Vietnam or Thailand in 2026: Visas, Cost of Living, Taxes

Torn between Vietnam and Thailand for your move abroad? It's no surprise: every year, these two Southeast Asian destinations draw thousands of French people looking for a new life, a tropical climate and an attractive cost of living.

Yet behind these apparent similarities lie major differences that can transform your experience as an expat. Here are the deciding factors that tip the scales one way or the other.

This highly detailed comparison guide gives you an objective analysis of both destinations across 12 key criteria: visas, cost of living, taxes, healthcare, education, career opportunities, quality of life and much more. You'll find precise figures, comparison tables and insider tips to make the choice that truly fits your personal situation.

01Cost of Living: Vietnam or Thailand, Which Wins?

Cost of living is often the number one criterion for people planning to move abroad. Contrary to popular belief, Thailand is no longer automatically cheaper than Vietnam, especially since 2024.

In Vietnam, a couple can live comfortably in Da Nang on €1,200-1,500/month (32.4-40.5 million VND), including a modern 70m² apartment downtown, eating out 3-4 times a week and leisure activities. A single person gets by very well on €700-900/month (18.9-24.3 million VND).

In Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, the equivalent budget climbs to €1,500-1,800/month for a couple, and €900-1,200 for a single person. The difference? Mainly housing and Western food, which are noticeably more expensive in Thailand.

Tip: If you eat local in Vietnam (phở, bánh mì, cơm tấm), your food budget can drop to €150/month per person. In Thailand, even eating Thai food, you'll easily go over €200/month.

Here is a detailed comparison of monthly expenses (in euros):

Vietnam offers an average cost advantage of 20-30%, especially pronounced for housing and services. For a detailed budget in Vietnam, see our complete guide to the cost of living in Vietnam.

Housing is the most striking difference. In Da Nang, €500/month gets you a brand-new apartment with a pool, gym and sea view. In Chiang Mai, the same budget gets you decent housing but without the premium amenities. Bangkok? Forget it: expect €800-1,200 for an equivalent.

02Visas and Paperwork: The Big Difference in 2026

This is the criterion that changed the most in 2025 and 2026, and in two opposite directions: Vietnam eased entry for French citizens, while Thailand tightened its rules in September 2026. If your plan is to come for a few months to see whether you feel good there, before selling anything in France, the difference is clear. The rules below are those in force as of September 23, 2026.

Vietnam: Try Out Life There Without Proving Savings

• 45-day visa exemption for French citizens, single entry, from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 (Resolution 44/NQ-CP). All you need is a passport valid for at least 6 months. Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr Vietnam page.
• E-visa of up to 90 days, open to all nationalities since August 15, 2023 (Resolution 127/NQ-CP), single or multiple entry. Fees are 25 USD for single entry and 50 USD for multiple entry since April 1, 2026 (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC), with a legal processing time of 3 business days (Law 51/2019). You apply on the official portal evisa.gov.vn.
• No proof of funds: the official e-visa form asks for an ID photo, the passport's photo page and online payment. No bank statement, no blocked savings, no proof of income.

In practice, you can spend 45 days in Da Nang without any paperwork, then, after leaving the country, come back on a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for 50 USD. Four to five months to make up your mind, for a few dozen dollars. The step-by-step process is detailed in our guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa and in our guide to Vietnam visas for French citizens.

The limits, to be honest:

• No digital nomad visa in Vietnam in 2026. The "€280 DN visas" or "renewable 90-day tourist visas" you still read about online don't exist in that form.
• The e-visa can't easily be extended in-country: in practice, you have to leave the country and apply again.
• Stringing stays together by leaving the country (so-called "visa runs") is tolerated, but no regulation guarantees it: the immigration officer remains free to refuse entry. See our article on the Vietnam visa run.
• For a long, stable stay, the legal routes are the work visa (with a work permit), the investor visa, or the temporary residence card that follows from them.

