Vietnam is one of the most fascinating and fast-changing countries in Southeast Asia. With modern cities, affordable living, delicious food, and friendly people, it attracts millions of tourists each year—and an increasing number of expats choosing to stay long-term.
But Vietnam is also unique. It has its own rhythm, culture, lifestyle, and everyday surprises that can catch foreigners off guard if they aren’t prepared.

This guide covers the 10 most important things foreigners and expats should know when traveling or living in Vietnam in 2025. Whether you’re coming for vacation, remote work, retirement, or long-term settlement, these insights will help you understand the real Vietnam—beyond the brochures and travel ads.

1. Restaurants and cafés are everywhere—and they change fast

One of the first things foreigners notice in Vietnam is the sheer number of restaurants, street-food stalls, cafés, juice shops, and bars. Vietnam doesn’t wait for the weekend to go out. Locals eat out every single day.

On one street, you might see:

20 ph? stalls
10 coffee shops
5 hotpot restaurants
Dozens of bubble tea and snack shops

But what surprises expats most is how fast everything changes.
A restaurant can open today, be full of customers for a few months, then completely disappear—and a new one pops up in the exact same spot.

This creates a lively, ever-changing culinary scene that keeps foreign visitors curious and excited.

2. Prices vary by street, neighborhood, and style

Vietnam doesn’t have strict pricing standards like the U.S. or Europe. Prices can vary significantly depending on location and business style.

For example:

A bowl of ph? might be 30,000 VND (~$1.20) in a local neighborhood.
But in another area or a fancy restaurant, it can be 60,000–80,000 VND (~$2.50–$3.50).

Same with drinks:

Vietnamese coffee: 15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1)
Latte in a trendy café: 45,000–60,000 VND (~$2–$3)

The rule is simple:
Local areas = cheaper. Tourist or modern districts = higher.

This isn’t overpricing; it’s normal market behavior. Understanding this helps foreigners avoid confusion or frustration.

3. Vietnam’s café culture is world-class—and surprisingly cheap

Vietnamese café culture is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Cafés here are:

Beautifully decorated
Filled with plants, lights, and unique themes
Perfect for remote work or relaxation
Open from early morning until late at night

What shocks foreigners most is the price-to-quality ratio. You can enjoy a gorgeous café with air conditioning, strong Wi-Fi, and aesthetic décor for only:

$1 coffee
$2 latte
$3–$4 signature drinks

In the U.S., Australia, or Europe, a drink in a café this nice would easily cost $6–$12.

Vietnam is truly a coffee paradise for expats and digital nomads.

4. Traffic looks chaotic—but it has its own rhythm

The traffic in Vietnam can be overwhelming at first. Motorbikes dominate the roads, cars move slowly, and people honk frequently. But inside the chaos, there is actually a natural flow.

Especially during rush hour:

Traffic rarely stops; instead, it moves slowly and continuously
Vehicles “slide” around each other
Everybody seems to know where others are going

Foreigners quickly learn an important traffic rule in Vietnam:
Don’t stop. Keep moving slowly, and others will adjust around you.

Crossing the street also works differently. Instead of waiting for a completely empty road (which will never happen), you walk slowly, predictably, and traffic will naturally flow around you.

It feels scary at first—but surprisingly safe once you understand the rhythm.

5. Vietnam has one of the fastest delivery & tech ecosystems in Asia

Foreigners are amazed by how fast, cheap, and convenient Vietnam’s delivery services are.

Examples:

Order ph? on GrabFood ? delivered in 15–20 minutes
Buy electronics on Shopee/Tiki ? arrives in 1–2 days
Need laundry, AC repair, or cleaning service ? someone comes within 30 minutes

And the best part:
Cash on delivery (COD) is still extremely common.
You don’t have to pay first—you only pay when the item arrives and you inspect it.

Compared to Western countries where waiting 3–5 days for delivery is normal, Vietnam’s speed is unbelievable.

6. Cost of living is low—especially housing, construction, and taxes

One of the biggest reasons expats love Vietnam is the affordability, especially regarding housing.

Vietnam does not have high annual property taxes like the U.S. or Europe. Most taxes are paid once during the transaction. The ongoing costs are minimal.

But the biggest surprise?
Construction cost is shockingly low.

For example:
With $40,000–$55,000 USD, you can build a solid two- or three-story house in Vietnam.

The same amount in the U.S. might only cover:

a patio,
a fence,
a small renovation,
or a garage project.

This is why many expats or retirees choose Vietnam for long-term living—it simply gives more value for your money.

7. Healthcare: private hospitals are fast & modern; public hospitals are crowded but experienced

Vietnam has two different worlds in healthcare.

Private hospitals

Fast service
Clean facilities
English-speaking staff
Affordable compared to Western countries

Public hospitals

Very crowded
Long waiting times
Basic facilities
But doctors often have strong experience due to high patient volume

Foreigners usually prefer private hospitals, but for complex cases, many locals trust senior public doctors.

Either way, healthcare in Vietnam is far more affordable than in the U.S., Canada, or Australia.

8. Life in Vietnam is both fast and slow—depending on where you are

Vietnam offers a unique dual lifestyle.

Fast-paced areas:

Big cities (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi)
Business districts
Tourist zones
Morning rush hours

Slow-paced areas:

Suburbs
Countryside towns
Coastal cities like Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang
Local cafés and parks

This balance surprises foreigners.
You can live in a peaceful neighborhood but reach a lively area within 10 minutes.

It’s a lifestyle that blends energy with calmness—something rare in Western countries.

9. Vietnam is becoming extremely modern and convenient

Vietnam in 2025 is far more modern than many foreigners expect.

Conveniences include:

Cashless payments & QR transfers everywhere
Smart apartments with security and amenities
Supermarkets filled with imported goods
Delivery services for groceries, medicine, food, and household needs
Affordable domestic flights
Co-working spaces, gyms, and cafés everywhere

Vietnam is still developing, but in terms of convenience, it rivals many developed countries.

10. Final advice: Don’t compare too much—just embrace the culture

The most important tip for foreigners and expats:

Do not constantly compare Vietnam to your home country.

Every nation has strengths and weaknesses.
Vietnam has:

chaotic traffic but kind people
fast services but flexible schedules
modern cities but traditional values
affordable living but cultural differences

If you approach Vietnam with an open mind, patience, and respect for local lifestyle, you will enjoy it more and feel less stressed.

Most foreigners who truly embrace Vietnamese culture end up staying longer than planned—some even choose Vietnam as their second home.

? Conclusion

Vietnam offers a unique blend of affordability, energy, hospitality, modern convenience, and cultural richness. Whether you are visiting for a short trip or planning to live here long-term, understanding these 10 things will help you adapt quickly and appreciate the beauty of Vietnam in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Welcome to Vietnam—and enjoy every moment of the adventure.

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