compare HMC and Hanoi

Ready2jump wrote:

how do you compare Saigon versus HCM?

Ho Chi Minh City is the official name of the historic city Saigon.

IOW, the same place

Ready2jump wrote:

how do you compare Saigon versus HCM?

  not sure what you mean?

Ready2jump wrote:

...

   In your profile, you mention a concern regarding the weather. 

If you live in Northern CA: it's warmer in South Vietnam all year long but not unbearable hot.  Average temperature is in the mid 80°F.  North Vietnam has 4 seasons but summer is oppressive and winter is bitingly cold (about 50ºF but real feel is much lower due to the wind and high humidity).

If you live in Southern CA:  South VN is much cooler than The Valley, Inland Empire, High and Low Desert, but not as cool as San Diego.  It's similar to North and Central OC but with higher humidity in inland cities such as Saigon and the Mekong Delta).  Lower humidity can be found in coastal cities (Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Da Nang, etc.) 

Coolest temperature can be found in Da Lat where the scenery and climate are very similar to Monterey.

I live in VT where the scenery and ambiance is comparable to the *old* Laguna Beach and the weather is comparable to Huntington Beach.  Even though it's not a surfing city as LB and HB, the waves are good enough for bodyboarding.

Opps! I meant how do you compare HMC and Hanoi.  Thanks

Ready2jump wrote:

Opps! I meant how do you compare HMC and Hanoi.  Thanks

Never lived in Ha Noi so cant comment, but have lived in the countryside, medium size city(Tay Ninh) & HCMC & you know what, I think its not an easy call to say what the costs actually are, there are so many variables. OK not exactly what you are asking because you are being specific HCMC or Ha Noi

What is the lifestyle you want? single or with GF, quiet, party, live in ex pat areas in the city, live in places in the city where ex pats dont hang out. Do you want to live beside beach resorts that cater for tourists etc etc etc.

All I can say for sure is this:- if you have a guaranteed pension or income of say 1,000usd you will never be homeless & never go hungry.
                                                   if you have a guaranteed pension or income of say 2,000usd you have got it made!!

I see in your introduction you are comparing Thailand to Vietnam, I lived & worked in Thailand for 8 years........totally different costs, totally different culture & totally different people.

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Everyone I talk to rave about Thailand. The cost of living is low. We have all heard of the glitzy city life of Bangkok, the beach resort of Phuket and of course sin city, Pattaya. Vietnam is a mystery.
I lived and worked in a Northern California city that had a large Vietnamese community. I have always thought the Vietnamese women are beautiful.  Prettier & more delicate than Thai girls. For that reason, I am looking closer to Vietnam.

For me, a coastal town with access to beaches and a more moderate climate would be ideal. I also would like an upscale artsy environment with restaurants & shops.  But a part of me also enjoys the big city life.  So I could be happy living that lifestyle as well. Either way, I would want to rent a nice apartment with fabulous ocean or cityscape views. I'm not looking to purchase.

I am an older single man. 60s. But I am in excellent shape as I work out every day, have all of my hair and look a lot younger. If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Budget...I am very fortunate. I have a monthly retirement income of approximately $8k a month.

Thank you for your help

I love old Laguna Beach. I am guessing that VT refers to Vung Tau? How expensive is it to live there? I would want to rent an oceanview or oceanfront apartment. Is VT trendy, artsy with lots of restaurant choices? My monthly income is about $8k-$10k a month.

Thanks

Ready2jump wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Everyone I talk to rave about Thailand. The cost of living is low. We have all heard of the glitzy city life of Bangkok, the beach resort of Phuket and of course sin city, Pattaya. Vietnam is a mystery.
I lived and worked in a Northern California city that had a large Vietnamese community. I have always thought the Vietnamese women are beautiful.  Prettier & more delicate than Thai girls. For that reason, I am looking closer to Vietnam.

For me, a coastal town with access to beaches and a more moderate climate would be ideal. I also would like an upscale artsy environment with restaurants & shops.  But a part of me also enjoys the big city life.  So I could be happy living that lifestyle as well. Either way, I would want to rent a nice apartment with fabulous ocean or cityscape views. I'm not looking to purchase.

