Moving to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
High-octane energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and the center of Vietnams tech and business scene. It never sleeps, and the opportunities are as endless as the traffic.
Cost of Living
$1,200 - $2,500+
Safety
High (Watch for phone snatching)
English Level
Moderate to High in District 1, 2, and 7
Internet
Excellent (Fiber everywhere)
If You Do Nothing Else
- 1Get a Grab account for transport and food
- 2Visit District 2 (Thao Dien) for the expat family hub
- 3Check out District 7 (Phu My Hung) for Korean-style planned living
- 4Join the 'Saigon Expats' Facebook groups
- 5Find a reliable visa agent in D1
Housing & Neighborhoods
Thao Dien (D2)
The quintessential expat bubble. Villas, high-rise condos, international schools, and western cafes.
Phu My Hung (D7)
Widely spaced, greener, and very family-friendly. Great for walking with strollers.
Binh Thanh
The bridge between D1 and D2. Home to Vinhomes Central Park and Landmark 81.
Where to Search
Work & Tech
Primary Industries: Fintech, E-commerce, Logistics, and SaaS
Coworking Hubs
- Dreamplex
- Toong
- CirCO
Family & Kids
International Schools
- ISHCMC
- AIS
- SSIS
Family Activities
- Snoopy Land
- Jump Arena
- District 2 Sports Club
Personalized Advice
Moving to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with a family is a big project. I can help you pick the right school and neighborhood based on your specific needs.
James Elkins
Software Engineer & Expat