Best Places to Retire in Vietnam: 2025 Guide for Expats

Discover the best places to retire in Vietnam in 2025, from vibrant Ho Chi Minh City to the cool mountains of Da Lat. Compare lifestyle, healthcare, weather, and visa tips to find your ideal spot.

I’ve been to Vietnam many times for work and through my travel business, and I’ve seen firsthand how different life can be from one city to another. I’ve spent time in big cities, small towns, and quiet beach areas, and I’ve met plenty of expats who now call these places home.

This guide isn’t just based on my own trips. I also research in local and expat communities, ask questions in forums, and talk to experts and long-term residents to get a clear picture of what living in each place is really like.

What I’ve found is that the best place to retire in Vietnam depends on what you want. Some people go for the city life and healthcare access in Ho Chi Minh City, others prefer the cultural feel of Hoi An or the beaches in Nha Trang. Some choose cooler weather in Da Lat, while others pick island life in Phu Quoc.

Here, I’ll break down the pros, downsides, and who each place is best for — so you can make a choice with both local insight and real expat experience in mind.

Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen's partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.

Visa Situation for Retirees in Vietnam

The first thing I want to tell you about retiring in Vietnam is the visa situation, which is the biggest downside of moving here. At the moment, Vietnam does not offer a retirement visa. This means most retirees rely on tourist visas and have to leave the country regularly to renew their stay.

For most nationalities, the common option is a 90-day single-entry tourist visa, which costs around US$25 according to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. Once it expires, you must leave the country and re-enter to get a new one.

This process is called a visa run. You can do it in two main ways:

• By plane: Fly to a nearby country such as Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore, then return to Vietnam with a new visa.
  
• By land: Use a visa run service that arranges a bus to the Vietnam–Laos or Vietnam–Cambodia border. You exit Vietnam, get your passport stamped in the neighboring country, then return the same day.
  

There are other options such as an employment visa or a marriage visa, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Tip: Always monitor your visa closely. Do not overstay under any circumstances. Otherwise, you can be forced to leave Vietnam, like this Slovak man who was deported for tampering with his e-visa. Also, do not trust any visa agent who offers to get you a business visa or marriage visa when you are not eligible for it. Vietnam’s immigration officials are strict, and you definitely do not want to have problems with them.

Best Cities to Retire in Vietnam

These are the best cities to retire in my opinion, and they are also popular among expats in Vietnam.

Da Nang

I fell in love with Da Nang the moment I arrived. It’s one of the cities I would seriously consider if I ever plan to retire in Vietnam. Even my wife, who usually isn’t into the idea of living in Vietnam, liked it. The city is also very safe.

Da Nang is also one of the most popular cities to live in Vietnam. There’s an active expat Facebook group called Expats in Danang with over 60,000 members, which shows how big the foreign community here has grown. 

A local guide I spoke with a few months ago also told me that Da Nang is one of the most popular cities in the country for tourism, with both domestic and international visitors year-round.

Quick pros and cons

• Pros: Balanced lifestyle: beach, river, and city amenities; Easy to get around; Good mix of local and expat community; Close to an international airport for visa runs
• Cons: Typhoon season Hot and humid weather for much of the year; May need to travel for advanced healthcare

Lifestyle

Da Nang has just about everything. It’s easy to get around and the food is amazing. I once did a full-day food tour here, eating at over 10 different restaurants, and enjoyed every single stop.

The infrastructure works well. The city isn’t as hectic as Ho Chi Minh City. There’s a river running through the center where I often saw families and couples walking together and enjoying the evening. On top of that, there are some good beaches right on the edge of the city.

Healthcare

While I haven’t personally needed medical care here, Da Nang has branches of Family Medical Practice: a reputable private healthcare network in Vietnam. They are good for common illnesses and general checkups. 

For major diseases or surgeries, many retirees travel to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment. Personally, I might fly to Bangkok instead for advanced care because of its internationally accredited hospitals. 

In fact, many expats I know schedule annual checkups in Bangkok or Singapore for specialty care.

