Picking the right neighborhood matters more than picking the right city. Here is where expats actually settle in Vietnam's three main destinations, and who each area suits — so you land somewhere that fits before your lease locks you in.
- Cost of living in Vietnam
- Best neighborhoods in Vietnam (you're here)
- Vietnam visas for Americans
- Healthcare in Vietnam
- Get matched with a Vietnam agent →
Da Nang — beach life with real amenities
- An Thuong — the digital-nomad core behind My Khe beach: coworking, cafes, bars, walkable, but the priciest and most transient.
- My An — one street back, quieter, popular with long-term teachers and retirees.
- Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) — the best value, with newer, larger units and easy access to international schools; good for families.
- Hai Chau — the urban riverfront core near the Dragon Bridge, if you want city energy over sand.
Ho Chi Minh City — pick your speed
- Thao Dien (Thu Duc / old District 2) — the default expat answer: leafy, riverside, international schools, and a strong Western scene.
- District 1 — downtown energy, walk-everywhere, ideal for professionals who want to be in the middle of it.
- Binh Thanh — between the center and Thao Dien, a strategic value play.
- District 7 / Phu My Hung — planned, tidy, family-friendly, with a big Korean and Japanese community.
Hanoi — history, lakes, and character
- Tay Ho (West Lake) — the expat district: lakeside living, international restaurants, coworking, and nearby schools.
- Ba Dinh — the quiet embassy quarter, residential and green.
- Hoan Kiem (Old Quarter) — the walkable cultural heart, most local and most chaotic.
- Ciputra — a gated compound with villas, pools, and international schools; a family favorite.
How to choose without visiting first
Photos lie, and a "10-minute walk to the beach" can be a highway crossing. The move that saves people the most regret is talking to someone who lives in the market before committing — someone who knows which streets flood in the rainy season, which buildings have reliable backup power, and which "expat" listings are overpriced. I match you with a vetted local agent who can walk you through the right areas for your budget and stage of life.
Not sure which neighborhood fits?
Tell me your budget, timeline, and whether you want beach or city, and I'll connect you — free — with a vetted local agent who knows the streets, not just the listings.
This article is general information for people considering an international move — not immigration, visa, tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, costs, and requirements change often and vary by nationality and situation, so always verify current details with official sources and a qualified professional. Stacey Scantlin is a REALTOR® with JBGoodwin who connects you with a vetted, independently licensed local real estate agent; she does not provide immigration or legal services.
Vietnam neighborhood questions
Where do most expats live in Vietnam?
In Ho Chi Minh City it's Thao Dien and District 1; in Hanoi it's Tay Ho (West Lake); in Da Nang it's the An Thuong/My An beach areas. Each has an established international community, schools, and Western amenities.
Is Da Nang good for families or more for digital nomads?
Both. The An Thuong beach strip skews toward nomads and younger expats, while the Ngu Hanh Son and Marble Mountains areas offer larger, better-value homes near international schools that suit families.
Should I sign a lease before I arrive?
It's usually better to secure short-term housing first, see neighborhoods in person, then sign a longer lease with a local agent's help. Committing sight-unseen is where a lot of expats overpay or end up in the wrong area.
Are international schools available in these cities?
Yes. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang all have international schools, concentrated near the main expat neighborhoods — a factor worth building your location choice around if you have kids.