With its 3,444 km of idyllic long sweeping coastline, warm tropical climate, amazing landscapes, friendly welcoming people, and delicious food, why wouldn’t you consider Vietnam as one of many semi or permanent retirement sea change options.
In the 5th of our 14-part SE Asian series, we look at 4 separate sea change locations that may appeal to the discerning retiree. Three of these, Vinh, Da Nang and Nha Trang are on the eastern seaboard.
Contrast these locations with its largest island, Phu Quoc, in the Gulf of Thailand at the bottom Southwest of Vietnam’s coastline, and you will see that Vietnam has plenty to offer.
Vinh, Da Nang and Nha Trang
Triangular shaped Phu Quoc Island
Located at various points along the lengthy eastern coastline of Vietnam, the cities of Vinh, Da Nang and Nha Trang all offer the potential retiree with three similar but different sea change options.
RAIL, ROAD, AIR AND FERRY (PHU QUOC) ACCESS
Vinh is 262 km from Hanoi, Da Nang is 790 km and Nha Trang lies 1,300 km to the south or 426 km northeast from Ho Chi Minh city. By road, Vinh is 289 km from Hanoi, Da Nang is 827 km and Nha Trang 1,281 km south or 439 km north of Ho Chi Minh city. Most major roads are mostly dual lane expressways. By rail, each location is accessible by similar distances, albeit a little slower.
To Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh city, either road route is 395 km (toll) or 465 km with ferry. At least 6 ferry companies run regular multi-daily services from Rach Gia or Ha Tien to Phu Quoc.
From Hanoi to Vinh there are two flights daily, Hanoi to Da Nang 22 flights daily and 10 per day to Nha Trang. Flying from Ho Chi Minh city to Nha Trang there are 7 flights daily, 28 flights daily to Da Nang and 16 per day to Vinh. Cost of flights are between $40 to $80 AUD, so very affordable.
Flights from Hanoi to Phu Quoc total 21 per day and from Ho Chi Minh city there are 25 daily flights.
THE TALE OF THREE CITIES – VINH, DA NANG & NHA TRANG
VINH (POP 490,000) – THE GATEWAY TO THE SOUTH
The city sits on the Ca River delta in the SE of the province, alongside the (Song Lam) river and is located on the main north-south transportation route of Vietnam. Easily accessible by highway, railroad, boat and air, it’s the biggest city, economic and cultural centre of north-central Vietnam. It is a key point in the East–West economic corridor linking Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Vinh has a dry winter and a humid sub-tropical wet season with 2,113 mm (83 inches) of rain during the year. Temperatures range between 22 and 28 degrees C (71 to 82 F) at 80 % to 85% humidity.
The people are warm and hospitable, and often go at length to make visitors feel welcome. Children and adults alike are always enthusiastic and cheerful when meeting foreigners. They maintain very strong cultural traditions that are a part of their provincial and national identity.
DA NANG (POP 1.1 MILLION) – “THE SHINING PEARL OF VIETNAM”
The picturesque coastal portside city of Da Nang at the mouth of the Han River is Vietnam’s 5th largest city. Surrounded by mountain ranges to the west and expansive coastline to the east, it plays an important trading, tourism, and commercial hub for the region.
Approximately 4,200 foreign expatriates have retired to the region to enjoy the cosmopolitan, laid-back beachside communities, warm sub-tropical climate (26 – 32 C), and the lower cost of living. Rich varieties of seafood abound along with much of the regions other agricultural produce.
Given its central location, there are many day tripping possibilities which include visiting the beautiful heritage city of Hoi An, My hon sanctuary, Son Tra peninsula and Hue. Hiking in the nearby mountains to the west, swimming the local beaches and canoeing on the Han River is also popular.
Da Nang has often been described as the “Shining pearl of Vietnam” and it is easy to see why.
NHA TRANG (POP 392,000) – “THE VIETNAMESE RIVIERA”
Located on the southern coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang is influenced by the tropical climate with the weather warm and mild all year round. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 21°C to 33°C.
Almost 1,000 expatriates call Nha Trang home and enjoy its small-town friendliness, thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, idyllic tropical weather, and endless recreational opportunities.
An attractive seaside resort town set along Vietnam’s sunny, south-central coast, Nha Trang has one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Best Beaches in Asia referred to Nha Trang as “the Vietnamese Riviera.” Rough Guides says “it is recognized as Vietnam’s premier beach destination.”
Several small islands and coral reefs offering plenty of underwater variety making snorkelling and scuba diving a popular pastime along with many other water sports.
Phu Quoc (Pop 180,000) – Vietnam’s Largest Island at 574 sq Km
Phu Quoc has 150 km of coastline, with gentle waves and transparent turquoise water, to make it Vietnam’s most popular destination for water sports. Unspoilt beaches, captivating sunsets, and accommodation options to suit all budgets, make this an idyllic tropical paradise location.
Surrounded by 22 smaller islands, there are plenty of small beaches, inlets, and tranquil spots to escape the tourists. A scenic cable car, several golf courses, river cruises, fishing boats, jet skis and other watercraft provide a plethora of recreational activities for retiree and visitor alike.
As a guide, Phu Quoc is larger than the 3 popular Thailand islands of Phuket (540 sq km), Koh Samui (229 sq km) and Koh Chang (217 sq km).
RETIRING TO ASIA: COST OF LIVING IN VIETNAM COMPARED TO AUSTRALIA.
Comparing Sydney’s cost of living to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Vinh, they are 52%, 53%, 52% and 50% respectively cheaper and 50%, 51%, 49% and 48% cheaper to Melbourne.
As a monthly rental cost guide, we would expect you should be paying the following in rent:
| Inside CBD | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Da Nang | $589 | $789 | $988 |
| Nha Trang | $470 | $821 | $1,172 |
| Phu Quoc | $245 | $560 | $875 |
| Vinh | $233 | $350 | $466 |
| Outside CBD | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Da Nang | $463 | $638 | $813 |
| Nha Trang | $364 | $577 | $789 |
| Phu Quoc | $205 | $383 | $560 |
| Vinh | $192 | $290 | $387 |
RETIRE TO ASIA’S COST OF LIVING CALCULATOR
Use our unique Cost of Living Calculator to see what cost of living savings may be possible for you when comparing up to 40 Australian cities / towns / regions with the above 4 Vietnamese locations.
Or expand and compare up to 48 different and popular SE Asian retirement destinations spread in the six countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Iluminating!!
Should You Wish to Learn More about this amazing sea change option for your retirement?
Feel free to contact the team here at Retire to Asia at in**@re**********.au or 1800 916 377 to continue to learn more about this under rated region. We would be more than happy to email or chat with you, along with encouraging you, to navigate our recently revamped website.
