Living in Vietnam: Travel, Visas, Season & Property Guide
Living in Vietnam: Travel, Season, Visas & Coastal Property
Vietnam, in Southeast Asia along the South China Sea, offers stunning beaches and bays, exotic landscapes, unique cuisine, rich history, and affordable coastal living. The country blends bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with serene beach towns such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Hoi An.
🏖️ Beaches and Seasons
Popular beach cities: Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc.
Best beaches: South Vietnam (Phu Quoc) and central coast (Nha Trang).
Season Guide
| Period | Temperature & Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | 28–30°C, dry | Ideal for winter escapes, minimal rain |
| Apr–Aug | 33–35°C, humid | Hot but sunny, good for beach activities |
| Sep–Nov | 27–29°C, rain, storms | Typhoon season, possible flooding |
| Dec | 26–28°C, transition | Start of dry season, occasional rain |
🔹 Best travel period: January–April; Phu Quoc beaches are good from November–May.
🌇 Attractions in Vietnam
- Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Heritage site with limestone islands.
- Hoi An – historic port town with Japanese Bridge and lanterns.
- Da Lat – “Vietnamese Switzerland” with waterfalls and pine forests.
- Sapa – northern rice terraces and hill-tribe villages.
- Phu Quoc – largest island with white sand beaches and coral reefs.
- Hue – former imperial capital with citadel and royal tombs.
- Cu Chi Tunnels – underground network from the Vietnam War.
🏡 Real Estate in Vietnam: Buying Property (2026)
Key rules for foreigners:
- Foreigners can buy apartments and condominiums, and in some cases houses in commercial developments.
- Land ownership is not allowed — the state owns all land. Purchasers get land-use rights for the property.
- Ownership term: usually 50 years, renewable with government approval.
- Quotas: up to 30% of apartments in a building, max ~250 houses per district.
- Transactions: properties can be sold, leased, inherited, or gifted once legal certificates are issued.
Prices (approximate 2026):
- 2-bedroom apartment (70 m²) – from $100,000
- Studio in new developments – from $50,000
- Price per m² in good areas – $1,500–2,000
- Sea-view apartments – 20–30% higher
Rental potential:
- Long-term lease – ~4–6% per year
- Short-term tourist rental – less profitable due to hotel competition
- Best investment areas: central Nha Trang, Vinpearl, coastal districts.
🧳 Visas and Long-Term Stay
- Tourist e-Visa: valid 30–90 days, online application, single or multiple entry.
- Visa on arrival: requires prior approval letter, limited purposes.
- Long-term stay: via work visa, business/ investor visa (TRC permits).
- Permanent residency/citizenship: difficult without Vietnamese heritage or special contributions.
- Important: Buying property alone does NOT grant residency or permanent stay. TRC permits for investors require investment in business, not property alone.
💼 Taxes and Legal Compliance
- Personal income tax: 5–35% progressive
- Property tax: 0.03–0.15% of cadastral value
- Rental tax: ~10% if officially registered
- Luxury tax: applies to properties >$500,000
- Tourist tax: ~$1–2 per night (subject to change)
- Official registration of rental agreements ensures legal protection.
🏥 Healthcare
- International clinics available in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Complex cases may require travel to Bangkok or Singapore.
- International health insurance recommended.
- Dental and medical services 30–50% cheaper than in Western countries.
- English-speaking doctors common in private clinics.
🎓 Education
- International schools with American or British curricula (e.g., QSI Nha Trang).
- Private English-language schools available.
- Vietnamese-language schools require language proficiency.
- Kindergartens: international and local, from ~$200/month.
🔒 Safety and Lifestyle
- Low violent crime; petty theft possible in cities.
- Scams exist; caution for rentals, currency exchange, or cheap tours.
- Road traffic is chaotic; pedestrians must be careful.
- Sanitary precautions: avoid tap water, wash fruit.
🌦 Climate
- Tropical monsoon climate, high humidity.
- Dry season: Jan–Aug (best for beach).
- Rain/typhoon season: Sep–Nov (especially central coast).
- North: cooler winters (~15°C in Dec–Jan).
- South: hot year-round (~28–35°C).
🌐 Remote Work and Infrastructure
- Stable internet (50–100 Mbps), multiple coworking spaces.
- 4G unlimited plans from $5/month.
Rental costs:
- 1-bedroom city center – ~$400/month
- 2-bedroom – ~$600/month
- Villas – from $1,000/month
- Cost of living for a couple – from ~$1,200/month comfortably
✅ Pros and Cons
✔ Affordable coastal living
✔ Warm climate year-round
✔ Easy entry with e-Visa
✔ Rental opportunities and affordable property
✔ Diverse cuisine and fresh seafood
✔ Low cost of services
✘ Permanent residency/citizenship difficult
✘ Healthcare less advanced than Thailand or Malaysia
✘ Typhoon/flood season in some regions
✘ Limited choice of international schools outside main cities
✘ High humidity and heat in summer
✘ Language barrier outside tourist zones
✘ Land ownership restricted for foreigners
Conclusion
Vietnam is ideal for coastal living, remote work, winter escapes, and affordable lifestyle. Suitable for retirees, digital nomads, small families, and property investors. Trial stays during dry season recommended.