Advertisement

Visa Run

One of Da Nang’s strong points is its airport, which is only about 15 minutes from the city center. This makes doing a visa run by plane very easy. If you prefer doing a land border run, there are visa agents here who arrange buses to Laos or Cambodia. 

You can watch this YouTube video of a full visa run by bus from Da Nang to see what the process looks like.

Climate

The downside here is the weather. Da Nang can be hot with an average daytime temperature around 29°C (84°F) most of the year. However, in most cases, you feel hotter than that because of the humidity. 

In addition, the typhoon season runs from roughly September to November, bringing strong storms and heavy rain. Some residents temporarily relocated to Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc during this period.

“Typhoon season isn’t fun. I just pack up and spend two months in Saigon every year. Makes life easier.”

Neighborhoods

Most retirees start in My An or An Thuong because these areas have good walkability, plenty of services, an active community, and are next to beaches. 

“My An is the perfect balance. I can walk to cafés, the beach, and my friends live nearby.”

Downside

The biggest downside of Da Nang is the weather. Summers can get very hot, and the rainy season can feel endless with heavy downpours. If you’re sensitive to heat or humidity, it might be tough to handle.

Who Should Retire in Da Nang? 

In my opinion, Da Nang is ideal if you want a balance of city conveniences and a relaxed life with beach access. The city is walkable, with easy airport access, good food, and a lively but not chaotic pace of life. However, it’s not the best choice if you are sensitive to heat and prefer somewhere cooler.

Hoi An

It’s the most beautiful city I’ve ever visited in Vietnam. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a charm you won’t find anywhere else in the country. 

However, I prefer Da Nang’s food more. In Hoi An, there are many restaurants aimed at tourists, which I find more expensive and not as flavorful as truly local food. The good news is it’s just about an hour from Da Nang, so you can easily enjoy both places.

Quick pros and cons

• Pros: Quieter pace; Restored old town with unique architecture; Beach communities just outside town; Small but active retiree circle; Easy day trips to Da Nang
• Cons: Limited healthcare; Tourist-focused dining scene; Typhoon and flooding risk in wet months; Reliance on Da Nang for airport access

Lifestyle

Hoi An has a slower pace of life compared to bigger cities. The old town’s lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and traditional markets create a romantic atmosphere, while the nearby beach communities offer a laid-back vibe. 

The city also gives you a nice balance. You can enjoy Western music, noise, and fun when you’re in the mood, and just a few blocks away it’s quiet and calm. A taxi to the beaches and relaxed beach bars costs around 150,000 VND. 

Fresh food is easy to find, from street stalls to restaurants, and prices are generally reasonable. Plenty of people speak English here, but there’s still a lot of culture and history to explore. 

The main downside is that many restaurants cater to tourists, which means higher prices and, in my opinion, food that isn’t as good as what you get in Da Nang. Luckily, Da Nang is only an hour away, making it easy to visit for better food options, modern shopping, or a livelier nightlife.

Healthcare

Hoi An has limited private healthcare options. Most retirees go to Da Nang for anything beyond basic care, where facilities like Family Medical Practice are available. 

If you have ongoing medical needs, you will likely make regular trips to Da Nang.

Climate

Since it’s only an hour away from Da Nang, it has pretty much the same weather, which is warm and humid for most of the year. It also suffers from the typhoon season that runs from roughly September to November. 

If you plan to live in Hoi An, don’t rent in low-lying areas. Flooding is very common there, especially near the river.

 “The flooding can be annoying, but I like the quiet pace here. You just plan your shopping around the rain.”

Neighborhoods

Popular areas include 

• An Bang and Cam An for proximity to the beach and closer to tourist places. 
• Cam Chau offers a quieter lifestyle but is still close enough to bike to the beach in 15 minutes.

Downside

Hoi An shares the same weather pattern as Da Nang since they’re so close. That means hot summers, a rainy season that can bring flooding in low-lying areas, and high humidity most of the year. 

The old town can also get crowded with tourists, especially during peak season, which can take away from its charm.

Who Should Retire in Hoi An?

In my opinion, Hoi An is best if you want to live in a quieter, small-town lifestyle with cultural charm and don’t mind traveling to Da Nang for major shopping, healthcare, and international flights. 

