From Boston to Ho Chi Minh City: How One Family is Raising Two Sets of Twins in Vietnam

A Decade of Change in Ho Chi Minh City

For Marissa Goldstein, a 40-year-old entrepreneur originally from the Boston area, a temporary work assignment in 2016 turned into a permanent lifestyle shift. Goldstein and her husband, who met in high school, initially traveled to Vietnam with their one-year-old twins and two suitcases, intending to stay for only three months. Ten years later, the family has grown to include a second set of twins, and they have firmly established their roots in Ho Chi Minh City.

Goldstein, who holds an MBA from Babson College, co-founded The Timroon Group in 2015 to assist U.S. companies in diversifying their supply chains. This professional opportunity served as the catalyst for their move. Reflecting on her transition, Goldstein noted that while she had a strong support system in the U.S., she found the experience of being a stay-at-home parent in the suburbs overwhelming. In contrast, she discovered that the pace and culture of Vietnam provided a sense of freedom and energy that better suited her personality.

The Appeal of Vietnamese Family Life

One of the primary factors that endeared Vietnam to the Goldstein family is the local culture’s attitude toward children. Goldstein describes a welcoming environment where staff at restaurants and cafes frequently engage with and assist in caring for children, making outings with four kids manageable and enjoyable. This supportive atmosphere, combined with the ability to quickly build a diverse international social circle, helped turn their initial three-month stay into an 18-month tenure, eventually leading to their long-term residency.

The family currently resides in a five-bedroom serviced apartment about 15 minutes from the city center. Goldstein highlights the convenience of their location, where essential services, medical facilities, and schools are within a short driving distance. The city offers a variety of amenities, including taekwondo and tennis programs for the children, as well as a vibrant culinary scene ranging from Michelin-rated street food to French bakeries.

Managing the Costs of Living Abroad

While the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is generally lower than in the United States, Goldstein notes that expenses vary significantly by category. The family spends approximately $1,000 monthly on groceries, balancing local market produce with imported goods. They also employ a live-out helper for about $900 per month, who assists with household maintenance and childcare. Health insurance for the family is estimated at under $10,000 annually.

However, education remains the family’s most significant financial commitment. International school fees in the city can range from $8,000 to $30,000 per child annually. Goldstein notes that while their total expenditure on schooling for four children is comparable to what they might pay in the U.S., living in Vietnam allows them to allocate their budget toward travel and dining out, which they prioritize.

Embracing Chaos and Global Travel

For the Goldstein family, Vietnam serves as a “launchpad” for global exploration. They have visited approximately 50 countries, often opting for homestays, campsites, and RV rentals to accommodate their family of six. Their travels have taken them from surfing in Sri Lanka to exploring caves in Phong Nha and road-tripping through New Zealand.

Despite the challenges of navigating international travel with four children—such as finding suitable accommodation and transportation—Goldstein embraces the unpredictability. She acknowledges that the lifestyle is not without its difficulties, including the intense heat and rainy season in Vietnam, as well as the distance from their extended families in the Boston area. Nevertheless, she maintains that the “chaos” of their life is exactly what they desire, rejecting the idea of a predictable, static existence in favor of the dynamic environment they have cultivated in Southeast Asia.

Source: businessinsider.com