Top reasons why Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 5 countries for expats

Citing data from InterNations – the global community for people living and working abroad – BBC noted that the ranking was based on criteria such as cost of living, quality of life, and ease of settling in. Out of more than 10,000 respondents from 172 countries, Vietnam was placed in the top 5, with living costs rated as the best globally and the country ranked 8th overall in happiness levels. 

Foreigners living in Vietnam describe the S-shaped land as a nation full of energy, with a dynamic rhythm of life. Bertha Pesik, an Indonesian currently working at New World Phu Quoc Resort, shared: “Life in Vietnam is bustling, and everywhere is developing rapidly. But what impresses me most is how friendly the people are. You can always count on their warm support.”

Like many expats, Bertha especially loves Vietnamese cuisine, which features plenty of fresh vegetables, light cooking, and healthy flavors. She suggests that foreigners should try signature dishes such as bun cha, banh cuon and Vietnamese coffee – especially the unique salted coffee. 

When it comes to destinations, the BBC emphasized two names for its global readers: Danang and Phu Quoc. In Phu Quoc, expats and long-term residents often enjoy sunbathing at Kem Beach, watching nightly fireworks, and immersing themselves in the Kiss of the Sea show at Sunset Town.

In reality, Kem Beach, with its stunning tropical landscape and a cluster of world-class resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and New World Phu Quoc, has become a star in the eyes of international visitors. It is especially loved by travelers from colder countries and has consistently been praised by international media in recent years.

Meanwhile, Sunset Town captivates visitors with iconic attractions such as the world’s longest three-cable gondola, the Kiss Bridge, and especially the Kiss of the Sea multimedia show. With an outdoor theater holding Guinness World Records for both the largest water screen and capacity, this spectacular production attracts nearly 2,000 guests each night. Combining fire, water, lasers, music, and dazzling fireworks over the Phu Quoc sky, the show has become an unforgettable feast for the senses.

Recently, Forbes Italia also praised Phu Quoc, calling it “the new playground of Asia’s elite,” while Singapore’s The Straits Times described it as “Vietnam’s paradise island.” With an increasing number of direct flights, Phu Quoc is steadily strengthening its global brand recognition and expanding to more international markets.

Alongside Phu Quoc, Bertha Pesik is also impressed by Danang, a coastal city that she finds both vibrant and romantic, yet close to nature. Like many other expats, she is drawn to Sun World Ba Na Hills with its legendary Golden Bridge. “I was overwhelmed by this bridge because it felt like walking among the clouds,” Bertha described.

This is not the first time international media has spotlighted Danang as a favorite among foreign visitors. Earlier, U.S. travel site Travel Off Path also reported that Danang is one of the best destinations in Asia for digital nomads.

According to the site, Danang’s affordable lifestyle, combined with experiences beloved by digital nomads – from some of the world’s most beautiful beaches like My Khe to the pristine nature of Son Tra Peninsula – make the city a standout. Adventure activities such as paragliding and jet skiing add to its allure. The site also recommended Ba Na Hills as a must-visit spot for nomads seeking majestic natural beauty.

Besides Vietnam, the global top 5 most expat-friendly countries also included Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand. Other countries in the top 10 of this survey were China, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia.