Ben Cat may not be the first place many expat teachers imagine when thinking about Vietnam, but that is exactly where its charm begins. Away from the rush of central Ho Chi Minh City, this area offers a slower, more practical rhythm shaped by local neighborhoods, green spaces, and everyday working life. More than just a place to work, Ben Cat can become a simple, grounded setting to settle in, build routines, and begin feeling at home in Vietnam.
In this blog, you’ll have a closer look at:
- Why Ben Cat can be a great place to begin your next teaching journey
- What everyday life feels like for expat teachers in this ward
- The friendly local community that can help you feel more at home
- A close-knit expat and VUS community to support you from your very first days
Table of Contents
Ben Cat at a glance
Ben Cat, now part of Ho Chi Minh City’s wider administrative area, is located around 50-60 km from District 1 (about 1.5–2 hours) and around 16-17 km from Thu Dau Mot (about 45 minutes).
As one of the major industrial areas in Binh Duong region, Ben Cat has a practical, working rhythm. The area is not crowded like central HCMC, and daily life is mostly shaped by local residents, factory workers, and staff working in nearby industrial zones.
Ben Cat also has a quieter landscape, with plenty of trees, low-rise buildings, and open spaces. Some modern neighborhoods, such as Ecolakes My Phuoc and the area near Vietnam-Germany University (VGU), offer a more developed living environment, though they may be around 6–7 km from the campus toward Thu Dau Mot. In other areas, teachers may find more fields, empty land, and quieter roads. Around industrial zones, some dusty roads can be expected, but the overall pace remains calm, local, and grounded.
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What does everyday life feel like for expat teachers in Ben Cat?
Daily life in Ben Cat moves with a practical and gentle rhythm, shaped by affordable living, local meals, simple services, and quiet places to unwind after class.
A practical place to live well
Ben Cat offers a comfortable local lifestyle without adding too much pressure to daily expenses. In general, monthly living expenses in Ben Cat range from around 10 – 15 million VND (USD 400 – 580), including rent, which is about 20% lower than in HCMC.
Similar to Cu Chi, grocery shopping in Ben Cat is also easier on the budget. Basic groceries and daily necessities may cost around 3 – 4 million VND (USD 115 – 155) per person per month. Expat teachers can enjoy a wide range of everyday options, from local markets and neighborhood restaurants to popular F&B brands and large supermarkets. Local markets and restaurants are usually around 20% cheaper, while prices at well-known brands and large supermarkets are mostly similar to those in central HCMC.
Living expense: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Housing options in Ben Cat
Generally, accommodation costs in Ben Cat are around 50% lower than in HCMC and Thu Dau Mot, making it a more affordable place for expat teachers to settle in. In central areas, teachers can usually find well-furnished options, mostly rooms for rent or whole houses. Whole houses are available from around 6 – 8 million VND (USD 230 – 310) per month, with some partly or fully furnished depending on the landlord.
One-bedroom apartments are also widely available, ranging from 3 – 5 million VND (USD 115 – 195) per month, with options such as Becamex My Phuoc, Oasis, and Ecolakes. However, expat teachers should keep in mind that while accommodation in Ben Cat is available, finding the right place may still take time, patience, and local support.
Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐
The comfort of everyday food
The food scene in Ben Cat is simple, local, and easy to settle into. Most dining options follow Vietnamese tastes, with family-style restaurants and local food stalls serving familiar everyday meals such as pho, com tam and banh mi.
Western food choices are more limited, though teachers can still find some casual options such as fried chicken shops, Pizza Hut, and local pasta restaurants. Many of these are located near VGU. While the food scene may not feel especially diverse, it offers practical, affordable choices for daily life. Grab is also available as well, making food delivery simple and convenient.
Food: ⭐⭐⭐
Getting around Ben Cat
Roads in Ben Cat can be narrow, uneven, and sometimes difficult to navigate. As the area includes open fields and industrial zones, certain routes may feel busy or challenging, especially when trucks and lorries are on the road.
Motorbikes remain the main way to get around, but they may not be the best option for expats who are still adjusting to local traffic. For safer and more convenient daily travel, expat teachers may consider using Grab or Xanh SM, though availability can be limited in some parts of Ben Cat.
