Saigon with Kids: What Nomad Family Life in Ho Chi Minh City Really Looks Like


Saigon hits you all at once. The heat, the hum of a million scooters, the smell of something delicious on every corner.
Marty and I travelled here on our big trip around the world, back when it was just the two of us. I still rave about the food. It was some of the most amazing vegetarian food we’ve ever eaten, and that’s saying something for two people who plan whole trips around markets and meals. 🌿
We also loved how stylish the city felt. French colonial buildings sit beside glass towers, and little cafés hide inside old apartment blocks. It’s a mix that feels completely its own.
We haven’t been to Saigon with Louie and Leo, so here’s how this guide works. Our own stories come from that trip. The family-life details (schools, rentals, healthcare, visas) come from careful research. Where things change often, we’ve flagged it so you know to check current details.
Why Saigon Works for Nomad Families
Big City, Big Energy
Officially it’s Ho Chi Minh City, but most locals still call it Saigon. It’s Vietnam’s biggest city and its business engine, and you feel that energy the moment you step outside.
Motorbikes stream through every intersection. Street food carts set up before sunrise. And underneath all that noise, there’s real warmth, especially towards kids.
What Makes It Appealing for Families
- Strong international schools, many of them clustered in Thảo Điền
- Good private healthcare at lower prices than most Western countries
- Fast home internet in most expat areas
- Everyday convenience: one app (Grab) covers rides, food and groceries
- Incredible food, including a huge vegetarian scene
- A base for exploring Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to Da Lat
Still deciding on the country itself? Start with our Vietnam guide for nomad families or our Thailand vs Vietnam comparison.
What to Know Before You Come
Life in Saigon isn’t a gentle landing. The traffic is intense, it’s hot and humid all year, and air quality dips in the dry season. Visas also take more planning than in some countries.
None of these are dealbreakers. But if your family is after beaches and a slower pace, Da Nang might be a better fit.
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Best Neighbourhoods in Saigon for Families
Quick heads-up: Ho Chi Minh City scrapped its district system on 1 July 2025 and merged with the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Officially, names like “District 1” no longer exist. The neighbourhoods themselves haven’t changed, though, and you’ll still hear the old district names everywhere, so we use them in this guide too.
Like most megacities, Saigon is huge and changes fast. Where you live shapes daily family life, so it’s worth exploring before you sign a lease.
Thảo Điền (formerly District 2)
This is the heart of Saigon’s expat family scene. It sits across the Saigon River from the centre, with leafy streets, riverside cafés, international supermarkets and many of the city’s big international schools.
It’s also on Metro Line 1, with stations at Thảo Điền and An Phú. Rents are higher than in most other areas, but many families find the convenience worth it.
Phú Mỹ Hưng (formerly District 7)
A planned area in the south of the city with wide streets, parks and a quieter, more suburban feel. Several international schools are nearby, and so is FV Hospital.
District 3
West of the old District 1, District 3 feels more local. Think tree-lined streets, French colonial villas and excellent street food. It’s central and full of character, and suits families with older kids who enjoy city life.
Bình Thạnh
Sitting between the centre and Thảo Điền, Bình Thạnh is usually cheaper than Thảo Điền and well connected, including by metro. Worth a look if you want more space for your money.
Phú Nhuận
A quieter, residential area popular with Vietnamese professionals. Good local markets and lower rents make it worth considering if you don’t need to be near the Thảo Điền schools.
District 1
The historic centre, home to the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and Bến Thành Market. Great for being in the thick of things, but it’s dense and short on green space for young kids.

Cost of Living in Saigon for Families
Good Value, With One Big Variable
Compared with Singapore, Hong Kong or Sydney, Saigon is still good value, especially if you earn in euros or Australian dollars. Rents in Thảo Điền have risen in recent years, though, and international school fees can easily double a family budget.
Rough Monthly Budget
Many include a pool, gym and security
Often with a garden and pool
Varies hugely by school and year level
Mix of local markets and international supermarkets
Some of the best-value eating anywhere
From local restaurants to international
Car and bike rides
Common in expat households
Depends on ages, cover and provider
School fees make the biggest difference
These are rough ranges from our research, not our own receipts. Prices change quickly, so check current rents and school fees before you budget. Want to see how Saigon stacks up? Compare it in our cost of living comparison of 50+ nomad family destinations.

