Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnam has been recognized as the fifth best destination globally for expatriates, according to InterNations' annual Expat Insider survey. The country's low cost of living and safety have garnered praise, although expats and visitors highlighted the need for improvements in infrastructure and administrative processes.

 

Vietnam’s affordability and safety are major draws for foreigners, with expatriates citing the country's thriving culture and welcoming atmosphere. Craig Daniel from Brisbane, Australia, who visited Ho Chi Minh City on October 5, described Vietnam as an affordable travel destination with accommodations and food available at competitive prices. Impressed by the cost-effectiveness and direct flights from Brisbane, Daniel plans regular visits to Vietnam.

 

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, CEO of Alma Resort Cam Ranh and a long-term resident of Vietnam, views the country as a second home. He attributes its high ranking to the genuine hospitality of the Vietnamese people, noting significant improvements in the business environment over the years. The cost of living is another factor enabling a high quality of life, comparable to more expensive countries, but with economic benefits.

 

Despite the positive feedback, there are calls for Vietnam to streamline its infrastructure and administrative procedures. Martin Koerner, commercial director of Anam Group, concurs with these suggestions. With 13 years in Vietnam, Koerner sees the country as more than just a workplace, praising its cultural richness and traditions. He emphasizes Vietnam as an ideal place for both professional opportunities and raising a family.

 

Looking forward, Vietnam's reputation as a desirable expat destination is likely to grow as it addresses the highlighted challenges. The focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and easing administrative processes to attract more international residents and tourists.

 

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam ranks fifth globally in InterNations' Expat survey.
• Expats praise affordability and safety but seek infrastructure improvements.
• Vietnam's cultural richness and hospitality make it a popular expat choice.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-10-23

 

 

But for expat RETIREMENT, it's crap.

22 hours ago, Jingthing said:

But for expat RETIREMENT, it's crap.

 

Absolutely, since there's no retirement visa - I would never want to spend my later years having to leave the country every three months, with no guarantee that I would be re-admitted.

2 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

Absolutely, since there's no retirement visa - I would never want to spend my later years having to leave the country every three months, with no guarantee that I would be re-admitted.

Yet bizarrely and irresponsibly Vietnam still often ends up on best places to retire lists. Of course, only fools blindly trust such sources before doing their own research, I'm sure many others have been lured into wasting their money on exploratory trips and even trying it out before they understood how bad the visa situation really is.