I am an older single man. 60s. But I am in excellent shape as I work out every day, have all of my hair and look a lot younger. If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Budget...I am very fortunate. I have a monthly retirement income of approximately $8k a month.

Thank you for your help

Maybe easier to invest in some Bromide and stay where you are as your apparent motives for moving to Vietnam may well end differently than you anticipate.

Sorry if my post offended you? I am not sure what your comment meant? I would think most men considering Thailand or Vietnam want to end up with someone.....how they arrive at that end will differ.
In the end, we all want a better life and not be alone. Thailand is famous for its Quid Pro Quo arrangements. I'm ok with that. There still can be mutual love found. We all define happiness differently.

Ready2jump wrote:

If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Going through a womanizing phase may accurately describe many expats in Vietnam too.  However, I would be gobstruck if someone announced that they are "living [in Vietnam] with one or two younger girls."  I have never met a Vietnamese woman of any age who would tolerate that.

Ready2jump wrote:

...I am very fortunate. I have a monthly retirement income of approximately $8k a month.

Many expats, particularly those married to frugal local women live well on less than $1K/month.  $2K would be quite comfortable.  $8K means you will live like a king.   You may even find two women who are willing to settle for a half share.      Maybe that's why I never met such women.

Ready2jump wrote:

Sorry if my post offended you? I am not sure what your comment meant? I would think most men considering Thailand or Vietnam want to end up with someone.....how they arrive at that end will differ.
In the end, we all want a better life and not be alone. Thailand is famous for its Quid Pro Quo arrangements. I'm ok with that. There still can be mutual love found. We all define happiness differently.

No offence taken or intended Sir. It was only your inference that Viet women are no more than pretty girls to be exploited. There are certainly many that will take the opportunity to grasp a better life for both themselves and their family, whatever it takes and whatever they have to sacrifice and who can blame them. If you are happy with this then fine. But if you are seeking a genuine relationship then saying a life with one or two girls will get you in all sorts of a mess. Vietnamese women, if you treat them well and with respect, will give you all you ever wanted and make a wonderful devoted wife, but it takes two to tango. It takes time, patience and genuine care to form a relationship based on more than sex. You say you are financially secure, beach house requirements etc etc and I am pleased for you. This will not buy one of the best companions you will ever find.

THIGV wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Going through a womanizing phase may accurately describe many expats in Vietnam too.  However, I would be gobstruck if someone announced that they are "living [in Vietnam] with one or two younger girls."  I have never met a Vietnamese woman of any age who would tolerate that.

Sorry to disappoint you mate, but THIGV is on point, your going to have a miserable time in VN because I am not aware of, met or know a VN woman that would share her man.

@Ready2jump You should treat Google Translate with caution. The misunderstandings can be mind boggling.

One or two girls, at the same time? Are you asking about prostitutes?

Ready2jump wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Everyone I talk to rave about Thailand. The cost of living is low. We have all heard of the glitzy city life of Bangkok, the beach resort of Phuket and of course sin city, Pattaya. Vietnam is a mystery.
I lived and worked in a Northern California city that had a large Vietnamese community. I have always thought the Vietnamese women are beautiful.  Prettier & more delicate than Thai girls. For that reason, I am looking closer to Vietnam.

For me, a coastal town with access to beaches and a more moderate climate would be ideal. I also would like an upscale artsy environment with restaurants & shops.  But a part of me also enjoys the big city life.  So I could be happy living that lifestyle as well. Either way, I would want to rent a nice apartment with fabulous ocean or cityscape views. I'm not looking to purchase.

I am an older single man. 60s. But I am in excellent shape as I work out every day, have all of my hair and look a lot younger. If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Budget...I am very fortunate. I have a monthly retirement income of approximately $8k a month.

Thank you for your help

Let me get this right, you are coming here for the women!

Can't see things working out too well if the women are one of your main priorities.
Good luck.

Thank you so much for your comments. When I say younger girls, I should really refer to them as women.  I appreciate your comment that most Vietnamese women will not be interested in a poly-relationship.  That is good to know...and certainly is not a deal-breaker. Many of us have seen the YouTube videos of Thailand and the droves of women seeking expat compsnions.  I do not know if Vietnam's women have the same mindset?

