Are you ready to explore new opportunities in Di An, a fast-growing area that brings exciting opportunities for expat teachers?
Let VUS unlock a new adventure in teaching English in Di An, where life moves at a slower pace, giving you more time to truly enjoy your surroundings, connect with the local culture, and find balance beyond the classroom!
In this blog, we’ll get you through:
- Why Di An could be the perfect place to start your teaching journey
- What everyday life in Di An looks like for expat teachers
- The local charm and friendly community that make people fall in love with
- A growing close knit expat community that makes settling in feel easier
Table of Contents
A growing area for a new beginning
Di An, a ward located just 18km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, offers expat teachers the chance to experience a fresh living environment where modern convenience blends with a more relaxed pace of life after a full day of teaching.
On one side, you’ll find newly developed areas with modern apartments, wide roads, and open green spaces. It feels familiar to Ho Chi Minh City, just with less crowds and more breathing space. On the other hand, life moves at a more local rhythm. Traditional houses, small businesses, and local neighborhoods reflect the everyday life of the community.
During the day, the area is lively and full of energy. But as the night comes, it becomes quieter, giving you the space to unwind after a long day at work.
This unique blend is exactly what makes Di An so appealing. Whether you’re someone who enjoys being around vibrant city energy or someone who values peace, quiet, and mental well-being, Dĩ An can always adapt to your lifestyle.
What is daily life like as an expat teacher in Di An?
Life in Di An may feel a little different from the fast-paced energy of Ho Chi Minh City, but it doesn’t fall short when it comes to cultural experiences, food, and everyday entertainment. So why not take a step out of the familiar and discover what daily life in Di An has to offer? You might just find a new rhythm that feels like home.
Affordable living, fulfilling lifestyle: Living in Di An is generally 10–15% more affordable than in Ho Chi Minh City.
As a developing area with many newly built urban zones, Di An offers a growing number of supermarkets and small-scale shopping centers. While you may not find as many large brands, this means prices remain reasonable and accessible, helping you enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle while saving more.
Living expense: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Housing options in Di An: For expat teachers, finding a place to stay is also easy and budget-friendly. Rental prices typically range from 5 to 9 million VND (around 200 to 350 dollars), with many options including studio and 2-bedroom apartments in familiar apartments like BCONS or Charm City,…
And if you’re concerned about paperwork, there’s no need to worry. Realtors and landlords are available to support you with documents like Proof of Residence, making the process smoother and more convenient.
Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Getting around has never been this easy: Unlike the heavy traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, getting around Di An is more flexible and convenient.
- Flexible transportation options: Expat teachers can travel by motorbike, metro, bus, or car, depending on their lifestyle and budget.
- Easy access to train travel: Thanks to Di An Train Station on Vietnam’s North–South railway line, teachers can conveniently travel to nearby cities or enjoy cross country trips during weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
- Ride-hailing services everywhere: Apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM are widely available across Di An, offering flexible and affordable transportation without needing to own a vehicle.
- Comfortable daily commuting: While traffic still exists during rush hours, commuting in Di An is generally less overwhelming than in larger cities and becomes easy to adapt to over time.
For those who are looking to switch things up and spend time in central Ho Chi Minh City, getting there from Di An is quite manageable.
- By metro: Around 20 to 30 minutes to reach Thu Duc, offering a quick and convenient way to travel.
- By car: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes via major routes such as Pham Van Dong through Thu Duc, depending on traffic conditions.
Traffic & transportation: ⭐⭐⭐
Everything starts locally: Life in Di An feels more grounded in local culture while still offering the convenience and modern amenities that expats need for everyday living. With its balance of local culture, comfort, and simplicity, Di An offers expat teachers a lifestyle that feels authentic, easy to settle into, and genuinely welcoming.
- A mix of local and modern dining: From affordable Vietnamese favorites like pho and banh canh to modern shopping malls with international restaurants and familiar brands, Di An offers plenty of food options.
