Expats & Foreigners Rent Apartments for $200/Month – A Peaceful, Affordable Lifestyle in Vietnam

Foreigners Renting Full Houses and Apartments in Thu Dau Mot for Only $200/Month: A Complete Guide to Peaceful Living in Binh Duong, Vietnam

When people think about living in Vietnam, the first image that comes to mind is usually the noise, energy, and chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. District 1, District 3, Binh Thanh — these areas are famous among tourists and expats for their nightlife, modern apartments, and convenience. But tucked just a little over an hour north of the city lies a quieter, cleaner, and surprisingly affordable alternative: Thu Dau Mot, the central city of Binh Duong Province.

Over the past decade, Thu Dau Mot has transformed from a provincial town into a rapidly developing city, home to international factories, universities, multinational workers, and modern infrastructure. But unlike Saigon, where housing prices have risen sharply, Thu Dau Mot still offers extremely affordable living options — even for foreigners.

One of the biggest surprises for many expats is how cheap housing can be here. For around 200 USD per month, foreigners can rent either:

• A full house with a yard, garden space, and complete privacy
• A two-bedroom apartment in a modern building with 24/7 security

That price point is almost unheard of in larger Southeast Asian cities, and even in most medium-sized towns across Asia. Yet in Thu Dau Mot, it’s not only possible — it’s common.

This article takes you through the full experience of living here as a foreigner, exploring housing options, lifestyle, safety, convenience, neighborhoods, and why more and more expats are choosing Thu Dau Mot over the fast pace of Saigon.

1. What Type of Housing Can Foreigners Rent for $200/Month?

In Thu Dau Mot, the 200-dollar price range opens the door to two major categories of housing: ground-level full houses and modern apartment units.

1. Full House Rentals (Ground-Level Homes)

For around 4–5 million VND per month (150–200 USD), you can rent an entire home — often a single-story “nhà tr?t” with:

• A front yard
• A backyard
• Space for gardening
• A private gate
• Quiet neighbors
• Wide local streets

These homes are especially common in areas like:

• Ben The
• Phu Hoa
• Hiep Thanh
• Hoa Lan
• Neighborhoods surrounding the New City

Most are owned by local families who have lived here for decades. The homes may not be luxurious, but they are extremely livable — clean, private, peaceful, and far bigger than what you could rent in Saigon for the same price.

Foreigners who enjoy a countryside feel, fresh air, and community warmth tend to prefer this option.

2. Apartment Units (2 Bedrooms)

If you prefer modern living, Thu Dau Mot has several apartment complexes with units priced between 5–6 million VND per month (200–250 USD).

Popular projects include:

• The View
• The Habitat
• Compass One
• Phu Hoa Apartment
• Hiep Thanh Apartment
• The New City Residences

These apartments usually come with:

• 24/7 security
• Key-card access
• Elevators
• Gyms and pools (in some buildings)
• Underground parking
• Clean hallways and management services

This setup feels familiar for foreigners who have lived in Singapore, Japan, Korea, or Western countries — clean, organized, and safe.

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2. Why Foreigners Love Thu Dau Mot: Peace, Value, and Convenience

A. A Peaceful Lifestyle, Without Feeling Remote

Thu Dau Mot has the rare balance of being peaceful yet connected. Streets are wide, clean, and rarely congested. Even during rush hour, traffic flows smoothly. The atmosphere is calm, but not empty — lively, but not chaotic.

Foreigners often comment on:

• How quiet the neighborhoods are
• How friendly the locals are
• How safe it feels to walk around even late at night
• The lack of pollution compared to Saigon

B. Extremely Low Cost of Living

Besides rent, everyday expenses are surprisingly cheap:

• A bowl of noodles: 25,000–40,000 VND
• Laundry service: 20,000–30,000 VND/kg
• Groceries for a week: 300,000–500,000 VND
• Motorbike rental: 1–1.5 million VND
• Coffee shops: 20,000–40,000 VND

Many foreigners living here report spending $400–600 per month total, including rent.

