Life in Vietnam: cultural features, pros and cons, what you need to know

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

Life in Vietnam attracts many. But in reality it is a poor, densely populated country that has historically been associated with war and a punitive centrally planned economy. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Its beautiful countryside and beaches are becoming as famous as its tragic past.

Although Vietnam is a relatively small country, with a total area of about 329,500 sq. km, it is home to 54 different ethnic groups. Of these, the most significant are the Khin (Viet) people, who make up 86% of the total population. The country is divided into 58 provinces, there are 5 controlled municipalities. These are Hanoi, Haiphong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.

Languages: Vietnamese (official), English (due to its prevalence, it may well be considered the second state). Quite often you can hear French, Chinese and Khmer. And the tourist places- Russian.

Vietnam's climate is predominantly tropical in the south and monsoonal in the north.

Fairy tale and reality…

Many people think that life in Vietnam is easy and carefree. However, there are practically no employment opportunities for emigrants. And you can only hope for positions related to non-commercial international development. It should also be borne in mind that places there, as a rule, are provided to people with experience in a similar field. In addition, there are employment opportunities for educators and those with computer skills.

Key facts every expat should know

Vietnam currently uses three separate currencies:

Gold is used to buy land and housing.
US dollars - for luxury goods.
Dong - to pay for everyday goods.

Although actual land ownership is currently not possible for foreigners, some living in Vietnam are being granted 50-year leases. With the possibility of building a home ownership on it.

Also currently, foreigners are not allowed to rent a car in Vietnam without a local driver's license. But motorcycles can be used.

Note that citizens of some countries are not allowed to obtain visas to enter Vietnam. Russia, fortunately, is not included in this list.

Vietnam City Guide

It's really easy to find your way around. But it's better to get a card, it will help:

Move efficiently and with minimal stress.
Fast and easy to plunge into a new life in Vietnam. Feedback for Russians reassures that thanks to guidebooks, you can find the help you need when you need it.
Identify neighborhoods to live in that fit your style and budget.
Find the right places to meet like-minded people.
Make sure you have a great experience abroad.

It is also recommended to study several book guides to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information. They are especially good because the instructions are written by real expatriates who live and work in Vietnam.

Everyday life

Being developed, the country has a fairly fast paced rhythm. The working day starts at 5 am. In some cases even at 3 am. Therefore, the nightlife of Vietnam is significantly different from that which is familiar, for example, to a Russian person. Although in tourist places you can find entertainment at any time of the day.

At 5 o'clock in the morning, street vendors prepare their jobs. At about 6, everyone else got up. At this time, the street is full of motorcycles and cars. After all, the Vietnamese believe that if they go to the market early in the morning, they will find fresh fruits and meat. After that they taketheir children in various institutions (depending on age) and go to work.

Many people go to the studied country with their children. And in principle, educational institutions do not differ much from Russian ones. However, after the Vietnam War, the standard of living and illiteracy was about 95%. The government immediately had to make education universal for the entire population. Some experts note: it is important for parents to understand that the child will receive only general knowledge, it is not worth hoping for a quality education.

In the countryside

In Vietnam, about three-quarters of Vietnamese live in rural areas. But both in the villages and in the cities, people have to work hard to provide for their families. Most grow rice or fruit trees, others raise livestock. The daily life of the common people of Vietnam is predominantly hard. Men and women have to get up very early to get to the fields, while the children do housework, fetch water for the workers. And the elders take care of fish ponds, fruit trees, livestock. Daily life in Vietnam can be similar for Russians if they want to.

It's not worth counting on the city to be different. Men and women go to work. Grandparents take care of the child at home or send it to kindergarten. Adults work from 7 am to 5-6 pm. They work all day to provide for their families. Many live in a small apartment or public housing.

Most Vietnamese families are very large. But people often just exist onsharing a living space, not having enough time to take care of each other.

Cost of living

The country is a fast-growing destination for expats and one of the most popular destinations for retirees and nomads from Southeast Asia. Judging by the reviews, the quality of life in Vietnam for Russians is in many ways better than in neighboring countries. The food is varied and delicious, the cost of living is low, and there are a number of well-paid jobs. However, it is important to consider that it is not easy for pensioners to obtain a visa, but it is still possible.

Many experts say that life in Vietnam is truly wonderful for Russians. After all, the range of the subsistence minimum: from 700 to 1,400 dollars a month. The currency (Vietnamese dong) is approximately 0.0029 rubles. No wonder Vietnam is a popular destination for budget travelers, bloggers, nomads and young entrepreneurs. The average local wage for a worker in Vietnam is about $148 per month. Merchants bring home about 500.

Why Vietnam?

Many expats are looking for a place with interesting culture, good food and quality lifestyle available on a budget. Vietnam is very attractive in this regard. Violent crime rarely occurs in the country, but petty crimes (such as theft) are a problem.

Local culture and food are the two biggest benefits for many considering living in Vietnam. There is a huge selection of traditional dishes. Also Vietnamoffers a wonderful contrast between cultural celebrations and religious rituals.

Another reason is the diverse landscape. The climate varies greatly from cold mountainous to tropical southern. The most iconic places are often visited by tourists (like Halong Bay), but there are many other cities that are just as beautiful, but without the huge flow of people.

For many, tourism has become a lifestyle. Many foreigners tell stories about how they came for a year and stayed for many decades. Although transportation is not perfect - mountains, beaches and forests often make it difficult for expats to make weekend trips to various attractions and places of regional cultures.

Entry features

Visa - this is perhaps the main problem. The most common is a single three-monthly. But six-month and twelve-month ones are also available. Depending on the plans, you can easily get a 12-month multiple entry. Nevertheless, some tourists note that this is rather a plus of life in Vietnam. Since difficulties are encountered only the first time due to inexperience.