Traffic & transportation: ⭐⭐⭐
Everyday essentials, simply within reach
For everyday essentials, Ben Cat offers a practical range of options, from convenience stores such as GS25 and WinMart to Bach Hoa Xanh and local shops where daily goods can often be found at better prices. GO! Ben Cat is the main shopping mall in the area, offering modern facilities and basic conveniences, though it may not have the same variety as larger malls in Thu Dau Mot or HCMC. For greater choices, expat teachers may consider visiting nearby Thu Dau Mot.
Vietcombank is also available in Ben Cat for cash withdrawals. Although there are no international hospitals in the area, local hospitals such as My Phuoc Hospital can support general healthcare needs.
Daily convenience: ⭐⭐⭐
A calmer pace beyond the classroom
For weekend escapes, expats can explore nearby eco-tourism spots such as Phu An Bamboo Village, one of the largest and earliest natural bamboo conservation areas in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Dai Nam Park is also a good option for a day trip, offering a wide range of attractions, from family-friendly games to roller coasters and water rides.
Beyond these activities, life in Ben Cat remains quiet and local, making it a suitable choice for teachers who prefer a calmer rhythm after class.
Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ben Cat offers simple, local ways to unwind after class. Teachers can find local gyms for basic workouts, while pickleball courts, football fields, and swimming pools may be available around Ecolakes. Local coffee shops near VGU also offer quiet spots to relax, read, or catch up with friends. Nightlife in Ben Cat is quite limited. Instead of Western-style bars, the area mainly has local quan nhau, where people gather for casual food, drinks, and conversation.
Overall, everyday life in Ben Cat is simple, practical, and gentle. While the area may not offer the same variety as central HCMC, it gives expat teachers what they need to settle into a comfortable daily routine, from affordable living and local meals to basic services and quiet places to recharge. At VUS, this grounded lifestyle is supported by stable teaching hours, an average gross monthly income of over USD 1,700, and additional benefits such as health insurance, annual bonus opportunities, and sign-on bonuses. Together, these can make Ben Cat a calm and practical place to begin a new teaching chapter in Vietnam.
Local kindness will soften your first days
Ben Cat welcomes newcomers with a quiet kind of warmth. Local people are generally welcoming and willing to help, which can be comforting for expats as they begin life in a new country. Still, with limited English used in daily life, it may take time for teachers to become familiar with local ways of communication.
Local community: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where connections grow stronger
The expat community in Ben Cat is small, which gives the area a quieter and more settled social rhythm than central HCMC. For teachers who prefer calm surroundings over a busy social scene, Ben Cat can offer a simple place to live, work, and grow familiar with the people around them.
Expat community: ⭐⭐⭐
Life in Ben Cat is built around simplicity. Instead of busy streets and endless noise, teachers will find affordable routines, local meals, practical services, and quiet places to slow down after class. For expat teachers who are looking for a calm, grounded start in Vietnam, Ben Cat offers a slower rhythm that can gradually feel like home.
With nearly 30 years of experience in English education in Vietnam, VUS has grown its network to 73 campuses and more than 2,700 qualified teaching staff nationwide.
VUS is proud to be recognized with two awards at the Vietnam Technology Excellence Awards 2025, honored as an Inspirational Brand at APEA for two consecutive years, and acknowledged through various national and international awards.
VUS offers an exciting opportunity for expatriate teachers to grow professionally while discovering the beauty of life and culture in Vietnam. With strong support and international standards, your journey here is more than just teaching — it’s about learning, connecting, and thriving.
- Competitive salary: Rewards that match your talent and contribution.
- Professional growth: Enhance your teaching skills with ongoing training and development.
- Cultural immersion: Experience daily life in Vietnam and build meaningful local connections.
- International-standard environment: Teach with modern facilities, updated resources, and proven methodologies.
- Full integration support: Assistance with administrative paperwork and a dedicated Buddy Program to help you adapt to local culture, especially at provincial campuses.
- Free Vietnamese classes: free for all VUS expat teachers (even during probation), taught by qualified Vietnamese teachers with proven expertise, and built on a tailored curriculum that meets expats’ daily needs.
Start your teaching journey with VUS today!
