What makes Vietnam a favorite destination for foreigners?

Vietnam was recently named the world's fifth best destination for expatriates in InterNations' annual Expat Insider survey.

Its strongest overall showing to date was thanks to its low cost of living and safety.

Craig Daniel, a visitor from Brisbane, Australia, says: "Most of the hotels in Vietnam are very new, beautiful and luxurious. Food is very cheap; a cup of coffee costs one dollar, while in Australia you have to pay four to five times more."

He arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct. 5 for a two-week visit, and now plans to return every spring because it is affordable and there is a direct flight from Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City.

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, an Austrian and CEO of Alma Resort Cam Ranh, who has lived and worked in Vietnam for more than 17 years, considers the country "truly a second home."

He is not surprised that Vietnam ranks in the top five in InterNations' survey. As someone who came for work but stayed for the people, he says he understands why Vietnam achieved such outstanding results.

The most impressive aspect of life in Vietnam is the warmth and sincerity of its people, he says.

"They are really hospitable, hard-working and have a positive energy that is rarely seen elsewhere. The cost of living allows for an excellent quality of life, while the business environment has improved significantly over the past 17 years."

Laubichler-Pichler says he enjoys a dream life in Khanh Hoa, the coastal province home to Cam Ranh in central Vietnam.

His commute feels like "a pleasant stroll through the lush green garden of the resort."

He says Vietnam’s cost of living enables a lifestyle that will be far more expensive in Europe, from high-quality healthcare and cuisine to domestic trips to see the country’s diversity.

He rates Vietnam 9/10, noting there is still room for improvement, particularly in infrastructure in some areas and in streamlining certain administrative procedures for foreigners.

Martin Koerner, commercial director of Anam Group, a chain of luxury resorts in Vietnam, also rates life in Vietnam 9/10.

After 13 years of living and working here, it is unsurprising to him that Vietnam is highly regarded by the global expat community, he says.

Vietnam’s cost of living remains competitive compared to many countries, while career opportunities are growing.

For Koerner, Vietnam is not only a place to work but also a place where he "raises a family and calls home."

"Vietnam offers a unique balance of opportunity, quality of life and human connection."

He too values the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people and loves the richness of their culture and traditions.