While moving to another country can be scary, Vietnam is an incredible place to live in. Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a beautiful country with bustling cities, magnificent landscapes, and rich cultural diversity.
Vietnam has a never-ending list of different experiences to enjoy, like its famous beaches, festive nightlife, and mind-blowing cuisine. The Vietnamese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming; this goes a long way to helping you settle in a new country.
As lovely as Vietnam is, some cities in this country will suit you more than others. Read on to find out which city would be your perfect fit.
Best Places to Live in Vietnam for:
- Expats: Ho Chi Minh City
- English Speakers: Ho Chi Minh City
- Digital Nomads: Da Nang
- Solo Travelers: Nha Trang
- Couples: Da Lat
- Groups: Hanoi
Top 10 Places to Live in Vietnam
1. Ho Chi Minh City
Best City for Expats
Cost of Living: $$
A rapidly growing and vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and is probably the easiest place for a Westerner to get accustomed to. It is very modern and offers many job opportunities as the financial capital of Vietnam.
Tip: Ho Chi Minh has a large expat community to help you navigate your new surroundings.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, English Speakers, Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples & Groups
Pros:
- Job Opportunities
- Diverse and affordable food
- Great nightlife
Cons:
- Pollution
- Heavy traffic
2. Hanoi City
Best City for Groups
Cost of Living: $$
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is blessed with a great mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. This mix is perfect for those who want to experience the history and culture of Vietnam while still having the modern perks you are used to.
Tip: It’s easy to explore the rest of northern Vietnam using Hanoi as a base.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples & Groups
Pros:
- Incredible street food
- Cultural experience
- Great nightlife
Cons:
- Pollution
- Heavy traffic
3. Da Nang
Best City for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $
Da Nang is growing in popularity for many reasons and is a great place to live as a digital nomad. It is the third-largest city in Vietnam and has everything you could need in a place you’d want to call home. The local food is delicious and very cheap, but there are also Western options if you’re missing something familiar.
Tip: Finding the right bank as a digital nomad is hard and your choice can cost you in the long run, make sure you are informed to find the best one that suits you.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples & Groups
Pros:
- Job Opportunities
- Clean
- Excellent food
Cons:
- Crowded during tourist season
- Fewer English speakers
4. Nha Trang
Best City for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $
A beautiful coastal city that could be called paradise, Nha Trang is the perfect place for those looking to settle in an area with a mix of city and country life. It’s a laid-back place, so if the city life doesn’t suit you, this could be the perfect location for you.
The city still has many bars and restaurants to choose from, so finding a place to eat and drink won’t be a problem.
Tip: Nha Trang has its own international airport that you can use for easy traveling.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads & Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Beautiful coastline
- Island hopping
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Fewer English speakers
- Crowded during tourist season
5. Da Lat
Best City for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Da Lat is a romantic city that used to be a popular vacation spot for French colonists. Its climate is a lot cooler than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, making it a great escape from the usual humidity of Vietnam. It is a lovely getaway from the crowded city but still has a fair amount of restaurants with beautiful scenery and French architecture to admire.
Tip: Da Lat has coffee plantations surrounding it, making it perfect for the coffee enthusiast.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers & Couples
Pros:
- Fantastic weather
- Beautiful landscape
- Great coffee
Cons:
- Can get cold
- No beach
6. Hoi An
Best City for Relaxation
Cost of Living: $$
Hoi An is known as the ancient city and is considered to be the most beautiful city in Vietnam. It is a small and quiet city suited to those who really want a slow lifestyle. There are lovely beaches close by to enjoy, and the cost of living is relatively low.
Tip: Da Nang is only a 30-minute drive away.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples & Groups
Pros:
- Close to nature
- Slow-paced
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Not much going on
- Small expat community
- Fewer job opportunities
7. Mui Ne
Best City for Water Sports
Cost of Living: $
Mui Ne is a quiet little coastal city that offers quite a bit. It also offers water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby.
It’s not very expensive to live here either, meaning you can spend more money enjoying the local food and water sports activities on offer.
Tip: Ho Chi Minh is only 4 hours away from Mui Ne on a train or bus.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples & Groups
Pros:
- Water sports
- Great local food
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Fewer job opportunities
- Fewer English speakers
- Small expat community
8. Phu Quoc
Best City for Beach Lovers
Cost of Living: $
Suppose you are looking for the ultimate beach getaway, then Phu Quoc island is your best bet. It is situated closer to Cambodia than Vietnam, and you do not need a visa to stay for up to 30 days. It is surrounded by the beach and offers incredible mountains and forests for challenging hikes.
Tip: A 40-minute flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City is only 689,535 Vietnamese Dong (30 USD).
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers & Couples
Pros:
- Close to the beach
- Slow-paced
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Not much going on
- Small expat community
- Fewer job opportunities
9. Vung Tau
Best City for Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $
Vung Tao has 26 miles of coastline with many beautiful beaches to enjoy. There are also forests, lakes, and rivers for you to take advantage of in this city. Vung Tao is only 62 miles from Ho Chi Minh city, which is a great choice for a weekend away.
Tip: The quickest way to get to Ho Chi Minh city is a ferry or speedboat for 200,000 Vietnamese Dong (8.71 USD)
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads & Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Close to Ho Chi Minh city
- Wonderful natural landscape
- Low accommodation cost
Cons:
- Nightlife during the week is quiet
- Conservative city
- English is rarely spoken
10. Ha Long
Best City for Seafood
Cost of Living: $
Ha Long city is home to the magical Ha Long Bay, a major tourist destination and one of the new seven wonders of nature. It is a great place to escape the busy city, with Hanoi close by and multiple islands to visit.
Tip: Purchase or rent a motorbike as taxis can be expensive.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Expats & Groups
Pros:
- Tranquil environment
- Delicious seafood
- Accommodation rent is cheap
Cons:
- Small city
- Not many bars and restaurants
- Renting in the city is difficult
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a safe country, but petty theft can be a problem in the larger cities.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Vietnam?
The local currency that they use in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong.
3. What Language Do They Speak in Vietnam?
The national and official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese.
4. How to Travel Around Vietnam
The most popular mode of transport in Vietnam is the motorbike, but you can also use an airplane, train, bus, taxi, boat, and ferry.