Why Bali and Thailand Have Serious Competition
From the beaches of Da Nang to the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most compelling destinations for expatriates, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile retirees.
For decades, Thailand and Bali have dominated the conversation about affordable tropical living. Thailand built its reputation on hospitality, healthcare, and retirement communities. Bali attracted entrepreneurs, surfers, wellness enthusiasts, and digital nomads seeking paradise.
But Vietnam is challenging both destinations with an increasingly irresistible proposition: a high quality of life at remarkably low prices.
According to the 2025 InterNations Expat Insider survey, Vietnam ranked first worldwide for expat personal finances for the fifth consecutive year. An impressive 89% of expatriates expressed satisfaction with the cost of living.
Vietnam also ranked fifth overall among expatriate destinations, just behind Thailand in fourth place and ahead of Indonesia in eighth.
The Cost-of-Living Advantage
Vietnam’s greatest competitive advantage is purchasing power.
Da Nang, a coastal city combining modern apartments, spectacular beaches, restaurants, and international amenities, has become particularly appealing to foreigners earning income in US dollars, euros, or other strong currencies.
The 2026 Numbeo Cost of Living Plus Rent Index illustrates the difference:
| Destination | Cost Index |
|---|---|
| Da Nang, Vietnam | 19.4 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 21.4 |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | 24.0 |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 31.6 |
| Bali, Indonesia | 35.3 |
These are comparative indices, not monthly spending estimates, but they demonstrate Vietnam’s substantial affordability advantage.
Local restaurants, transportation, fresh produce, and apartment rentals can stretch a foreign income considerably further.
For retirees and remote professionals, that difference translates into something valuable: financial freedom without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Da Nang: The New Alternative to Bali?
Imagine starting your morning with coffee overlooking the South China Sea, walking along My Khe Beach, and returning to a modern apartment with reliable internet and nearby restaurants.
That’s the lifestyle drawing international attention to Da Nang.
Unlike Bali’s popular Canggu and Seminyak districts, where tourism development and traffic congestion can complicate daily life, Da Nang offers a compelling combination of urban convenience and beachside living.
Historic Hoi An is nearby, while international air connections make regional travel practical.
Bali still wins for surf culture, tropical villas, yoga retreats, and its established international creative community.
But Vietnam increasingly appeals to people who want something less resort-oriented: an affordable, functioning city where the beach is part of everyday life.
Vietnam Versus Thailand: A Closer Contest
Thailand remains a formidable competitor.
Bangkok offers sophisticated private healthcare, extensive international connections, and an established expatriate infrastructure. Chiang Mai provides culture, mountains, affordable living, and coworking communities.
Thailand also has an important immigration advantage.
Its Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), introduced in 2024, offers eligible remote workers a five-year multiple-entry visa with stays of up to 180 days per entry, subject to conditions.
Vietnam offers eligible foreign nationals electronic visas valid for up to 90 days, including multiple-entry options. However, an e-visa is not a permanent residence solution or automatic authorization to work.
Thailand therefore remains attractive for expatriates prioritizing structured longer-stay options.
Vietnam’s advantage is different: lower living costs, energetic cities, excellent food, and an economy undergoing rapid transformation.
Vietnam Is More Than a Beach Destination
One reason Vietnam is attracting international attention is its diversity.
Ho Chi Minh City appeals to entrepreneurs, investors, technology professionals, and anyone energized by fast-moving commercial activity.
Hanoi offers history, culture, architecture, and a distinctive traditional atmosphere.
Da Nang combines coastal living with modern convenience.
Hoi An provides a slower pace surrounded by historic architecture and countryside.
Phu Quoc attracts those seeking island living and resort amenities.
Few affordable destinations offer such different lifestyles within one country.
For internationally minded investors, Vietnam’s manufacturing base, expanding consumer economy, and growing international business connections add another dimension to its appeal.
What About Bali?
Bali remains extraordinary, but its global popularity has created trade-offs.
Housing costs in popular expatriate districts can be substantial. Traffic, development pressures, and tourist congestion have also become important considerations.
Indonesia does offer a dedicated E33G remote-worker visa, providing an eligible applicant a one-year stay, subject to requirements including overseas employment and annual income of at least US$60,000.
Vietnam lacks an equally straightforward dedicated digital-nomad residence option.
The choice ultimately comes down to priorities.
Bali offers a highly developed international lifestyle scene. Vietnam offers strong value, authentic urban experiences, and a sense of economic momentum.
The Important Considerations Before Relocating
Vietnam is not without challenges.
Air pollution can be problematic in major cities. Traffic requires adjustment. Central coastal areas face seasonal storms and flooding. International-standard specialist healthcare may require travel to larger cities or overseas.
Long-term residency, healthcare insurance, banking, foreign property ownership, and tax obligations also require careful planning.
Importantly, living somewhere inexpensive does not automatically make it a tax haven. Expatriates must understand both their host-country obligations and potential continuing tax liabilities in their home country.
A trial stay before making a permanent move is a sensible strategy.
The Invest Offshore Perspective: Geographic Freedom Is Real Wealth
The modern expatriate lifestyle is increasingly about international diversification.
Where should you earn your income? Where should you bank? Where should you invest? And where can you enjoy the best lifestyle for your money?
These questions do not necessarily have the same geographic answer.
Thailand may offer stronger retirement infrastructure. Bali may deliver the ultimate island lifestyle. But Vietnam arguably offers one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive combinations of affordability, culture, coastal living, and economic opportunity.
Vietnam doesn’t need to become the next Bali or Thailand. Its greatest strength is offering something distinctly its own.
For expatriates seeking value, opportunity, and greater geographic freedom, Vietnam deserves a place near the top of the shortlist.
— Invest Offshore | International Living, Global Mobility & Offshore Wealth Strategies