Da Lat

If you want to live somewhere that’s cool throughout the year without any typhoon problems, you should check out Da Lat. It’s called the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for good reason. In the past, French colonialists built it as a retreat city, and the weather was the main reason they chose Da Lat. That same reason is why many people, including retirees, still choose to live here today. 

The city has a European feel, with French-style villas and old hotels that have been around for decades.

Quick pros and cons:

• Pros: Cool weather all year; Scenic mountains and lakes; Fresh air most of the time; No typhoons; Great local produce and flowers
• Cons: Far from the sea; Limited healthcare; Long travel for visa runs; Smaller expat community compared to coastal cities

Lifestyle

It’s like living in a city surrounded by mountains, with fresh air almost all year. Da Lat is convenient enough for day-to-day life but can still be busy in the city center since it’s a popular travel destination. This is the place for café hopping, visiting fresh produce markets, and exploring flower gardens or waterfalls on weekends. 

Products here are often local, and they really taste fresh. I still remember arriving on an overnight bus from Ho Chi Minh City, stepping off into the cool morning air, and having a fresh, warm tofu drink from a street vendor. It was simple but so refreshing. Da Lat is not a walkable city, so the best way to get around is by scooter. 

The good news is it’s much easier to ride here than in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City because traffic isn’t as hectic.

Healthcare

Since it’s not a big city, there are only smaller hospitals and clinics here, good for basic care but not advanced treatment. For anything serious, you’ll need to go to Ho Chi Minh City. You can take a bus or minivan for 6–8 hours, or fly from Lien Khuong Airport to HCMC in under an hour.

Climate

Weather is the best thing about living in Da Lat. Temperatures stay between 15°C and 24°C year-round: not too warm and not too cold. The city is also sunny with less rain and has no typhoon problems like many coastal cities in Vietnam. 

However, there can be air quality issues during the burning season, when farmers burn agricultural waste in nearby areas. While it’s not as severe as in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, you can still notice haze and smoky air on certain days.

“Heat and humidity in Da Nang and Hue were tough. Doctor advised moving to Da Lat… best decision.”
“I like cooler temps, but two hours to the beach is a trade-off.”

Neighborhoods

It’s better to start in the central wards near the market or Xuan Huong Lake so you can walk to shops, cafés, and restaurants. Once you know the city, you can move to quieter hillside neighborhoods for more space and greenery. 

If you plan to live outside the central area, you may need to learn some Vietnamese to get by comfortably.

Downsides

There are a few downsides to living here. First, getting to Da Lat isn’t as convenient as other cities in this article, where you can take an international flight directly. 

Here, you usually need to travel to Ho Chi Minh City first and then take an hour-long domestic flight or an 8-hour road trip. That’s not ideal when you need to do a visa run every 90 days. 

Da Lat is also far from the beach, and there’s no major hospital for expats. Also, since there isn’t a lot of things to do there. You can get bored after you live here for a year or two. 

Who Should Retire in Da Lat?

In my opinion, Da Lat is perfect if you want cool, fresh weather and don’t mind being far from the coast. It’s a great choice if you enjoy gardening, outdoor walks, and a slower pace of life. But it’s not the most practical option if you need regular international travel or easy access to advanced medical care.

Advertisement

Nha Trang

For me, Nha Trang is one of the best beach cities in Vietnam. You get a long stretch of sand right in the heart of the city, plenty of sun, and a solid mix of local life and expat conveniences. The city also has good infrastructure, reliable hospitals, and weather that stays pleasant most of the year.

Quick pros and cons

• Pros: Great year-round climate with plenty of sunshine; Established expat community; Good hospital access; Beach right in the city; Affordable cost of living
• Cons: Fewer cultural and sightseeing options than some other cities; Hot tropical weather; Can be touristy in certain areas; Russian tourist presence may not be for everyone

Lifestyle

Nha Trang has everything you’d want from a laid-back beach city. I personally like the northern part of the city. It’s quieter, surrounded by nature, cheaper, and traffic isn’t bad. 

