Sal is an American from San Diego, California — a well-known coastal city in Southern California. He now lives and enjoys retirement in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He chose Vietnam not only for its affordable cost of living but also for its warm, friendly people and a pace of life that allows him to truly enjoy each moment.
On his first visit to Vietnam, Sal met his very first Vietnamese friend, who invited him to visit his hometown in Gia Lai. That trip brought many “firsts”: the first time on a sleeper bus, the first home-cooked Vietnamese meals, the first time sleeping on the floor, and being immersed in a language he didn’t understand — yet still feeling connected and welcomed.
Even though his friend now works in Europe, they still keep in touch regularly through long video calls. That strong friendship played a big part in Sal’s decision to return — and eventually stay.
Today, Sal lives in a modern apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, about 65 square meters in size — not too large, but very comfortable and fully equipped. He resides in a quiet neighborhood near a park, which is perfect for his daily routine. Each morning, he enjoys walking, sipping iced coffee, and has developed a habit of picking up trash when he sees it — not as part of a cleanup group, but simply as a personal practice.
Occasionally, he also takes part in activities with Cay Si, a volunteer group that teaches English to local youth in Cần Giờ — a meaningful way for him to connect and exchange cultures.
Vietnam: A Choice Without Regret
Sal’s story is a vivid example for those seeking a new way of life — one that is gentler, more connected, and deeply human. For him, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down; it means starting a new chapter. In Vietnam, he found not only peace and comfort, but also meaning in the smallest things: supporting the local community, making friends with locals, discovering new dishes, or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee.
Living in Southeast Asia — especially Vietnam — has opened up a completely new perspective for Sal. Here, he experiences a culture where people are open-hearted, relationships matter deeply, and traditional values coexist harmoniously with modern life. There may not be skyscrapers or a fast-paced lifestyle like back home, but in exchange, he has found genuine connection and a sense of belonging.
For those considering retiring abroad or simply curious about an alternative way of life, Vietnam could be the ideal choice. From the warm tropical climate, flavorful cuisine, and affordable cost of living to the spirit of hospitality — this country is becoming a “second home” for many foreigners just like Sal.
Sal is not just a foreigner who chose to live in Vietnam — he has become part of its everyday rhythm. From casual sidewalk conversations and morning cups of iced coffee to something as simple as picking up litter along the way, each small act reflects a quiet connection with the place he now calls home.
What makes Sal’s journey meaningful isn’t just the novelty of his experiences, but the way he embraces life in Vietnam with sincerity. He doesn’t try to become “local,” nor does he stay distant like a tourist. He lives as himself — simply, openly, and with a willingness to connect.
There was a time when Sal left Vietnam to live elsewhere. But when he returned, he realized something that touched him deeply:
“I guess what surprises me also is that even though I moved away from Vietnam for a while, I come back and my friends are still here — and I’m happy that we are still friends.”
That sense of lasting connection only strengthened his feeling that Vietnam truly is his second home.
Sal’s story is also a gentle invitation for others — especially foreigners looking for a slower, more meaningful way of life. With its warm people, calm rhythm, and unique blend of tradition and modernity, Vietnam offers not just a destination — but a place to belong, for those with open hearts.
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