Is Vietnam safe to live in? Is Vietnam good to live?

Is Vietnam safe to live in? Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation, attracts millions of tourists and expatriates each year due to its natural beauty, friendly and hospitable people, political stability, ensured security, and low cost of living. Let’s explore whether Vietnam is truly a great place to live.

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Is Vietnam Safe to Live In?

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a shining star in the tourism industry, boasting captivating natural landscapes, diverse cuisine, warm and welcoming people, modern infrastructure, convenient transportation, and excellent security. Here are some reasons why you should consider living in Vietnam:

1. Natural Beauty

Vietnam is a beautiful country with diverse and rich natural landscapes, from majestic forests to stunning, long-stretching beaches, that allow you to freely explore and immerse yourself in nature.

Some of Vietnam’s famous natural tourist destinations include Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Imperial City of Hue, Sapa, Cham Islands, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Hoi An. These places offer you the chance to discover fascinating aspects and beautiful sceneries of Vietnam.

Is Vietnam safe to live in — *Vinh Ha Long, Viet Nam*

2. Low Cost of Living

Vietnam has a relatively low cost of living compared to other countries in the region, making it an attractive destination for many tourists and expatriates. Currently, many foreigners living in Vietnam are satisfied with the low living costs, allowing them to comfortably spend and enjoy their favorite foods while residing in this beautiful country.

3. Diverse and Rich Cuisine

Vietnam is considered a culinary paradise, with its cuisine famous worldwide for its harmonious balance, diversity, and unique preparation methods. Delicious dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, Fresh Spring Rolls, and Banh Xeo will leave visitors thoroughly satisfied. Some must-try dishes when you come to Vietnam include:

Pho: A national dish loved by locals and international visitors alike. The flavorful broth made from beef or chicken bones, chewy rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat create a distinct, rich taste.
Bun Cha: A popular dish in the North, featuring fragrant grilled meat, fresh noodles, and sweet and sour dipping sauce. The fatty flavor of grilled meat combined with soft noodles offers a delightful experience.
Fresh Spring Rolls: A refreshing dish with green vegetables, shrimp, meat, and noodles wrapped in soft rice paper and dipped in sweet and sour sauce. It’s not only tasty but also healthy due to its high vegetable content and low fat.
Banh Xeo: Crispy pancakes served with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour sauce, creating an appealing flavor. Made from rice flour, thinly sliced pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs, it’s a signature Vietnamese dish.

Vietnam has many other appealing dishes highly regarded by visitors. You can experience the culinary diversity of this country when you live here.

4. Low Crime Rate

Vietnam is considered a safe country with a low crime rate. Violent crimes, armed robberies, and terrorism are rare. With one of the most stable political environments in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is seen as a safe place to live.

Security is always ensured, allowing people to move freely. Life in Vietnam is safe and bustling, with open and friendly people who exhibit strong community bonds.

5. Transportation

While transportation infrastructure in Vietnam is still developing, the country is rapidly progressing. Infrastructure is being upgraded robustly, creating a modern environment friendly to all visitors.

Transportation costs are very affordable. You can travel by bus, overhead metro, Grab, taxi, or electric car services like Green SM. These are common means of transportation in Vietnam.

Additionally, when living in Vietnam, you can rent or buy a motorbike for convenient travel. If you have a generous budget, you might consider purchasing a car for comfortable travel within cities and to distant places.

6. Healthcare Services

In major cities, the healthcare system is modern and highly regarded by experts. Many patients from other countries come to Vietnam for treatment, feeling very satisfied with the reasonable costs and quality care provided by highly specialized doctors. Highlights of Vietnam’s healthcare include:

Healthcare System Structure:

Public Healthcare: Includes central, provincial, and district hospitals, as well as commune and ward health stations. These are the primary providers of healthcare services to the population. Leading hospitals include Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi), 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi), and Cho Ray Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City).
Private Healthcare: Consists of private hospitals and clinics offering premium services and on-demand consultations. Prices are generally higher than in public hospitals. Notable private hospitals include Vinmec International Hospital, Tam Anh Hospital, and Hong Ngoc Hospital.

Quality of Healthcare Services:

In Major Cities: High-quality healthcare with modern hospitals, advanced medical equipment, and a team of well-trained, highly skilled medical professionals.
In Rural Areas: Healthcare quality is still limited, despite significant investments in infrastructure and modern equipment in recent years. Rural healthcare may not meet the requirements for treatments that demand high expertise.

