Vietnam offers some of the lowest cost-of-living in the world for veterans, but residency is the weakest link - there is no formal retiree visa.
Single-adult planning estimates in USD: lean $1000, comfortable $1700, premium $2800. Costs vary by city and circumstances. Obtain current rental and insurance quotes.
No formal retirement visa. Most expats use 3-month tourist visas, business visas, or marriage-based visas.
International hospitals in HCMC and Hanoi adequate for routine care. Major care requires Bangkok or Singapore.
No VA hospitals in Vietnam. Foreign Medical Program reimburses service-connected care. FV Hospital in HCMC and Vinmec network are the best private options; complex cases go to Bangkok.
Very low violent crime. Petty theft common in tourist areas. Traffic is the largest day-to-day risk. Strong food culture, beach towns (Da Nang, Nha Trang), or city life. Tropical south, temperate north.
Veterans wanting ultra-low cost and willing to manage a workaround visa strategy.