Thank you again for your comments. Maybe womanizing was a poor word choice. I think many men were to find themselves surrounded by many attractive women, there would be a window of exploration. Not to abuse or be disrespectful, but to adjust?
Many of us have watched the many Youtube videos about the droves of women in Thailand seeking ex-pat companionship. I do not know if Vietnam women are of the same mindset?
In California and America poly-relationships, although not the norm, there are many.

Ready2jump wrote:

I love old Laguna Beach. I am guessing that VT refers to Vung Tau? How expensive is it to live there? I would want to rent an oceanview or oceanfront apartment. Is VT trendy, artsy with lots of restaurant choices? My monthly income is about $8k-$10k a month.

Thanks

Man, dont even think about Vung Tau, with your income!! Vung Tau for me reminds me of Vietnam's version of the English beach city of Blackpool. Sorry to some who live there but for me its a place to visit for maximum of 2 days once a year & get out. You will get a shock if & when you go there I think.
Upscale & artsy...........

Thanks for your comments. What is the nicest beach towns?

goodolboy wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

I love old Laguna Beach. I am guessing that VT refers to Vung Tau? How expensive is it to live there? I would want to rent an oceanview or oceanfront apartment. Is VT trendy, artsy with lots of restaurant choices? My monthly income is about $8k-$10k a month.

Thanks

Man, dont even think about Vung Tau, with your income!! Vung Tau for me reminds me of Vietnam's version of the English beach city of Blackpool. Sorry to some who live there but for me its a place to visit for maximum of 2 days once a year & get out. You will get a shock if & when you go there I think.
Upscale & artsy...........

If you live away from the expat area it's fine. I live away from the front beach and lucky to see an expat in the area once a month. Vung Tau is chosen a lot for one big reason, it's close to Saigon. If you need to travel or get any paperwork done it's very convenient.

In saying all that, I would much prefer somewhere different, the beaches and surrounding countryside don't really appeal to me.

Ready2jump wrote:

Thanks for your comments. What is the nicest beach towns?

Well I dont say I am an expert cos there are lots I have not visited North of Da Nang. & this is just my opinion.

But for me with your expectations & monthly income........Da Nang is worth a try.

Been to Phu Quoc..........................greatly over rated in my opinion. If you go there go to one of the upmarket resorts & dont leave it.
               Vung Tau...........................well what can I say
               Ho Tram Strip Resorts....OK for a week now & then.
               Phan Tiet..........................well sort of OK, plastic everywhere & one of the major tourist attractions is "the Red Sand Dunes" OFFS
               Nha Trang........................well sort of OK but lots & I mean lots of Russians & before the Virus, lots of Chinese & thats an experience never to forget.
               Hoi An................................OK & worth a visit, but not to stay there.
               Da Nang....................On your budget, thats where you should look to settle down for about 6 months or so in my opinion. Nice city, sort of clean, not too much traffic & pollution. Some pretty up market night clubs with like super models feeding you hard liquor at greatly inflated prices,  But dont look for the idyllic desert island beaches like you see in the movies.

Ready2jump wrote:

Thanks for your comments. What is the nicest beach towns?

Based on everything you've said you want, Hội An *might* be your best bet, but it's certainly not a choice that's problem-free.

I picture you wanting to walk artsy fartsy streets at night while being near the sea.

Those are the main reasons for my recommendation.

Thank you so much for your take.  It sounds like there are not any semi pristine beach towns with an upscale main street?  Maybe city life would be better.

Thank you.

vndreamer wrote:

THIGV wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Going through a womanizing phase may accurately describe many expats in Vietnam too.  However, I would be gobstruck if someone announced that they are "living [in Vietnam] with one or two younger girls."  I have never met a Vietnamese woman of any age who would tolerate that.

Sorry to disappoint you mate, but THIGV is on point, your going to have a miserable time in VN because I am not aware of, met or know a VN woman that would share her man.

The only way I see it happening is if he negotiates a monthly rate with a prostitute and then asks her to find a friend who wants the same deal to "live" with him.