Thailand: Shorter Entry, Long Stays Subject to Savings

• Exemption cut to 30 days for French citizens since September 15, 2026, down from 60 days since July 2024. The new rules were published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. Visa-free entry is now reserved for tourism, and limited to 2 entries per calendar year by land. Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Royal Thai Embassy in France.
• In-country extension: once only, 30 more days, for 1,900 baht (about €50), at the immigration officer's discretion.
• Tourist visa (TR): 60 days, extendable by 30 days in-country, for 90 days total, to be applied for before departure.
• TDAC digital arrival card: mandatory since May 1, 2025 for all foreigners, free, to be filled out within the 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.
• Repeated entries: the reform explicitly targets people who use exemptions to live in the country de facto. Stringing together visa-free entries exposes you to questioning, or even refusal at the border.

To stay longer, Thailand offers a genuine long-stay visa, but with a financial condition:

• DTV (Destination Thailand Visa): a 5-year multiple-entry visa, 180 days per entry, extendable once by 180 days in-country (1,900 baht). It targets remote workers and freelancers, people coming for a "soft power" activity (Muay Thai, cooking classes, medical treatment), as well as their spouse and children. You must show a bank statement of at least 500,000 baht, or about €13,200 at the European Central Bank rate of September 22, 2026 (37.988 baht to €1). Visa fees are around 10,000 baht (about €260), with the exact amount in euros set by each embassy. Since August 31, 2026, you can only apply at the embassy of your country of nationality or permanent residence, with a criminal record extract. Source: DTV page from a Thai embassy, updated September 22, 2026.
• Retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A): from age 50, with 800,000 baht in the bank (about €21,100) or 65,000 baht in monthly income (about €1,710), health insurance and a criminal record check.

Visa Comparison Table (September 2026)

Our take: to come and try out life there for a few months, Vietnam is clearly more flexible and cheaper, with no savings to prove. For a remote worker who wants stable multi-year status and can show 500,000 baht, however, Thailand has a visa that Vietnam doesn't. For a retiree, the Thai O-A visa remains a real advantage.

03Taxes: Which Country Better Protects Your Wealth?

Taxation is a major criterion, often underestimated by first-time expats. The differences between Vietnam and Thailand can add up to thousands of euros in annual savings.

Vietnam: attractive taxation for non-tax residents

You become a Vietnamese tax resident after 183 days of presence in the year. But be careful: Vietnam applies a strict territoriality rule. Only Vietnamese-source income is taxable in Vietnam.

If you're a digital nomad working for foreign clients, a freelancer billing outside Vietnam, or someone living off French dividends, your foreign income is not taxed in Vietnam, even as a tax resident. That's a huge advantage.

Progressive tax brackets for Vietnamese income:

• 0-5 million VND/month (€185): 5%
• 5-10 million VND: 10%
• 10-18 million VND: 15%
• Above that: up to 35%

No wealth tax, no inheritance tax between spouses, no taxation of foreign capital gains on securities. To optimize your situation, read our guide to taxes for expats in Vietnam.

Thailand: a 2024 tax reform that changes everything

Until 2023, Thailand applied a simple rule: only income brought into the country in the year it was earned was taxable. Since January 1, 2024 (Thai Revenue Department instruction Por. 161/2566), any foreign income brought into Thailand by a tax resident is taxable, whatever the year it was earned. Income left abroad is not covered.

Remote workers based in Thailand have followed this reform closely. The brackets remain progressive (0-35%), but the tax base has broadened considerably.

Tip: The France-Vietnam tax treaty offers better protection against double taxation than the France-Thailand treaty. In case of a dispute, the procedures are clearer with Vietnam.

Comparison for a digital nomad earning €3,000/month from foreign clients:

• Vietnam: €0 in Vietnamese taxes (foreign income not taxable)
• Thailand: potentially €2,000-4,000/year depending on how the tax authorities interpret it

Vietnam wins hands down for freelancers and people living off investment income. Thailand remains competitive for employees of local companies who benefit from specific exemptions.

04Healthcare: Quality and Access

Health is non-negotiable when you move abroad. Both countries offer high standards of care in the big cities, but with notable differences.

Vietnam: unbeatable value for money

Vietnam has excellent international hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang: Family Medical Practice, Vinmec, FV Hospital, Raffles Medical. These facilities apply Western standards with English- and French-speaking staff.

Consultation and treatment prices (without insurance):

• General practitioner visit: €20-40
• Specialist visit: €50-80
• X-ray/MRI: €60-150
• Hospital stay (private room): €80-150/day
• Childbirth: €2,000-4,000
• Orthopedic surgery: €3,000-7,000

International health insurance costs €80-150/month for a single 35-year-old (comprehensive coverage). Find the best options in our guide to health insurance in Vietnam.

