Vietnam among top 15 expat destinations this year

Vietnam ranks 14th among the top 15 destinations for expats in 2023, according to results of an Expat Inside Survey by InterNations, considered the biggest global expat community.

It topped "personal finance" index, which was calculated on three factors: satisfaction with financial situation, general living costs and whether the survey respondents' income was enough for a comfortable life. A high 77% of respondents rated the cost of living as favorable. The global average was 44%.

The country did not fare as well in many other indices, though.

In Asia, Vietnam stood 35th on the "safety and security" index behind Taiwan (China), UAE, Singapore, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Vietnam along with Indonesia, India and Philippines were poorly rated in the Quality of Life index with the worst environmental quality. About 55% of expats living in Vietnam felt uncomfortable with air quality, which has measured at three times higher than the general rate in the world.

The country ranked 16th globally in the Ease of Settling index and fifth place for ease in making local friends.

This year marks the survey’s 10th anniversary of InterNations, the world's largest expat community with more than 4.8 million members. With more than 12,000 respondents, Expat Insider is one of the most extensive surveys about living and working abroad.

It provides insights into expat life in 53 destinations, offering in-depth information on the respondents’ satisfaction with their respective countries in these five indices: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and the Expat Essentials Index, which covers housing, administration, language, and digital life.

Other 2023 accolades

In early June, Vietnam was named among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia by British newspaper The Independent.

"A similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.

"Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities (Danang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings," it wrote.

In May, leading Australian travel site Traveller named Vietnam among the world's eight budget-busting destinations perfect for family holidays. "Explore hawker markets, slurp pho, ride a buffalo or take a fun cooking class," it advised its readers.

"Vietnam’s not only a fun, adventurous family destination - it also offers terrific value thanks to the strong Aussie dollar and cheap flights with airlines including Bamboo Airways, Jetstar and newly launched VietJet Air."

In March, New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure listed the country among 21 "life-changing trips everyone should experience at least once" .

"A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food," it wrote.

The magazine suggested: "Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat."

In mid-February, the Traveller ranked Vietnam among 20 of the world's best-value destinations.

"For food alone Vietnam is a favourite. Add the transformations and heady vibe of an emerging economy, incense-laden temples, lakeside old towns, lush highlands and mushrooming beach resorts and you have every reason to visit," it wrote.

"Vietnam remains one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia, with direct budget flights from Australia an added saver.

"Expect to pay under two dollars for a beer or coffee, not much more for a bowl of pho, $50 for a decent hotel, and $170 for an upmarket one. Nothing to complain about, except the traffic."