Then I'd say he'd be living with two co-conspirators.

Also, they would keep working behind his back.

To the OP:

In many of our eyes (I'm sure) it's a huge cultural insult for you to talk about Vietnamese women in general and such an arrangement in the same breath.

Ready2jump wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Everyone I talk to rave about Thailand. The cost of living is low. We have all heard of the glitzy city life of Bangkok, the beach resort of Phuket and of course sin city, Pattaya. Vietnam is a mystery.
I lived and worked in a Northern California city that had a large Vietnamese community. I have always thought the Vietnamese women are beautiful.  Prettier & more delicate than Thai girls. For that reason, I am looking closer to Vietnam.

For me, a coastal town with access to beaches and a more moderate climate would be ideal. I also would like an upscale artsy environment with restaurants & shops.  But a part of me also enjoys the big city life.  So I could be happy living that lifestyle as well. Either way, I would want to rent a nice apartment with fabulous ocean or cityscape views. I'm not looking to purchase.

I am an older single man. 60s. But I am in excellent shape as I work out every day, have all of my hair and look a lot younger. If I were in Thailand I would most likely go thru a womanizing phase, then settle down with living with one or two younger girls. I'm not sure that Vietnam is similar in its access to the volume of women available?

Budget...I am very fortunate. I have a monthly retirement income of approximately $8k a month.

Thank you for your help

Bit long winded but here goes. OK just made myself a big coffee & want to qualify some of the statements I am going to make. I arrived in Asia for work as a young 55 year old fairly well traveled Oil industry manager, so lets just say not short on the cash front so can relate to whats available on your budget.

This is my advice & guidance for what its worth & Corona is gonna restrict your travel plans looks like:-

First off dont restrict yourself just to Vietnam & Thailand, you are a free spirit man & there’s lots more to see & experience, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine.

First stop…….Singapore & take the vibe that city state has. First night head down the 4 floors & there you will see every Asian & other nations beauties in full view & just there waiting for your arrival, what ever look takes your fancy & even if you are not into lady boys or Katoy just have a look & buy them a drink! take some selfies etc. My club suggestion would be “Ipanema Bar” for ladies & “Crazy Horse” for some of the other!! 4 days max in Sing & half your months budget will be gone!

Next Bangkok…….Go crazy & have a right good blow out but dont be surprised if you blow your months budget in the first week once the girls latch on that you are on a big budget. 1K usd gone in a night not unheard of! You want 2 ladies for the night, hey man you can 10 if you got the cash & the stamina!
Like all big capital cities there is also lots of cultural things to see there, Kings Palace is worth a visit. Stick around BKK for how long you want & if you want a companion you can bar fine a girl you like & head to the islands for the beaches. If you dont want company, dont worry you wont be lonely. Do the usual tourist island stuff & have a blast, when you get it all out of your system head to one of the quieter but beautiful islands like Koh Samed, but take a girl there cos its not a general western style touristy place (little or no bar girls)
Go ahead & do the Pattaya thing just to say been there done that sort of.
If you find a girl chances are she will come from Issan region. You like culture things so rent a car & get her to take you visit her village & that region is full of ancient temples but be ready for a right culture shock when you visit the village & be ready to fork out the cash. Of all the cultures Thailand is where Westerners are viewed as walking ATM’s
After or if you get Thailand out of your system, then head for Cambodia (Angkor Watt is a must see) & Phnom Penh is worth a day or two visit. Laos I think you will find just too quiet & laid back but hey worth a day or two.
Anyways I need to cut to the chase, after you do the tour, have a good blow out, then come to Vietnam & see how you like it. Dont expect it to be like Thailand 100% sure! Totally different culture, totally different look & mind set here, ex pat stuff & the beach resorts are not the same & I think not as set up for western tourists etc. ( I think the Thai beach resorts beat the ones in Vietnam hands down) But in my experience you play your cards right & with your budget you will have a ball here but not sure if you will see as your forever retirement home, unless you fall head over heals in love that is.

Sorry for the long winded ramble but I could have gone on & on...really

Hello everyone,

@Ready2jump > I created a new topic as from your posts on the Vietnam forum. If you have any questions about your expat project in Vietnam, please post them here.

