Vietnam has once again been voted as the world’s most affordable country for expats in 2026, securing the top spot for the fifth consecutive year, according to the French newswire Journal du Net (JDN).

Visitors explore the Complex of Hue Monuments.

Citing the latest annual survey by InterNations - a global platform evaluating expatriate living conditions, JDN said petrol at roughly 0.70 EUR (0.83 USD) a litre and meals available for under 1 EUR continue to attract French nationals and other Europeans seeking destinations that blend low costs with rich cultural immersion.

The survey revealed strong satisfaction levels among expats in Vietnam, with 89% expressing contentment with the local cost of living and 87% reporting that their income supports a very comfortable lifestyle.

InterNations highlighted Vietnam's particularly competitive pricing across food, housing, transport and leisure activities.

JDN noted that the Vietnamese dong's ongoing weakness relative to the euro continues to boost purchasing power for tourists and foreign workers alike.

At a time when many European families are looking for budget-friendly destinations that still offer rich cultural experiences, Vietnam is emerging as a compelling option.

Street food stands out as one of Vietnam's biggest draws. In Hanoi and other major cities, iconic dishes like pho (noodles served with chicken or beef), banh mi (baguette), and bun cha (noodle with grilled pork) typically cost between 1-3 EUR, a pricing sweet spot that's hard to match in many other tourist hotspots.

Accommodation options remain highly accessible. Dorm beds in budget hostels start at around 5 EUR per night, while mid-range hotels and traditional guesthouses generally range from 8-20 EUR. These rates cater effectively to diverse travellers, from backpackers to families.

Domestic transport adds to the appeal, with monthly public transit passes averaging about 7 EUR, taxi fares under 0.50 EUR per km, and petrol at roughly 0.70 EUR per litre, well below those in much of Europe.

Even beyond routine expenses, Vietnam delivers strong value on experiences. A two-day cruise in Ha Long Bay typically runs around 100 EUR, inclusive of an onboard cabin, meals, kayaking, and cave entry fees.

In Sa Pa, a two-day guided trek through terraced rice fields costs about 60 EUR, covering a guide, meals, and an overnight stay in a local homestay.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street showcases Vietnamese identity, integration spirit

The Nguyen Hue Flower Street in Ho Chi Minh City presents a symphony of vivid colours under the southern spring sunshine, featuring more than 100,000 baskets of diverse flowers.

 

3 Vietnamese staples make top Asian side dishes list

Three Vietnamese favorites, stir-fried morning glory, herb platters and fried dough, have been named among the "Top 100 Asian side dishes" by international food magazine TasteAtlas.

Vietnam's Golden Bridge surpasses Brooklyn, Sydney Harbor in global beauty ranking

British magazine Time Out has published a list of the 19 most beautiful bridges in the world, with Vietnam's Golden Bridge ranking 4th thanks to its unique design.

Another Israeli airline announces direct service to Hanoi

From October 2026, the carrier will operate a long-haul direct service linking Tel Aviv and Hanoi. The route is expected to run three round-trip flights per week.

 

Tet 2026: Longer holiday, wider horizons for Vietnamese explorers

Vietnamese consumers are demonstrating greater purposefulness, whether seeking cooler domestic escapes like Da Lat or showing rising curiosity toward international options like India and Japan, to make the most of their limited holiday time.