Vietnam Visas for Families
Vietnam’s visa rules have changed a lot in the past few years, and plenty of blogs are now out of date. Here’s where things stand in 2026. Always check the official e-visa portal before you fly.
The E-Visa (Up to 90 Days)
The e-visa is open to every nationality. It’s valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. Processing usually takes three to five working days, and every family member, kids included, needs their own application.
The catch: you can’t extend it. 90 days is the maximum stay on one e-visa. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to leave the country and apply for a new one.
Visa-Free Entry (45 Days)
Citizens of many European countries can enter without a visa for up to 45 days, for tourism only. That includes the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, and since August 2025 also the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and several others. The newer exemptions currently run until 14 August 2028.
You can’t extend a visa-free stay from inside Vietnam. Australians aren’t on the list, so we’d need the e-visa.
What This Means for a Mixed-Passport Family Like Ours
Marty could arrive visa-free on his Dutch passport, while I’d need an e-visa on my Australian one. If your kids hold two passports, decide which one they’ll travel on and use it for both entry and exit.
Staying Longer
Most long-stay families do visa runs: a short trip to Cambodia or Thailand, then a fresh e-visa. We share more ideas in our guide to staying longer without a digital nomad visa.
For a proper long-term base, you’ll need a Temporary Residence Card. That usually means sponsorship through a Vietnamese employer, so use a reputable local agent.
Before You Fly
Vietnam has started introducing online arrival declarations, beginning at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon. Official guidance has varied during the rollout, so check current requirements for your arrival airport a few days before you travel.
Our Visa Checklist
- Apply for e-visas at least a week before you fly, one per family member
- Choose multiple entry if you plan side trips to neighbouring countries
- Track your exit date carefully: overstaying brings fines
- Keep digital and printed copies of every visa
👉 For the bigger picture, see our guide to visas for digital nomad families.


Finding a Home in Saigon
The rental market in Saigon is busy and fairly easy to navigate. Good family homes in Thảo Điền go quickly, though, so it pays to arrive with a plan.
Where to Search
Facebook housing groups are the usual starting point, with daily listings from owners, agents and departing expats. Search for Saigon or Thảo Điền housing groups and check they’re still active before relying on them.
Property portals like Batdongsan.com.vn and PropertyGuru Vietnam list thousands of rentals, and English-speaking agents are common in Thảo Điền.
What to Expect
Options range from high-rise serviced apartments with pools and gyms to villas with gardens. Expat-area apartments are usually furnished, with air conditioning throughout. Cheaper local buildings are more often unfurnished.
Leases and Negotiation
Standard leases run 12 months, with a deposit of one to two months’ rent. Shorter leases exist but cost more. Negotiating is normal, especially if you’re committing for longer.
Our Home-Finding Checklist
- Book two to three weeks of short-term accommodation first, then view places in person
- Run a speed test before you sign, as internet varies between buildings
- Check the air conditioning works in every bedroom
- Ask about flooding, as some low-lying streets flood in heavy wet-season rain
👉 More tips in our guide to finding the best accommodation when travelling with kids.

Schools and Education in Saigon
You’ll find one of Southeast Asia’s biggest international school scenes in Saigon, with British, American, IB and Cambridge options. For most families, school fees are the single biggest cost, so budget carefully. For a wider look at your choices, see our international schooling options guide.
British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)
Part of the Nord Anglia group, BIS has three campuses in the Thảo Điền area. It follows the English National Curriculum, then IGCSE and the IB Diploma. It’s large and well resourced, and popular with British and European families.
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
An IB school in Thảo Điền offering the IB pathway from the early years through to the IB Diploma, with a diverse international community.
Renaissance International School Saigon
A smaller school in the former District 7, teaching a British-style curriculum through to IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Its smaller size can suit kids who find big schools overwhelming.
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
A non-profit American-curriculum school in Phú Mỹ Hưng (formerly District 7), from early years to Grade 12. It’s one of the city’s pricier options.
Australian International School (AIS)
Despite the name, AIS teaches the IB and Cambridge curricula rather than the Australian curriculum. Younger students can attend its Thảo Điền campus, while secondary is at the Thủ Thiêm campus.
What Fees Look Like
At the well-known international schools, expect roughly €10,000 to €30,000 a year per child, depending on the school and year level. Always check current fees directly with each school.
Our School Checklist
- Apply early, as popular year levels can have waiting lists
- Ask about mid-year entry, as many schools accept new students throughout the year
- Live close to school: the morning and afternoon school runs mean heavy traffic
- Ask how each school handles high-pollution days
👉 See our full guide to education and childcare for nomad families.


