There’s something truly special about Vietnam, something that makes anyone who visits want to return. For many foreigners, this country is more than just a travel destination; it’s a place that offers a rare balance of comfort, beauty, and a life that feels profoundly genuine.
The Main Appeal: Safe, Affordable, and Welcoming
Imagine sipping a rich, aromatic cup of coffee for just one dollar at a small café in Saigon while scooters buzz endlessly outside. That’s daily life in Vietnam simple, dynamic, and full of energy.
The country is known for its low cost of living, yet the quality of life remains surprisingly high.
Many expatriates come here for work but end up staying for good, realizing that life in Vietnam feels far more balanced. With affordable food, transport, and housing, Vietnam allows anyone to live comfortably without sacrificing lifestyle.
But what truly sets Vietnam apart isn’t just its affordability, it’s the sense of safety and the warmth of its people. The Vietnamese are known for being friendly, hardworking, and genuinely optimistic.
They welcome newcomers like old friends, a sincere smile at the morning market, a lighthearted chat with a motorbike driver, or a warm greeting in a cozy café can make anyone feel instantly at home.
This warmth is often what makes many foreigners see Vietnam as a second home. In such a familiar and human atmosphere, life feels more relaxed, friendly, and meaningful.
Easy to Access, Easy to Settle In
In recent years, the Vietnamese government has made real efforts to make the country more accessible for tourists and expatriates. Since 2023, a new e-visa policy allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days, three times longer than before.
Vietnam has also expanded its visa exemption list to include over a dozen countries, such as France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Spain.
The results were immediate. The number of foreign visitors surged, and Vietnam now aims to welcome 23 million international tourists by the end of 2025.
With the opening of Long Thanh International Airport in 2026 and an increasing number of direct flights from the United States and Europe, traveling to Vietnam is becoming as simple as grabbing your passport—and your sense of curiosity.
From Backpackers to Luxury Travelers
Vietnam is no longer just a destination for budget backpackers. Today, it has also become a magnet for luxury travelers.
Upscale resorts like Regent Phu Quoc, Capella Hanoi, and JW Marriott Saigon showcase how quickly Vietnam’s premium tourism sector has grown. Soon, renowned names such as Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Park Hyatt will join the list, expanding the country’s portfolio of world-class accommodations.
Yet, Vietnam’s true charm lies in its ability to blend these two worlds. You can stay in a luxury hotel at a price far more affordable than in destinations like Thailand or Singapore, while still enjoying an authentic, character-rich local atmosphere.
Cuisine: The Soul of Every Journey
No trip to Vietnam is complete without tasting its remarkable cuisine. In every city, the irresistible aroma of steaming pho, savory banh mi, and freshly grilled bun cha will follow you wherever you go.
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2024 solidified Vietnam’s place on the global culinary map. Today, Michelin-starred restaurants stand side by side with legendary street vendors—proving that great taste doesn’t need white tablecloths or fine dining formality.
Nature’s Allure and Adventure’s Call
For nature lovers and adventurers, Vietnam is a paradise waiting to be explored. In the north, Ha Giang offers dramatic, winding mountain roads and breathtaking scenery.
In the central region, the Hai Van Pass is a legendary motorbike route framed by stunning coastal and hillside views. Down south, the Mekong Delta reveals a vibrant life that flows on water, rich in colors, scents, and the sounds of daily life.
Don’t miss Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a gem for ecotourism enthusiasts. Here you can venture into some of the world’s largest caves, such as Hang En, and even spend the night inside, surrounded by ancient stalactites. Vietnam’s nature may not be perfectly tamed, but that’s exactly where its beauty lies—wild, real, and full of surprises.
Cities Alive with Rhythm
As dusk falls over Hanoi, the sky turns amber and streetlights flicker on amid a sea of motorbikes. Life moves fast, yet somehow in rhythm. From the balcony of an old café, you can sip ca phe sua da and watch the flow of traffic and the endless buzz of market life.
Vietnam is a place where chaos feels alive and beautiful. For some, it may seem overwhelming; for others, it’s deeply captivating. In this vibrant hum of movement and energy lies the essence of Vietnam itself—a rare blend of simplicity and vitality that’s impossible to replicate.
