Vietnam vs. the Philippines: Which Expat Life Fits You Best?

Hey there and welcome.

Today we're diving into one of the most common questions expats ask: Vietnam or the Philippines?
Both countries have so much to offer, but they’re also completely different experiences. From the rhythm of daily life to dating, food, culture, and daily challenges—this post is an honest, story-driven look at what it’s really like living in each place.

This isn’t a listicle or a surface-level breakdown. It’s a real exploration of what matters when you’re thinking about making one of these countries your new home.

If you’ve spent any time living abroad, you already know: the decision to settle down somewhere isn’t black and white. It’s not just about the cost of living, beaches, or even dating. It’s about how a place makes you feel. The little things start to matter more than you'd expect—the morning air, how people treat each other, how easy it is to grab a coffee or find a barber without turning it into an ordeal.

Vietnam and the Philippines both offer rich, unique experiences for expats, but in very different ways. These aren’t just destinations—they’re lifestyles. And the deeper you go, the more clearly you see the trade-offs.

This story is built from real conversations, boots-on-the-ground experience, and honest comparisons to help you figure out which direction might be right for you.

The Buzz of Vietnam

Vietnam greets you with kinetic energy that pulses through every corner of its cities. Whether it's the tangled chaos of Saigon’s traffic or the peaceful, lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An, there’s a rhythm to life here that you gradually begin to sync with.

One of the first things that hits most newcomers is how organized the chaos actually is. Scooters are everywhere, and yes, crossing the street might feel like a leap of faith—but somehow, it all works. There’s an underlying structure to the madness. And then there’s the coffee—real Vietnamese coffee. Not your usual Starbucks fix, but a rich, bold brew sweetened with condensed milk and served with patience. Sitting on a tiny plastic stool on a busy Saigon sidewalk, sipping cà phê sữa đá, life slows down. You’re not invisible, but you’re not the main character either. And that’s a surprisingly nice place to be.

Daily life in Vietnam runs smoother than you might think once you crack the local code. You learn where to find the freshest fruit, how to grab a quality haircut for under $3, and which alleyway noodle stand never misses with its phở. Before you know it, routines form. You’re not a visitor anymore—you’re a resident.

English is limited outside of expat-heavy areas like Da Nang or District 2 in Saigon, but the Vietnamese people are patient. Smiles, gestures, and Google Translate go a long way. It’s peaceful, in a way, not always understanding everything. You begin to embrace the silence and the subtlety of human interaction.

Dating in Vietnam

The dating scene in Vietnam is more reserved compared to the Philippines. Age-gap relationships and public displays of affection are less common, and many Vietnamese women are more traditional in their approach. That said, with time and mutual respect, meaningful relationships do form. A lot of expats—especially English teachers or business owners—do end up in long-term relationships here, but cultural sensitivity is key. You can’t just transplant Western expectations and expect things to click.

The Warmth of the Philippines

The Philippines, on the other hand, feels instantly familiar to most Westerners. It’s not just the English—it’s the culture, the music, the slang. Decades of American influence have shaped the environment in a way that makes it feel like a halfway house between East and West.

That cultural closeness makes dating and friendships more intuitive. You can joke, flirt, and even vent without relying on an app or translator. Filipinos are famously warm, and many are genuinely open to relationships with foreigners. Older expats will find it easier to connect here, and age-gap relationships are more widely accepted. No one bats an eye if a 60-year-old is holding hands with someone in their 30s. It might seem odd to outsiders, but it’s part of the cultural norm here.

Daily life in the Philippines has a more laid-back rhythm. Malls are a central part of social life—not just for shopping, but for hanging out, eating, or simply enjoying the air conditioning. Near the coast, you’ll find lively boardwalks in the evening, packed with locals enjoying street food and the sea breeze. Life feels slower. Easier. In many ways, the Philippines offers a softer landing for Westerners.

But that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges.

Infrastructure & Healthcare

The infrastructure in the Philippines can be frustrating at times. Outside of big cities, you’ll run into occasional power outages, water shortages, and slow or spotty internet. Healthcare is hit or miss. The best hospitals are located in places like Manila and Cebu—and even then, costs can surprise you. One expat mentioned paying over $100 for a vaccine that would cost a fraction in Vietnam.

Transportation is another area where Vietnam has the edge. With a well-oiled network of trains, buses, and minivans—and the ever-reliable Grab app—it’s easy and cheap to get around. In the Philippines, the system relies more on jeepneys, tricycles, and ferries. It has its charm, but it’s less efficient and can be frustrating if you’re used to structured public transport.

Visas & Long-Term Stay

When it comes to visas, the Philippines is hard to beat. Expats can stay for up to 36 months with simple extensions—no need for a retirement visa, marriage, or work permit. Just check in with immigration every couple of months.

Vietnam’s visa situation is a bit more complex. There’s no clear retirement visa pathway. Most long-stayers rely on business visas, work contracts, or short-term extensions. It works—but it’s definitely more of a hassle.

Food & Daily Life

Vietnam takes the crown when it comes to food. The culinary variety is incredible, with influences from French colonialism and regional specialties across the country. Whether it’s a bowl of bún bò Huế, fresh spring rolls, or a baguette rivaling one from Paris, eating well in Vietnam is easy and affordable.

Vegetarians will also find Vietnam more accommodating.

The Philippines? It’s a mixed bag. Dishes like adobo and sinigang are iconic, but the cuisine tends to be heavier—fried, stewed, and meat-heavy. Culinary depth isn’t the strong point here. But what the Philippines lacks in finesse, it makes up for in community. There’s joy here. People laugh easily, music is everywhere, and even the security guards might belt out karaoke if you give them a mic.

Community & Safety

The expat community in the Philippines is more visible and established, especially in places like Dumaguete, Cebu, Makati, and Angeles. It’s easy to find like-minded people, make friends, and build a support network. Vietnam has international pockets too—in Da Nang and Hanoi, for instance—but the expat demographic skews younger, with more digital nomads and English teachers.

Nature lovers will appreciate both countries. Vietnam offers mountains, beaches, highlands, and lush countryside. A train ride can take you from tropical coastlines into cool mountain towns like Da Lat. The diversity is striking.

But if beaches are your thing, the Philippines wins hands down. With over 7,000 islands, you’re never far from crystal-clear waters and white sand. From Palawan to Siargao to Boracay, it’s a beach lover’s paradise.

And finally, peace of mind. Vietnam is stable, clean, and generally safe. The government runs a tight ship, and that keeps things orderly. The Philippines has higher visible poverty and more petty crime, especially in some urban areas. You learn to be cautious and adapt, but it’s a factor worth weighing.

So, Which One’s Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you’re looking for a low-cost, efficient lifestyle with incredible food, decent healthcare, and a bit of adventure—Vietnam might be the right choice.

If ease of communication, a warm dating scene, and a built-in expat community matter more to you, then the Philippines might feel like home.

Both countries will challenge and change you. And if you let them, they’ll show you a version of life you never imagined possible.

The only way to really know? Spend time in both. Don’t just watch the sunsets or count your dollars—pay attention to how you feel when you wake up there. That’s what will guide you toward the right path.

Thanks for joining me today. If you found value in this story, feel free to give it a thumbs up, share it with someone who’s dreaming of a new life abroad, or just leave a comment.

And if you’re serious about finding real love in the Philippines, check out my site: Match With Filipinas. This isn’t a dating site—it’s a hands-on, personalized service to help you find someone truly special.

Until next time, stay safe, stay curious, and keep building a life you love.