Why Thailand Expats Are Moving to Vietnam in 2026

Interest is growing among Thailand-based expats, remote workers, freelancers, and small business owners who are considering a move to Vietnam in 2026. For many, Vietnam’s lower cost of living is the starting point, with cheaper rent, transportation, groceries, and everyday services making monthly budgets easier to manage, especially in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. The country’s official e-visa also allows eligible travelers to apply online for stays of up to 90 days, with single- or multiple-entry options.

However, the move usually comes from several factors rather than one clear advantage. Lower housing costs, flexible short-term entry, and new commercial opportunities all matter, while Thailand still offers stronger healthcare access, reliable public transportation, established expat networks, and more familiar long-stay pathways for many foreign residents. This comparison of expats leaving Thailand provides useful context for the shift, but Vietnam isn’t automatically the better choice for everyone.

The key questions are practical: what costs less, how do visas and taxes compare, which Vietnamese cities attract newcomers, and what should you verify before moving? We’ll start with the main financial differences between living in Thailand and Vietnam.

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam can reduce monthly spending on rent, transportation, meals, and services, especially outside central Bangkok-priced neighborhoods.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang offer the strongest mix of housing, private healthcare, international services, and expat support.
• Vietnam’s official 90-day e-visa system supports single and multiple entries, but it does not guarantee long-term residency.
• Taxes, insurance, language barriers, and changing immigration procedures require careful planning before you move.
• Compare Vietnam vs. Thailand for expats based on your income, healthcare needs, visa plans, and preferred city.

Why Thailand’s Expats Are Moving to Vietnam

For many Thailand-based expats, moving to Vietnam is a practical budget decision rather than a permanent rejection of Thailand. A lower monthly income, rising rent, or a desire to spend more on travel can make Vietnam attractive, especially when someone can keep earning in U.S. dollars, euros, or pounds.

Lower Costs for Everyday Life

Vietnam often costs less for local meals, motorbike transport, coffee, laundry, haircuts, cleaning, and other routine services. Those savings add up quickly for remote workers who eat out regularly or rely on ride-hailing instead of owning a car. A single person living outside the most expensive neighborhoods may manage a comfortable budget well below the cost of a similar lifestyle in Bangkok or Phuket.

Rent is another major reason. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have furnished studios and one-bedroom apartments at different price points, while local neighborhoods can cost much less than areas aimed at foreign residents. Cost-of-living estimates for Vietnam show why the country attracts retirees, freelancers, and location-independent workers.

However, country averages can hide large differences. District 1, Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, and Phu My Hung in Ho Chi Minh City can carry premium rents. Comparable high-end areas in Hanoi and Da Nang also narrow the gap with Thailand. Compare several neighborhoods, ask what utilities and cleaning include, and check the commute before choosing a home.

Cities That Fit Different Lifestyles

Ho Chi Minh City attracts people who want the widest selection of apartments, coworking spaces, restaurants, private clinics, and international schools. Hanoi suits expats who prefer cooler winters, historic neighborhoods, and access to government, education, and business services. Da Nang appeals to those who want beach access, a slower routine, and generally lower housing costs.

Vietnam’s growing remote-work scene adds to the appeal. Reliable internet, affordable cafes, coworking offices, and short-term furnished rentals make it easier to test the country before committing. Still, Vietnam does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2026, so visa status and work arrangements need careful review.

The right choice depends on your income, family needs, healthcare requirements, visa position, and travel pattern. Someone spending 200 days in Vietnam faces different tax and residency questions than someone splitting the year between both countries. Before moving, compare your actual rent, insurance, school, transport, and visa costs rather than relying on a national average.

Fast Facts and Costs: Thailand vs. Vietnam

Vietnam can lower monthly spending for a single expat, especially when you choose a local neighborhood and use local services. One estimate places a comfortable budget near $800 per month in Vietnam, compared with about $1,000 in Thailand. A more city-specific comparison puts Ho Chi Minh City at $1,200 to $1,800, while Bangkok ranges from $1,500 to $2,400.

These figures are estimates, not guarantees. Rent, location, insurance coverage, and personal habits can quickly change the result. The cost of living in affordable Asian countries offers useful background, but you should compare current local prices before signing a lease.

Where Vietnam Usually Saves Expats Money

Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang often offer lower rents outside premium foreigner districts. Local meals, motorbike rentals, ride-hailing, coffee, laundry, household help, and basic repairs also tend to cost less. A cleaner who visits weekly, inexpensive street food, and GrabBike trips can make a noticeable difference to a monthly budget.

Coworking desks and café spending may also run lower in Vietnam. Routine private care is affordable, although dental prices depend on the clinic, materials, and whether you choose a local or international provider. Imported groceries, luxury apartments, international schools, private drivers, and premium medical services can erase the savings quickly.

