Vietnam among world’s friendliest countries for travellers, expats

Vietnam has been named among the friendliest countries in the world, according to University of Windsor's magazine, and climbed eight places to 18th in the world as the best place for a career for expatriates, according to HSBC’s Expat Explorer survey.

Vietnam is among the world’s friendliest countries. Source: Hanoi Times

“A trip to Vietnam is fraught for many Americans, who recall or have learned about the Vietnam War. But the country has largely recovered from that time period, and the people there are used to welcoming Americans. Expats from the U.S. and elsewhere praise the country’s friendly vibe and nice and gentle locals” according to the magazine - a class project for alternative media and digital activism course at the University of Windsor by Anwar Abdi undergraduate student.

It hints travelers that Hanoi and Chi Minh City are modern destinations with a warm feel. This is a particularly safe country as well, making it a good choice for solo travelers.

Portugal tops the list, followed by Taiwan (China), Mexico, Cambodia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Oman, Colombia, Vietnam and Canada.

Earlier, Vietnam has been named among the most beautiful countries in the world, according to a list released by Rough Guides, a UK travel guidebook and reference publisher.

“From the impressive rock formations of Ha Long Bay to the terraced fields of mountainous Sa Pa, Vietnam has a huge wealth of easily accessible natural beauty,” Rough Guides wrote.

Its cities are alluring too, asserted the magazine, adding that whether you prefer the modern skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City or the appealing contrasts of Hanoi. Vietnam is a country on the move. Just 40 years since the end of the American War the country has rebounded with vigor. Direct flights arrive from cities worldwide, roads are being upgraded, new hotels are springing up and Vietnam’s raucous entrepreneurial spirit is once again alive and well.

The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in 2018 is estimated at 15.5 million, a 19.9 per cent increase from 2017, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

A foreign teacher at Le Van Sy Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre

18^th in the world for expat careers

Vietnam has climbed eight places to 18^th in the world as the best place for a career for expatriates, according to HSBC’s Expat Explorer survey.

The survey polled more than 22,000 expats to identify the best destinations in 2019, and they said moving to Vietnam fetches a higher income and helps them save more than they did in their home country.

In Vietnam, 83.6 per cent received benefits as part of their employment package such as health and medical allowances, an annual trip home or airfare allowance and accommodation allowance.

More than half (55 per cent) of expats in Vietnam said their work-life balance is better than at home and 40.3 per cent said the work culture is better.

Vietnam is a good place for expats to progress in their career (47 per cent).

Renowned for its efficiency and productivity, Germany topped the rankings in 2018, going one better than in the previous two years.

It has the second-best working culture in the world, while almost three quarters (73 per cent) highlighted job security as a major perk of working there.

It was also rated the most productive workplace in the world. But interestingly, this productivity was well balanced, with a good proportion of expats saying they had seen a positive impact on work-life balance and it was better than at home (71 per cent).

Bahrain’s potential for sky-high earnings was central to its storming up the rankings by 10 places to second.

Another country with a strong surge up the rankings was the UK, which rose six places to third, with expats lauding the country as a great place to learn new skills (66 per cent).

Working abroad anywhere can make you more adaptable (61 per cent) and more confident (58 per cent)./.

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