Vietnam named among the world’s best places to retire abroad in 2026: Forbes

For the first time, Vietnam has been included in Forbes’ list of the best countries for Americans to retire.

Forbes’ 2026 list features 96 destinations across 24 countries worldwide, selected based on criteria including cost of living, healthcare quality, tax policies and ease of adapting for expatriates.

The list also takes into account climate change and natural hazard risk abroad.

Vietnam and Mauritius are the two newcomers to this year’s ranking.

According to Forbes, Vietnam has started to draw American retirees thanks to its low cost of living, which is about one-quarter of that in the United States, along with great beaches and lots to do and eat.

Additionally, the country’s healthcare services have been steadily improving, with many modern hospitals and medical facilities meeting the healthcare needs of both residents and international visitors.

Forbes’ inclusion of Vietnam on the list presents significant opportunities for the development of retirement tourism, wellness and healthcare-related tourism products, as well as for attracting international visitors seeking long-term stays.

As global retirees continue seeking destinations that combine affordability with high quality of life, Vietnam is increasingly emerging as one of Asia's most attractive options for those looking to enjoy their retirement abroad.