Finding food is easy. As soon as you step outside, you’ll see it everywhere, from cheap local stalls to cafés and beer spots. While Western food is still limited, there’s even a McDonald’s if you’re craving it. The expat community here is big too. For example, Nha Trang Expats has over 30,000 members, which makes it easier to meet people or get advice from other foreigners.

Healthcare

One thing that sets Nha Trang apart from most smaller coastal cities in Vietnam is healthcare. You’ll find Vinmec International Hospital and other private clinics here, which is rare outside of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. 

Having both a beach lifestyle and good hospital access in the same place is hard to find in Vietnam.

Climate

The weather is warm year-round, with average daytime temperatures between 21°C and 32°C, and the ocean stays comfortable for swimming. Nha Trang only has about two months of rainy season, and even then, it doesn’t rain heavily. It also gets fewer typhoons compared to Da Nang.

Housing and neighborhoods

You can choose between modern beachfront high-rises or quieter inland streets. For me, the northern neighborhoods are the best for a more peaceful vibe, with good access to nature and a slower pace of life.

Downsides

Nha Trang doesn’t have as many cultural attractions as cities like Hoi An or Hue, so if sightseeing is a priority, you might find it limited. 

It’s also worth noting that for visa runs, you’ll likely need to connect through Ho Chi Minh City. It’s not difficult, but not as direct as being in a major hub.

Who Should Retire in Nha Trang?

In my opinion, Nha Trang is perfect if you want a warm, sunny beach lifestyle with good healthcare and a low cost of living. It’s not for you if you’re looking for cooler weather or a city packed with cultural attractions, but if your goal is to relax, swim, and enjoy a tropical climate most of the year, it’s hard to beat. 

If you like the Nha Trang vibe but prefer something smaller and more laid back, you should check out Quy Nhon. It has good beaches, fewer tourists, and a quieter pace of life.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

For me, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many still call it, is Vietnam’s best choice if you want to live a city lifestyle with quality healthcare, easy international travel, and all the conveniences of a big city. It’s the country’s main hub for business, flights, and private hospitals, so you’ll never be far from anything you need.

Quick pros and cons

• Pros: Best healthcare access in Vietnam; Direct international flights; Endless dining and shopping options; Large and diverse expat community; Plenty of nightlife activities
• Cons: Hot and humid year-round; Heavy traffic; No beach; Crowded; Expensive and noisy

Lifestyle

Like other capital cities in the world, Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced, busy, and full of energy. With my background living in Bangkok, I saw many similarities between the two: plenty of private hospitals, places to rent, convenience, and international food. But Ho Chi Minh doesn’t have a good mass transit system like Bangkok. However, it’s cheaper and has far better coffee (though there are also way more motorcycles).

When living in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find international restaurants alongside tiny street stalls, high-end malls next to local markets, and something happening all the time in every neighborhood. If you enjoy having access to everything, especially nightlife, Saigon delivers. 

But it’s not a relaxing beach town, expect an active lifestyle. Just keep in mind that traffic to the city center can be a headache.

Climate

Saigon’s weather is hot and humid all year, with daytime temperatures usually between 25°C and 35°C. It rains a lot from May to November, but not as much as in Central Vietnam like Da Nang, and the city is rarely hit by typhoons. 

Overall, the weather feels similar to other tropical cities like Bangkok. If you’re okay with heat, you’ll be fine.

One thing worth noting is the air pollution, especially during the dry season which can exceed the WHO guidelines. Many expats complain about it, though it’s still not as bad as Hanoi. You can check the latest readings on IQAir.

Healthcare

This is where Saigon really stands out. It has the best private hospitals in the country, including FV Hospital and international clinics like Family Medical Practice. If you want to retire in Vietnam and need to be somewhere with good healthcare, Ho Chi Minh City is the top choice.

Neighborhoods

Thao Dien and Phu My Hung are the most popular expat neighborhoods, offering modern apartments, green spaces, and plenty of Western conveniences. If you want a more local feel, districts like Binh Thanh and District 3 have lower rents and great street food, but with less English spoken.

