Most popular expat towns in Vietnam

Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for expats, offering a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Here are some of the most popular expat towns in Vietnam, with their highlights, lowlights, signatures, price ranges, and general customer reviews.

1. Ho Chi Minh City: Thao Dien expat towns in Vietnam (District 2 / Thu Duc City)

• Location: Northeast of District 1, part of what’s now Thu Duc City (formerly District 2).

• Highlights:

  • The Expat Hub: Unquestionably the largest and most established expat community in HCMC, making it incredibly easy to meet people, find services, and socialize.
  • Western Amenities: Abundance of international schools (BIS, AIS, ISHCMC), Western supermarkets (Annam Gourmet, Mega Market), international clinics, gyms, yoga studios, and diverse restaurants/cafes.
  • Green & Spacious: Compared to the inner city, Thao Dien is greener, with wider, tree-lined streets and less traffic congestion (though still busy by Western standards).
  • Lifestyle: Offers a more relaxed, suburban, and family-friendly lifestyle than the bustling downtown. Many villas and modern apartment complexes with pools.
  • Riverside Views: Parts of Thao Dien offer beautiful views of the Saigon River.

• Lowlights:

  • “Expat Bubble”: Can feel disconnected from “authentic” Vietnamese life. Some expats find it too Westernized.
  • Commute to District 1: While not extremely far, daily commutes to District 1 (the central business district) can be challenging during rush hour. The Metro line is under construction, which will alleviate this.
  • Higher Cost of Living: Generally more expensive for rent, dining, and groceries than purely local areas of HCMC.

• Signature: A lush, suburban expat towns in Vietnam with all the comforts of home.

• Price Range: High (for HCMC).

  • Rent (1-BR apartment): VND 10,000,000 – VND 25,000,000+ (approx. $400 – $1,000+ USD), depending on building and amenities. Villas much higher.

• Customer Review:

“Perfect for families,” “has everything you need,” “feels safe and comfortable,” “great for meeting other foreigners,” “a bit detached from the real Vietnam.”

See also: Top 5 supermarkets in Vietnam

2. Ho Chi Minh City: Phu My Hung expat towns in Vietnam (District 7)

• Location: Southern HCMC, a planned urban area in District 7.

• Highlights:

  • Planned Community: A well-organized, clean, and modern residential area developed by a Taiwanese company (Phu My Hung Corp). Wide roads, spacious sidewalks, and green spaces.
  • Family-Friendly: Very popular with expat families, especially Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese, due to numerous international schools, parks, and kid-friendly facilities.
  • High Quality of Life: Offers high-quality apartments, villas, and excellent amenities, including shopping malls (Crescent Mall), international hospitals (FV Hospital), and diverse dining.
  • Quieter & Safer: Generally much quieter and perceived as safer than central districts.
  • Golf Courses & Greenery: Features several golf courses and well-maintained public parks.

• Lowlights:

  • Distance from City Center: Significantly further from District 1 than Thao Dien, making commutes to the central business district longer.
  • Less “Vietnamese”: Can feel very international and lacks the bustling, authentic Vietnamese street life found elsewhere.
  • Transport Dependent: While walkable within its sub-neighborhoods, you’ll need a car or Grab for anything outside Phu My Hung.
  • Fewer Nightlife Options: More focused on family and quiet living, with fewer lively bars or clubs.

• Signature: A clean, modern, and family-oriented international township within HCMC.

• Price Range:

High (similar to or slightly less than Thao Dien for apartments, but villas can be very expensive).

• • Rent (1-BR apartment): VND 10,000,000 – VND 20,000,000+ (approx. $400 – $800+ USD).

• Customer Review:

“Excellent for families with kids,” “very safe and clean,” “great international schools,” “feels like a different country,” “a bit far from the action.”

3. Hanoi: Tay Ho expat towns in Vietnam (West Lake District)

• Location: Northwest of central Hanoi, surrounding the expansive West Lake (Ho Tay).

• Highlights:

  • The Expat Epicenter: The primary hub for the majority of Hanoi’s foreign residents, from teachers and digital nomads to diplomats and business professionals.
  • Westernized Amenities: A wide array of international restaurants, cafes (many with lake views), bars, delis, international schools, gyms, and specialty grocery stores catering to Western tastes.
  • Lakeside Living: Opportunities for beautiful lake views, walks, cycling, and water sports. The air quality is often slightly better than the inner Old Quarter.
  • Community Feel: A strong sense of community among expats, with numerous social groups and events.
  • Variety of Housing: From modern serviced apartments to charming lakeside villas and traditional Vietnamese tube houses.