The Costs Thailand Still Handles Better

Thailand may offer better value when you need established private hospitals, Bangkok’s rail network, or services designed for long-stay foreigners. The country also has a larger network of expat-focused businesses, international schools, specialist clinics, and relocation providers.

A lower monthly budget doesn’t always mean a lower total cost. Add health insurance, international flights, rental deposits, school fees, tax advice, and repeated visa trips before deciding. Vietnam’s 183-day tax test can also affect your position, as explained in this Vietnam tax residency guide. Confirm current visa rules, clinic prices, insurance exclusions, and lease terms before moving.

Vietnam Visa and Tax Rules Can Change the Moving Decision

Vietnam may look easier to test than Thailand, but immigration status and tax residency are separate questions. A visa lets you enter or stay under certain conditions. It doesn’t decide where you owe personal income tax. Before moving, check both systems against your actual travel pattern and income.

The 180-Day and 183-Day Tax Thresholds Explained

Thailand commonly uses a 180-day threshold within a calendar tax year. Staying in Thailand for 180 days or more can make you a Thai tax resident, even when the days aren’t consecutive. Under Thai Revenue Department guidance, foreign income earned from January 1, 2024, onward may be taxable when a Thai tax resident brings it into Thailand. The treatment can depend on when the income was earned, how it was remitted, and the person’s broader tax position. See this guide to Thailand’s 2026 tax changes for expats before assuming that keeping money abroad solves the issue.

Vietnam generally applies a 183-day test, but the calculation has two possible windows. You may become a tax resident by spending at least 183 days in Vietnam during a calendar year, or during any 12 consecutive months beginning with your first arrival. Entry and exit days count under current guidance, so border runs and split trips need careful records.

Vietnamese tax residents may face personal income tax on worldwide income. Nonresidents are generally taxed on Vietnam-sourced income, with rates depending on the income type and the person’s status. A 90-day visa doesn’t prevent tax residency if your total presence reaches the relevant threshold.

A visa measures permission to stay. Tax rules measure days, income, and residence connections.

What Remote Workers Need to Know Before They Go

Vietnam’s official e-visa system is widely described as allowing eligible travelers to stay up to 90 days, with single- or multiple-entry options. As of August 2026, there is no confirmed official Vietnamese digital nomad visa. A short stay also isn’t automatic permission to work for a Vietnamese company.

Remote workers should review their arrangement before booking a one-way flight. A foreign employer may consider an employer-of-record provider, with reported costs around $300 to $700 per month plus social insurance in some arrangements. A local job can require a work permit, exemption, or other approval, while qualifying employees may need a temporary residence card.

Because rules and enforcement can change, confirm employer, tax, and immigration obligations with official authorities or a qualified adviser. Map your travel days, income sources, bank transfers, and residence ties before choosing Vietnam over Thailand.

Which Vietnamese City Fits a Thailand-Based Expat Best?

Vietnam’s three main expat cities suit different priorities. Ho Chi Minh City is strongest for business and international services, Da Nang works well for remote workers seeking a slower routine, and Hanoi fits people tied to northern Vietnam. Your income, family needs, work setup, and tolerance for traffic should guide the choice.

Ho Chi Minh City for Business and International Services

Ho Chi Minh City is the best match for business owners, sales teams, agencies, importers, exporters, and technology professionals. It has the broadest selection of coworking spaces, networking events, international schools, private clinics, furnished apartments, and English-friendly services. Cafés and communities are easy to find, especially in District 1, Thao Dien, and Phu My Hung.

The tradeoff is a busier daily rhythm. Traffic can make short journeys frustrating, while popular districts often cost more than expected. A Thailand-based entrepreneur who needs regular meetings, reliable suppliers, or international banking support will usually find the widest practical network here. The official Vietnam tourism website can help you compare the city’s location with other destinations before arranging a longer stay.

Da Nang for Remote Work and a Lower-Key Lifestyle

Da Nang suits remote workers, freelancers, couples, and families who value beach access and a smaller urban feel. The city has a visible international community, growing coworking options, affordable cafés, and easier access to outdoor activities than Vietnam’s larger business centers. Housing can also offer more space for the money.

However, Da Nang has fewer high-end business services and specialist providers. Seasonal storms, heavy rain, flooding in some areas, and changing internet quality can affect daily life. Check the building’s connection, backup power, drainage, lease terms, and neighborhood during bad weather before committing.

Hanoi for Culture, Government Links, and the Northern Market

Hanoi is practical for residents connected to government offices, universities, law firms, international organizations, and northern Vietnamese businesses. Its historic districts, food culture, and strong local identity offer a more distinctly Vietnamese experience than many foreign-oriented areas elsewhere.

