Foreigners drawn to life in Nha Trang

But after returning to Canada, he missed his time in Vietnam and decided to move to Nha Trang to see if he could fit in.

He rented a studio apartment in the north of the city for US$400, began learning Vietnamese, joined local running groups, and now works remotely while organizing coding workshops for students.

"Northern Nha Trang has its own rhythm, neither too fast nor too dull. I have been to Bangkok, Bali and Lisbon, but only here do I find the right mix of sea, mountains, good food, and fast internet."

Visitors on an island in Nha Trang City. Photo by Khoa Tran

According to unofficial data from Expat, a platform that helps people find places to settle abroad, some 4,000 foreigners are living long-term in Nha Trang’s urban area, most of them from South Korea, Russia, Germany, Australia, France, and the U.S.

Many praise the mild climate, with average temperatures of 26-27 degrees Celsius, warm sunshine and sea breezes.

Others choose the city for its low cost of living, estimated at $600-1,000 a month.

Job opportunities are also available for digital nomads like Daniel. Nha Trang is home to many industries, including marine services, renewable energy, technology, and tourism.

Expat notes that foreigners can find work as English teachers or in tourism, services or IT.

Rebecca, an Australian marketing specialist, left her advertising career in Sydney to freelance while traveling across Southeast Asia. After moving through several cities, she decided to settle in Vietnam.

"I chose Nha Trang as a pause in life. At first I planned to stay three months, but I extended my visa. Now I have my own apartment, I dive, I know how to cook bun cha ca, and every morning I run along the beach with locals."

Northern Nha Trang, Rebecca’s new home, is shaping into an expat hub with European-style cafes, mini-marts selling imported goods, gyms with English-speaking trainers, and rooftop yoga classes overlooking the ocean.

Every morning she runs with friends along Luong Son Pass, where the sunrise offers a full view of the coastal city from 50 meters above sea level. Sometimes she dives to explore coral reefs or paddles on a SUP board. Cam Ranh Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city.

"This place makes me feel less like an outsider," she says. "I meet Canadians, Ukrainians, Koreans, and Vietnamese friends living here. Everyone has different reasons, but we all feel it’s worth staying."

The circle roof of Dam Market in an aerial overview of Nha Trang. Photo by VnExpress/Xuan Ngoc

Nha Trang offers the same amenities as major cities in terms of healthcare, transportation, schools, and high-speed internet. It sits on a sheltered bay with clear water, year-round breeze and mountains on all sides.

Khanh Hoa Province is investing in hospitals, international schools and new coastal roads to serve a growing community. Foreign residents support the local economy by renting apartments, buying homes and using services, which create jobs in healthcare, education and F&B.

With the expansion of Cam Ranh Airport, new expressways, and ongoing development plans, Nha Trang, especially its northern part, is expected to draw more visitors.