Foreign family’s post seeking ‘travel nanny’ for over $14 daily sparks backlash in Vietnam

The offered pay was VND375,000 (US$14.24) per day, with meals, accommodation, and travel expenses covered by the family.

However, instead of attracting applicants, the post drew a wave of criticism, some of it quite harsh.

The reaction reflects a clash between international labor expectations and the evolving perceptions of Vietnamese workers.

From the poster’s perspective, the offer may have seemed like a 'full package': salary combined with travel opportunities and no living expenses.

Undervaluing Vietnamese labor?

In many countries, particularly among backpacking communities or families traveling long-term, the 'travel nanny' model is common. 

Some young people accept lower pay in exchange for experience.

But in today’s Vietnamese context, that view is no longer easily accepted. 

The daily rate of VND375,000 is widely seen as incommensurate with the workload: caring for two young children (aged two and five), assisting with household tasks, and traveling frequently, which requires responsibility, good health, and communication skills.

One widely noted comment read, "Do you think Vietnam is still in the 1990s?", highlighting growing sensitivity around how labor is valued.

A self-identified office worker in Vietnam wrote: “We’re not wealthy, but we still pay our nanny VND100,000 [$3.8] per hour for five to eight hours a day.”

Another comparison stated: “House cleaning in Ho Chi Minh City costs around VND70,000–80,000 [$2.7-3] per hour, so four hours already comes to VND320,000 [$12].”

Others were more direct: “VND375,000 per day for childcare and cooking is unreasonable. It should be at least VND1 million [$38]."

Some comments offered direct comparisons. One person wrote: “I’m willing to pay $50 per day just to look after one child, with no additional tasks.”

Another said they pay VND500,000 ($19) for three hours of part-time childcare without requiring English skills.

One comment pointed out that with good English skills, one can earn VND375,000 per hour.

Many comments used strong language, such as “What era are you living in?” and “You should delete the post,” while others urged people not to accept the job.

A number of opinions went further, describing the offer as a form of “cheap labor exploitation.”

While the tone may be contentious, the core message is consistent: the pay does not reflect the value of such work in today’s Vietnam.

Many argued that childcare work should not be treated as a “free vacation.”

They pointed out that constant travel, caring for two young children, and providing daily support make it a high-pressure job that requires stamina, responsibility, and a wide range of skills beyond just speaking English.

Just a personal deal

On the other hand, others questioned whether social media has become too quick to turn personal arrangements into public “moral trials.”

Not every job in a diverse labor market can be judged by the same standards. Many argued that labor arrangements should be viewed within different contexts.

A job that may seem “exploitative” to one person could be a suitable opportunity for someone else, depending on their needs, skills, circumstances, and expectations.

What matters most is that the terms are transparent, the agreement is voluntary, and it does not violate labor laws or workers’ basic rights.

Others believed that online communities were overreacting to what was ultimately a personal arrangement.

“It’s simply a mutual agreement between two parties,” one comment read.

Another wrote, “No one is being forced to take the job. The employer has the right to offer what they can pay, and workers can either accept or decline.”

This view quickly gained support. Some argued that among thousands of workers, there will always be people suited to this type of job, especially students looking for travel experiences, opportunities to improve their English, or ways to expand their social networks.

“There are people who would willingly join even without pay, just for the experience. For students during summer break, this could actually be a great opportunity,” another person wrote.

Many also said that social media users were focusing too heavily on salary while overlooking the additional costs covered by the employer, including accommodation, transportation, and travel expenses.

“They’re paying around VND10 million [$380] in wages per month, and when you add food, lodging, and travel costs, the total could easily reach VND15–20 million [$571-761]. That’s not cheap at all,” a woman named Nga argued.

Vietnam’s changing view of labor value

This controversy is not just about a single job posting. It also reflects a broader shift in how Vietnamese people perceive the value of labor.

For many years, Vietnam was seen as a “low-cost destination” with cheap labor. But as living standards rise, today’s younger workforce is becoming increasingly sensitive to issues of fairness and the true value of their work.

They are becoming more aware of their rights, wages, and working conditions and less willing to accept low-paying jobs disguised as “experience” if they perceive them as unfair.

The case also highlights a broader reality: in an era of cross-border travel and work, differences in expectations can lead to misunderstandings.

For some travelers, Vietnam is still viewed as a country with significantly cheaper services than in Western countries. But for Vietnamese people, especially younger urban generations, living standards, costs, and expectations have changed rapidly.

If this gap is not addressed, it can lead to negative reactions.

Legally, there are no regulations prohibiting such a job posting. But in a changing society, the labor market operates not only on supply and demand, but also on perceptions of respect and fairness.

For foreigners, taking time to better understand local living standards and labor expectations is essential.

At the same time, the online reaction raises questions about how cultural differences are addressed: whether criticism helps bridge gaps, or whether a calmer, more explanatory approach is needed.