Best,
Christine

Ready2jump wrote:

Opps! I meant how do you compare HMC and Hanoi.  Thanks

HCMC for Ho Chi Minh City (not HMC) 

Getting back to your specific question, neither city has a beach, but both have rivers.

Nearest beaches from Hanoi in the north are Ha Long Bay and Haiphong Harbor.

We don't hear a lot about expat activity in those places but it's understood there are English teachers and other foreigners working there.

We have one forum member there who was posting about difficulties marrying his longtime girlfriend/partner.

Haiphong especially has been the victim of some negative comments here, but that type of thing is often just one person's sour grapes.

However it's definitely an industrial port, not known as a resort destination.

New highway from Hanoi makes the trip to the coast much quicker these days.

Personally, I'd still like to see what life is like in Halong, even though it's reported on here to be a pretty sleepy place aside from activities on the beautiful bay.

Hanoi (in my opinion) is a more artsy city than HCMC, with a bit of a college-town vibe in certain areas, so living at the coast would give you fairly easy access to cultural events.

I would say Hanoi seems more "highbrow" than HCMC, while HCMC seems more progressive; even avant garde in some instances.

Vũng Tàu (VT) is the nearest developed beach town to HCMC(Saigon).

The highway is not complete all the way through, so you end up spending much of the drive going through semi-urban areas with signal lights and often heavy traffic.

A bit like driving the coast route through North County San Diego, but without the view or foreigner-friendly places to stop.

VT is primarily a Vietnamese resort town, not widely catering to the needs of any foreigners.

However, there's a somewhat significant expat presence here and it's an easy/affordable place to settle or just visit.

Weekends and holidays many Vietnamese citizens flock here (except for now, during the virus crisis) and some foreigners have difficulty dealing with the influx of visitors.

There are times (especially after weekends and holidays) when the main beaches here get trashed, but the government does a pretty good cleanup job after the visitors depart.

The river also brings a lot of trash and waste from HCMC and further inland, while refuse from China comes in from the sea to the north, and depending on the time of year and direction of currents, a lot of that can end up on the beaches.

However, most of the time I find a walk on the beach to be pretty pleasant, even if it's not pristine.

With your huge (by local standards) budget, you should be able to find a nice spot, or a spot you can afford to make nice.

If nothing else, VT is a good place for a home base while you explore the rest of the country.

BTW, Business Class fares on Vietnam Airlines are very affordable when purchased online through a Vietnam ISP or on a local phone using the app.

You can afford private car transportation whenever you want to get to the airport in HCMC.

Also, Ciambella lives here, so there's that...

😎👍

"The highway is not complete all the way through, so you end up spending much of the drive going through semi-urban areas with signal lights and often heavy traffic."

I see that a parallel highway is to be constructed next to the AH 17 to reduce congestion.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

Opps! I meant how do you compare HMC and Hanoi.  Thanks

HCMC for Ho Chi Minh City (not HMC) 



BTW, Business Class fares on Vietnam Airlines are very affordable when purchased online through a Vietnam ISP or on a local phone using the app.


Also, Ciambella lives here, so there's that... whats that comment supposed to bring to the table? or help the guy choose where to stay?

😎👍

Tried to hold back reply on this one but just cant resist it!!
When I was working I was lucky enough to travel at my companies expense by the way Biz class for all my travels. For a good part of that time I was home based in Vietnam & traveled regularly between HCMC & BKK. My company booked me Vietnam Airlines Biz class 2 times on that rout, Jeez no wonder you say its cheap, no more Biz class quality than Thai Air Economy or Air Asia for that matter & bloody disgrace. Crap lounge, crap seats, crap service, crap embarkation segregation between Biz & economy & guess what same price if not more than Thai & compared to Qatar or Emerates or Sing.......forget it!!

goodolboy wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

Opps! I meant how do you compare HMC and Hanoi.  Thanks

HCMC for Ho Chi Minh City (not HMC) 



BTW, Business Class fares on Vietnam Airlines are very affordable when purchased online through a Vietnam ISP or on a local phone using the app.