Cold winters may surprise people moving from Thailand, while traffic remains difficult. Seasonal air-quality problems also deserve attention, particularly if you have children or respiratory concerns. Research each neighborhood for commute time, noise, flooding, air quality, and access to international services. City labels help narrow the search, but the right district often determines whether the move feels comfortable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving From Thailand to Vietnam

A successful move needs more than a cheaper apartment and a one-way ticket. Use this sequence to test Vietnam, protect your finances, and decide whether a temporary stay should become a permanent relocation.

Build a Realistic Relocation Budget

Start by comparing your after-tax income with the full monthly cost of living in Vietnam. Include rent, deposits, agent fees, utilities, internet, transport, flights, visa fees, insurance, medical care, coworking, furniture, bank fees, and tax advice. Also account for Thailand lease obligations, storage, pets, school plans, and emergency travel back to Thailand.

Create two budgets before you move:

1. A lean budget covering basic housing, local transport, groceries, healthcare, and essential bills.
2. A comfortable budget that includes private housing, coworking, dining out, travel, entertainment, and regular flights.

Keep an emergency fund covering at least several months of expenses. Your first month may include overlapping rent, hotel stays, deposits, furniture, document fees, and unexpected medical costs. If you’re leaving Thailand before your lease ends, add the penalty or remaining rent to your moving fund. Review Thailand’s long-term visa options before deciding whether to cancel existing arrangements.

Test the City Before Signing a Long Lease

Choose Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang based on your work, healthcare, family, and weather needs. Then stay in a short-term rental for several weeks, preferably in the neighborhood where you might live.

Check the commute during morning and evening rush hours. Test the internet speed, water pressure, air conditioning, elevator, building management, and backup power. Visit the area after dark to assess noise, security, flooding, and street access.

Locate nearby clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, coworking spaces, and local transport. Speak with residents, building staff, and nearby business owners instead of relying only on social media videos or rental listings. They can reveal recurring noise, drainage, or management problems that photos won’t show.

Confirm Your Legal and Personal Setup

Before booking flights, confirm your passport eligibility, passport validity, visa timing, and approved entry port. Vietnam’s official e-visa system allows eligible travelers to apply for single- or multiple-entry stays of up to 90 days. Check whether your work requires authorization, since Vietnam has no dedicated digital nomad visa.

Review the 183-day tax tests, lease obligations, and Thailand ties with a qualified adviser. Arrange insurance that covers Vietnam, prescriptions, routine care, hospitalization, and evacuation. Open or verify banking access, move money through compliant channels, and check whether a local account requires a lease, phone number, tax code, or residence card.

Finally, decide what to ship, sell, or store. Build a local support network through neighbors, clinics, professional contacts, and trusted service providers. Set a review date after your first 90 days, then compare your actual costs, work status, health, and daily routine with the original plan.

Local Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vietnam can reduce your monthly spending, but only when you compare the details of your actual routine. Cheap rent alone is a weak reason to choose a city, especially for families with school, healthcare, and travel needs.

Look Beyond the Monthly Rent

A low advertised rent may exclude furniture, deposits, building fees, utilities, internet, cleaning, and maintenance. Add motorbike rental, taxis, visa trips, imported food, international school fees, and frequent flights to Thailand. These items can erase the savings quickly, just as rising expenses already affect many Thailand-based expats.

Compare the full monthly and yearly cost in the exact neighborhoods you are considering. Ask landlords for written details about deposits, notice periods, repairs, electricity rates, water charges, parking, and rent increases. Verify the landlord’s identity and right to lease the property, then inspect the contract before paying. Keep backup payment methods because a new bank account or card may not work immediately.

Solo expats can often adjust their budget after arrival. Families need to price school transport, childcare, larger housing, and emergency travel before moving. Learn basic Vietnamese phrases for numbers, addresses, directions, and household repairs. A few words can prevent costly misunderstandings.

Avoid Overlooking Healthcare, Safety, and Air Quality

Use a practical checklist before choosing a neighborhood:

• Confirm the standards and location of nearby hospitals, plus whether your insurance covers direct billing.
• Check evacuation coverage, prescription availability, and the process for replacing lost medication.
• Save Vietnam’s emergency numbers, including 113 for police, 114 for fire and rescue, and 115 for medical emergencies, as listed in the U.S. Vietnam travel advisory.
• Inspect building security, traffic conditions, flood exposure, drainage, elevators, and backup power.
• Review seasonal air pollution and weather patterns. The CDC’s Vietnam health guidance warns that particulate pollution can worsen allergies and asthma.