To avoid mistakes, you should always ask for a visa to be attached to your passport, as there have been cases where travelers have been denied entry. In addition, before the trip it is worth learning English (at least basic). Russian-speaking people are found, but more often among tourists.

Many people move with animals. Bringing a cat or dog to Vietnam is easy. You can pay for a service that will help with all the documents, but it is much cheaper to do this.yourself.

Also, many people are worried about whether there is Internet in Vietnam. And the answer is yes. Good high-speed in large cities, in small ones - much worse and slower.

Safety

Speaking of the pros and cons of living in Vietnam, petty theft is a common occurrence. And there are also scams involving taxis, charitable organizations. In big cities, heavy traffic and motorcycle accidents are also common. Therefore, it is advisable to have an insurance policy that covers accidents.

Possible problems:

Regional flooding can occur during the rainy season.
Foreigners cannot own land in Vietnam. That is, it is almost impossible for expats to buy and build anything. Until a person can get a house, he must rent land from the government.
Water is a tap liquid undrinkable. It is better to buy reusable 19-liter jugs for about VND 10,000.
Many parents are frightened by the increased attention to their children. However, restaurant workers often entertain foreign children while their parents are eating. Do not worry, the Vietnamese sincerely love children. Especially with big blue eyes.

Features of accommodation

Despite the fact that the standard of living of the population of Vietnam is quite low, foreigners can get a good job (there are opportunities in almost all regions of the country). From Thailand to Vietnam search for a placesimple for life. You just need to choose an area and walk around it, decide on a stopping place. It is worth noting that there are also modern condominiums in large cities.

Like other Asian cultures, Vietnam is a family community. Many people live in a crowd and feel really happy about it.

In addition to the ease of choosing accommodation, affordable and delicious food. After all, street food is a feature of life in Southeast Asia, and a Russian person can afford it.

Note that local wages are very low - in some cases as low as $148 - and therefore prices are accordingly pegged to them. One disadvantage for older pensioners is the lack of medical infrastructure. Although there are quality hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, they still lag behind, for example, those located in Thailand, which guarantee high quality medical services. For pensioners with he alth problems, this fact is decisive when choosing a place of residence. Some prefer Thailand.

Various territories

Perhaps the most popular destination for expats is Hanoi. A huge number of visitors live here, many of whom work as teachers. Like Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi has a Western influence, making it easy to find international food. As well as enterprises and medical services, where the staff speaks English, and sometimes Russian. However, it is important to consider that the weather in winter is quite dreary (10 °C). The city is less busy andoverloaded. But many expats consider this an undeniable plus. In comparison, for example, with the fast and chaotic pace of life in Saigon.

One of Vietnam's largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular destination for young people, bloggers and budget travelers. Of course, family expats also live here, but they are outnumbered by single lovers of city cafes and fast Wi-Fi. As in big cities around the world, there is an opportunity to visit a huge number of shops, delis, restaurants, gyms, co-working spaces and, of course, shopping centers. Moreover, entertainment can be found for every budget and taste. And if you want to improve your standard of living in Vietnam.

Hoi Anetho is a city that is less chaotic but still very popular with tourists. For this reason, all the necessary amenities can be found here. For many, Wi-Fi and products are considered the main ones. However, this is not all. As this small coastal town grows, so does the number of retirees. If emigrants do not want to contact tourists, they can settle outside the city and even close to rice fields. At the same time, you will be able to admire the sights, visit the nearby beach. Which is praised by all the guests of the city.

If a person wants to live near water, you should opt for the city of Nha Trang. This place is distinguished by magnificent large beaches. It is located in the south of Vietnam, so the weather here is warm all year round. Although the coastal location sometimes makes it cooler than other places. Tourists and expatsnote that this area has an important difference - a relaxed atmosphere that is loved by locals and foreigners. Although there are tourist spots, the city is far less congested than Hanoi or Saigon.

Danang also deserves a mention as it is a beautiful place that many foreigners love. The above areas are certainly attractive to many foreigners. But here people with families, as well as pensioners, will like it more. It is these categories of citizens that live here. Da Nang is richer than many other Vietnamese cities. It is generally clean and quite modern, so the quality of life here is significantly higher. No wonder the city is chosen by visitors who have children. The weather in Da Nang is a huge advantage for many as it is more temperate than Nha Trang.

Food

The range of delicious food is a big reason for many people to move to Vietnam. After all, despite the large number of restaurants, this country really has a cult of street products. In fact, it's almost impossible to avoid such food in Vietnam (especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City where street food is part of everyday life).

Vietnam's national dish, pho, is traditionally made with noodles, beef breast broth, herbs and chili peppers. However, there are several other versions with chicken, tofu, or shellfish. And best of all, these dishes are cooked in street stalls.

Vietnam moderately vegetarian. When ordering a dish, you can say the word "tea", then local sellers will offerdishes that do not contain meat and other products prohibited to vegetarians. However, in Asia there is no concept of "vegetarian cuisine". A person is often suggested something with fish sauces.

Vietnamese food is heavily based on rice and rice flour, making it easy for people with celiac disease to find foods they can enjoy without risking their he alth. Before you come to Vietnam, you need to download the Vietnamese gluten translation card to make your meal less stressful.

A recent report from the World Economic Forum indicated that life expectancy in Vietnam has reached a fairly high level. The country ranked 56th out of 138 countries. Thus, we can conclude that existing in the territory is not so bad. This also proves that the average life expectancy in Vietnam has risen to 75.6 years. And all this thanks to economic growth and improvement in the quality of all areas.