Where Do Expats Live in Vietnam? Best Cities & Neighborhoods

One of the first questions many people considering relocation to Vietnam asks is simple: Where do expats live in Vietnam?

The answer depends on your professional background, target role, lifestyle, family situation, and budget. Some expats prioritize international schools, high-rise apartments built to international standards, and proximity to business districts. Others work remotely and are looking for beach access, walkable neighborhoods, or a quieter community

While Vietnam has foreign residents across the country, three cities consistently attract the largest international communities:

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Hanoi

• Da Nang

Each has its own personality, budget level, and expat ecosystem.

This guide by Resident Vietnam compares the best cities in Vietnam for expats, explores the most popular expat neighborhoods in Vietnam, discusses housing budgets and standards, and explains why local expertise matters during a home search in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s Expat Community: Bigger Than Many People Think

Vietnam’s international community has expanded rapidly over the last decade thanks to foreign investment, remote work, manufacturing growth, startups, availability of international schools, and tourism development.

While exact figures fluctuate and are not always fully reliable, government labour data and immigration estimates suggest that Vietnam is home to few hundreds of thousands of foreign residents, workers, investors and long-term visitors living across Vietnam. 

Large communities include South Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Americans, Europeans, Australians and an increasing number of remote workers and entrepreneurs from all over the globe. 

Based on commonly observed relocation and local market trends:

Ho Chi Minh City: Widely regarded as Vietnam’s largest expat hub, with the country’s biggest concentration of foreign workers, investors, entrepreneurs, teachers, and long-term residents. Large communities include South Koreans, Japanese, Taiwanese, Europeans, Americans, and other Asian nationals.

Hanoi: Vietnam’s political and diplomatic capital, with a sizeable international community made up of diplomats, multinational employees, NGO staff, teachers, embassy personnel, and foreign business professionals. Large communities also include South Koreans, Japanese, Taiwanese, Europeans, Americans, and other Asian nationals. We also observe growing Chinese and South Korean communities in Bac Ninh City, which is home to major electronics manufacturing companies, as well as in Hai Phong.

Da Nang: A smaller but fast-growing international hub, popular with entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, and long-stay visitors attracted by its coastal lifestyle and lower cost of living.

The strongest concentrations are typically found in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across each city and may also vary depending on the foreign community: Thao Dien and District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ho/Westlake, My Dinh/Me Tri in Hanoi, and An Thuong in Da Nang.

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Largest Expat Hub

For many newcomers, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) remains the default answer to where do expats live in Vietnam.

Fast-paced, international and business-oriented, HCMC offers:

• largest job market
• strongest startup ecosystem
• biggest international community
• many international schools
• luxury and mid-range housing options
• active nightlife and dining scene

Many estimate the broader international community numbers in the tens of thousands, with particularly large Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese and Western populations.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

District 2 (Thao Dien / An Phu)

Thao Dien is probably the most recognizable expat neighborhood in Vietnam and has long been considered the default choice for newcomers arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. Over the years, it has evolved into an international village within the city.

What you’ll find: Most of the main International schools, upscale apartment developments, villas, coworking spaces, imported grocery stores, large shopping malls, fitness studios and a huge concentration of Western cafes and restaurants, and metro stations to the city center. 

Upsides: Very international atmosphere, family-friendly environment, excellent amenities, strong community feeling and easy access to international schools.

Downsides: Rental prices have increased significantly in recent years. Traffic entering and leaving the area can also become difficult during rush hour.  Regular temporary street flooding during the rainy season in some areas.  Villas in non-secure compounds may require additional security and maintenance assessment prior to renting.

Best for: Families, entrepreneurs, executives and first-time expats wanting a soft landing.

An Phu (District 2)

Located beside Thao Dien, An Phu offers a more residential and quieter atmosphere while still providing many of the same conveniences.

What you’ll find: Residential compounds, villas, apartment towers, supermarkets and a growing number of cafes and restaurants.

Upsides: Slightly calmer and often more affordable than central Thao Dien while remaining close to international facilities.

Downsides: Less walkable and less lively than neighboring areas.  For some of the top apartment blocks in this area, getting to many of the main international schools as well as majority of shops and restaurants, a trip across the busy Hanoi highway is required.

Best for: Families and professionals looking for a more residential environment.

Thu Thiem & Thanh My Loi (District 2)

Located somewhat closer to District 1, both of these areas are part of the newly developing part of District 2.  Luxury and affordable apartment developments can be found in this area and are a good option for those who want to be out of the traffic and density of Thao Dien.

What you’ll find: Primarily newer apartment developments, some gourmet shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Upsides: Slightly calmer, good area for pet walking or outdoor activities.  In general quieter than other areas of District 2.  Some apartment developments are just 10 minutes from District 1 by car.

