Adventurous expats flock to Viet Nam

October 24, 2014 | 14:32

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Viet Nam ranks second among expats' most favourite destinations in Asia for challenge-seeking, according to a study released by HSBC on Wednesday.

Local cuisine is also a standout part of life in Viet Nam, with 87 per cent saying they enjoy the country's fare compared to 72 per cent globally. - Photo nguoiduatin

The Expat Explorer survey polled almost 9,300 expats from over 100 countries through an online questionnaire in April and May.

Thirty one per cent of respondents said they moved abroad because they wanted to have new challenges.

The region that most attracts these challenge-seeking expats is Asia, with 44 per cent of respondents living there citing it as a key driver.

Two-thirds of expats in Japan, 52 per cent in Taiwan, and the same rate in Viet Nam said that was one of the main reasons for moving, and the desire for a challenge outranks all other reasons.

Those heading to Asia often come from western countries suggesting that the different cultures, languages, and opportunities available make for an interesting challenge.

US nationals make up 42 and 35 per of expats in Japan and Taiwan respectively. Britons account for 27 and 25 per cent in Malaysia and Viet Nam.

Around two-thirds of expats said they associate Thailand and Viet Nam with a higher quality of life (69 and 62 per cent respectively). Many of them (72 and 75 per cent) also commented on the comparatively higher levels of disposable incomes.

Around two-thirds of those in Thailand and Viet Nam associate their host country as being a culturally interesting place to live, compared to the global average of 47 per cent.

Local cuisine is also a standout part of life in Viet Nam, with 87 per cent saying they enjoy the country's fare compared to 72 per cent globally.

VNS

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