A British-Canadian couple planned a one-year stay in Vietnam but chose to remain after discovering a life filled with joy and connection.
Liam, 30, from the UK, once worked as a software engineer in London. His partner Sarah, also 30 and from Canada, had been studying psychology with plans to become a teacher.
The couple met online during the COVID-19 pandemic. As their relationship grew more serious, they began searching for a place where they could build a life together.
In 2023, they arrived in Vietnam with a simple plan: stay for one year while Sarah explored teaching opportunities. They had heard about the country’s scenic landscapes, vibrant cuisine, and welcoming people - but they did not expect how quickly they would adapt to local life.
Each day brought small surprises. Street food often tasted better than restaurant meals. Learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases became a joyful way to connect with locals.
Instead of feeling like outsiders in a new land, Liam and Sarah found a sense of familiarity and ease in Vietnam.
According to them, the country met every criterion they had imagined for a long-term home.
The couple travel together, exploring beautiful destinations across Vietnam. Photo: Two Peas Abroad The waterways of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta offer a fascinating experience for the couple visiting from the UK and Canada. Photo: Two Peas Abroad
Beyond its affordable cost of living, Vietnam impressed them with its remarkable diversity - mountains, rivers, coastlines, and modern cities, all woven into a rich cultural fabric.
“We feel happier living here. Every day begins with excitement, positivity, and a sense of energy,” they shared.
One of their most unforgettable experiences was celebrating Lunar New Year in Vietnam - a moment they believe they will carry with them for life.
While in Sa Pa, Lao Cai, they were invited by a kind local family to join their Tet celebrations.
“We were welcomed into every activity, sitting together on mats, sharing home-cooked meals, drinking homemade rice wine, receiving lucky money, and learning about Vietnamese traditions,” they recalled.
“We were immersed in the warmth of the local people, enjoying peaceful and beautiful days filled with genuine happiness.”
That experience made them feel deeply welcomed. Vietnam no longer felt like a foreign place.
In the end, what was meant to be a one-year stay turned into a long-term decision. They chose to remain, embracing Vietnam as the place where they wanted to build their happiness.
About six months after arriving, Liam and Sarah began documenting their daily lives and sharing them on TikTok and Instagram. At first, it was simply a way to show friends and family what life in Vietnam was really like.
But their casual posts quickly gained attention from viewers around the world.
Today, their platforms attract more than 300,000 followers and generate tens of millions of views each month. They receive a large number of messages daily about travel and life in Vietnam.
“We’ve become busier, but also more excited,” they said.
Liam and Sarah find their lives happier in Vietnam. Photo: Two Peas Abroad Da Lat is the couple’s favorite destination. Photo: Two Peas AbroadThe couple also enjoy exploring Vietnam’s history and culture. Photo: Two Peas Abroad
This unexpected momentum encouraged them to shift into full-time travel content creation, with the aim of sharing their happiness in Vietnam with a wider audience.
Throughout their journey, Ha Giang (now part of Tuyen Quang province) and Da Lat (Lam Dong) left the deepest impression.
Like many international visitors, they were overwhelmed by Ha Giang’s dramatic beauty - winding mountain passes, endless terraced fields, and remote yet poetic villages. They loved it so much that they have returned five or six times and are already planning future trips.
In contrast, they feel Da Lat remains underrated among international travelers. Yet for them, it is a place of cool, refreshing air, lush pine forests, waterfalls, and a peaceful atmosphere.
They also fell in love with the rich, bold flavor of coffee in Da Lat - one of their favorite tastes during their time in Vietnam.
Over the years, Liam and Sarah have traveled across many provinces and cities, sampling cuisine from all three regions of the country.
They noted that some of the best meals are often hidden in small alleyways. In Da Nang, for instance, they stumbled upon a modest bun bo Hue eatery whose flavors rivaled those of high-end restaurants.
“The meat was so tender it nearly fell off the bone. The broth was rich and aromatic - we finished every last spoonful,” Sarah said.
Vietnamnet.vn
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