Finding the right place to stay is one of the most important decisions for a successful Vietnam long stay. The best neighborhoods vary by city, lifestyle, and length of stay — and choosing wisely can dramatically improve comfort, cost, and day‑to‑day happiness.
This guide focuses on the best areas to live and accommodation options for long‑stay travelers, digital nomads, and expats in Vietnam.
Types of Accommodation in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation styles suitable for both short and long stays.
Short‑term options:
- Hotels
- Guesthouses
- Hostels
- Short‑term serviced apartments
Long‑term options (recommended):
- Serviced apartments
- Condominiums
- Local apartments & houses
For stays longer than one month, local rentals or serviced apartments offer the best value.
Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Best for: Urban lifestyle, expats, business
District 1
- Central, walkable, close to nightlife
- Higher rent, smaller apartments
District 2 (Thao Dien)
- Most popular expat area
- Modern apartments, quieter streets
- Cafés, gyms, coworking spaces
District 7 (Phu My Hung)
- Clean, planned neighborhoods
- Popular with families
- Fewer tourists
Best Areas to Stay in Da Nang
Best for: Digital nomads, beach living
My An / An Thuong
- Top choice for long‑stay foreigners
- Walkable, beach access, cafés
Son Tra District
- Scenic, quieter neighborhoods
- Good value apartments
Hai Chau
- City center
- Convenient but less beach‑oriented
Best Areas to Stay in Hanoi
Best for: Culture, food, slower living
Tay Ho (West Lake)
- Most popular expat area
- Spacious apartments, cafés
- Quieter than Old Quarter
Old Quarter
- Central and atmospheric
- Best for short stays
- Can be noisy for long‑term living
Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An
Best for: Slow travel, walkable lifestyle
Cam An / An Bang
- Beachside living
- Quiet, relaxed vibe
Cam Chau
- Close to Old Town
- Popular for monthly rentals
Hoi An is best for 1–3 month stays rather than permanent living.
Best Areas to Stay in Da Lat
Best for: Cool climate, nature
City Center
- Close to cafés and markets
- Cooler temperatures
Outskirts
- More space and greenery
- Lower rent
Best Areas to Stay in Nha Trang
Best for: Beach lifestyle, resorts
Tran Phu Area
- Central beachfront
- Convenient but touristy
Northern Nha Trang
- Quieter neighborhoods
- Better value for long stays
Typical Monthly Rent by City
- Ho Chi Minh City: $500–$900
- Da Nang: $400–$700
- Hanoi: $450–$800
- Hoi An: $350–$650
- Da Lat: $300–$600
- Nha Trang: $400–$750
Rent varies significantly by building quality and lease length.
How to Find Long‑Stay Accommodation
Best methods:
- Walk‑around searches
- Local Facebook housing groups
- Real estate agents
- Monthly Airbnb stays (initial base)
Avoid signing long leases before seeing a property in person.
Accommodation Tips & Common Mistakes
- Inspect apartments carefully
- Clarify utilities and internet costs
- Ask about noise and construction
- Negotiate monthly rates
Best Accommodation Strategy for Long Stays
- Book short‑term accommodation for 1–2 weeks
- Explore neighborhoods in person
- Negotiate monthly pricing
- Choose flexibility over long contracts