Downsides: Must drive about 15 to 20 minutes to get to District 1 or the prime expat hub of District 2 (Thao Dien).  There is a great deal of new construction occurring in some areas so important to ensure housing choice is isolated from noise and construction

Best for: Families and professionals looking for a more residential environment who are okay with driving a bit to school or to reach more dynamic areas of the city.

District 7 (Phu My Hung)

Phu My Hung is somewhat unique in Ho Chi Minh City as it has more of a “suburban” feel in comparison to the other older expat areas of the city. It has a particularly strong Korean community and a very different feel compared with central Saigon.

What you’ll find: Wide roads and proper sidewalks, parks/green space, international schools, Asian schools, shopping malls, Korean restaurants and a wide variety of apartment developments and row houses.

Upsides: Clean urban planning, family atmosphere, lower traffic intensity and modern infrastructure.

Downsides: Farther from the city center and nightlife areas.  The majority of newer apartment complexes are found in District 2.  Apartment complexes in Phu My Hung tend to be somewhat older.

Best for: Korean residents, Japanese residents, families and corporate employees.

District 1

District 1 remains the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and appeals to people wanting immediate access to city life.

What you’ll find: Office towers, rooftop bars, restaurants, coworking spaces, nightlife and major city attractions.

Upsides: Walkability, convenience and immediate access to business and entertainment.

Downsides: Higher rents, smaller apartments and constant activity.  The majority of apartments are serviced apartments.

Best for: Singles, professionals and newcomers wanting an urban lifestyle.

Binh Thanh (Vinhomes Central Park area)

Binh Thanh has become increasingly attractive to younger expats due to newer residential developments and easier access to central districts.

What you’ll find: High-rise apartment complexes, riverside parks, shopping facilities and modern amenities.  Developments like Vinhomes Central Park are essentially self-contained with a large shopping mall, large park, international hospital, many different restaurants and shops.

Upsides: Much better value than District 1 (or even District 2) while remaining close to District 1.

Downsides: Some parts remain heavily local and traffic congestion can still be significant.  

Best for: Young professionals and couples.

Ho Chi Minh City Neighborhood Comparison

Hanoi: Culture, Business & International Community

Vietnam’s capital feels very different from Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi offers:

• stronger traditional atmosphere
• embassies and diplomatic community
• major multinational offices
• seasonal weather
• lakes and older architecture

Expats often describe Hanoi as having a deeper cultural feel than HCMC.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods in Hanoi

Tay Ho (West Lake)

Tay Ho (West Lake) is the most popular living area in Hanoi for foreigners, especially for westerners. Located at 15 minutes from the heart of Hanoi city, Tay Ho offers all facilities for expatriates such as international clinics, kindergarten, grocery stores, shops, restaurants, bars, sports facilities and many options for short and long term accommodation. 

What you’ll find: 5 stars hotels (Sheraton, Intercontinental, Pan Pacific), Houses for rent (in decreasing number), Small scale serviced apartments buildings (in increasing number), large International serviced apartments buildings such as Fraser Suites, Somerset, Elegant Suites and executive residences in small gated compound, international schools and kindergarten, fitness centers, coworking spaces, cafés, international restaurants, groceries stores and one of Hanoi’s largest foreign communities. 

Upsides: Although “Tay Ho” is known as THE foreigners area, it is actually soaked in local flavors. Those who like to be immersed in their host country will not be disappointed. You may hear the crowing of the cock in the morning and street sellers promoting their diverse products and services. “Tay Ho” may not always be a quiet place to live and although there are large houses for rent, there is often little space between them, construction works around, and streets are very narrow.

Tay Ho offers perhaps the easiest transition into life in Vietnam. English is widely spoken in many businesses, housing options often cater specifically to foreign tenants, and the area feels more spacious and residential than much of central Hanoi. The lake itself also creates a calmer atmosphere that many residents appreciate.

Downsides: Convenience comes at a cost. Tay Ho is a self-developed area where construction seems to never stop. Building works also take place at weekends, including on Sundays, and may start very early in the morning, especially during the summer. This can become a significant nuisance for several months. The lack of sidewalks is also noticeable in many parts of Tay Ho.

For those who want to remain close to Tay Ho while avoiding some of these inconveniences, Ciputra International Compound is a good alternative. Located north of West Lake, between Tay Ho District and North Tu Liem District, Ciputra is only 10–15 minutes by car from Tay Ho’s main living and dining area, around 20 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport, and approximately 25 minutes from Hanoi city centre. Ciputra offers many facilities that are particularly convenient for expatriates, including convenience stores, restaurants, a wine cellar, bars, playgrounds, sports facilities such as gyms and swimming pools, a golf driving range, a clubhouse, UNIS School, and Singapore International School. Long-term accommodation options include detached and semi-detached villas, as well as apartments of various sizes. All properties in Ciputra are privately owned and available for rent through individual landlords. Ciputra is especially suitable for families with children. It is clean, quiet, safe, and spacious, making it convenient for walking, cycling, and everyday family life. Another major advantage is the 24-hour security provided within the compound.

