Let's Retire In Vietnam

13/07/2022

Best Places To Retire In Vietnam: Discover Where You Should Go

The best places to retire in Vietnam compare with the best places to retire anywhere in Asia right now. Maybe even anywhere in the world. One thing is for sure, the standard of retired life in Vietnam is only going to improve.

Vietnam is a country with a rich history and a bright future.

Backpackers and digital nomads have been coming here for years. Retirees are now making the journey here. Attracted by the low cost of living, warm weather, and chance to experience a new culture. Read on to discover the best places to retire in Vietnam.

The Best Places To Retire In Vietnam: Hoi An
The best places to retire in Vietnam, Hoi An at night
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English Spoken?
In Hoi An you will hear English spoken everywhere. This is a tourist-friendly destination. You can easily get by without needing to learn another language. However you will still need to learn some Vietnamese phrases to get the most out of living here.

Safety

Hoi An is a safe place to live. Tourists are a staple of the Hoi An economy, and their safety is a priority for the local police.

Take the usual precautions when out and about though. Do not carry big sums of cash or wear expensive jewelry in crowded areas. By using the same common sense you would employ at home, you shouldn’t have any trouble in Hoi An. Some backpacker bars can be dangerous at night. This is usually alcohol related and sometimes leading to fights. Most retiree’s give these places a wide berth anyway.

Health Care
The standard of medical care in Hoi An is basic. Most expats recommend you travel to Da Nang for a quality, English-speaking doctor. Da Nang is around 40km away from Hoi An. It has big hospitals, capable of taking care of all but the most specialized complaints.

You can find quality health care and private hospitals in Vietnam, but not in Hoi An. Even a doctor’s call out here is likely to be expensive. Family Medical Practice Vietnam, is a countrywide franchise. For a fee they offer a call out service from Da Nang to Hanoi. Beware though, they charge a lot for this service.
Real Estate

The real estate market in Hoi An is strong and has been growing well. You can easily find estate agents who speak English, and are comfortable dealing with expats.

http://www.hoianhouse.com/for-sale/

http://www.propgoluxury.com/en/luxuryrealestate/hoi-an-vietnam

Buying real estate in Vietnam is a grey area, more detailed information can be found here LINK TO ARTICLE HOW TO BUY REAL ESTATE IN VIETNAM.

Other Info

Hoi An is famous for its historic Ancient Town, that is built on a canal network. The old town remains beautifully preserved and looks especially fine at night, when traditional style lanterns illuminate the streets. If you enjoy historical living, Hoi An is one of the best places to retire in Vietnam.

To this day, the canal network continues to be local tradespeople. You can buy fresh fruit and veg, fish, and other products from the boats here. At night the Hoai River is lit up by floating lanterns and flower garlands.

The Best Places To Retire In Vietnam: Nha Trang
Best places to retire in Vietnam Nha Trang beach view

English Spoken?

Outside of expat groups there is only limited English spoken here. Venders in tourist areas, and taxi drivers may speak a little English. The younger generation are more likely to be able to communicate with you as well. If you plan to live here its recommended that you try and learn a few phrases in Vietnamese. Locals will really appreciate your efforts, even if you make a few mistakes.

Safety
Like much of Vietnam, the most dangerous place in Nha Trang is on the road. Vietnam has a shockingly high number of road fatalities every year. If you are travelling outside of the city, on faster roads, take great care.

Nha Trang is much like any other big city in terms of safety. Pickpockets are known to operate around busy tourist locations such as bars and clubs. Keep your wits about you and you will be fine. In general Nha Trang is a safe and friendly place and you won’t feel intimidated walking around after dark.

Health Care
Like most parts of Vietnam, basic medical care is cheap. There are three big hospitals in Nha Trang. The VK Hospital, VinMec, and Mind Hospital Nha Trang. These hospitals are OK but not great by western standards. Most will go to Saigon or even fly to the Bangkok if they need hospital treatment.

Real Estate
The market has been growing fast over the past decade or so. You can find modern apartments, houses and villas, at prices that low even by Vietnamese standards.

Real estate agents in Nha Trang don’t have the same kind of regulations as in the U.S. and you will need to keep your wits about you. There are licensed agents to be found, just be sure to see some certification. Renting here is usually straightforward. Expats living here report that landlords don’t require a lot of documentation.

