(Author’s note: Since 1 July 2025, Vietnam has reorganized and merged a number of provinces, communes and wards. However, in this post, the areas in Ho Chi Minh City are still called by the old administrative boundaries for convenience in Internet searches. Vietnam has become a major expat and Digital Nomad destination, with one of the fastest growing economiees in the world.)
According to Vietnam Insider (March 2025), there are more than 100,000 foreigners from 110 countries and territories are living and working in Vietnam, mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has the largest expat community in the country, many of them live with their family. The number of expats bringing whole family here to settle down for long term has been increasing in recent years. The article named “Vietnam: A Hidden Gem for Expats Seeking a Thriving Family Life” on Vietnam Insider (February 2025) pointed out four factors for their decision, including: life quality, career opportunities, affordable living cost, and better international schools compared to many major Asian cities.
Below are some areas that are highly recommended for expat families in the city.
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Thu Duc City
The area has total area 211.56km2 and population nearly 1.4 million people (2025). This is the center of creativity, technology, and education of the East of Ho Chi Minh City. with ideal position: close to the center. Thu Doc City is conveniently connected to many key traffic routes such as Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien, Hanoi Highway, Saigon Bridge, Thu Thiem Tunnel. It has modern living space blending urban amenities and fresh nature along the Saigon River, attracting a large number of businessmen and foreigners. Many housing projects are suitable for families including luxury residences with quiet and airy living environment, famous entertainment and shopping complexs.
The education and healthcare systems are also strengths. The area is home to many international school systems such as European International School, Australian International School, etc., and modern hospitals and medical centers: Family Medical Practice, FV Hospital.
- Housing type: Private house, villa, luxury apartments
- Average rental price: 590 – 1,175 euros/month (~15 – 30 million VND/month)
- Space: Modern, luxury, fresh nature
- Schools: International school systems such as ISHCMC, BIS, European International School, Australian International School, Emasi, TAS
- Medical centers: Family Medical Practice, FV Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Estella Place, Mega Market An Phu, Vincom Mega Mall
District 3
Located at the center of Ho Chi Minh City, District 3 has many cultural and historical sites as well as convenient connection with other areas. The infrastructure is advanced, with many major routes pass through including regional routes and national highways.
This area has the charm of 19th century French colonial architecture and shady rows of ancient trees. It also home of many consulates and embassies. Regarding education, the district has some large Vietnamese universities like University of Economics, University of Architecture, University of Education, and many other international institutions. High-quality medical services come from leading hospitals: Binh Dan Hospital, Dermatology Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital.
With famous landmarks such as Turtle Lake and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, District 3 is also known as tourism and culinary paradise of the city. Time Out magazine included this district as one of the “World’s Greatest Neighborhoods”.
- Housing type: Private house, villa, luxury apartments
- Average renting price: 414 – 1,724 euros/month (~12 – 50 million VND/month)
- Space: Modern but has ancient charm of French colonial style
- Schools: Asian International School (AHS), Western Australian International School (WASS), Sydney School (SISS), University of Economics, University of Architecture
- Medical centers: Binh Dan Hospital, Dermatology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Saigon Mall, RomeA Center, Intresco Plaza
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District 5
There is a large Chinese community living here, with many Asian cultural features and Chinese traditional cuisine. The bustling commercial streets are bargain shopping paradises with a variety of goods.
Good medical services are provided by famous hospitals such as Cho Ray Hospital, Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Transportation is convenient and it’s easy to connect both within the city and neighboring provinces. This is an ideal choice for families who want a dynamic living environment, but still imbued with history and culture.
- Housing type: Private house, luxury apartments
- Average renting price: 414 – 1,180 euros/month (~12 – 30 million VND/month)
- Space: Rich Asian culture with large Chinese community
- Schools: Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Foreign Economics…
- Medical centers: Cho Ray Hospital, Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Hung Vuong Plaza, The Garden Mall
District 7
Known as “miniature Europe,” District 7 is the best choice for those who want to enjoy a comfortable and modern living environment with international standards. This area stands out with a series of high-end housing projects – such as Phu My Hung Urban Area – attracting many upper-class Vietnamese and foreigners. Along with that is a system of the best international schools, modern hospitals and large commercial centers including Crescent Mall and SC VivoCity.
The natural spaces along river bring fresh air and beautiful landscapes, green parks – suitable for families to go camping on weekends. Another plus is well-functioning drainage system.
- Housing type: Private house, villa, luxury apartments
- Average renting price: 510 – 1,765 euros/month (~13 – 45 million VND/month)
- Space: European style and modern
- Schools: Canadian International School (CIS), Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS), Vietnam – Finland International School (VFIS), VAS International School System
- Medical centers: FV Hospital, South Saigon General Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Crescent Mall, SC VivoCity
Wikimedia Commons
Binh Thanh District
This district is a rapidly developing area. Convenient transportation, cultural and culinary diversity contribute to its environment. The development of the area attracts a large number of human resources from different professions, and creates many investment opportunities.
Prestigious universities and colleges such as Foreign Trade University, University of Economics and Finance, Ton Duc Thang University provide high-quality learning and research opportunities for residents. Next to high-end residential areas are parks, entertainment and culinary spaces with a variety of services, from affordable to high-end – convenient for exploring local culture.
- Housing type: Private house, luxury apartments
- Average renting price: 275 – 590 euros/month (~7 – 15 million VND/month)
- Space: Vibrant, dynamic and cultural diversity
- Schools: Foreign Trade University, University of Economics and Finance, Ton Duc Thang University
- Medical centers: Binh Thanh District Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien, Vincom Center Landmark 81, Vincom Center Dong Khoi
Phu Nhuan District
The location near Tan Son Nhat International Airport along with a convenient transportation network creates good conditions for development and strong connections for Phu Nhuan District. The community here is well cared for by a diverse system of hospitals and clinics; the education system extends from kindergarten to university and college.
There are many green parks in the area suitable for family weekend relaxation activities. Many high-end apartment projects and new urban areas are being invested and developed, along with attractive tourism services and potential investment opportunities.
- Housing type: Private houses, luxury apartments
- Average renting price: 350 – 780 euros/month (~9 – 20 million VND/month)
- Space: Modern, rapidly developing
- Schools: VAS International School System, Tesla International School, Marvel House International Kindergarten, Saigon International College (SIC)
- Medical centers: Phu Nhuan General Hospital
- Entertainment, shopping: Centre Point, The Prince Residence, Orchard Garden
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Huyen Nguyen Khanh
Huyen K. Nguyen is a freelance travel writer based in Hanoi, Vietnam, specializing in travel, food, and lifestyle. She spent eight years working in the international hospitality industry at five-star hotels before turning to writing full-time. Her articles and translations have appeared in several Vietnamese online publications. With a passion for storytelling, she brings cultural insight and personal experience to every piece. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and photography.