Thailand: recognized excellence, but more expensive

Thailand is renowned for medical tourism, especially Bangkok (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej). The quality is impeccable, but prices are 30-50% higher than in Vietnam:

• General practitioner visit: €30-60
• Specialist visit: €80-120
• Hospital stay: €120-200/day
• Childbirth: €3,500-6,000

Health insurance: €100-180/month for the same profile, often with higher deductibles.

Tip: In Da Nang, Vinmec International Hospital offers an excellent compromise: international standards, English-speaking staff, and prices 40% lower than in Bangkok. A specialist visit costs €50 versus €100 in Thailand.

Vietnam wins on value for money, Thailand on the range of medical services in the big cities. For a family, annual savings in Vietnam can reach €2,000-3,000.

05Education and Family Life: Which Country for Your Kids?

If you're considering moving abroad as a family, education becomes a deciding factor. Both countries offer quality international schools, but with different philosophies and costs.

Vietnam: affordable international schools

Vietnam has around thirty international schools (British, American, IB and French curricula) concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Tuition remains reasonable by Asian standards:

• Preschool: €4,000-8,000/year
• Elementary: €8,000-15,000/year
• Middle/High school: €12,000-22,000/year

In Da Nang, the British International School (BIS) and the American International School offer full curricula for €10,000-18,000/year. For French speakers, the Lycée français international Marguerite Duras (HCMC) and the Lycée français Alexandre Yersin (Hanoi) follow the French curriculum: €5,000-12,000/year depending on the grade.

Thailand: more options, higher cost

Thailand, a longer-established expat destination, has a more developed network of international schools, particularly in Bangkok (more than 100 schools). But prices are significantly higher:

• Preschool: €6,000-12,000/year
• Elementary: €12,000-20,000/year
• Middle/High school: €18,000-30,000/year

Premium schools (NIST, ISB, Harrow) easily exceed €25,000-35,000/year at high school level. The Lycée français de Bangkok costs €8,000-15,000/year.

Family life: activities and safety

Both countries are safe for children, with low crime. Vietnam offers a more "authentic," less touristy environment that encourages cultural immersion. Thailand has more infrastructure geared toward expat families (theme parks, clubs, etc.).

To go further, see our guide to living in Vietnam with children.

Tip: In Da Nang, the expat family ecosystem is growing fast. Less saturated than Bangkok or Chiang Mai, it gives your family a genuine, close-knit community without the "expat bubble" feel of the big Thai cities.

Vietnam wins for tight budgets (savings of €5,000-10,000/year per child), Thailand for the range of educational options.

06Career Opportunities and Entrepreneurship

Does your move abroad include a professional side? Opportunities differ noticeably between the two countries.

Vietnam: a dynamic, fast-growing economy

Vietnam has posted GDP growth of 6-7% a year since 2020, one of the strongest in Asia. This momentum creates opportunities in many sectors:

• Tech and IT: Da Nang has become a tech hub with 3,000+ IT companies. Developer salaries: €1,500-3,500/month.
• Teaching: strong demand for English/French teachers (€1,200-2,000/month).
• Tourism and hospitality: rebounding post-COVID, need for managers (€1,000-2,500/month).
• Import-export: Vietnam is Asia's factory, with opportunities for sourcing agents.
• Freelance/Digital nomad: a fast-growing ecosystem, affordable coworking spaces (€50-150/month).

Starting a business in Vietnam has become simpler with the 2020 investment law. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) can be set up in 4-8 weeks for €2,000-4,000 in fees. Discover the full process in our guide to starting a business abroad.

Thailand: a mature but saturated market

Thailand, an established expat destination for 30 years, has a more mature but also more competitive market:

• Tourism: dominant sector, but stagnant salaries (€800-1,800/month).
• Teaching: saturated market, falling salaries (€900-1,500/month).
• Digital nomad: mature ecosystem in Bangkok/Chiang Mai, but rising costs.
• Food service: fierce competition, thin margins.

Starting a business in Thailand generally requires 4 Thai shareholders for 1 foreigner (the 51% Thai capital rule), except in specific sectors. The process is longer (8-12 weeks) and more expensive (€4,000-7,000).