Healthcare in Saigon
Private healthcare in Saigon is good, and much cheaper than in Australia or Western Europe. You’ll still want solid international insurance. Our health insurance guide for nomad families walks through the options.
FV Hospital
Widely regarded as the city’s leading private hospital, FV is in the former District 7 and offers a full range of specialties, including paediatrics. English and French are spoken.
Hạnh Phúc International Hospital
Known for maternity and paediatric care. It’s in the former Binh Duong province, now part of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s a fair drive from Thảo Điền.
Family Medical Practice
An established network of English-speaking GP clinics, handy for everyday illnesses and check-ups. Check which clinic is closest to where you’ll live.
Our Healthcare Checklist
- Sort international health insurance before you arrive
- Register with a GP clinic in your first week, before you need one
- Dental care is good value, so it’s worth finding a family dentist early
- Pack oral rehydration salts, as tummy troubles in the first weeks are common

Remote Work and Internet in Saigon
Internet in Saigon is better than many people expect. Our internet speed guide shows how it compares with 50 other nomad cities.
Home Internet
Fibre is widely available in the main residential areas through Viettel, VNPT and FPT. Speeds of 100 to 500 Mbps are common and affordable. Reliability varies between buildings, so test before you sign a lease.
Do You Need a VPN?
Most mainstream work tools and apps work normally in Vietnam. There have been occasional blocks, though: Telegram, for example, was blocked for several weeks in 2025. A VPN is useful for moments like that, and for security on public wifi. Install and test it before you travel.
Coworking
There’s a lively coworking scene in Saigon, including local chains like Toong and Dreamplex. Locations open and close often, so check what’s currently operating near where you’ll live. Plenty of cafés in Thảo Điền are laptop-friendly too.
Mobile Data
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone all have strong coverage across the city. Local SIM cards are cheap, come with generous data and are sold at the airport.
Our Remote Work Checklist
- Test your VPN before you fly
- Keep a local SIM with hotspot data as your backup connection
- Mind the time zones: Saigon is three hours behind Brisbane and five to six hours ahead of the Netherlands
👉 See our full guide to remote work for families.

Getting Around Saigon with Kids
Our Scooter Ride Through Saigon
One of my favourite Saigon memories is hopping on the back of a scooter with a local driver. That’s me in the photo below! It was hectic, noisy and completely exhilarating. I loved every minute. 🛵
But what felt like an adventure as a couple is a different calculation with kids. For family trips we’d stick to cars and save the scooter experience for the grown-ups.
Grab
Grab is the app you’ll use most. It covers car rides (GrabCar), motorbike taxis (GrabBike) and food delivery. You can pay by card in the app or in cash. Most cars don’t have child seats, so bring your own if your kids need one.
Motorbikes
Scooters are how Saigon moves, and many expat adults rent one for solo errands. Helmets are compulsory. Check licence and insurance rules before you ride, as many travel insurance policies won’t cover you without the right licence.
Private Car and Driver
Hiring a regular driver is affordable and handy for day trips and school runs. Many expat families stick with one trusted driver once they find them.
Metro Line 1
Opened in December 2024, Saigon’s first metro line runs from Bến Thành in the centre out to Suối Tiên, with stops in Bình Thạnh, Thảo Điền and An Phú. It’s clean, air-conditioned and a great option if you live near the line.
Buses
The city bus network is cheap and extensive, but routes can be tricky without Vietnamese. Most families rely on Grab and the metro instead.
Our Getting Around Checklist
- Download Grab before you land
- Use GrabCar, not GrabBike, when you’re with the kids
- Avoid cross-town trips in school-run hours (roughly 7 to 8 am and 3 to 4 pm)
- Practise crossing roads together from day one

