Why Are So Many People Retiring In Nha Trang?
Nha Trang, Vietnam seems to cast a spell on expats who move here. Around one thousand have already fallen under it, and that number looks set to increase. The bay, and surrounding countryside is the main attraction, and attracts retirees from across the globe. For a long time this has been one of the best destinations for retiring in Vietnam. Thanks to Vietnam’s recent economic progress, we would even venture that Nha Trang is one of the best places to retire in Asia.
The city is undergoing big change, with new high rise buildings going up and tourist numbers increasing. Most expats stay away from the tourist areas when possible and opt for a quieter life in the suburbs. Here’s what you need to know about retiring in Nha Trang.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Nha Trang is low by Vietnamese standards. By U.S. standards it’s an incredible bargain. A two bed apartment in a decent area will set you back around US$125. This includes security. This is one of the big advantages of retiring in Nha Trang.
Day-to-day living costs are budget friendly as well. A meal for two in a nice restaurant will cost about US$10. Health care costs are another reason that Nha Trang is popular with expats. A trip to the doctor costs US$10 with specialist costing a little over US$20. The standard of medical care is high and you can find specialists in most fields. For a more detailed breakdown of expenses in Nha Trang, visit our budget page here.
Expat Community
There is a vibrant and mixed expat population in Nha Trang. A cosmopolitan city, there are expats from Europe, China, Australia, Russia Canada, and the USA. French and English are both widely spoken by locals which is a definite plus.
The best way to get in touch with local expats is via the Facebook page which can be found here.
Public Transport
It is easy to get around on foot in Nha Trang as the town is pedestrian friendly. For longer journeys there are the usual Vietnamese options.
The fastest way to get around is via the motorbike taxi, known locally as Xe Om. These are cheap and efficient although you can expect to pay a premium during adverse weather.
The cheapest way to travel is via public transport. The bus system in Nha Trang covers most of the city and is the best option if you are travelling to popular locations such as the beach or shopping malls. For a comprehensive guide to the bus service in Nha Trang, including timetables and prices, and other useful information we recommend vietnamchik.
Taxi’s are reliable and often driven by English speakers. If you are new in town this can be a good way to learn the lay of the land, and avoid paying over the odds.
Things To Do
Thanks to the diverse expat population, there is a range of different cuisines available for eating out. Nha Trang is one of the best places for international cuisine in Vietnam.
Of course one o the most popular things to do in Nha Trang is to hit the beach. The clean, white sand beaches are lined with palm trees and a great place to spend the day. There are lots of restaurants and bars here as well, making it a lively option after dark.
The bay is home to more than 12,000 hectares of coral reef popular with divers. If you want to learn how to scuba dive there are excellent local schools. You can also expect to see lots of fish snorkeling.
Retiring In Nha Trang – Transport Links To The U.S.
Flights from New York require at least one stop. The quickest you can hope to get here is in 21 hours. From Los Angeles you can arrive in 19 and a half hours. There are regular flights to the USA via Seoul, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou.
Climate
Like most of Vietnam, Nha Trang has a tropical climate. This means hot weather all year. For folks used to a cold weather climate, this is one main reasons they are retiring in Nha Trang. The dry season runs from May until mid-August. During these months there is very little rainfall. July is also the hottest month of the year in Nha Trang when you will want to do little more than lounge on the beach. The monsoon season is from September to December. During these months you can expect heavy downpours most days. More detailed information on the climate in Vietnam can be found here.
Anything Else You Should Know About Retiring In Nha Trang?
In Nha Trang you can find a traditional form of Vietnamese folk art. Water puppetry uses traditional folk music and floating puppets to depict interesting events from Vietnamese history. Head to the Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre for tickets and information. They can be called on +84 58 352 7828.
Oliver Lovett
