Vietnam
Profiled in Ho Chi Minh City · East Asia
A fast, motorbike-swept city where French colonial streets, roaring street kitchens and glass towers all fight for the same block, and somehow it works.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Street food is dirt cheap, but international schools and imported goods add up fast.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Ho Chi Minh City
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of SaigonRed-brick French colonial landmark at the heart of downtown.
- Saigon Central Post OfficeGorgeous Gustave Eiffel-era hall still working as a post office.
- Independence PalaceThe 1975 Reunification Palace, frozen in Cold War decor.
- War Remnants MuseumSobering, essential look at the American War.
- Ben Thanh MarketThe classic covered market for food, souvenirs and haggling practice.
- Bitexco Financial Tower SkydeckHelipad-topped tower with a 49th-floor city view.
- Landmark 81Vietnam's tallest building with an observation deck over the river.
- Jade Emperor PagodaSmoky, atmospheric Taoist temple loved by locals.
- Nguyen Hue Walking StreetWide pedestrian boulevard that comes alive at night.
- Cho Lon and Thien Hau TempleThe old Chinatown district with its incense-coiled sea-goddess temple.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Cu Chi TunnelsWartime tunnel network a couple of hours out, an easy half-day history hit.
- Mekong DeltaFloating markets and river life around My Tho and Ben Tre, doable in a day or two.
- Vung TauThe closest beach town, quick by hydrofoil or car for a lazy seaside weekend.
- Mui NeRed and white sand dunes plus fishing villages near Phan Thiet, great for kids.
- Da LatCool pine-covered highlands with flower farms and coffee plantations, a real climate escape.
Coffee
Best cafes
- The Workshop CoffeeLoft-style specialty roaster that helped kickstart the city's coffee scene.
- L'UsineFrench-leaning cafe and concept store tucked off Dong Khoi.
- Cong CapheRetro military-themed chain famous for coconut coffee.
- Trung Nguyen LegendVietnam's big-name coffee brand, strong and sweet the traditional way.
- Runam BistroPolished spot for elegant Vietnamese coffee and people-watching.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Cuc Gach QuanHome-style Vietnamese cooking in a restored old villa, a perennial favorite.
- Quan An NgonStreet-food classics done well under one roof, great for first-timers.
- Anan SaigonChef Peter Cuong Franklin's Michelin-starred take on Vietnamese food.
- Secret GardenRooftop Vietnamese comfort food with lantern-lit charm.
- The Deck SaigonRiverside dining that feels a world away from the traffic.
- Hum VegetarianRefined meat-free Vietnamese cooking in a leafy setting.
- Pho Hoa PasteurLong-running pho institution locals still line up for.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Banh Mi Huynh HoaThe legendary loaded pork banh mi, worth the queue.
- Banh Mi Hong HoaAnother beloved sandwich counter for a fast morning bite.
- Pho LeSouthern-style beef pho that draws early-morning crowds in Cho Lon.
- Com Tam Ba GhienFamous broken-rice plate with grilled pork, a Saigon breakfast staple.
- Nguyen Hoang Bun Bo HueSpicy central-Vietnam noodle soup to start the day with a kick.
- Tous Les JoursReliable bakery chain for pastries and coffee on the run.
- Paris BaguetteAir-conditioned bakery cafe for an easy Western-style breakfast.
- The Workshop CoffeeGood spot for a slower brunch and a proper flat white.
- L'UsineEggs, granola and lattes in a calm design-forward room.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on a work or business visa sponsored by an employer or their own company, then convert it to a Temporary Residence Card valid for up to two or three years. There is no simple residency-by-investment route, so nearly everyone needs a local job, company or family tie to stay long term.
Tax
Stay 183 days or more in a year and you become a tax resident, taxed on worldwide income on a progressive scale from 5 percent up to 35 percent. Non-residents pay a flat 20 percent on Vietnam-sourced income, and social contributions can apply on top.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Vietnam residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Vietnam tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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