Tip: Vietnam has allowed 100% foreign ownership in most sectors since 2020. In Thailand, you'll often need to find Thai "nominee shareholders," which complicates governance.

Average salaries for skilled expats:

Thailand offers salaries 10-20% higher, but the higher cost of living cancels out that advantage. Vietnam offers more growth opportunities in a less saturated economy.

07Quality of Life and Climate: Everyday Expat Life

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day quality of life makes all the difference in the long run. This is where personal preferences come first.

Climate: tropical heat on both sides

Both countries have a tropical climate, but with nuances:

Vietnam (Da Nang):

• Dry season: February-August (25-35°C)
• Rainy season: September-January (intense but short rains)
• Possible typhoons: September-November (1-2/year)
• Mild winter: December-February (18-25°C)

Thailand (Chiang Mai):

• Dry season: November-April (20-35°C)
• Hot season: March-May (35-40°C, very grueling)
• Rainy season: June-October
• Air pollution: February-April (agricultural burning, AQI >200)

Bangkok endures stifling heat all year round (28-35°C) with extreme humidity. Da Nang benefits from a cooling sea breeze.

Tip: Pollution in Chiang Mai during the dry season (February-April) is a real public health problem. Da Nang keeps decent air quality all year round thanks to sea winds.

Infrastructure and modernity

Vietnam is investing heavily in infrastructure: new airports, highways, metro lines in Hanoi and HCMC. Da Nang has a modern international airport, a magnificent seafront (30 km of beaches) and a recent, clean city.

Thailand is ahead on public transportation (BTS/MRT in Bangkok), but its traffic jams are legendary (2 hours to cross Bangkok at rush hour). Chiang Mai remains a human-scale city.

Activities and leisure

Both countries offer exceptional cultural and natural riches:

• Vietnam: Ha Long Bay, the rice terraces of Sapa, the old town of Hội An, the beaches of Phú Quốc, the northern mountains.
• Thailand: the southern islands (Phuket, Koh Samui), the temples of Chiang Mai, Bangkok, national parks.

The Vietnamese food scene is more varied and authentic. Thailand has more international options, but they're often "adapted for tourists."

Internet and digital connectivity

Vietnam has rolled out fiber optics on a massive scale: 100-200 Mbps for €8-12/month. Excellent 4G/5G in every city (€8/month for 100 GB). Thailand offers similar speeds but at €15-25/month.

08Culture and Integration: Where Will You Feel at Home?

Cultural integration determines your long-term happiness. Both countries are welcoming, but with different codes.

Vietnam: authenticity and curiosity

Vietnamese people are curious, direct and warm. Less used to expats than Thais (except in HCMC), they show a genuine interest in foreigners. You'll often be invited to share a meal or join family celebrations.

The language barrier is real: few Vietnamese people speak English outside tourist areas. Learning a few phrases of Vietnamese is essential and greatly appreciated. See our guide to Vietnamese culture to understand the social codes.

Vietnam remains a collectivist society where family comes first. Relationships are built over time, but once established, they're solid.

Thailand: smiles and polite distance

Thailand cultivates its "Land of Smiles" image, but behind that facade lies a certain distance. Thais are polite and helpful, but often keep foreigners at arm's length (the concept of the "farang"). Deep integration is harder.

English is more widespread than in Vietnam, which makes daily interactions easier. But relationships often remain superficial, especially in tourist areas where expats are seen as walking wallets.

Expat community

• Vietnam: a lively but not overwhelming French-speaking community. In Da Nang, about 500 French people, creating real solidarity without an expat ghetto.
• Thailand: a massive community (30,000+ French people), with the risk of staying in the expat bubble without ever truly integrating.

Tip: In Da Nang, you'll live a real expat experience with cultural immersion. In Chiang Mai or Bangkok, you risk living in a tropical version of Paris, surrounded only by other expats.

09Safety and Political Stability

Safety is excellent in both countries, with low crime rates. A few nuances, however:

Vietnam: strong political stability

Vietnam is a politically stable country, with a government that favors economic development and international openness. Crime is very low: you can walk around at 2 a.m. without risk. Tourist scams exist (taxis, currency exchange) but remain minor. To learn more, read our guide to the dangers in Vietnam.

