Overview

The perception that Vietnamese women have become less open to dating foreigners since 2019 is widely discussed in online forums, expat communities, and social media, but it's nuanced. Vietnam's rapid economic growth (GDP per capita rose from ~$2,800 in 2019 to over $4,300 by 2024) has empowered more women educationally and financially, reducing reliance on foreign partners for stability. At the same time, negative experiences with exploitative foreigners, cultural conservatism, and heightened competition from wealthier Asian suitors have contributed to caution. Data on international marriages shows a slight dip post-2019 (from ~20,000 annually pre-COVID to lower figures during 2020-2022 lockdowns, recovering partially by 2024), but this reflects broader trends like visa restrictions and global events rather than a wholesale rejection. Below, I break down the key reasons based on discussions from Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and articles.

Key Reasons for the Shift

These factors emerged prominently in post-2019 conversations, often tied to COVID-19's disruptions (lockdowns from 2020-2022 reduced expat presence) and Vietnam's modernization.

Economic Empowerment and "Hoeflation": Vietnam's booming economy means more women are middle-class professionals who no longer see foreigners (especially budget-conscious Western expats) as a "step up." Local men with rising incomes compete better, and women prioritize compatibility over novelty.

On X, users describe "hoeflation": Vietnamese women now command higher "value" due to demand from richer Korean/Chinese men, pricing out Westerners used to pre-2019 dynamics where a $2,000/month salary made you elite.

Reddit expats note: "Ten years ago, an English teacher was a sugar daddy; now, middle-aged Koreans pay $1,000/night, and whites are seen as stingy."

Negative Experiences and Stereotypes: High-profile scams, STD outbreaks, and exploitative "sexpat" behavior (e.g., older Western men seeking young partners) have bred distrust. Post-2019, social media amplified stories of abandonment or abuse.

Forums highlight war-era trauma lingering, with modern echoes: Foreigners leaving during COVID or using apps for hookups without commitment.

X posts warn of "stingy" Westerners spreading STDs, leading prostitutes (and daters) to avoid them for lucrative Asian clients.

Cultural Conservatism and Family Pressure: Vietnamese dating emphasizes marriage potential, family approval, and modesty. Women face stigma for dating foreigners (e.g., labeled "sluts" or gold-diggers), and parents often prefer locals to avoid cultural clashes or relocation risks.

Articles note strict curfews (e.g., 9 p.m.) and no PDA, shocking Westerners but reinforcing selectivity.

Reddit: "Vietnamese women date for settling down; if you're not serious, don't bother." Post-2019, educated urban women (e.g., in Hanoi/Saigon) are more stringent, viewing foreigners as temporary.

COVID-19 and Post-Pandemic Caution: Lockdowns (2020-2022) slashed tourist/expats by 90%, disrupting casual dating. Recovery brought stricter visas and awareness of global risks, making women warier.

Expat forums: "Pandemic exodus + visa purges reduced foreigners; now, locals are pickier."

International marriage rates dropped ~20% during lockdowns, per 2022 studies, with partial rebound but ongoing skepticism.

Competition from Asian Suitors and Global Trends: Wealthier East Asian men (Koreans, Chinese, Taiwanese) dominate "mail-order" or arranged marriages, often with better financial incentives. Westerners face bias amid rising Asian pride.

X: Vietnam as a "top exporter of brides" to Korea/Taiwan, but abuse stories (e.g., Vietnamese wives fleeing Korean husbands) deter others.

Reddit: "Vietnamese guys are finally 'cool' with money; foreigners compete for scraps."

Language and Compatibility Barriers: Many women lack fluent English, and cultural gaps (e.g., individualism vs. collectivism) persist. Apps like Tinder are scam-heavy, frustrating genuine connections.

Guides advise: "Basic 'hello' works, but listen to her life—don't get creative." Post-2019, urban women prefer locals for shared values.

Comparison of Pre- and Post-2019 Trends

Aspect

Pre-2019 (e.g., 2010s)

Post-2019 (2020-2025)

Economic Appeal

Foreigners = financial upgrade (low local wages)

Local growth reduces need; Asians outbid Westerners

Expat Presence

High tourism/expats; easy casual dating

COVID drop + visas; focus on serious intent

Women's Mindset

Curiosity/novelty common

Empowerment + stigma = higher standards

Success Rate

Higher for Western men (e.g., 83% of intl. marriages involved VN women)

Slight decline; 90%+ still VN women, but fewer overall

Common Pitfalls

Over-reliance on looks/money

Scams, age gaps, cultural mismatches

Advice If You're Interested

If pursuing, focus on genuine interest: Learn basic Vietnamese, respect family early, and use apps like VietnamCupid (less scammy than Tinder). Urban areas (Saigon > Hanoi) are more open, but success favors those integrating (e.g., shared hobbies). Many couples thrive—e.g., long-term expats marrying peers—but expect patience. For balance, note positive views: Vietnamese women are praised for loyalty and care in successful stories.This isn't universal—interest persists, especially among open-minded urbanites—but the "easy" era has faded with Vietnam's progress.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5786285&forum_id=2,#49347852)

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/japanese-child-sex-tourists-contributing-to-lost-generation-of-girls-in-laos

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5786285&forum_id=2,#49348011)

Laotian Peterman tp

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5786285&forum_id=2,#49348012)

but tbf, nowags furking lil girls shldnt be an issue cause AZNgirls in general all look like lil girls as do azn "men"

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5786285&forum_id=2,#49348014)

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/los-angeles-man-sentenced-10-years-prison-traveling-thailand-and-sexually-abusing

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5786285&forum_id=2,#49348044)