Find out more: Best Places to Live in Ho Chi Minh City For Expats

Downsides

The biggest downsides are the traffic, heat, and lack of a beach. Air quality can also be an issue. If you prefer a slower pace or easy access to nature, you may feel overwhelmed here.

Who Should Retire in Ho Chi Minh City?

In my opinion, Saigon is perfect if you want to live an urban lifestyle with access to quality healthcare. There are plenty of food options, shopping, and entertainment in the city. On the other hand, it’s not for you if you want cooler weather, a quieter lifestyle, or beach access.

Other

The above list covers what I think are the 5 best places to retire in Vietnam. There are also other cities that could be good options depending on the lifestyle you’re after:

• Quy Nhon: A smaller beach city that’s quieter and less touristy than Nha Trang. It’s a good place if you want a completely laid-back lifestyle without the crowds. However, expat amenities are limited.
• Hanoi: The capital city in the north with cooler weather, less traffic, and a more traditional atmosphere than the south. I personally like the food in Hanoi too (only second to Da Nang). However, winters can be chilly, and there’s a problem with air pollution here.
• Phu Quoc:  It’s the largest island in Vietnam with a growing expat scene. It can be a good place if you want to retire on a developed island.
• Hue: Another UNESCO World Heritage city in central Vietnam, Hue is full of culture, centuries-old history, royal architecture, and a quieter pace. However, rains can be heavy, and typhoons can be a problem, similar to Da Nang.
• Vung Tau: A coastal city just a couple of hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is a popular weekend escape for beach lovers. It offers good seafood, a break from city life, and easy access to Saigon’s amenities.
  

Best Cities to Retire in Vietnam Comparison

If you’re still deciding which city might be the right fit, this comparison table can help you see the differences at a glance. It covers lifestyle, climate, healthcare, airport and beach access, ease of visa runs, expat community size, rent prices, and storm exposure. 

This way, you can quickly match your preferences to a city that fits your retirement plans in Vietnam.

City	Lifestyle	Climate	Healthcare Access	Airport Access	Beach Access	Ease of Visa Run	Expat Scene Size	Avg. Rent (1-bed near amenities)	Storm Exposure
Da Nang	Balanced beach, river, and city amenities; walkable areas	Hot & humid most of the year	Good for basic care; advanced care in HCMC/Bangkok	15 min from city center	Yes	Very easy	Large (60k+ FB members)	~$350–$500	Yes (Sep–Nov typhoon season)
Hoi An	Quiet, cultural charm; beach communities nearby	Similar to Da Nang	Limited; relies on Da Nang	1 hr to Da Nang airport	Yes	Easy (via Da Nang)	Small but active	~$300–$450	Yes (flood-prone in wet months)
Da Lat	Cool mountain city; café culture	15–24°C year-round	Limited; serious care in HCMC	30 min to Lien Khuong Airport, then domestic flight	No (2+ hrs to coast)	Hard (long travel for visa runs)	Small	~$250–$400	No typhoons
Nha Trang	Laid-back beach lifestyle	Warm year-round; short rainy season	Good (Vinmec & private clinics)	45 min to Cam Ranh Airport	Yes	Moderate (often via HCMC)	Medium-large	~$300–$500	Low (fewer typhoons)
Ho Chi Minh City	Urban, fast-paced; top dining, shopping, nightlife	Hot & humid year-round	Best in Vietnam	Tan Son Nhat Airport in city	No	Very easy (direct intl. flights)	Large & diverse	~$400–$700	Minimal storm impact
Quy Nhon	Quiet coastal city; fewer tourists	Warm, less crowded	Limited; relies on bigger cities	Phu Cat Airport nearby	Yes	Moderate	Small	~$250–$400	Low
Hue	Historic & cultural; slower pace	Hot summers; wet winters	Limited; advanced care in Da Nang/HCMC	~30 min to Phu Bai Airport	Nearby beaches	Moderate	Small	~$250–$350	Yes (typhoon season)
Vung Tau	Coastal city near Saigon; seafood & beach walks	Hot & humid	Limited; advanced care in HCMC	2 hrs from HCMC airports	Yes	Easy (close to HCMC)	Medium