Every afternoon, the 63-year-old man rides his motorbike along My Khe Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and relaxed atmosphere of the coastal city he has called home for the past seven years.
Mattaz, a former cybersecurity marketing director, said his earlier travels always carried one goal, finding a place where he could eventually retire.
“Vietnam was not my first stop, but every time I left, I realised I always wanted to come back,” he said.
Baz Mattaz has lived in Danang for the past seven years.
Although he owns an apartment in London, he decided to rent it out and move to Vietnam. The rental income, around VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,950) per month, combined with his savings, allows him to enjoy what he describes as a high-quality lifestyle in Danang.
According to Mattaz, Vietnam offers affordable living costs, safety and modern conveniences. Danang in particular stands out for its beaches, green landscapes and friendly people.
“Vietnamese people treat me very well. They are friendly, open and curious. In the UK, people are often only warm to those they know. In Vietnam, kindness seems to extend to everyone, even strangers,” he said.
He joked that in Danang, if someone became drunk and collapsed on the street, local people would help them home rather than steal from them.
“Those small things create a sense of belonging, something I searched for over many years,” he added.
Mattaz said he was deeply impressed by the friendliness of Vietnamese people.
Mattaz also said Vietnam’s healthcare system exceeded his expectations. Earlier this year, he underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate in Danang.
He explained that in the UK, treatment often relies on long-term medication, while surgery through the public healthcare system can involve long-waiting times. After his condition worsened and affected kidney function, doctors in Danang recommended immediate treatment.
He later underwent a HoLEP laser surgery procedure, completed within five days of admission at a cost of around VND 60 million (approximately USD 2,340).
“If I had done this privately in the UK, it could have cost three to five times more,” he said.
More importantly, he praised the professionalism and care shown by Vietnamese doctors and nurses.
“The staff always tried to make me feel comfortable. My health is now much better than before,” he said, adding that the experience reinforced his belief that Vietnam is an ideal place to live, especially for retirees needing long term healthcare.
Mattaz currently lives with his 14-year-old Maine Coon cat in a three-bedroom apartment in Thanh Khe Ward, paying around VND 13 million (approximately USD 510) per month in rent.
He previously lived in An Thuong, a popular area among tourists and expatriates, but moved after rental prices rose sharply.
His daily life revolves around simple pleasures such as fishing, listening to live music and riding through mountain roads including Hai Van Pass.
“The scenery is incredible. Sometimes I stop just to admire the mountains and sea,” he said.
He lives with his 14-year-old cat in a three-bedroom flat.
Mattaz also enjoys Danang’s lively entertainment scene, from fireworks and festivals to live music performances.
“Danang always feels alive and energetic,” he said.
One of his strongest memories remains the COVID-19 period. While many of his friends in Britain spent months confined indoors, he said life in Danang returned to normal relatively quickly.
“I was still able to go out, eat and enjoy music. I felt grateful to be here during that time,” he recalled.
Despite his positive experience, Mattaz said visa regulations remain a concern. Under current rules, he must leave Vietnam every 90 days to renew his visa, something he finds increasingly difficult as he gets older.
He hopes Vietnam may eventually introduce more suitable long term visa policies for financially independent retirees.
“We bring our lifetime savings, support ourselves and do not place pressure on society,” he said.
The Brit hopes to live in Vietnam for the long term.
Reflecting on his life in Vietnam, Mattaz described the country as “the best place in the world”.
“I will always be grateful to Vietnam and its people for helping me when I needed it most,” he said.
He added that many foreigners mistakenly view Vietnam only as a “cheap” destination.
“I did not come here for a cheap life. I came here for a good life. Vietnam offers far more than people realise,” he said.