Daily Life and Culture in Saigon
Stylish Saigon: Where French Meets Vietnamese
Something I loved about Saigon was how stylish it is. The French colonial legacy is everywhere: the grand Central Post Office, the Opera House, the wide tree-lined boulevards, even the humble bánh mì.
Mixed in are sleek towers, rooftop bars and cafés tucked into old apartment buildings.
For kids, spotting French buildings on a city walk is an easy way into bigger conversations about history and colonialism. It’s worldschooling without a worksheet in sight.
A Warm Welcome for Kids
Vietnamese culture is openly affectionate towards children. Expect smiles, cheek pinches and lots of attention, especially for little ones. Most kids love it, though shy children may need a little time.
The Daily Rhythm
Thảo Điền moves at a gentler pace than the rest of the city. Picture morning coffee by the river, school drop-off, a working morning, a bowl of noodles for lunch, then an afternoon swim. The city’s buzz is always close by when you want it.
Shopping and Errands
Annam Gourmet in Thảo Điền stocks imported goods. WinMart and Co.opmart cover everyday staples at local prices. For fresh produce, local wet markets are cheaper, fresher and far more fun.
Language
Vietnamese is a tonal language and tricky for English speakers. English is common in expat areas, international schools and hospitals, but a few words go a long way. Start with xin chào (hello) and cảm ơn (thank you).
Everyday Essentials
- Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so use bottled or filtered water
- Check the air conditioning in every bedroom before you sign a lease
- Learn a few Vietnamese words and use them with a smile

Seasons and Festivals in Saigon
Dry Season (December to April)
The most comfortable time for most families. Days are hot and sunny, with little rain, so outdoor plans are easy. Tết, the Lunar New Year, usually falls in January or February.
Wet Season (May to November)
Expect short, heavy afternoon downpours, usually after sunny mornings. It’s hot and humid, and some low-lying streets flood. On the plus side, the city is greener and the storms can be pretty dramatic to watch with kids.
Tết (Lunar New Year)
Vietnam’s biggest celebration. In the weeks before, the city fills with flowers, kumquat trees and lanterns. Then, for several days, Saigon empties as families head to their home provinces, and many shops and markets close.
Reunification Day and Labour Day (30 April and 1 May)
Two back-to-back public holidays. Many families use them for a trip to the coast, so book early as transport fills up.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October. It’s a children’s festival of lanterns, mooncakes and lion dances. The lantern street in Chợ Lớn (formerly District 5) is a favourite for families.
Festival Tips
- Book any Tết travel well in advance, as flights and buses fill fast
- Stock up on essentials before Tết, when many shops close
- Check festival dates each year, as they follow the lunar calendar

Vegetarian and Family Food in Saigon
Why Saigon Spoiled Us for Vegetarian Food
Marty and I still talk about the vegetarian food we ate in Saigon.
The secret is chay (pronounced “chai”), the Buddhist vegetarian cooking tradition. You’ll find fully vegetarian restaurants all over Saigon. Many get extra busy on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, when a lot of Vietnamese Buddhists eat meat-free.
Expect fragrant noodle soups made with vegetable broth, crispy tofu and piles of fresh herbs. You’ll also find clever mock meats made from mushrooms and soy.
For families, a chay restaurant is also an easy way to know exactly what’s in each dish.
Handy phrases:
- Tôi ăn chay: I eat vegetarian
- Không nước mắm: no fish sauce (useful at regular stalls, where fish sauce goes in almost everything)
Kid-Friendly Favourites
Phở (rice noodle soup) is mild and a great first dish for kids. Bánh mì, the Vietnamese baguette and a legacy of French rule, is usually a hit too. Cơm tấm (broken rice) is the classic Saigon lunch. Look out for vegetarian versions of all three.
Fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) are light and good for cautious eaters. Bánh xèo, a crispy filled crêpe, is great fun to eat with your hands. Street carts also sell fresh coconuts, corn and tropical fruit, perfect for picky kids.
Eating Out
Thảo Điền has plenty of international restaurants alongside excellent Vietnamese ones. A family dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant usually costs roughly €13 to €35.
Markets
Bến Thành Market is the famous one, but it’s quite touristy. Local wet markets are better for fresh fruit and vegetables, and a great sensory adventure for kids.
Our Food Tips
- Start the kids on phở and bánh mì, then branch out
- Eat where locals eat: busy stalls mean fresh food
- Wash hands before meals and go easy on raw herbs in the first weeks
If food shapes your travels too, see our 13 destinations for families who love food and culture.