Thailand: recurring political instability

Thailand goes through cycles of political instability (coups, protests, tensions between royalists and democrats). Limited day-to-day impact on expats, but long-term uncertainty. Crime is slightly higher than in Vietnam, notably tourist scams and petty crime in party areas (Pattaya, the southern islands).

10Connectivity and Regional Travel

Your expat base should make business and leisure travel around Asia easy.

Vietnam: a central hub in Southeast Asia

Vietnam enjoys an ideal geographic position:

• Bangkok: 1h30 flight (€50-100 round trip)
• Singapore: 2h15 (€80-150)
• Hong Kong: 2h (€100-180)
• Seoul: 4h30 (€150-250)
• Bali: 3h30 (€120-200)

Da Nang has an international airport with direct flights to 15 Asian destinations. Low-cost airlines: VietJet, Bamboo Airways.

Thailand: maximum connectivity

Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) is a major Asian hub with connections to the whole world. Chiang Mai is well connected regionally. Fares are similar to Vietnam's, sometimes slightly lower thanks to competition.

Thailand has the edge on the variety of destinations, Vietnam on its central position in Southeast Asia.

11Retirement: Which Country for Your Golden Years?

If your move abroad is about retirement, the criteria change: health, peace and quiet, community, banking convenience.

Vietnam: emerging but promising

Vietnam is attracting more and more French retirees drawn by the cost of living and the quality of care. With a €1,200-1,500/month pension, you live very comfortably. With no retirement visa, many in practice string together the 45-day exemption and 90-day e-visas, which remains tolerated but with no long-term guarantee.

Strengths: excellent, affordable healthcare, low cost of living, safety, pleasant climate (except typhoons). Weaknesses: language barrier, no specific retirement visa (for now).

Find all the details in our guide to retiring in Vietnam.

Thailand: an established retirement destination

Thailand has been THE retirement destination in Asia for 30 years. The retirement visa (from age 50) makes settling in easier, but requires 800,000 THB (about €21,100 in September 2026) in the bank or 65,000 THB/month (about €1,710) in income.

Strengths: mature infrastructure, a large retiree community, widespread English, excellent hospitals. Weaknesses: rising cost of living, saturated tourist areas, the risk of staying in the expat bubble.

Tip: For a peaceful, authentic retirement, Da Nang beats Chiang Mai or Pattaya. You'll avoid mass tourism while enjoying modern infrastructure and a genuine quality of life.

12Drawbacks to Know About: Let's Be Honest

No country is perfect. Here are the main drawbacks of each destination, rarely mentioned in travel guides.

Vietnam: the challenges

1. Language barrier: Vietnamese is a difficult tonal language, and few people speak English.
2. Typhoons: September-November, risk of typhoons on the central coast (Da Nang, Hội An).
3. Bureaucracy: sometimes slow administration, documents in Vietnamese.
4. Chaotic driving: heavy traffic, "flexible" traffic laws.
5. Noise pollution: constant honking, loud music in the streets.

Thailand: the disappointments

1. Air pollution: Chiang Mai is unlivable February-April, Bangkok is stifling.
2. Mass tourism: islands and major sites are saturated, with a loss of authenticity.
3. Scams: tuk-tuks, taxis, "jet-ski scams," more frequent than in Vietnam.
4. Rising cost of living: Bangkok is becoming as expensive as some European cities.
5. Political instability: protests, recurring coups.
6. Difficulty integrating: remaining a "farang" (foreigner) your whole life.

For a complete analysis, see our guide to the pros and cons of living in Vietnam.

13Final Comparison Table: Vietnam vs Thailand

Final score: Vietnam 11 - Thailand 4

14Verdict: Which Country Should You Choose Based on Your Profile?

After this thorough analysis, here are our recommendations based on your situation:

Choose Vietnam if you are:

• Planning a move abroad and want to try out life there for a few months without tying up savings
• A digital nomad or freelancer looking to optimize your taxes
• A young couple or family on a tight budget (savings of €500-800/month)
• An entrepreneur wanting to start a business (100% foreign ownership)
• A lover of cultural authenticity and adventure
• Sensitive to air pollution
• Looking for an emerging destination with strong potential

Choose Thailand if you are:

• A retiree aged 50+ with a comfortable budget (€1,500+/month)
• A remote worker who wants a stable long-term visa (DTV) and can show 500,000 baht in savings
• A fan of comfort and mature infrastructure
• Looking for a large French-speaking expat community
• In need of maximum air connectivity
• Someone who prefers easier integration (widespread English)
• Drawn to tropical islands and beach life

Tip: Still undecided? Try both countries with 2-3 month stays before deciding. The 45-day exemption followed by the 90-day e-visa (Vietnam), and the 30-day exemption or the 60-day TR tourist visa (Thailand), let you experiment without commitment.