There is also a strong rental market in Nha Trang. If you are planning on a part-time retirement in Vietnam, you can generate extra income when you are not using the property. If you are looking for to make money from rental then Nha Trang must be considered one of the best places to retire in Vietnam.

Other Info
Nha Trang was a just a collection of fishing hamlets until the French arrived. They fell in love with the beaches here, and turned Nha Trang into Vietnam’s first resort town. The beaches remain Nha Trang’s main attraction today.

Nha Trang is notable for the cable cars that cross the sea. Linking Nha Trang with Hon Tre Island, the cable car offers some of the best views you can find in the city. It is also in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world.

The Best Unknown Spot In Vietnam: Da Nang
Best places to retire in Vietnam Da Nang street scene
Image Source; iStock/VuCongDanh
English Spoken?
Outside of expat circles you are unlikely to find too many people who are fluent in English. However a lot of people know a little English, with some patience on both sides you will be able to get by. The younger generation are very keen to learn English and they are your best bet for conversation with locals. The demand for learning English is strong, and you can make some money teaching.

Safety
As with most places in Vietnam Da Nang is generally a very safe place to live and spend time. The biggest danger is crossing the roads, make sure you are alert any time you step out onto the street. The level of safety in Da Nang makes it one ofthe best places to retire in Vietnam.

In the tourist areas and petty theft can be a concern. Keep your valuables out of site, and close to your body. Thieves on motorcycles have been known to try and sn**ch bags so hold on tight to your bag if you are by a busy road.

Taxi’s may try and overcharge you so make sure you agree the fee before you get in. The drivers will expect you to negotiate, so never pay the first fee they quote you.

Health Care
Expats with a serious medical complaint will usually travel to Bangkok or Singapore for treatment. Both these places have first-world treatment standards. Bangkok is extremely affordable too.

There is a women’s hospital and a new hospital specializing in cancer treatment. If you urgently need medical attention you can go via the Family Medical Practice, available in Da Nang. Prescription medicine is available over the counter. Be sure to go to a reputable chemist and check your medicine before you hand over any money.

Real Estate
The River Han divides Da Nang. The West of the city is livelier. It’s here that you will find cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The East side of the city offers a slower pace of life on the beach. However Da Nang is a small city. If you buy in western Da Nang it’s still easy to get to the beach.

Da Nang landlord, is a local estate agents which has a great range of properties for rent. Another good, local company to try is Central Vietnam Realty. These have properties for rent and purchase. They have some properties in Hoi An but are mainly focused on Da Nang.

If you are looking to buy property here you can also go through international companies such.

Other Info
Da Nang is well positioned for a base camp. As well as the town itself, and pristine beaches, you are close to a few noteable tourist attractions. My Son Holy Land is a 40 minute drive and a well preserved ancient temple. The Marble Mountains, known locally as Ngu Hanh Son, are a pilgrimage site. Amongst other things you can find gruesome statues depicting the Buddhist conception of hell.

Oliver Lovett

13/07/2022

The Pros And Cons Of Living In Da Lat, Vietnam As An Expat

As I make my way down a broad boulevard shaded by leafy cedars on either side, I regret that I’m not wearing a jacket. Despite the sunshine and blue sky, the air is crisper than I’d anticipated.

I’m kept from turning back to my hotel by the smell of fresh-baked baguettes stacked in a window display ahead. With one of those and a cup of coffee in hand, I’m determined to continue my initial exploration of this town.

I pass estates with shuttered windows, wrought-iron balconies, and latticed gardens… all the makings of alpine chalets. Ahead of me, the spire of a Roman Catholic church juts out above the skyline, and Grand Lac shimmers in the morning light.

At first, the sensation is disorienting, but as I look up at a replica of the Eiffel Tower (about one-fourth the size of the original), it becomes downright bizarre…

Am I in small-town Vietnam or some sort of France-themed amusement park? The answer, it turns out, is a bit of both…

I’m In Da Lat

Sunrise over Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat, Vietnam.

Da Lat is the resort town that the French carved out of Vietnam’s Central Highlands back when the country was a French colony. Like all hill stations around the world, it served colonists as an escape from the sweat, grime, and tropical malady of the lowlands.

The French endowed Da Lat with villas, boulevards, golf courses, parks, health complexes, and more. Architectural and cultural remnants from that era remain today, casting a historic and otherworldly charm over the place.