However, Ciputra is modern and self-contained, so it may not give residents the feeling of living in the heart of Hanoi. Those looking for a more local, authentic Hanoi experience may therefore prefer another area.

Best for: Families, diplomats, professionals with children, and first-time expats planning a long stay.

Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung Districts (Central Business Districts)

Ba Dinh combines embassies, government institutions and residential neighborhoods in a way few districts in Hanoi do.

The city center is often opted by those who like to be close to their office or simply want to be in the heart of the city. Foreigners living in the city center usually stay in apartments or serviced apartments as there is a very limited number of houses with international standards. Most French colonial style villas are rented out to embassies, diplomats or government offices and therefore not available to expatriates families. Although living in the heart of the city is convenient, many will also find it to be very tiring because of traffic noise. Many foreigners living in the city center, especially westerners and families, often shop or meet other expats in Tay Ho area. There are new accommodation options in Ba Dinh such as Lotte and Vinhomes Metropolis offering modern apartments/condominium with facilities.

What you’ll find:  Embassies, premium apartment buildings, local restaurants, Japanese businesses and community, parks, cafés and restaurants.

Upsides: Its central location allows residents to reach many parts of Hanoi quickly. The district often feels calmer and more authentic than heavily internationalized areas.

Downsides:  Apartment quality varies considerably depending on the neighborhood and are in smaller number than in Tay Ho. Traffic congestion during rush hours can also be difficult.

Best for: Corporate professionals and diplomats, without children, and residents looking for a balance between local life and everyday convenience. 

Cau Giay, My Dinh & Me Tri areas

Cau Giay has transformed rapidly over the last decade alongside Hanoi’s business and technology expansion. New office towers, shopping centers and residential projects have turned the district into a practical option for younger expatriates.

The Manor and Keangnam-Calidas Landmark 72, one of the tallest building in Vietnam and Skylake (by Vinhomes) are currently the most popular residential place for foreigners in My Dinh and mainly hosts Korean and Japanese expatriates. JW Marriott Hotel, one of the newest 5 stars hotels in Hanoi, opened in this area few years ago, adjacent to the National convention center. My Dinh also hosts the Japanese School and the Korean School making this area the most preferred area for Korean expatriates.

What you’ll find: Modern apartment complexes, offices, shopping malls, Korean restaurants and newer urban developments.

Upsides: Modern, practical, and convenient lifestyle at slightly better value than Tay Ho. The area has good access to business districts, Korean and Japanese schools, shopping centres, restaurants, healthcare.

Downsides: Some areas can feel highly functional and urban, lacking the charm and atmosphere of Hanoi’s older districts.

Best for: Young professionals, business workers, Korean families.

Ha Noi neighborhoods comparison

Da Nang: Nature & Lifestyle

If Ho Chi Minh City is business and Hanoi is culture, Da Nang is lifestyle.

Over recent years Da Nang has transformed into one of Southeast Asia’s most discussed emerging remote-work destinations.

It attracts:

• entrepreneurs
• remote workers
• retirees
• young families
• surfers and beach lovers

International media and digital nomad communities increasingly mention Da Nang as one of Asia’s fastest-growing lifestyle destinations.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods in Da Nang

An Thuong

An Thuong has become Da Nang’s unofficial expat district. Located close to My Khe Beach, the neighborhood has changed dramatically over recent years and now feels highly international.

Walking through the area, it is common to see coworking spaces, cafés filled with remote workers, international restaurants and small businesses created specifically for long-term foreign residents.

What you’ll find: Beach apartments, coworking spaces, bars, coffee shops, fitness studios and a highly social expat community.

Upsides: Very walkable by Vietnamese standards and highly convenient for people working remotely. New arrivals can build social connections quickly due to the concentration of international residents.

Downsides: Its popularity has increased prices. Some residents also feel the area is becoming more tourist-oriented and losing some of its earlier charm.

Best for: Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, freelancers and younger expatriates.

My An

My An sits between beach life and city convenience, offering a more balanced experience than An Thuong. Many long-term residents prefer it because it remains close to the coast without feeling entirely centered around tourism.

It often feels quieter and more residential while still maintaining good infrastructure.

What you’ll find: Mid-range apartments, cafés, local restaurants, gyms and easy access to major roads.

Upsides: Good balance between local life and international amenities. Housing can provide better value than highly concentrated expat zones.

Downsides: The neighborhood has a quieter social scene and fewer networking opportunities than An Thuong.