C. Convenience and Modern Infrastructure

Binh Duong is known for its excellent public planning. Streets are wide, neighborhoods are organized, and many administrative offices have been relocated here, especially in the New City Area.

You’ll find:

• International supermarkets
• Global brands
• Local markets
• Hospitals and clinics
• Parks and walking paths
• Shopping centers

The blend of modern and traditional living makes the city very foreigner-friendly.

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3. A Closer Look at the Neighborhoods

Ben The: The Hidden Gem

One of the most charming areas in Thu Dau Mot is Ben The — a neighborhood known for its peaceful vibe, friendly community, and proximity to Ben The Market, one of the busiest local markets in the city.

Every morning you’ll hear vendors calling out, neighbors greeting each other, and the smell of fresh bánh mì or noodle soup filling the air. Despite its traditional charm, Ben The is just minutes from main boulevards and modern zones.

Hiep Thanh & Phu Hoa: Balanced Urban Living

These areas combine modern conveniences with local culture. You can find:

• Cafés
• Restaurants
• Bakeries
• Foreign markets
• Local shops

And still be only a short ride away from the New City.

The New City: Modern Living for Foreigners

Built for international companies and investors, the New City area has:

• Wide roads
• Modern apartments
• Singapore-style planning
• Large parks
• Clean, organized neighborhoods

This is where you will find the highest concentration of foreigners — Japanese, Singaporeans, Koreans, and workers from across Southeast Asia.

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4. Why Foreigners Often Prefer Apartments, While Locals Prefer Houses

Vietnamese locals usually prefer ground-level houses because:

• They can have gardens
• They value yard space
• They want privacy
• It suits traditional family living

Foreigners, on the other hand, often choose apartments because:

• They feel safer with security
• They prefer organized, modern buildings
• They like predictable utilities
• They enjoy Western-style amenities

The great thing about Thu Dau Mot is that both options are available within the same price range.

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5. Safety, Community, and Cultural Comfort

A. Safe for Foreigners

Crime rates are low, and locals are extremely welcoming to foreigners. In many neighborhoods, everyone knows each other, adding an extra layer of safety.

B. A Growing Expat Community

Because of industrial zones and international companies, there are more foreigners living here now than ever. You’ll often meet:

• Japanese engineers
• Singaporean managers
• English teachers
• American retirees
• Korean technicians

C. Markets with International Influence

Around Thu Dau Mot, especially near the New City and industrial parks, you’ll find:

• Chinese grocery stores
• Japanese restaurants
• Korean marts
• Singaporean-style cafés

This multicultural environment makes foreigners feel comfortable and welcomed.

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6. Transportation and Access to Saigon

One of Thu Dau Mot’s biggest advantages is its location.

• To Saigon center: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
• To the airport: 1 hour 10 minutes
• To major industrial parks: 20–30 minutes

Foreigners often choose Thu Dau Mot because it allows them to enjoy peace while still being close enough to the city for work or travel.

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7. Who Is Thu Dau Mot Perfect For?

This city is ideal for:

• Foreign retirees
• Digital nomads
• Long-term travelers
• Remote workers
• Foreign engineers & technicians
• Expats who prefer quiet living

People who love big-city nightlife may find Saigon more exciting. But those who prefer nature, space, and quiet — while still having convenience — will fall in love with Thu Dau Mot.

8. Final Thoughts: Peaceful, Affordable, and Truly Livable

Thu Dau Mot is one of those rare cities where foreigners can enjoy:

• Low cost of living
• Wide roads and clean air
• Safe neighborhoods
• Modern conveniences
• Traditional charm
• Beautiful parks and rivers

And the fact that you can rent a full house or modern apartment for only $200/month is something almost unbelievable for many Western expats.

Whether you prefer:

• A ground-floor home with a garden
• A modern high-rise apartment
• A quiet local neighborhood
• A multicultural expat community

Thu Dau Mot offers a lifestyle that is both peaceful and affordable — an alternative to Saigon that many foreigners are now choosing for long-term living.

If you are a foreigner looking for a calm, clean, safe, and budget-friendly place to stay in Vietnam, Thu Dau Mot might be exactly what you’re searching for.

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