Something about Da Lat inspires romance. Whether it’s the well-preserved past or its cool weather, misty peaks, and pine forest, love is in the air here in Vietnam’s honeymoon capital.

Understandably, Da Lat’s tourism organizers want to encourage that reputation and have made efforts to capture the town’s natural charm. To most Westerners, those efforts are probably misguided.

They come in the form of Vietnamese-brand kitsch—swan-shaped paddleboats, concrete statues of woodland creatures, and heart-shaped everything meant for young couples to pose in front of.

While tacky, these adornments add to Da Lat’s quirkiness. This is a fascinating place to visit.

Mainstream international tourism hasn’t discovered Da Lat yet, but the word is out among expats. The small but diverse group that live here does so because this little-known city offers peace and tranquility, natural beauty, an agreeable climate, and a low cost of living.

The Lam D**g Province and Da Lat, its capital, are the garden bed of Vietnam. This province produces more flowers than any other in Vietnam and is responsible for 50% of the country’s floral output. Everything from roses and marigolds to hydrangeas and golden everlastings is grown here.

So, too, is produce not available in other parts of the country: coffee, strawberries, cabbage, cauliflower. Da Lat even has its own wine industry.

Vietnamese food is some of the healthiest in the world because of its heavy emphasis on fresh herbs and vegetables and avoidance of oil and dairy. Out of necessity, Vietnamese people have learned to do a lot with a little. Dishes are made from simple, inexpensive ingredients but masterfully prepared. In Lam D**g province (where you’ll find Da Lat), the herbs and vegetables essential to Vietnamese cuisine are at their freshest.

The best thing about Da Lat, though, is that it can be enjoyed at an impossibly low cost. You don’t need a lot to live well here, and, as people shake off outdated perspectives about this part of the world, Da Lat’s reputation as an overseas retirement destination is only going to grow.

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Cost Of Living In Da Lat
Your cost of living in Da Lat will vary depending on your lifestyle, of course, but, regardless, it will be lower here than it is in the States, no question. A couple can live comfortably on about US$1,000 a month. This number changes depending on where you live (rent is higher in central areas), the size and modernity of your rental, what you eat (eating at expat restaurants and buying imported groceries add to your budget), and your habits (how often you shop, your indulgences, travel expenses, etc.).

If you eat and shop like a local, you’ll save greatly.

You can enjoy a meal for two at a local Vietnamese restaurant for about 100,000 d**g (US$4.50) for a meal for two. A grocery trip to a local market is about 500,000 d**g (US$22). This is one place in the world where eating out can save you money. The same isn’t true of the expat restaurants, where an average meal for two costs about 400,000 (US$17). I dined at Primavera Restaurant and had pizza, salad, and wine for two for 365,000 d**g (just under US$16).

Likewise, if you shop for imported goods at stores, you’ll spend much more on groceries.

Rent can be as low as 4,500,000 d**g (US$200) a month for a studio apartment on the edge of town. For a more central apartment, expect to pay between 8,000,000 and 10,000,000 d**g (US$350 to US$450) monthly. Air conditioning isn’t needed in Da Lat, so electricity bills are always low, and utilities are usually included in the cost of rent.

In short, life in Da Lat is inexpensive. The d**g is one of the weakest currencies in the world, and the average salary here starts at about US$125 a month. If locals can get by on that, an expat should be able to do quite well on a few times that. The average pension goes a lot further in Vietnam than it does nearly anywhere else in the world.

If you’re not planning to retire just yet, you have options, too. Every expat I met is doing business in Da Lat. The entrepreneurial options are many. Most of the expat entrepreneurs operate cafés, restaurants, homestays, or hotels, but some Dutch expats are involved in flower production, for example.

Something geared to Vietnamese tourists—the biggest demographic that visits Da Lat—could be a good option. The infrastructure necessary for someone to work remotely is already in place, and a good number of expats living here rely on the internet for their livelihoods.

To help you decide whether Asia’s “City of Eternal Spring,” could make sense for you, here are some quick pros and cons to living here…

Da Lat Pros:
1. It’s Quiet
If you’re after peace and tranquility, rest and relaxation, then this could be the place for you.

