Which city in Asia is best for Expats in 2025 (Thailand vs Vietnam)

About this video

• Video Title: Which city in Asia is best for Expats in 2025 (Thailand vs Vietnam)
• Channel: Travis Travels Vietnam
• Speakers: Travis
• Duration: 00:13:38

Overview

This video compares Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Da Nang, Vietnam, as potential destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees in 2025. The creator, Travis, who lives in Da Nang, visits Chiang Mai to offer a direct comparison based on weather, cost of living, food, culture, nature, community, activities, and transportation.

Key takeaways

• Weather: Chiang Mai has good weather most of the year, but March and April experience the "burning season" due to agricultural fires. Da Nang's weather can be rainy from October to January, but March and April offer the best weather.
• Cost of Living: Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai, is generally more expensive than Vietnam, especially for accommodation and imported goods like beer. Da Nang offers better value, with comparable food costs but significantly lower prices for accommodation and local transportation.
• Food: Both countries offer excellent food. Thailand has rich, spicy flavors, stir-fries, and curries (like Khao Soy in Chiang Mai). Vietnam offers lighter dishes, soups with thin broths, and fresh herbs.
• Culture and People: Both Thai and Vietnamese people are friendly and welcoming. Thai people are more accustomed to foreigners and many speak English due to Thailand's established tourism industry. Vietnam is newer to mass tourism, so English proficiency is lower outside tourist areas, leading to more genuine curiosity and interaction with locals.
• Nature and Vibe: Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and green spaces, offering a nature-focused environment. Da Nang, while a city, doesn't feel overwhelmingly large and offers a beach. Both cities are described as having a chill and relaxed vibe.
• Expat Community: Chiang Mai has a large, established digital nomad and expat community, including a more "hippie yoga" crowd and benefits from legal weed. Da Nang's expat community is growing, with Travis having started a travel community to help newcomers.
• Activities: Popular activities in Northern Thailand include visiting elephant sanctuaries. Da Nang offers beach access.
• Transportation: Driving in Thailand is stricter, with more police checkpoints and higher fines for driving without a valid license. Vietnam is more relaxed for foreign drivers, with fewer police encounters and lower penalties, though obtaining a Vietnamese license requires a long-term visa.
• Coffee Culture: Both countries have strong coffee cultures. Vietnamese coffee (Robusta) has significantly more caffeine than Thai coffee (Arabica), which Travis prefers for its kick.