the breathtaking Phu Quoc sunset. You shouldn't have trouble finding a quiet place to relax.
The night markets in Phu Quoc are among the most fascinating and enjoyable aspects of vacation. There are food kiosks in the marketplaces selling seafood and other delectable goodies that will make your mouth swim.
Getting around Phu Quoc
Riding a motorcycle is the greatest way to explore Phu Quoc Island. You’ll value your rental bike’s mobility, especially when exploring the area for hidden gems and gorgeous beaches. The daily price range is 100,000-150,000 VND, and petrol costs are negligible.
To go around the island, you may, of course, also easily take a cab or rent a private car with a driver. However, a boat is required to access the southern archipelago's smaller islands. Ask one of the local guys with the smaller boats when you get to the harbor.
Vung Tau city
One of Vietnam's most exquisite beaches is located in Vung Tau, which is encircled by 42 kilometers of coastline. This city also boasts lakes, rivers, and forests, which provide a clean, fresh atmosphere. It is also one of the cities worth living in because of its contemporary infrastructure and good standard of living.
Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is only two hours' drive from Vung Tau and offers a lively nightlife for those seeking it.
Vung Tau city viewed from above with beautiful sunset
Geographical location and Population
Known for being one of Vietnam's most alluring beach vacation spots, Vung Tau City is also the most sought-after weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. Ba Ria - Vung Tau coastal province has two cities: Ba Ria City and Vung Tau. The province borders Dong Nai to the north, Binh Thuan to the east and south, and Ho Chi Minh City to the west all within 16 kilometers. The province's southwest coast runs for more than 300 kilometers.
Weather & climate Vung Tau
One of South Vietnam's most well-known coastal cities, Vung Tau is well-known for its breathtaking beaches and energetic streets. The weather in Vung Tau is influenced by the ocean and the tropical monsoon, creating a nice pattern with an average temperature between 25 and 29°C. In addition, there is not much rainfall and not many storms in this area.
There are two distinct seasons in Vung Tau, Vietnam's weather: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is distinguished by moderate temperatures and little to no rainfall. However, there are typically fewer tourists during the wet season. Visitors to Vung Tau can enjoy the stunning seaside vistas all year round because each season has its own special beauty.
Tour attractions
One of the real advantages of nature tourism is that Vung Tau, with its 1,989 square kilometer region of mountains and delta and a population of slightly over a million, is not a congested or bustling province. With a few well-known historical locations as the Cau Da vestige, the Phao Co battlefield, the Nui Dinh revolutionary camp, the Long Phuoc tunnel, the Con Dao prison system, etc., this province once formed the beautiful heroic pages. In addition, Vung Tau enjoys a year-round temperate climate, breathtaking beaches, and lyrical mountains around the city. The breathtaking beaches, historic lighthouse, figure of Jesus Christ with his arms extended, plethora of delectable cuisine, etc., all astonish both local and foreign tourists.
Getting around Vung Tau
These days, Vung Tau's transportation system is rapidly expanding, allowing you to travel across the city using a variety of modes, including walking, motorbikes, bikes, and taxis.
Similar to other Vietnamese towns, Vung Tau boasts an abundance of motorbike taxis, or xe om. They are all professional, cordial, and friendly. For visitors, opting for an affordable mode of transportation such as XE Om is a prudent decision.
Never be afraid to explore the city of Vung Tau on foot. Vung Tau is not a large city, and even in the summer, the temperature is cool and windy, so you won't have to worry about getting burned like you would in the summers in the North.
Above introduce top 8 the best places to live in Vietnam. Living in anywhere in Vietnam allows you to experience an array of exciting experiences, including a lively local culture, mouthwatering food, and kind greetings. Seizing this exceptional chance, you can discover historical sites and gorgeous scenery that genuinely convey the spirit of Vietnam. Making lasting memories and learning more about Vietnam's rich history can be achieved by interacting with the people and immersing yourself in this interesting nation's traditions and customs.