2. It’s Naturally Beautiful
You can pursue a variety of outdoor interests here: hiking, biking, golf, gardening, etc.

3. Perfect Weather
This is the Eastern Hemisphere’s City of Eternal Spring.

4. The Food Is Delicious And Fresh
Reduce your expenses and your waistline just by eating out.

5. Low Cost Of Living
Everything from rent to health insurance to a cup of coffee is cheaper than it is at home, and you can live very well here on nothing but your Social Security check.

Da Lat Cons:
1. It’s Quiet
If you need constant stimulation and the amenities of a big city, this isn’t the place for you.

2. Few Vietnamese People Speak English
Not being able to make yourself understood might become tiresome. You’d have to invest time in getting to grips with the language.

3. Cultural Exclusion
It’s hard to form meaningful connections with locals when you can’t understand each other.

4. Hospitals Aren’t Great
For more serious procedures, you’ll need to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter

13/07/2022

If you retire in Vietnam, which city will you choose?

13/07/2022

Living Or Retiring In Asia

Asia is the world’s largest, most populated and diverse continent. It is subdivided in five different regions and composed of 48 different countries. Asia is located in the north and eastern hemisphere, and it shares a landmass with both Africa and Europe. In Asia you will find all kinds of extreme climates, resulting in a wild variety of flora and fauna. Here you’ll also find the highest and lowest points of Earth. As a continent, Asia can be considered the home to many civilizations and many major religions.

“Affordability” is usually the first or second reason most folks give for wanting to retire overseas, and Asia is far and away the cheapest place on earth to live well… but Asia offers much more than just affordability.

Everyone is different, but other reasons tend to include:

Beaches
Better weather, and
Adventure
You can enjoy white-sand beaches, tropical rainforests, sacred mountains… Modern and colonial architecture, majestic temples, river cities, beach towns… Cutting edge technology, the world’s fastest internet, and welcoming locals.

Nowhere else in the world gets you so much for so little money.

11/07/2022

Dalat Facts and History

Here are some interesting facts about Dalat Vietnam.

Dalat has about 450,000 people living here.

Dalat sits at 4907 feet (1500 meters) above sea level. Because of Dalat’s elevation, it remains cool almost all year. That is why it is often referred to as the city of eternal spring. This stands in contrast to the rest of Vietnam which is much warmer.

Tourists from all over the world come to Dalat for its natural beauty. The Vietnamese love natural beauty but also come here to cool off. That makes the hottest part of the year in Vietnam, the high season for Dalat.

The year-round temperate weather provides ideal agriculture opportunities. That is why you will find such a rich diversity of fruits and vegetables in the markets. You will also see local selling fresh berries on almost every street corner. Dalat is famous for strawberries and local wine.

In the late 19th century, when Vietnam was a French Colony called Cochinchina, the French governor created a highland resort called Dalat. In 1907, the first hotel was built in Dalat for the French and the wealthy Vietnamese. They would spend cool summers here.

Modeled after European hill stations, the French gave Dalat its green spaces, golf courses, and Swiss nuances in architecture.

During World War II, Dalat was the capital of the French Colony.

During the Vietnam War, battles between the north and south raged in Dalat during the Tet Offensive for about 10 days in 1968, during which hundreds of people died.

11/07/2022

Vietnam is a small country but has a large number of amazing landscapes and seascapes that ranked high on many “top places to visit” lists globally. Vietnam has a rich culture, stunning scenery, delicious foods, lots of things to do, and most importantly, friendly people.

Vietnam is very diverse and each city has completely different things to offer. So, here are our top 5 best places to retire in Vietnam.

11/07/2022

After years of hard work, it’s time to enjoy your leisure in retirement. Choosing where to enjoy this time is always a difficult question. The following article will help you answer the question of why you should retire in Vietnam.

If you choose to retire in Vietnam, you should know the detailed included in this post, covering pros and cons of moving to Vietnam for retirement, how much, retirement visa, etc.

11/07/2022

Retirement in Vietnam for retirees & Living in Vietnam

For several years now, there has been a huge influx of retirees who pack their bags, leave their home countries, and choose to settle in Vietnam. Why are they doing this? What attracts them so much to this Southeast Asian country? The answer is simply that this country has a lot to offer and is ideally positioned in Asia making traveling easy and inexpensive.

The cost of living in Vietnam is very affordable, which means that many retirees can get retired there for not too much spending per month. The climate is perfect. It is not too hot nor too cold. If you are thinking of spending your golden years in this beautiful country you should make sure that you are well-informed of all the paperwork you need as well as the costs.