A 58-year-old Canadian retiree shares his journey from a sales career in Toronto to settling in Da Nang, Vietnam. He describes the burnout that led him to take a buyout and move to Southeast Asia, initially landing in Phuket before choosing Da Nang for its balance of ocean access and manageable pace. The video covers his practical relocation steps: selling possessions, flying into Saigon, and securing an apartment through a real estate agent within four days. He discusses visa logistics, including three-month tourist visas and a single visa run to Bangkok before the pandemic. His daily life in Da Nang involves renting a scooter, obtaining a Vietnamese motorcycle license, and building a social circle through expat connections. He highlights the cost of living as a key advantage, with affordable rent and dining. A significant portion addresses healthcare: a detached retina during COVID required treatment at FV Hospital in Saigon, which he rates as high-quality. The video concludes with advice on committing fully to the move without a backup plan.
Key Facts
- Rent in Da Nang is significantly cheaper than in Toronto, with one-bedroom apartments available at lower prices.
- Three-month tourist visas are common, with a single visa run to Bangkok needed before COVID-19.
- FV Hospital in Saigon provides high-quality care for serious conditions like detached retina.
- Relocating to Da Nang can be done quickly by selling everything, flying into Saigon, and using a real estate agent to find an apartment.