Best for: Couples, professionals and long-term residents seeking a calmer environment.

Hai Chau

Hai Chau serves as Da Nang’s administrative and commercial center. Although many newcomers initially focus on beach areas, a number of long-term residents eventually choose Hai Chau because of its practical advantages.

Life here feels more urban and integrated into the daily rhythm of the city.

What you’ll find: Shopping centers, offices, hospitals, schools, apartment towers and local businesses.

Upsides: Excellent infrastructure and convenient access to city services. Residents often appreciate having everyday necessities nearby.

Downsides: Less beach atmosphere and a smaller concentrated expat community.

Best for: Families, professionals and residents prioritizing practicality and convenience over resort-style living.

Son Tra

Located on the northeastern side of Da Nang, Son Tra offers a very different atmosphere from neighborhoods like An Thuong or Hai Chau. The district stretches from residential coastal areas toward the famous Son Tra Peninsula, a lush natural reserve known for mountains, jungle roads and ocean views. Over recent years, Son Tra has become increasingly popular with expatriates looking for more space, quieter surroundings and a lifestyle centered around nature.

What you’ll find: Beachfront apartments, villas, quieter residential streets, seafood restaurants, cafés, local markets, ocean-view housing and quick access to the Son Tra Peninsula and outdoor activities.

Upsides: Son Tra offers one of the most scenic lifestyles in Da Nang. Residents enjoy beach access, less congestion and a more relaxed atmosphere. Housing can sometimes provide more space for the price compared to heavily expat-focused areas. Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate easy access to hiking, cycling and nature.

Downsides: The international community is more spread out than in An Thuong, meaning social life can require more effort. Some areas also have fewer cafés, coworking spaces and everyday conveniences within walking distance.

Best for: Families, long-term residents, remote workers seeking a quieter lifestyle, retirees and expats who prioritize nature, space and a slower pace of life.

Da Nang neighborhoods comparison

Honorable Mentions: Other Places Expats Choose in Vietnam

While Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang attract the vast majority of Vietnam’s foreign residents, they are far from the only options. 

As remote work expands and lifestyle priorities evolve, a growing number of expats are choosing smaller cities and secondary destinations that offer lower costs, beach access, slower living or stronger niche communities.

These locations may not have the same depth of international infrastructure or large expat populations, but for the right profile, they can offer an excellent quality of life.

Not every expatriate in Vietnam wants skyscrapers, traffic and dense city living. For some, the ideal move may be a beach city, a smaller community or a destination where quality of life outweighs career opportunities. 

Choosing the right location often depends less on where other expats live and more on how you want to live yourself.

Why Local Homefinding Expertise Matters

Many newcomers start with Facebook groups and property websites.

But home searching in Vietnam can quickly become overwhelming. Obviously, it is quite easy to search Vietnamese real estate websites to get a sense of what might be available in Hanoi but be aware that the market is quite unregulated so what you see online is not be what is in reality.  Most sites 

• Listings have old or inaccurate information and photos.
• The same property will appear under multiple agents.
• Prices can vary at last minute by some landlords.
• Language barriers may create additional confusion.

A local homefinding partner helps by:

• understanding your lifestyle needs
• narrowing down neighborhoods
• explaining local market realities
• organizing visits efficiently
• carefully checking contracts
• negotiating better terms and avoiding common pitfalls

The difference between enjoying Vietnam and struggling during your first months often starts with choosing the right neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

So, where do expats live in Vietnam?

The short answer is: everywhere, but not for the same reasons.

• Families often gravitate toward areas like Thao Dien, District 7 for HCMC or Tay Ho for Hanoi, where international schools, larger homes and established foreign communities make daily life easier. 
• Young professionals and entrepreneurs frequently choose District 1, Binh Thanh or central business districts of Hanoi for convenience and energy. 
• Meanwhile, digital nomads and lifestyle-focused expats are increasingly drawn to Da Nang, An Thuong and coastal areas where work-life balance takes priority.

The reality is that the best city in Vietnam for expats depends less on a ranking and more on your priorities. Career opportunities, family needs, commute times, schools, community, budget and lifestyle all play a role. Two neighborhoods located only a few kilometers apart can offer completely different living experiences.

That is also why finding a home in Vietnam is rarely just about browsing listings online. Understanding the differences between neighborhoods, building quality, hidden costs and local market practices can make a major difference in your relocation experience.

If you’re planning a move and want guidance tailored to your situation, the team at Resident Vietnam can help. Whether you’re relocating alone, moving with family, searching for a long-term rental or simply trying to understand which area fits your lifestyle, local expertise can save time, reduce stress and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Looking for your future home in Vietnam? 

Contact Resident Vietnam and let our local team help you find the right city, the right neighborhood and the right place to call home.