Social Life for Nomad Families in Saigon
With one of Southeast Asia’s larger expat communities, Saigon makes it easy to meet other families, especially in Thảo Điền.
Where to Connect
Facebook groups are the main way in. Search for Saigon expat groups and Thảo Điền parent groups, and join before you arrive. InterNations also runs social events in the city. Once your kids start school, the parent community often becomes your biggest support network.
Sport and Outdoor Life
Despite the heat, Saigon has an active sporting scene. Look for running clubs, the Hash House Harriers, swimming, yoga and gyms. Get out early in the morning to beat the heat.
Business and Startup Community
The Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB) and various coworking spaces host regular events, so your professional network can double as a social one.
Our Social Tips
- Join local groups before you land and ask questions early
- Say yes to invitations in your first month
- Go to school events from the start, as it’s the fastest way to meet other families
Join our Nomadic Family Community
Looking to meet like-minded families on the move? Join the Worldly Tribe Facebook Group and connect with others travelling the world.


Day Trips and Weekend Escapes from Saigon
As a base for exploring southern Vietnam, Saigon works brilliantly, and cheap domestic flights open up the rest of the country.
Cu Chi Tunnels: The Day That Stayed With Us
Marty and I visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, and honestly? It was crazy, and a bit scary.
You stand at an entrance barely wider than your shoulders and try to picture people hiding, living and fighting down there during the war. It’s unbelievable. It’s one of those places that makes history feel real in your stomach, not just your head.
For families:
- The tunnels are roughly 60 to 70 kilometres from the city centre, so allow most of a day
- There are two main sites, Bến Đình and Bến Dược
- Even the sections widened for visitors are tight, dark and hot, so they’re best for older kids who aren’t claustrophobic
- There’s a shooting range on site and the gunfire echoes, which is worth warning younger children about
- Talk about the war together beforehand, as it’s a powerful learning moment but heavy content
Mekong Delta
A few hours south, the Mekong Delta is a world of rivers, canals and rice paddies. Boat trips through floating markets, fruit orchards and villages are brilliant with kids, and an overnight homestay gives you far more than a rushed day trip.
Vũng Tàu
The nearest beach escape, and officially part of Ho Chi Minh City since the 2025 merger. It’s about two hours away by road, or you can take a fast ferry from central Saigon. The beaches aren’t Vietnam’s best, but it’s an easy weekend with good seafood.
Mũi Né
Famous for its red and white sand dunes and kitesurfing. A new expressway has cut the drive to around three hours. There’s no airport yet, though one is being built at Phan Thiết.
Da Lat
Vietnam’s highland town, at around 1,500 metres. The cool air feels amazing after Saigon’s heat, and there are strawberry farms, waterfalls and pine forests to explore. It’s six to seven hours by road, or a short flight.
Hội An and Da Nang
For school holidays, fly about an hour and a half to Da Nang, then combine beach time with lantern-lit Hội An. Read our Da Nang family guide for more.
Our Day Trip Tips
- Choose a reputable Mekong tour operator over the cheapest one
- Visit Da Lat in the dry season for the clearest weather
- Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet both fly frequently from Tan Son Nhat Airport

Safety and Health in Saigon
General Safety
For families, Saigon is generally a safe city, and violent crime against foreigners is rare. The most common problem is bag and phone snatching from passing motorbikes, especially in the busy centre.
Traffic
Traffic is the biggest day-to-day risk. To cross the road, walk at a slow, steady pace and let the scooters flow around you. Never run or stop suddenly. Practise together with the kids from the first day.
Air Quality
Air quality can drop, especially in the dry season. Check an air quality app like IQAir each morning and keep little ones indoors on bad days.
Food and Water
Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Busy, popular food stalls are usually a good sign of fresh food. Most families have a few tummy upsets in the first weeks, then settle in.
Mosquitoes and Dengue
Dengue is present all year. The mosquitoes that carry it bite during the day, so use repellent morning and afternoon and remove standing water around your home. See a doctor quickly if anyone develops a fever. Our travel vaccinations guide covers what to discuss with your doctor before you go.
Our Safety Checklist
- Carry bags on the side away from the road and keep phones out of reach in busy streets
- Register your trip with your government’s travel service (Smartraveller for Australians)
- Save Vietnam’s emergency numbers: 113 for police and 115 for ambulance
- Save your nearest hospital’s emergency line on day one

