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​The question of the best place to live as an expatriate in Vietnam is one of the first that we all ask ourselves. Relocation Vietnam helps you to find the best area to settle that best matches your lifestyle, in the city targeted.
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Ho Chi Minh City
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Hanoï
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Da Nang
Here is an overview of the best places to live in Ho Chi Minh City as an expat, depending on your lifestyle, expectations, and priorities. Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 19 different districts, represented on the map below, and further subdivided into neighborhoods. Each district has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when searching for housing.
Living in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate
District 1 in Saigon is the cultural and historical heart of the city. It is a must-visit for tourists, which means the streets are often crowded and noisy. This lively district concentrates most of the city’s attractions, museums, and major shopping centers. You’ll also find countless restaurants, cafés, and bars. Living here guarantees you’ll never get bored.
District 1 is the best place to live in Ho Chi Minh City as an expatriate if you are:
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Single
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A couple
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To settle in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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The advantages of living in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The proximity to offices and shopping centers​
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​The lively street atmosphere, in the heart of the city center
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The disadvantages of living in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The noise ans the number of people
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The high price ranges
Living in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate
District 2 is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan areas of the city. The Thao Dien neighborhood, nicknamed the "expat district," is especially popular among expatriates for its international schools, countless cafés, diverse restaurants, and green spaces. It’s an amazing area where international luxury meets local lifestyle, with lively streets alongside peaceful and secure residences. The city center is easily accessible via the Thu Thiem Bridge or the new metro line.
District 2 is the best place to live in Ho Chi Minh City as an expatriate if you are:
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Single
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A couple
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A family with children of all ages​
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To settle in District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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Townhouses
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Houses in compounds
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Large houses with garden and swimming pool
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The advantages of living in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The proximity to international schools
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The ease of meeting other expatriates
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The tranquility of the neighborhood
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The available amenities: hospitals, sports facilities, supermarkets, and more
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The disadvantages of living in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The old age of some houses
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The possibility of flooding during the rainy season
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The travel time to other districts and the city center
Living in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate
Located between the historic center and Saigon’s modern districts, Binh Thanh District blends Vietnamese authenticity with urban modernity. It’s a lively and contrasting area where luxury towers stand alongside narrow alleyways and trendy new spots. Bordered by the Saigon River, it offers beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of Thanh Da Island.
Binh Thanh District is the best place to live in Ho Chi Minh City as an expatriate if you are:
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Single
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A couple
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To settle in Binh Thanh District as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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The advantages of living in Binh Thanh District as an expatriate are:
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The proximity to the city center
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The easy access to go to other districts
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The affordable rents
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The disadvantages of living in Binh Thanh District as an expatriate are:
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The traffic
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The noise
Living in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate
In the south of Saigon, District 7 is a quiet and modern residential area. With its wide tree-lined avenues and nearby international schools, this district mainly attracts affluent Vietnamese families and expatriates, particularly from other Asian countries. The most sought-after neighborhood is Phu My Hung, which brings together restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, and green spaces, offering an excellent quality of life.
District 7 is the best place to live in Ho Chi Minh City as an expatriate if you are:
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A family with children of all ages​
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To settle in District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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Modern houses in compounds
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The advantages of living in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The calm of a modern residential hub
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The smooth traffic with wide streets
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The proximity to international schools
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The available amenities: hospitals, sports facilities, supermarkets, and more
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The disadvantages of living in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, as an expatriate are:
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The lack of local authenticity
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The travel time to other districts and the city center
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Isolation and lack of liveliness​
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Living in Ho Chi Minh City
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Living in Hanoï
Here’s an overview of the best places to live in Hanoi as an expat, depending on your lifestyle, expectations, and priorities. Hanoi is divided into different districts, shown on the map below, and each district is further divided into neighborhoods. Hoàn Kiêm is the historical and cultural center of Hanoi — a lively district that mainly attracts tourists. Surrounding it are Dông Da and Hai Ba Trung, which are predominantly Vietnamese residential districts with local schools. Ba Dinh is an office district, home to many chambers of commerce and embassies, while Cau Giay is a newer area that hosts company headquarters and offices. Finally, the districts of Long Biên and Tây Hô are the ones where expatriates generally choose to settle.