• Lowlights:

  • Distance from Old Quarter: While not extremely far, it requires a Grab or taxi to reach the historical Old Quarter or central business districts, which can take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Higher Cost of Living: Generally the most expensive area for rent and certain services in Hanoi.
  • Can be Touristy (Parts): While primarily residential for expats, some areas around the lake can get busy with tourists.

• Signature: Lakeside tranquility meets bustling expat community and Western comforts.

• Price Range:

High (for Hanoi).

• • Rent (1-BR apartment): VND 10,000,000 – VND 25,000,000+ (approx. $400 – $1,000+ USD), with villas much higher.

• Customer Review:

“Best place to live in Hanoi,” “love the lake vibe,” “easy to find Western food,” “great community,” “rent can be high but worth it.”

4. Hanoi: Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen expat towns in Vietnam (Old Quarter)

• Location: Heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, specifically the intersection area known as “Beer Street.”

• Highlights:

  • Backpacker & Nightlife Hub: The quintessential spot for budget travelers and those seeking lively nightlife. Famous for “Bia Hoi” (local draft beer) on plastic stools, attracting a mix of locals and tourists.
  • Immersive Local Vibe (Day): During the day, it’s part of the bustling Old Quarter with traditional shops, street food vendors, and a truly authentic Hanoi atmosphere.
  • Central Location: Unbeatable proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake, major historical sites, and endless street food.
  • Affordable: Relatively cheap food, drinks, and budget accommodation.

• Lowlights:

  • Extremely Noisy & Busy (Night): Can be overwhelmingly loud and crowded, especially on weekend nights. Not ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
  • Less Suitable for Long-Term Living: More of a short-term/traveler’s area than a residential expat hub. Accommodation tends to be smaller, older, and geared towards tourists.
  • Less “Western Comforts”: Few large supermarkets or international amenities.
  • Safety Concerns (Night): While generally safe, petty theft can occur in very crowded areas.

• Signature: The quintessential Hanoi “Beer Street” experience – lively, gritty, and undeniably authentic for a night out.

• Price Range:

Low to Mid (for living, but nightlife can add up).

• • Rent (basic room/guesthouse): VND 4,000,000 – VND 8,000,000 (approx. $160 – $320 USD).

• Customer Review:

“Great for a party night,” “amazing atmosphere,” “cheap beer,” “too loud to sleep,” “feels very touristy after a while.”

5. Da Nang: An Thuong Area expat towns in Vietnam (My An Ward)

• Location: East of the Han River, primarily in My An ward of Ngu Hanh Son District, close to My Khe Beach.

• Highlights:

  • Digital Nomad & Beach Lifestyle: The most popular area for digital nomads, young expats, and those seeking a relaxed beach-oriented lifestyle.
  • Expat-Friendly Services: High concentration of international restaurants, cafes, co-working spaces, gyms, and serviced apartments catering to foreigners.
  • Beach Access: Very close proximity to My Khe Beach, making it easy to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
  • Relatively Clean & Organized: Da Nang is known for its cleanliness and wider streets compared to HCMC/Hanoi, and An Thuong benefits from this.
  • Community: A rapidly growing and active expat community, making it easy to connect and socialize.

• Lowlights:

  • Can be Touristy: While residential for expats, it’s also a major tourist hub, so it can feel quite commercialized.
  • Less “Local” Feel: Less authentic Vietnamese charm compared to older parts of the city or towns like Hoi An.
  • Job Market: Limited to teaching English, tourism, or remote work/digital nomad opportunities.
  • Rainy Season: Heavy rains and potential typhoons during the wet season (Oct-Mar) can impact outdoor activities.

• Signature: A modern, convenient, and growing expat hub with easy access to a world-class beach.

• Price Range:

Low to Mid.

• • Rent (1-BR apartment): VND 6,000,000 – VND 12,000,000 (approx. $240 – $480 USD).

• Customer Review:

“Perfect for digital nomads,” “love being so close to the beach,” “lots of good food options,” “friendly community,” “can feel a bit like a bubble sometimes.”

These expat towns in Vietnam offer varying degrees of Western comfort, local immersion, and lifestyle choices within Vietnam’s major urban centers. Your choice will depend on what you prioritize in your expat experience.