Money and Banking in Saigon
Currency
Vietnam uses the dong (VND). In 2026 one euro is worth roughly 30,000 dong, but check a live rate before you go. All those zeros take a few days to get used to.
Banking
Opening a local bank account usually requires a longer-term visa or residence card, plus proof of address. Most short-stay families simply use international cards and ATMs.
Cards and Cash
Cards are widely accepted at expat-area cafés, supermarkets and restaurants. Street food stalls, markets and small shops are often cash only, so always carry some dong.
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere. Bank-branded machines are usually the most reliable, while standalone machines in tourist areas can charge higher fees. Withdrawal limits vary by bank.
Our Money Tips
- A multi-currency card like Wise makes spending and transfers much cheaper. Here’s how we manage money across borders as a family
- Keep smaller notes for street food and markets
- Let your bank know you’re travelling so they don’t block your card
- Tipping isn’t expected at local eateries, but it’s appreciated at expat-facing places and by drivers

Settling In: Your First Weeks in Saigon
Before You Arrive
- Check whether you need an e-visa or qualify for visa-free entry, and apply at least a week ahead
- Check the current arrival declaration rules for your airport
- Contact schools early if you’re enrolling
- Join local Facebook groups and start asking questions
- Sort international health insurance that starts on arrival day
- Install and test your VPN
- Book two to three weeks of short-term accommodation
Week One
- Buy a local SIM at the airport or any phone shop
- Set up Grab for rides and food delivery
- Test the internet where you’re staying
- Find your nearest GP clinic and hospital
- Visit a local wet market and a supermarket to get your bearings
Getting Comfortable
- Explore your neighbourhood slowly, on foot and by Grab
- Head out early for a phở breakfast, the best way to feel Saigon wake up
- Let the kids lead socially, as they often settle faster than adults
- Don’t overload the first two weeks: the heat takes real adjusting to
Useful Apps
- Grab: rides, food and grocery delivery
- ShopeeFood: another popular food delivery app
- IQAir: daily air quality
- Google Translate: the camera mode is great for menus and signs
- XE Currency: live exchange rates
👉 More ideas in our list of top travel apps for nomad families.

Saigon with Kids: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ho Chi Minh City good for families with kids?
Yes, if you’re ready for heat, traffic and big-city energy. You get strong international schools, good private healthcare and incredible food. Families who want calm and green space may prefer Da Nang.
Do we need a visa for Vietnam as a family?
It depends on your passports. Many Europeans, including Dutch citizens, get 45 days visa-free for tourism. Australians and many other nationalities need the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days.
Can you extend a Vietnam e-visa?
No. You’ll need to leave Vietnam and apply for a new one.
Is Saigon good for vegetarians?
It’s one of the best cities we’ve eaten in. Look for “chay” restaurants, and ask for no fish sauce (không nước mắm) at regular stalls.
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels suitable for kids?
They’re best for older kids. The tunnels are tight and dark, and the subject matter is heavy, so prepare them beforehand.
Which area of Saigon is best for families?
Thảo Điền (formerly District 2) is the main expat family hub. Phú Mỹ Hưng (formerly District 7) is a more spacious alternative.
How much does it cost for a family to live in Saigon?
Roughly €3,000 to €6,000+ a month, with school fees making the biggest difference. Well-known international schools cost roughly €10,000 to €30,000 a year per child. Always check current prices.
Do you need a VPN in Vietnam?
It’s useful rather than essential. Most mainstream apps work, but there have been temporary blocks on some platforms.
Is the tap water safe in Saigon?
No. Use bottled or filtered water.
When is the best time to go to Saigon?
The dry season, from December to April, is the most comfortable.
How does Saigon compare with Chiang Mai or Penang?
Compared with both, Saigon is bigger, busier and more intense, with a larger international school scene. Chiang Mai is calmer and greener, while Penang offers an easier, more relaxed city life.

Is Saigon Right for Your Family?
When I think back to Saigon, I think of that incredible vegetarian food, the rush of our scooter ride and the chill of peering into a Cu Chi tunnel.
It’s not an easy city. It’s hot every single day, the traffic takes real getting used to, and you’ll need to stay on top of your visas.
But if your family loves food, history and a city with serious energy, Saigon gives back far more than it asks. And if you love vegetarian food like we do, you might just eat some of the best meals of your life. 🌏
One day we’d love to bring Louie and Leo back and watch them discover it for themselves.
Want to explore more places? Browse our destination guides or join the Worldly Tribe community on Facebook to connect with families already living this life.
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