Also, Ciambella lives here, so there's that... whats that comment supposed to bring to the table? or help the guy choose where to stay?

😎👍

Tried to hold back reply on this one but just cant resist it!!
When I was working I was lucky enough to travel at my companies expense by the way Biz class for all my travels. For a good part of that time I was home based in Vietnam & traveled regularly between HCMC & BKK. My company booked me Vietnam Airlines Biz class 2 times on that rout, Jeez no wonder you say its cheap, no more Biz class quality than Thai Air Economy or Air Asia for that matter & bloody disgrace. Crap lounge, crap seats, crap service, crap embarkation segregation between Biz & economy & guess what same price if not more than Thai & compared to Qatar or Emerates or Sing.......forget it!!

I get the feeling you weren't overly impressed,lol.

colinoscapee wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HCMC for Ho Chi Minh City (not HMC) 



BTW, Business Class fares on Vietnam Airlines are very affordable when purchased online through a Vietnam ISP or on a local phone using the app.


Also, Ciambella lives here, so there's that... whats that comment supposed to bring to the table? or help the guy choose where to stay?

😎👍

Tried to hold back reply on this one but just cant resist it!!
When I was working I was lucky enough to travel at my companies expense by the way Biz class for all my travels. For a good part of that time I was home based in Vietnam & traveled regularly between HCMC & BKK. My company booked me Vietnam Airlines Biz class 2 times on that rout, Jeez no wonder you say its cheap, no more Biz class quality than Thai Air Economy or Air Asia for that matter & bloody disgrace. Crap lounge, crap seats, crap service, crap embarkation segregation between Biz & economy & guess what same price if not more than Thai & compared to Qatar or Emerates or Sing.......forget it!!

I get the feeling you weren't overly impressed,lol.

right first time,  Jeez the seats were no different from economy, just a bit more leg room & like threadbare & hadent been cleaned since the plane was delivered & lets just say the stewardesses were hummmmmmm in need of some training on how to treat passengers who (their company) had paid like 3 times the price for the seat & a smile might have been welcome & none that I saw looked anything like Vietjet or Air Asia girls or Thai or Sing!! for that matter.

From what I hear they or their families have to pay Vietnam Air a kick back just to get a job....right???

goodolboy wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

Tried to hold back reply on this one but just cant resist it!!
When I was working I was lucky enough to travel at my companies expense by the way Biz class for all my travels. For a good part of that time I was home based in Vietnam & traveled regularly between HCMC & BKK. My company booked me Vietnam Airlines Biz class 2 times on that rout, Jeez no wonder you say its cheap, no more Biz class quality than Thai Air Economy or Air Asia for that matter & bloody disgrace. Crap lounge, crap seats, crap service, crap embarkation segregation between Biz & economy & guess what same price if not more than Thai & compared to Qatar or Emerates or Sing.......forget it!!

I get the feeling you weren't overly impressed,lol.

right first time,  Jeez the seats were no different from economy, just a bit more leg room & like threadbare & hadent been cleaned since the plane was delivered & lets just say the stewardesses were hummmmmmm in need of some training on how to treat passengers who (their company) had paid like 3 times the price for the seat & a smile might have been welcome & none that I saw looked anything like Vietjet or Air Asia girls or Thai or Sing!! for that matter.

From what I hear they or their families have to pay Vietnam Air a kick back just to get a job....right???

Nearly all govt owned companies and departments a fee is asked before a job is given.

goodolboy wrote:

From what I hear they or their families have to pay Vietnam Air a kick back just to get a job....right???

My wife tells me it is very common in VN for getting employment.  She worked for a European Multi National, but she still had to pay a fee (i.e., kickback/bribe) to get employment. as did all her co-workers.

19 years in Thailand, now relocated to Vung Tau Vietnam - lifestyle, cost of living and general atmosphere with locals and Expats so much stronger at heart than my exposure in Thailand - Thailand cist of living and Baht through the roof.
I live Vung Tau and Vietnam

Ready2jump wrote:

Thank you so much for your take.  It sounds like there are not any semi pristine beach towns with an upscale main street?  Maybe city life would be better.