Healthcare Costs:

Public Healthcare: Treatment costs are relatively low, with many services covered by social insurance. However, waiting times can be long due to overcrowding.
Private Healthcare: Offers convenience and quick service without long waits, but at much higher costs compared to public facilities.

Recent Improvements:

Technology Adoption: Vietnam’s healthcare system is applying modern techniques and technologies, such as electronic medical records, digital treatment processes, information systems, and remote care services, improving efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
International Collaboration: Vietnam is cooperating with many international organizations to enhance service quality and to train and improve the capabilities and expertise of doctors and medical staff.

7. Society and Culture

Vietnamese people are very friendly and hospitable. You can easily integrate into local communities, customs, and culture, and you will always be welcomed if you respect their traditions.

Regarding social issues, although Vietnam is developing rapidly, challenges like wealth disparity and unequal living conditions between regions still exist.

8. Natural Disasters

Storms and Floods: Coastal and mountainous areas can be affected by storms and floods. When living in Vietnam, you should monitor weather updates and follow local guidelines. (In major cities, storms and floods are rare.)
Disaster Response: Local authorities have measures in place to respond to natural disasters. In emergency situations, evacuations may occur to ensure safety.

9. Freedom in Vietnam

Personal Freedom: In Vietnam, you have the freedom to move, work, and live in various areas without government oversight. You can freely express yourself and your personality in this country.
Religious Freedom: Vietnam recognizes the right to religious freedom. Individuals have the right to their beliefs, but religious organizations need to register and be managed. Unauthorized religious groups are not permitted to operate, and religious practices must comply with government regulations.
Business and Investment Freedom: Investors and businesses can operate in a dynamic and increasingly open business environment. However, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations before investing or doing business.
Human Rights: While living in Vietnam, you are protected by Vietnamese law and have full rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to seek justice.

Vietnam is a safe and friendly country where you can live without worrying too much about the cost of living. Compared to many countries in the region, Vietnam has lower living expenses, diverse cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and hospitable people making it an excellent place to reside.

Is Vietnam Good to Live In?

Vietnam is a great place to live. The quality of life in Vietnam is comparable to leading developed countries in Asia. Infrastructure in major cities is very modern, with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues on par with those in developed nations.

The environment in Vietnam is quite clean due to abundant greenery, beautiful long-stretching beaches, and majestic mountain landscapes that create a picturesque country.

Vietnam is also known for its rapidly growing economy, offering a wide range of job opportunities. You can easily find a job you love when living in Vietnam.

Vietnamese people are open and friendly, always welcoming and assisting foreigners. Therefore, Vietnam is a very desirable country to live in.

Is It Safe for an American to Live in Vietnam?

Americans, or citizens of other countries, can live safely in Vietnam. English communication is widespread, as English is a compulsory subject in Vietnam’s education system. Thus, you can easily integrate into the community even without knowing Vietnamese.

Vietnamese people are very hospitable and enjoy interacting and conversing with foreigners, especially Americans. Therefore, it’s very safe for Americans to live or travel in Vietnam.

Is Vietnam a Safe Country to Live In?

Vietnam is a very safe country to live in, with a low crime rate and stable politics. You can freely live and travel anywhere within Vietnam’s territory.

With its stunning, long-stretching beaches, diverse cuisine, low cost of living, friendly people, modern infrastructure, and frequent cultural, culinary, and tourism festivals, Vietnam offers numerous attractions for both tourists and expats living in the country.

Safest Places and Cities to Live in Vietnam

Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are very safe to live in. These are modern cities with tight security, where violent incidents are rare and crime rates are low.

For decades, Vietnam hasn’t experienced large-scale riots or protests, indicating its very stable political environment. Women’s and children’s rights are highly prioritized, and Vietnamese culture always respects women.

Petty theft can occur, but the crime rate is very low. Most petty theft cases are handled promptly by Vietnamese police upon receiving reports. Therefore, Vietnam is a safe and trustworthy country to live in.

Media on Foreigners Living in Vietnam

According to VnExpress, a leading newspaper in Vietnam, more foreigners are choosing to work long-term in Vietnam as they see it as a large and rapidly developing market with high demand for expertise.

VnExpress also reports that Vietnamese cuisine ranks in the top 10 most popular on Instagram. A study showed that Vietnamese food was the ninth most posted cuisine on Instagram in 2020, indicating its growing popularity among food enthusiasts.

The Bottom Line

Is Vietnam Safe to Live In? Vietnam is a beautiful country that’s great for living and working. With stunning natural landscapes, diverse cuisine, friendly people, low cost of living, good security, and stable politics, these are compelling reasons to consider making Vietnam your home.