Thinking about retiring overseas? If you are looking for a place with inexpensive living costs and a fascinating background, take a look at the beautiful country of Vietnam.
What You Can Expect from Retirement in Vietnam
Cost-efficient life
Approximately, it would take you around US$1000 for a comfortable living style in Vietnam. According to Numbeo.com, renting houses would cost from US$ 130 – US$ 650 depending on the numbers of bedrooms, the location (near or far from the city center), and the availability of furniture. Besides, a typical meal at local restaurants is only from US$ 1.5, but you can even save more if you cook at home. The cost of entertainment such as movies or music shows is also comparatively cheaper than many other countries in the world.
You can find inexpensive ingredients for a good meal from Vietnamese local markets
Different types of climate
Since Vietnam is a special land that spreads over many latitudes, there is a wide variety in terms of climates across the different regions in the country. While the Northern side has a little cooler weather with four seasons a year, the South has a distinctive tropical climate with only two seasons – dry season and rainy season. Central Vietnam has either typical highlands weather or coastal climate with refreshing sea breezes.
Numerous attractions
If you are thinking about spending your retirement on traveling, Vietnam would be a heavenly place to stay. From North to South, different breathtaking sceneries are waiting to be explored. Whether you are looking for challenging mountain loops or peaceful beaches, metropolitan cities, or idyllic villages, Vietnam has them all to offer.
Terrace rice fields – a scenery that you should not miss out in Vietnam
Check out our Travel Guide for more information.
Extraordinary cuisine
While Vietnam does have many exotic dishes for “risk-takers”, there are hundreds of other ones that welcome all foodies around the world. Most Vietnamese recipes focus on the balance of nutrients, so it would be extremely easy for you to maintain a healthy diet. Besides, being an agrarian nation, there are freshly-harvested and cheap produce widely available almost everywhere.
Street food is a significant part of Vietnam cuisine
Take a look at some must-try Vietnamese dishes and some extreme Vietnamese food to set up your expectations.
What You Should Consider about Your Retirement in Vietnam
Visa
Unfortunately, Vietnam still does not have a specific visa for those who want to spend their retirement in Vietnam, the most plausible solution is to apply for a tourist visa which has a maximum duration of 3 months. That is to say, if you plan for your retirement in Vietnam, make sure you have a proper budget for visa renewal.
More in-depth details about a visa to visit Vietnam.
Healthcare
For retirees, health must be a top priority. The best medical services are mostly found in major cities where there are international hospitals and high-class services. For a foreigner, insurance and hospital fee can be a big concern. Therefore, it would be better to look for insurance with worldwide validity in your home country in advance.
Read An Overview of Health Care in Vietnam
Check reviews and prices of leading hotels in Vietnam:
Where to Spend Your Retirement in Vietnam
Although it depends much on your own preference, the cities that would be more likely to provide your retirement in Vietnam with convenience and security are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang.
Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam is the Motherland of many Vietnamese traditions and dishes. It is where you can fully integrate into the local culture as well as having an enjoyable retirement period.
Hanoi is a contemporary city with an antique vibe
Ho Chi Minh City is another metropolitan in Vietnam. In contrast to Hanoi, life here can be much busier and more hectic, which means you will get to partake in the fun that was missed in the working years.
Ho Chi Minh City is a destination open for everyone
Check out our private motorbike tours with professional local guides |
Read more A Guide to Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Among the three cities, Danang is the one with the least population density. The facilities here improve day by day to welcome those who would like a pleasant life by the beach.
Danang is developing at an incredible speed
Summary of Retirement in Vietnam
Retirement in Vietnam would be an option that is worth your consideration. This country offers an affordable cost of living and lots of opportunities to explore a whole new culture. Note that visa procedure and health care service should be carefully researched as a preparation.
Get the world-leading travel insurance for your adventures in Vietnam: