why more foreigners choose vietnam to live and work long term

Vietnam is no longer just a travel destination — it’s a lifestyle choice. Through Vietnam discovery tours, more and more foreigners fall in love with the country’s peace, beauty, and kindness, choosing to live and work here where every day feels like a new adventure.

1. Introduction: Vietnam – A Country That Stays in Your Heart

When people first come to Vietnam, most arrive as travelers – curious, eager to explore the sights, taste the food, and feel the rhythm of life in a faraway land.

But then something magical happens: many of them never want to leave.

From the mossy streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, to the gentle sunsets over Da Nang’s beaches, from the warm smiles in Hoi An, to the aroma of coffee drifting through Saigon’s alleys, Vietnam quietly finds its way into their hearts — naturally, sincerely, and deeply.

Today, tens of thousands of foreigners — from the United States, Australia, the UK, Korea, and France — are living, working, and calling Vietnam “home.”

They come to teach, to work remotely, to open small seaside cafés, or simply to enjoy a peaceful, simple life filled with smiles.

2. Why Vietnam Is the Ideal Place to Live and Work

2.1. Safety and Peace – A Rare Gift in Today’s World

While many countries face instability, conflicts, or gun violence, Vietnam stands out as an oasis of safety and calm.

Foreign residents often say they feel safe and peaceful walking through the streets at night, or letting their children play outside without worry.

No gunshots. No fear. Only the call of street vendors, children’s laughter, and the soothing rhythm of daily life.

That sense of security is one of the biggest reasons why so many foreigners choose to stay in Vietnam for the long term.

2.2. The Vietnamese People – Warm, Friendly, and Genuine

Ask any foreigner who has lived in Vietnam for more than a decade what keeps them here, and the answer is almost always the same: “The people.”

Vietnamese people are known for their kindness, hospitality, and sincerity.

They greet strangers with smiles, offer help without hesitation, and treat foreigners as friends, not outsiders.

An Australian named Michael Turner once came to Vietnam for a two-week trip. Ten years later, he’s still living in Da Nang.

He shares:

“I love walking to my favorite coffee shop by the beach, hearing the waves, and being greeted by locals with genuine smiles. Vietnam gives me a feeling of belonging I never found anywhere else.”

A former American teacher in Hanoi, Sarah Miller, recalls being invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with her Vietnamese neighbors — sharing homemade bánh chưng and laughter until midnight.

Stories like these capture the soul of Vietnam — where strangers become family.

2.3. Natural Beauty – Vietnam, the Emerald Ribbon of Asia

From the majestic mountains of the northwest to the poetic beaches of the central coast, from Sapa’s terraced rice fields to the emerald islands of Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is often described as “the emerald ribbon of Southeast Asia.”

Many foreigners say they choose to live here because every day brings a new landscape to discover.

One morning, you can watch the sunrise over Nha Trang’s sea; by afternoon, you can be trekking up Fansipan — the “Roof of Indochina.”

Traveling in Vietnam isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about healing the soul.

With affordable living costs, you can enjoy a life close to nature, close to the sea, something that’s considered a luxury in many developed countries.

2.4. Affordable Living with High Quality of Life

One of Vietnam’s biggest attractions for foreigners is its low cost of living.

With around $1,000 a month, you can rent a comfortable apartment, enjoy delicious meals, move around conveniently, and still have enough left for weekend getaways.

• A bowl of beef phở: $1.50

• A glass of iced milk coffee: $1

• A one-bedroom apartment in central Da Nang: $400–500/month

Compared to Singapore, Japan, or Thailand, living expenses in Vietnam are 40–60% cheaper, while the quality of infrastructure and services continues to rise.

That’s why Vietnam has become a paradise for digital nomads — affordable, convenient, and full of charm.

2.5. Opportunities for Education, Work, and Investment

Education and career opportunities are another reason foreigners settle in Vietnam.

International schools and universities are rapidly growing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue.

Many young people come here to learn Vietnamese, participate in cultural exchange programs, or work as teachers, engineers, and travel content creators.

Vietnam is also becoming a new tech and startup hub in Asia.

With open policies, tax incentives, and a young, creative population, the country offers great opportunities for foreigners to invest or start small businesses.

2.6. Long-Term Visa Policy – Welcoming the World with Open Arms

The Vietnamese government has been making its visa policy more flexible and friendly toward foreigners.

Since 2023, the electronic visa (e-visa) has been extended to 90 days, with the option to renew multiple times without leaving the country.

Many experts predict that Vietnam will soon introduce a “residency visa” similar to those in Thailand or Malaysia, allowing foreigners to live in the country for 5–10 years.

This shows that Vietnam doesn’t just want tourists — it wants to become a true second home for the international community.

2.7. Vietnamese Cuisine – The Heart of the Culture

Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.

Foreigners fall in love with phở, bún chả, bánh mì, egg coffee, and countless other regional dishes.

Vietnamese food is not only delicious but also healthy and light, rich in fresh herbs and vegetables — perfectly matching the global “eat clean” trend.

Many foreigners joke:

“I stayed in Vietnam because the food was too good — I just couldn’t leave my phở behind.”

2.8. Life by the Sea – Where the Soul Finds Peace

With more than 3,200 kilometers of coastline, Vietnam boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Quy Nhon have become havens for foreigners seeking calm, sunshine, and balance.

Life by the sea in Vietnam brings a sense of slowness, serenity, and joy.

Many Australians and Americans have sold their houses back home to buy small beachfront apartments here — to wake up to the sunrise and fall asleep to the sound of waves.

2.9. A Calm Atmosphere and Balanced Way of Life

In a world that’s always rushing, Vietnam offers a slower, more mindful rhythm.

Here, you can start your day with a cup of dripping coffee, watch the motorbikes flow by, and feel time gently pass.

Foreigners often say:

“Vietnam taught me to slow down and appreciate every moment.”

That calm energy, that quiet happiness, is something few countries can offer.

2.10. Modern Healthcare – Accessible, Affordable, and Reliable

Another reason many foreigners feel comfortable living in Vietnam is its fast-developing healthcare system. Over the past decade, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in both public and private healthcare, ensuring that residents — local or foreign — can receive quality treatment without long waiting times.

Unlike in some Western countries, where patients often wait weeks or even a month for an appointment, in Vietnam, you can see a doctor the same day.

Private hospitals and international clinics operate 24/7 in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, offering English-speaking doctors, modern equipment, and reasonable prices. These facilities have earned strong reputations among expats and travelers alike.

Public hospitals, though sometimes limited in facilities, are staffed by highly skilled doctors who undergo rigorous training and gain valuable real-world experience treating a wide range of cases daily. Many foreign residents note that Vietnamese doctors combine professionalism with heartfelt care, creating a medical environment that feels personal and reassuring.

Whether you need a quick check-up, emergency care, or long-term treatment, healthcare in Vietnam continues to improve — accessible, efficient, and compassionate, reflecting the country’s steady rise in both development and humanity.

3. Conclusion: Vietnam – Where the Heart Finds Peace

Vietnam is no longer just a popular travel destination — it’s becoming a true home for thousands of foreigners.

They come and stay — not because of luxury or wealth, but because of the safety, kindness, and sincerity this country radiates.

From the bustling streets of Saigon to a quiet riverside café in Da Nang, from small Vietnamese language schools to golden beaches at sunset — every corner here feels like home.

Vietnam – the land of smiles, peace, and new beginnings.

If you’re looking for a place to live, to love, or to start anew, Vietnam might just be the place that touches your heart.