In this Debrief, Vietnam Correspondent Wendy Justice, tells Dan Prescher about her recent trip to the lesser-known Vietnamese city of Quy Nhon, north of Ho Chi Minh City, and to the popular coastal town of Nha Trang, on Vietnam’s southeastern coast. There were no mountains on this trip…but plenty of beaches.
Despite living in Vietnam for 11 years, Wendy had never heard of Quy Nhon until late last year when her friend moved there and joined the small expat community. Wendy was quickly enticed to visit when she heard about the beautiful town, friendly people, and ridiculously low cost of living.
She was delighted to discover the care which was taken to make Quy Nhon a beautiful and livable city. The industrial area is located outside of the town. The stunning beach, situated within a sheltered bay, is impeccably manicured, and the city abounds with parks and public spaces. Wendy was warmly welcomed on her trip by the expats living there who are always eager to meet the “new foreigner in town.”
The city has plenty going for it. It’s probably the cheapest place in Vietnam that Wendy has ever visited—which is really saying something—and food prices are incredibly inexpensive. The weather is a great perk too—boasting 10 months of dry weather and mild winters. The medical costs are almost as low as the food and there are plenty of English-speaking doctors as well as translators in the city’s hospital.
Next on Wendy’s itinerary was a four-hour trip by minivan from Quy Nhon to the coastal retreat of Nha Trang. This seaside city is where Wendy first lived when she moved to Vietnam and a lot has changed since her last visit in 2017. The resort town is a popular spot for American and Canadian expats who are attracted by the beach and nightlife. Although more expensive than Quy Nhon, Nha Trang is still a low cost of living destination, and reasonably priced ocean-view apartments can be found.
First established by the French, and later used by American troops for R&R during the war, Nha Trang is a popular stop along the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City tourist route. Many foreigners visiting Vietnam for the first time break up their trip here. Many of them like it enough to decide to settle here permanently. And with about 250 sunny days each year, a stunning beach, watersports, and excellent nightlife, it’s easy to see why this resort town is so popular.
Tune in now to hear more on Wendy’s trip to these two coastal cities.
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A map of southern Vietnam, showing Quy Nhon and Nha Trang on the east coast.
© Google Maps
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