A Canadian couple who spent seven years building a life and vacation rental business in Costa Rica share their journey of relocating to Da Nang, Vietnam, with their two teenage sons and four Chihuahuas. After a year in Bangkok, where they found the city too crowded and expensive, they traveled overland through Cambodia to Vietnam. They chose Da Nang for its balance of city amenities and beach access, describing it as the most livable city in Vietnam. The couple found a two-bedroom apartment in northern Son Tra for 20 million VND (about $800 USD) per month through a real estate company, emphasizing the importance of visiting neighborhoods at night before signing a lease. They note that Da Nang is not the cheapest place in Vietnam but remains affordable, especially compared to Costa Rica and Canada. The family enjoys the outdoor lifestyle, local food, and the ability for their teenagers to explore independently. They plan to release a detailed budget video for a family of four living in Da Nang.
Key Facts
- Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Son Tra is 20 million VND per month.
- The apartment rent is approximately $800 USD per month.
- The couple lives in northern Son Tra, a 10-minute walk from the beach.
- The couple had been in Da Nang for 8 to 9 weeks at the time of the interview.
- The couple found Thailand about 30-40% cheaper than Costa Rica.
