How to choose a city
Nha Trang and Da Nang suit people who want the sea plus normal city life. Ho Chi Minh City offers the broadest range of jobs, services, and business opportunities but is denser and noisier. Hanoi is the capital, with stronger seasonality and a different cultural rhythm. Phu Quoc is an island lifestyle that works very well for some people and feels limiting to others. Choosing a city is about matching your scenario, not finding a universal winner.
Your first month
- Book temporary accommodation for one to three weeks.
- Get a SIM/eSIM and set up backup internet.
- Work out everyday payments and cash.
- Visit neighbourhoods in the morning, evening, and during rain.
- Find a nearby clinic and pharmacy and save their details.
- Only then sign a longer lease.
Daily life
Daily life in Vietnam becomes easier when you use local infrastructure instead of trying to recreate every habit from home. Food delivery, motorbike taxis, neighbourhood shops, markets, and small services can be faster than one large all-purpose solution. For a long stay, the actual quality of the apartment and neighbourhood matters more than an impressive lobby.
Documents and legal status
Permission to stay in Vietnam as a tourist is not the same as permission to work, operate a business, or enter long-term legal arrangements as a resident. Visas, work permits, business structures, and taxes are separate legal layers. When your stay changes from 'a few months' to employment or business activity, verify current rules rather than relying on chat-group advice.
Russian-speaking community
In tourist cities, Russian-speaking groups, agents, and services are easy to find. They lower the barrier to entry, but they can also create an information bubble. Gradually using English, translation tools, Zalo, and local services expands your options for housing, doctors, and everyday services.
What people often underestimate
- Noise and construction near the apartment.
- Humidity and mould.
- Mattress quality and a proper workspace.
- Walkability: pavements are inconsistent.
- The need for backup internet.
- Traffic if you do not plan to ride a motorbike.
- Seasonality of the specific city rather than Vietnam as a whole.
Questions and answers
Where is the best place to live in Vietnam for a Russian speaker?
It depends on your priorities: sea and compactness, big-city jobs, island life, or the capital. There is no universally best city.
Can I live in Vietnam long term on a tourist visa?
Your permitted stay is governed by immigration rules; employment and other activities require separate legal checks.
Do I need a motorbike to live in Vietnam?
Not always. In major and tourist cities you can combine Grab, walking, and taxis, but neighbourhood choice becomes more important.
Should I rent an apartment for a year immediately?
For a first arrival, it is usually better to test the city and area with short-term accommodation first.