VN is the 15th most populous country in the world, so the cities are rather densely populated, resulting in serious air, noise, and water pollution and traffic and flooding problems similar to many famous cities throughout Asia. When I think of Ha Noi, the capital city, the word "staid" comes to mind for some reason. For HCMC, journalists have longed used the word "dynamic", which I translate as "chaotic".

In addition, VN has experienced a relatively recent "rags to riches" economic boom, which is still ongoing, so there's a lot of over-development in both the cities and the beach towns and damage to the environment.   

Also, there's not much of fun factor. The focus is on working hard, doing business, making money, getting married, raising a family, honoring the ancestors, etc.

Anyway, for what you are seeking go to HCMC and have a look. Then, at some point take a trip down the coast and see if any of the smaller cities appeal to you. You might also look into Phu Quoc Island.

Ready2jump wrote:

how do you compare Saigon versus HCM?

Going back to the original, if misstated question, I think one can say there is a real difference between Saigon and HCM.   I don't think Saigon any longer has any legal meaning but in common parlance it refers to a few of the central districts.  My opinion would be D1, D3, D5, D10, and maybe D4, D6, and D11.  I don't know if this is the same as the boundaries of Saigon prior to 1975 but it seems to approximate what most locals will call Saigon.  Another way to think of it is that Saigon=downtown.  Several of the outlying districts, particularly the named ones like Ben Tre, Go Vap, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh, Than Phu and Binh Tan were governed separately before 1975.   The boundaries may be changed (Binh Tan was split off from Go Vap) since the war but you get the idea.  The much more rural Huyen like Cu Chi and Binh Chanh are entirely different places to live.

Without going into to much detail, I think most HCM expats would agree that there are both substantial cost and quality of life issues in these districts compared to "Saigon."  Rents and food should be substantially less but contact with other expats will also be substantially less.   You will meet English speaking locals in these areas but not many.  Since posting his original query, the OP has revealed his substantial income so I really doubt that he would elect to live in any of the outer districts but I think we could agree that there is a difference between Saigon and other parts of HCM

THIGV wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

how do you compare Saigon versus HCM?

Going back to the original, if misstated question, I think one can say there is a real difference between Saigon and HCM.   I don't think Saigon any longer has any legal meaning but in common parlance it refers to a few of the central districts.  My opinion would be D1, D3, D5, D10, and maybe D4, D6, and D11.  I don't know if this is the same as the boundaries of Saigon prior to 1975 but it seems to approximate what most locals will call Saigon.  Another way to think of it is that Saigon=downtown.  Several of the outlying districts, particularly the named ones like Ben Tre, Go Vap, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh, Than Phu and Binh Tan were governed separately before 1975.   The boundaries may be changed (Binh Tan was split off from Go Vap) since the war but you get the idea.  The much more rural Huyen like Cu Chi and Binh Chanh are entirely different places to live.

Without going into to much detail, I think most HCM expats would agree that there are both substantial cost and quality of life issues in these districts compared to "Saigon."  Rents and food should be substantially less but contact with other expats will also be substantially less.   You will meet English speaking locals in these areas but not many.  Since posting his original query, the OP has revealed his substantial income so I really doubt that he would elect to live in any of the outer districts but I think we could agree that there is a difference between Saigon and other parts of HCM

I doubt Ben Tre is an outlying district of Saigon,lol.

colinoscapee wrote:

I doubt Ben Tre is an outlying district of Saigon,lol.

Sorry, that was a serious brain freeze.  What I meant was Thu Duc.   

johnross23 wrote:

Ready2jump wrote:

Thank you so much for your take.  It sounds like there are not any semi pristine beach towns with an upscale main street?  Maybe city life would be better.

Anyway, for what you are seeking go to HCMC and have a look. Then, at some point take a trip down the coast and see if any of the smaller cities appeal to you. You might also look into Phu Quoc Island.

Sounds like good advice to me,  the only way to understand what is the real Vietnam is to come & have a look, but for sure, dont believe what the glossy holiday brochures or holiday programs show. Pristine beaches?? well I might have been unlucky (open to suggestions mind) but I have yet to see one!