For most profiles (digital nomads, young professionals, families, entrepreneurs), Vietnam offers better value for money and more opportunities in 2026. Thailand remains relevant for well-off retirees and those who prioritize immediate comfort.

15FAQ: Your Questions About Vietnam vs Thailand

Which Country Is Cheaper, Vietnam or Thailand, in 2026?

Vietnam is 20-30% cheaper than Thailand on average. A couple lives comfortably on €1,200-1,500/month in Vietnam versus €1,600-1,800/month in Thailand. The categories most affected are housing (-30 to -40%), food (-40 to -50% if you eat local) and services (-30%). The gap widens further if you live outside the capitals: Da Nang is much cheaper than Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Over a year, a family saves €5,000-8,000 by choosing Vietnam.

Which Visa Is the Easiest to Get for Moving Abroad?

To come and try out the country, it's Vietnam: 45 days visa-free for French citizens, then a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for 50 USD, applied for online with no proof of funds. Since September 15, 2026, Thailand only grants 30 days visa-free (extendable once by 30 days). To stay for several years, however, Thailand has the DTV (5 years, 500,000 baht in savings, or about €13,200) and a retirement visa from age 50, which Vietnam doesn't have: in Vietnam, long stays go through a work visa, an investor visa or a residence card.

Can You Live in Vietnam Without Speaking Vietnamese?

Yes, but with limitations. In the big cities (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang) and expat areas, you can get by in English for essential services (restaurants, shops, healthcare). However, government paperwork, banking and social integration require a minimum of Vietnamese or a translator. Translation apps (Google Translate) are very useful. Worth noting: Vietnamese people greatly appreciate language efforts, even basic ones. Learning 50-100 words of Vietnamese transforms your experience. Thailand is more English-speaking, especially in tourist areas.

Which Country Is Safer for Expats?

Both countries are very safe with low crime. Vietnam has a slightly lower crime rate, particularly for violent crime (virtually nonexistent). Tourist scams exist in both countries but are more sophisticated in Thailand (jet-ski scams, tuk-tuks, fake police officers). In Vietnam, the biggest threat remains... the chaotic traffic! Both countries require solid health insurance and the usual precautions (don't flash valuables). Verdict: a tie, with a slight edge to Vietnam on crime.

Vietnam or Thailand for a Family With Children?

Vietnam wins for families on a tight budget thanks to school fees 30-50% lower (€10,000-18,000/year versus €15,000-25,000/year in Thailand) and a lower overall cost of living. Da Nang offers an ideal family setting: beaches, safety, a human-scale expat community, low pollution. Thailand offers more choice of international schools (100+ in Bangkok) and activities for children (parks, clubs), but in a more touristy and polluted environment. For authentic cultural immersion and substantial savings (€8,000-12,000/year for 2 children in school), choose Vietnam. See our complete guide to living in Vietnam as a family.

16Conclusion: Your New Life Starts Now

Vietnam or Thailand? After this detailed analysis of more than 3,000 words, you have everything you need to make an informed choice. Both destinations offer an exceptional quality of life, but in 2026 Vietnam stands out for its unbeatable value for money, its tax advantages for digital nomads, its career opportunities in a dynamic economy and its well-preserved cultural authenticity.

Thailand remains relevant for well-off retirees who prioritize immediate comfort and a large expat community, but it's losing ground to a Vietnam in full transformation: more modern, cheaper and more attractive tax-wise.

For most profiles (young professionals, families, entrepreneurs, digital nomads), our recommendation is clear: Vietnam in 2026. You'll save €5,000-10,000 a year, enjoy optimal taxation and live a real expat adventure in a booming country.

The Vietnamese adventure awaits you. Don't miss this opportunity to live better for less in one of the most dynamic countries in Asia.