Daniel, a Canadian software engineer, moved to Nha Trang a year ago. Three years prior, he visited Vietnam as a tourist, intending to stay for a month. He spent two weeks in Nha Trang and became captivated by the city's beauty: the juxtaposition of the sea, mountains, and skyscrapers, along with the warm sunshine and mild climate, brought him a sense of peace.

Back in Canada, he longed for the feeling he experienced during his stay in Vietnam. He decided to move to Nha Trang to see if he truly belonged there. He rented a studio apartment in north Nha Trang (north of Tran Phu Bridge) for about 400 USD, started learning Vietnamese, and found running partners. He considers this price cheaper than the old Nha Trang center, which is typically crowded with tourists. Now, he's an official resident of the bay city, working online and organizing coding workshops for local students.

"North Nha Trang has a unique rhythm, not too hurried but not dull either. I've been to Bangkok, Bali, and Lisbon, but only here do I find the perfect combination of sea, mountains, delicious food, and fast internet," he shared.

Foreign residents stroll along the street, admiring the sea. Photo: KDI Holdings

Foreign residents stroll along the street, admiring the sea. Photo: KDI Holdings

Daniel's story isn't uncommon. According to unofficial statistics from Expat, a platform that helps people find places to settle abroad, around 4,000 foreigners are living long-term in Nha Trang. They come from various countries like South Korea, Russia, Germany, Australia, France, and the US, drawn by the mild weather with an average annual temperature of 26-27 degrees Celsius, warm sunshine, gentle sea breezes, and a low cost of living, estimated at 600-1,000 USD per month. Foreigners can live comfortably close to nature, enjoy delicious food daily, interact with a large international community, and experience a vibrant tourist scene that attracts millions of visitors annually.

Job opportunities are also plentiful for digital nomads like Daniel. Nha Trang boasts stable economic growth and potential in marine economy, renewable energy, high technology, and tourism. Expat suggests that foreigners can find work as English teachers, or in the tourism, service, or IT sectors.

Rebecca, an Australian marketing specialist, after years in advertising in Sydney, transitioned to freelancing and traveled Southeast Asia. After visiting many cities, she settled in Vietnam.

"I chose Nha Trang as my 'mid-life break'. Initially, I planned to stay for three months, but I extended my visa. Now, I have my own apartment, I'm learning to scuba dive, I can cook bun cha ca (a Vietnamese fish noodle soup), and I jog along the beach with locals every morning," she laughed.

Mountain climbing for scenic views in north Nha Trang. Photo: KDI Holdings

Mountain climbing for scenic views in north Nha Trang. Photo: KDI Holdings

Unlike Sydney, the coastal city doesn't have a long winter; it's warm year-round. The cost of living is significantly lower. Living in a coastal city, Rebecca feels relaxed, finding the ocean therapeutic.

Rebecca lives in north Nha Trang, an area attracting many foreigners due to its expansive bay views, proximity to the sea, and developing infrastructure. This area is forming an international community with European-style cafes, mini-marts selling imported goods, gyms with English-speaking instructors, and rooftop yoga classes overlooking the ocean.

Every morning, she often joins friends for a run on Luong Son pass, which offers sunrise views and a panorama of the coastal city from over 50 meters high. Occasionally, she scuba dives to explore the colorful coral reefs or goes stand-up paddleboarding. Thanks to her proximity to nature, she feels much healthier. For international connections, Cam Ranh airport is a convenient 30-minute drive away.

"This place makes me feel less like an outsider," she said. "I've met Canadians, Ukrainians, South Koreans, and Vietnamese people living here. Everyone has different reasons, but they all agree that it's a place worth staying."

The stories of Daniel and Rebecca reflect Nha Trang's quiet transformation from a tourist destination to a coastal residential city. The city is more than just high-rise hotels, resorts, and vacation services. Within it are small communities where foreigners live alongside locals, integrating into daily life.

The urban space of north Nha Trang. Photo: KDI Holdings

The urban space of north Nha Trang. Photo: KDI Holdings

Nha Trang offers amenities comparable to larger cities: healthcare services, convenient transportation, schools at all levels, and high-speed internet. Situated on a sheltered bay with clear blue water, gentle year-round breezes, and surrounded by mountains, the city offers a unique environment. The sound of the waves, sunrise over the sea, and sunset views from Hon Tre island are considered priceless amenities by Daniel and Rebecca, ones that big-city life rarely provides.

Locally, the city is also investing to meet the needs of the growing number of new residents. Khanh Hoa province is investing in high-quality hospitals, international schools, and new coastal roads. These new residents are not just consuming tourism products; they are contributing to the local economy by renting apartments, buying homes, paying for services, and creating job opportunities in healthcare, education, and food and beverage.

With the expansion of Cam Ranh airport, the development of new highways, and a focus on new development phases, Nha Trang, particularly the northern areas with ample space for growth, is predicted to become a magnet for a new generation of residents.

Hoai Phuong