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Pros and Cons of Living in Vietnam | Expat Exchange
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Nha Trang, Vietnam

Pros and Cons of Living in Vietnam

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 09, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Vietnam include its diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living. Additionally, the country is home to many beautiful landscapes and beaches, making it a great place to explore and relax. On the other hand, the cons of living in Vietnam include the language barrier, as English is not widely spoken, and the lack of infrastructure in some areas. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and floods, which can cause disruption and damage.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Vietnam responded:

" If you want to be happy in Vietnam them live your life, be friendly, learn language, food and culture. That's it," remarked one expat in Vietnam.

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What do expats in Vietnam appreciate most about the local culture?

"There's always something happening or something to see in Ho Chi Minh City that takes you by surprise. You don't know what you're going to see when you leave the apartment. A lot of entrepeneurs here, who have a positive attitude and we appreciate that alot, having moved from the doom and gloom and miserable attitude in Europe. Also we feel safe in the city and we're able to drive around independently on our scooter - something that can't be said of every city in south east asia," replied an expat in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Expats in Vietnam often appreciate the hospitality and warmth of the local people, as well as the cultural diversity that exists in this diverse country. The national cuisine and traditional dishes, such as Pho and Banh Mi, are also frequently enjoyed by expats living in Vietnam. The affordability of living in Vietnam is also appreciated by many expats, as well as the vibrant city life and the prevalence of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and exploring the rural landscape. The sheer natural beauty of the country, from its mountain and coastal regions to its cultural heritage, is also celebrated by expats in Vietnam," remarked one in Vietnam.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Vietnam find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of navigating the local culture, as many locals only speak Vietnamese or limited English. Additionally, the cultural norms in Vietnam can be quite different from those in their home countries, which can cause confusion and frustration among expats. Vietnam's system of etiquette and propriety can also be confusing and hard to understand, with some topics being considered taboo even among close friends. Many expats are also unfamiliar with the local food, and while most can find family-style restaurants to provide familiar international food, trying local dishes can be difficult if one doesn't know what dishes contain," explained one expat living in Vietnam.

"We used to have a selection of dried herbs/spices/oils/vinegars etc for cooking at home, but very little of that exists here. We don't have time to go shopping for fresh herbs and fresh meat/fish every day like the locals do, so we eat out every night instead. It's cheaper but we miss cooking sometimes. Nothing seems to work in a logical way here. It's as if each organisation is developing in different directions and so unexpected things happen a lot. Vietnamese people can come across as very rude -but only if they don't speak english. They are embarassed to show themselves up. Otherwise, the locals who can speak english are very welcoming and will want you to stay in their country forever," said one expat in Ho Chi Minh City.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Nha Trang, Vietnam
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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