Thailand is often viewed as stronger for complex private healthcare, particularly in Bangkok. Still, both countries vary by city and facility, so confirm the actual provider you would use. Check air quality during the dry season, plan for storms or flooding in coastal areas, and choose a location that works for your household’s health needs, not just its rental price.

Is Vietnam Actually Better Than Thailand for Expats?

Vietnam can be the better choice for expats who prioritize affordability, flexible short stays, and the energy of growing cities. Thailand remains stronger for people who need established private hospitals, rail transit, mature expat services, or a clearer long-stay visa route.

The right answer depends less on national rankings and more on your daily priorities. A remote worker living alone in Da Nang may save substantially compared with Bangkok. A retiree who needs specialist treatment, regular train travel, or a familiar support network may feel more comfortable in Thailand.

Vietnam May Suit You Better If You Value Affordability

Vietnam deserves a closer look when your income is in dollars, euros, or pounds and you want to reduce routine expenses. Rent, local meals, motorbike transport, coffee, and personal services often cost less, particularly outside premium districts in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Da Nang adds a strong coastal option, with a slower pace and lower housing costs than many major Thai destinations. Vietnam’s 90-day e-visa also makes it practical to test the country before making a longer commitment. However, Vietnam still lacks a dedicated digital nomad visa, so review your work arrangement before relying on short-stay status. This Vietnam remote-work visa guide offers additional context, but confirm current rules with official authorities.

Thailand May Remain the Better Fit

Thailand has advantages that lower prices cannot always replace. Bangkok offers extensive BTS and MRT coverage, while private hospitals and specialist clinics are easier for many expats to access. Thailand also has more established expat infrastructure, including international schools, relocation services, and long-stay programs. Review these Thailand expat visa options before assuming Vietnam provides a simpler path.

Vietnam pros:

• Lower everyday costs in many cities.
• Affordable beach living in Da Nang.
• Flexible short stays for testing a move.
• Growing business and remote-work communities.

Thailand pros:

• Better hospital access and rail transit.
• Larger, more established expat networks.
• Stronger selection of long-stay programs.
• Familiar services in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and coastal hubs.

Tax residency, family needs, insurance, and legal work arrangements may matter more than headline prices. Compare those factors alongside rent before choosing a country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving from Thailand to Vietnam involves more than comparing apartment prices. These answers cover the practical questions that often shape the final decision.

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand for most expats?

Broad comparisons often put Vietnam at roughly 20% cheaper than Thailand. A commonly cited estimate is about $800 per month in Vietnam versus $1,000 in Thailand, but use those figures as a guide rather than a promise.

Your actual budget depends on rent, imported goods, international schooling, insurance, and lifestyle. A local apartment and Vietnamese meals can create major savings, while premium housing, Western groceries, private schools, and frequent flights can narrow the gap.

Can a foreigner work remotely from Vietnam on an e-visa?

Entering Vietnam with an e-visa and having permission to work are separate matters. Vietnam has no confirmed official digital nomad visa as of August 2026, so a short-stay e-visa does not automatically settle your work authorization or tax position.

Before relying on this route, confirm your arrangement with your employer and a qualified immigration or tax adviser. Review the available remote work visa requirements alongside your employer’s location, client base, and income sources.

How long can Thailand-based expats stay in Vietnam?

Eligible travelers commonly use Vietnam’s e-visa for up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entries. The official Vietnam immigration portal lists the current e-visa framework, but approval depends on your nationality, application details, and entry information.

Eligibility, extensions, and enforcement can change. Check the latest official requirements before booking flights, especially if you plan to leave and re-enter Vietnam during the same stay.

Which is better for healthcare, Thailand or Vietnam?

Thailand is often the stronger choice for complex private care, specialist treatment, and smoother hospital systems, particularly in Bangkok. Vietnam can offer lower prices for routine private care in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Your insurance matters as much as the country. Choose international coverage that includes direct billing, specialist treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, then confirm which hospitals accept your policy.

Do expats pay tax on worldwide income in Vietnam?

Vietnamese tax residents may be taxed on worldwide income, while nonresidents are generally taxed on Vietnam-sourced income. The 183-day rule is important, but a fixed residence, temporary residence card, residence ties, and income type can also affect the result.

Keep accurate entry and exit records if you split time between Thailand and Vietnam. Because tax treatment can affect salary, freelance income, investments, and foreign accounts, seek professional advice before establishing a long-term base.

Should I move to Vietnam permanently or try it first?

A trial stay is usually the safer choice. Spend enough time in your likely neighborhood to test your work routine, internet connection, healthcare access, climate, transport, and social life.

Stay through ordinary weekdays and busy travel periods before ending your Thailand lease. Delay shipping household belongings until Vietnam works for your daily needs, not just your first holiday impression.