Living in Tây Hô District, Hanoï as an expatriate
Tây Hô is the district where expatriates generally choose to settle. It attracts many Western families because it concentrates most of the international schools. The area is both peaceful and lively, with shops selling imported goods, cafés, and coworking spaces. Its lake and green spaces make it a comfortable place to live. The Ciputra neighborhood, in particular, is well-known for the UNIS international school, which draws many families of its students.
Tây Hô District is the best place to live in Hanoï as an expatriate if you are:
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Single
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A couple
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A family with children of all ages​
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To settle in Tây Hô District in Hanoï as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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Modern houses
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The advantages of living in Tây Hô District, Hanoï as an expatriate are:​
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Spacious and modern housing
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The proximity to international schools and the airport
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The available amenities: hospitals, sports facilities, supermarkets...
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The disadvantages of living in Tây Hô District, Hanoï as an expatriate are:
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The lack of local authenticity
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The high price ranges
Living in Long Biên District, Hanoï as an expatriate
Long Biên is a new residential district, best known for its night market and its bridge. The French Lycée and the British International School attract many expat families to the area. In addition, its green spaces and modern housing, often in secure residential compounds, make it an ideal place for children. With a large expatriate community, Long Biên is full of coffe shops, restaurants, and supermarkets offering imported products, making everyday life simpler and more enjoyable.
Long Biên District is the best place to live in Hanoï as an expatriate if you are:
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A family with children of all ages​
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French or English
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To settle in Long Biên District in Hanoï as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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Modern houses in compounds
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The advantages of living in Long Biên District, Hanoï as an expatriate are:​
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Affordable and spacious housing
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The proximity to the French Lycée and the British International School
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The available amenities: restaurants, sports facilities, supermarkets...
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The disadvantages of living in Long Biên District, Hanoï as an expatriate are:​
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The travel time to the city center
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Living in Danang
Living in Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang as an expatriate
Ngu Hanh Son is the district where expatriates generally choose to settle. The most well-known neighborhoods are My An, Khue My, and Hoa Hai. This district attracts expats and digital nomads because it’s located along the beach, hosts the city’s international schools, and offers the possibility of renting long-term housing—unlike Son Tra, which is more oriented toward tourists and short-term stays. It’s a neighborhood that is both peaceful and lively, with imported goods stores, cafés, restaurants, bars, and coworking spaces.
Ngu Hanh Son District is the best place to live in Danang as an expatriate if you are:
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Single
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A couple
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A family with children of all ages​
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To settle in Ngu Hanh Son District in Danang as an expat, you will find:
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Fully furnished apartments
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Unfurnished apartments
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Modern houses
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The advantages of living in Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang as an expatriate are:​
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The ease to find long-term rentals
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The proximity to international schools
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The proximity to the beach ​
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The disadvantages of living in Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang as an expatriate are:
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The travel time to the city center
Here’s an overview of the best places to live in Danang as an expat, depending on your lifestyle, expectations, and priorities. Danang is divided into districts, shown on the map below, which are further subdivided into neighborhoods. Hai Chau District, the city’s cultural and historical center, attracts many tourists for sightseeing. Cam Le is a primarily Vietnamese residential district. Thanh Khe and Lien Chieu are very popular among Japanese expatriates. Son Tra, located along the seaside, is home to short-term accommodations (hotels, hostels, serviced apartments); its main neighborhoods are Phuoc My, An Hai Bac, and Man Thai. Just south of Son Tra is Ngu Hanh Son, a district favored by expatriates and digital nomads looking for longer-term rentals.