Alina Izinger, originally from Moscow, moved to Vietnam with her husband and daughter Aurora after a honeymoon trip that changed their lives.
Her husband had previously lived in Vietnam as a child while his father worked in the country, and stories from that time left him with a strong affection for Vietnam.
“After we got married, I asked my husband to plan our honeymoon and he chose Vietnam. That trip completely changed how I felt. I fell in love with Vietnam almost immediately, from the people and atmosphere to the food and lifestyle,” Alina said.
During the trip, the couple visited Hanoi, Danang and Nha Trang. They later decided that Nha Trang would be the ideal place to build a new life.
“We were lying by the hotel pool in Nha Trang and talking about how wonderful it would be to live there someday,” she recalled.
According to Alina, the city’s warm climate, beaches and mountains created an immediate sense of happiness and relaxation.
After returning to Russia, her husband began searching for work opportunities connected to Vietnam. When he received a job offer, the family decided to relocate.
“We arrived with just a few suitcases, a lot of excitement and many dreams,” she said.
Although they initially planned to stay temporarily, Vietnam gradually became home.
“Vietnam no longer felt like an adventure. It started to feel like home, and now we have no plans to leave,” Alina added.
Like many foreigners, Alina was initially overwhelmed by Vietnam’s traffic.
“At first, I could not understand how people crossed the street safely with so many motorbikes,” she laughed. “Now I am used to it and even find it interesting.”
She was also surprised by sleeper buses and the affordability of tropical fruit, seafood and fresh flowers compared with prices in Moscow.
The family currently rents a house in Nha Trang for VND 33 million (approximately USD 1,300) per month.
Their three year old daughter attends a Russian kindergarten in the city and has quickly adapted to life in Vietnam. Aurora especially enjoys Vietnamese food, including pho, banh mi and tropical fruits.
Alina described her daily life as peaceful and simple. After taking her daughter to school, she spends time doing housework and self care before picking Aurora up for walks, beach trips or visits to small cafes around the city.
“In Moscow, many people spend up to three hours a day commuting. Everyone is always rushing and stressed. In Vietnam, I do not feel that pressure, and it has greatly improved my quality of life,” she said.
Alina said one of the things she admires most about Vietnamese people is their willingness to help others.
She recalled witnessing a woman fall from a motorbike in Nha Trang.
“I had just stepped out to help when many Vietnamese people immediately rushed over to assist her, pick up her belongings and check if she was okay. Everything happened naturally,” she said.
As a mother, Alina believes Vietnam provides an ideal environment for raising children.
“My daughter is growing up with sunshine, beaches, fresh air and nature. We spend a lot of time outdoors swimming and walking together. I think that creates a happy and healthy childhood,” she said.
After several years in Vietnam, Alina described Vietnamese people as friendly, hardworking, patient and deeply family oriented.
“I admire how many Vietnamese people work hard all day but still make time for family and friends,” she said. “I was also surprised to see so many people exercising outdoors after work.”
Although she misses family gatherings in Russia, Alina said she and her husband hope to continue living in Vietnam long term.
“One of my biggest fears is having to leave Vietnam someday. After all these years, this place has truly become our home,” she said.
According to Alina, many foreigners initially come to Vietnam for a short holiday but later decide to stay much longer.
“People come here for a trip, then realize they do not want to leave anymore. I think that is exactly what happened to us,” she said.