Thinking of retiring in Vietnam? Affordable, beautiful, but a bit adventurous—no retirement visa, pollution in big cities, and renting’s usually the way. Ready for paradise with a twist?
Vietnam really is the perfect place to kick back, especially for retirees eyeing an affordable paradise. With food that hits the spot, people who welcome you like an old friend, and sights that seem straight out of a travel magazine, it’s hard not to love it here. And with prices in Western cities climbing faster than your last promotion, Southeast Asia – Vietnam in particular – is looking more and more like the place to live your golden years with a few extra pennies in your pocket. Curious about how much it actually costs to retire in Vietnam? You can check out the details right here.
After putting in years of work, who wouldn’t want to retire by the beach, sipping fresh coconut water instead of dealing with snow shovels and heating bills? It’s a dream, and it’s more realistic than you might think.
Now, we might not be retired ourselves, but with decades of experience, helping retirees manage their finances is our bread and butter. We’ve seen it all – from the expat fairy tales to a few cautionary tales. So, let’s walk through the need-to-knows before you book that one-way ticket to paradise.
If you're reading this, you've probably already envisioned yourself living the dream in Vietnam—endless bowls of pho, a tropical climate, and a cost of living that won’t break the bank. But, as with any big move, there are some practical realities to keep in mind. Let’s go through a few of the not-so-obvious curveballs that could come your way:
This one can be a bit of a speed bump. Vietnam hasn’t quite rolled out the red carpet for retirees in the form of an official retirement visa. Right now, most folks get by as long-term tourists, hopping in and out on visa extensions, or they take a more creative route: setting up a low-maintenance business and naming themselves “director” to snag a work visa. So, if you’re looking for the kind of retirement where you’re fully off-duty, Vietnam might feel a bit high-maintenance. Think of it more as a “half-retired, half-stay-on-your-toes” kind of place.
While the idea of setting up a side business sounds exciting, it’s worth being a little cautious. Doing business here has its quirks—there’s a fair amount of “gift-giving” culture, and, let’s say, some foreigner price tags. Unfortunately, not everyone is operating above board, so some retirees find themselves in costly situations with local “partners” who may not be playing fair. It’s not that you can’t make it work—just bring in someone you trust (a good lawyer or business advisor) before you sign anything.
Air quality is a bit of a mixed bag. While places like Hoi An and Da Nang are far more manageable, big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City don’t hold back on their smog. And it’s not just the air—rivers here tend to run a little darker, fields pile up with trash, and the noise never stops. If clean air and quiet are top of your list, you may want to stick to the smaller coastal cities. It’s a reality of rapid development, so until waste management takes a big leap forward, pollution’s here to stay.
Here’s another point to chew on: if you’re dreaming of that beachside villa, brace yourself. In most cases, foreigners can’t buy land in Vietnam. Apartments are fair game, but mortgages can be a tough sell for non-residents. Marrying a local can be one way around this, but that also means the property will be in their name—cue potential legal soap operas if things go south. Bottom line? If you want the property, stick to apartments or, honestly, just rent.
If you’re ready to tackle these hurdles, Vietnam could be a fantastic place to kick back in retirement. But it’s no paradise-on-a-plate setup. Vietnam offers a vibrant, affordable retirement, but you’ve got to know what you’re signing up for.
Thinking of retiring in Vietnam? Let’s make sure your money’s set to work as smoothly as the waves on the beach you’ll be enjoying. Here are a few key steps to keeping your finances flexible and secure:
If you’re ready to safeguard your retirement, or just need a nudge in the right direction, we're here to help.
Your ideal spot to retire will depend on your preferences, but here’s a quick rundown of the popular picks:
Hanoi is Vietnam’s answer to old-world charm, with French colonial architecture, cozy street corners, and a slower pace than its southern cousin, Ho Chi Minh City. That said, “peaceful” wouldn’t exactly make it onto Hanoi’s résumé—expect honking horns, a chilly winter, and air quality that leaves much to be desired. History buffs and culture seekers will find a lot to love, but for a more laid-back retirement, this might not top the list.
Saigon is where Vietnam’s pulse beats fastest. It’s a sprawling metropolis brimming with life, a vibrant nightlife, and a more liberal vibe than its somewhat buttoned-up northern neighbour, Hanoi. For those seeking a quieter corner, there’s Thao Dien, a popular spot among expats, and the sleek, new Sala area. If you want city perks with a sprinkle of calm, these areas offer a nice balance. But if you’re looking to retire with more R&R and fewer rooftop bars, you might want to explore central Vietnam. It's also where we base our operations office!
For a slower pace and a beach backdrop, Da Nang and Hoi An offer an appealing alternative to the buzz of Hanoi and Saigon. Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, combines scenic coastlines with affordable living, solid medical facilities, and a surprising range of food and entertainment. It’s also an active retiree’s dream, hosting marathons and triathlons, with nearby mountains perfect for a weekend escape.
Hoi An, about an hour south, is a beautifully preserved town—though a favorite for tourists. Just beyond the bustling town center, you’ll find a charming, laid-back atmosphere with quiet beaches and welcoming locals. If you love the idea of mornings on the sand and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, this area might just be your sweet spot.
Okay, maybe we'rea bit biased, but Phu Quoc has some of the best-value resorts and hotels in Vietnam, perfect for a week in a hammock by the sea. That said, if you’re thinking long-term, it might feel a bit sleepy—great for vacationers, but as a place to settle down, it could get dull pretty quickly. Prove me wrong, though!
Another beach city, Nha Trang is popular with holiday-goers, especially Russians, thanks to direct flights and budget-friendly packages. It’s also become a bit of a haven for those looking to escape the situation in Ukraine. Though I haven’t been, from what I hear, it’s like a southern cousin of Da Nang with that beach-city vibe.
Mui Ne’s reputation is that of a low-key beach retreat—undisturbed and underdeveloped, making it one of the most laid-back spots around. If you’re after simplicity and tranquility, this little town might just be your cup of iced tea.
Just a stone’s throw from Saigon, Vung Tau is the beach escape for locals looking to unwind. Many expats relocate here when they want a breather from Saigon’s relentless pace but still need to stay close to the action. It’s got enough facilities to make a comfortable retirement without losing that small-town vibe.
Your retirement budget in Vietnam can vary quite a bit based on your lifestyle. For a comfortable, no-frills retirement in a decent part of town with a one-bedroom apartment, medical insurance, meals out, and a bit of fun, you’re looking at around $2,000 per month in a big city, or closer to $1,200 in a smaller one. Of course, some will claim to live on $800 a month, but they might be skipping on the extras (like health insurance or a decent apartment). My take? After nearly a decade here, $2,000 is a reasonable starting point for a good quality of life.
Vietnam’s cost of living can surprise you. Rent, basic food, and massages are affordable, but gyms, swimming pools, and imported items like cheese? Not always cheap. In smaller towns, life can cost even less, but keep in mind that options and amenities may be limited, and English speakers will be few and far between.
In a word: visit. Spend a few months here to see if Vietnam clicks with you. Most folks go through a honeymoon phase, then either learn to embrace the quirks or decide it’s not for them. Vietnam’s still developing in some ways, and there are moments that’ll make you wonder if it’s worth it. But in other ways, it’s already ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re ready to dive in or just testing the waters, good luck on your journey. And if you want to chat through how to best set up your finances for a smooth retirement here, we're just a call away.
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