- A unique Vietnamese coffee culture: Expat teachers can explore seasonal local cafés or experience ca phe bet (sidewalk coffee), where people gather casually outdoors to enjoy coffee, relax, and connect with friends and locals.
- Authentic local entertainment: Instead of crowded nightlife districts, entertainment in Di An is centered around lively grill spots, beer gardens, cafés, and karaoke venues that reflect a more local and relaxed atmosphere.
- Peaceful sightseeing spots: Many attractions in Di An focus on pagodas, parks, and green spaces, making the city a great fit for those who enjoy a slower and more peaceful lifestyle.
Food & Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐
Everyday convenience at your fingertips
- Convenience stores everywhere: GS25, 7-Eleven, and other convenience stores are widely available, making it easy to grab daily essentials anytime.
- Affordable grocery shopping: Supermarkets like GO! Supermarkets provide a wide range of groceries and household products at reasonable prices.
- Accessible healthcare: Pharmacies can be found throughout the city, while larger international and standard hospitals are only around 20 to 30 minutes away by car in nearby areas such as Thuan An, Thu Dau Mot, and Thu Duc.
- Easy banking and payments: Di An offers access to both local and international banks such as Vietcombank and HSBC, which makes banking, transfers, and daily financial transactions convenient for expat teachers.
Daily convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A green escape right on your doorstep: If you enjoy exploring and short getaways, Di An offers plenty of local spots “covered in green” where you can recharge.
- Thuy Chau Tourist Area: around 10 to 15 minutes by car or motorbike from central Di An. A convenient weekend spot for waterfalls, fresh air, and outdoor relaxation.
- Binh An Lake: approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car or motorbike from Di An. Known for its peaceful scenery, lakeside cafés, and quiet atmosphere.
- Chau Thoi Pagoda: around 20 to 30 minutes by car or motorbike from central Di An. Located on a hilltop, the pagoda offers panoramic views and a calm spiritual atmosphere.
With plenty of green spaces, parks, and tree lined streets, Di An offers a more refreshing environment compared to larger crowded cities. The cleaner air and calmer surroundings help create a more relaxed lifestyle, making it easier for expat teachers to unwind and enjoy a better quality of life.
Environment & Quality of Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall, living in Di An can be surprisingly affordable compared to larger cities, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build a comfortable life in an area with a lower living cost. At VUS, expatriate teachers can enjoy stable teaching hours with an average income of around 1,700+ USD/month (gross), along with additional benefits such as health insurance, location based bonuses, vacation or sign on bonus, and support through Vietnamese language lessons to help teachers settle into life in Vietnam more comfortably.
Living in Di An: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A quieter kind of friendliness
Instead of the openness often seen in central Ho Chi Minh City, people in Di An may feel more reserved at first. The slower pace of life shapes a quieter, more gentle way of interaction. But give it a little time, and you’ll start to feel the warmth. Neighbors and locals are kind, thoughtful, and especially welcoming around VUS campuses.
Local community: ⭐⭐⭐
A close-knit expat community
Feeling homesick? Don’t worry. The expat community here may not be large, but that’s what makes it special. Because the closer the people are, the stronger their connections become. And if you’re concerned about being on your own, VUS is always ready to support you through our Buddy Program, helping you settle in and connect with the community faster.
Expat community: ⭐⭐⭐
As Di An continues to grow, so does the demand for quality English education. That also means VUS continues to offer more career opportunities for expat teachers looking to build their teaching journey. With stable income and support from the VUS team, it’s a chance to gain meaningful teaching experience, connect with students, and grow professionally in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Now that you’ve explored the lifestyle and opportunities waiting in Di An, why hesitate any longer?
Join the VUS teaching team and start your next chapter today!
For nearly 30 years of pioneering English education in Vietnam, VUS has built a strong reputation with 71 campuses and more than 2,700 internationally qualified teaching staff nationwide.
VUS proudly affirms its leading position with a double victory at the Vietnam Technology Excellence Awards 2025, and two consecutive years being honored as an Inspirational Brand at APEA, alongside many other prestigious 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: 100% 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!
