My Expat Story - I Moved to Cambodia, then Vietnam
Mary Ann is a rather remarkable woman. A Pilates teacher, originally from the States, she relocated to Cambodia in2022. When I last caught up with her in Siem Reap, she appeared to be very content with her new home. But then suddenly; up she popped in Vietnam! Naturally, I needed to know the goss behind the big move.
Interview with Mary Ann
Chantal: Hi Mary Ann! The last time we caught up was in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A lot has happened since that meeting in January 2024. For those who never saw that video, let’s recap your story from the beginning, shall we?
Mary Ann: Sure thing! In 2022, I left Atlanta, Georgia (USA), and relocated to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Then, earlier this year, I made the move again, this time to Hoi An, in Vietnam.
Chantal: Wow, those are some seriously big changes! What precipitated them?
Mary Ann: A lot of things came together for this decision. I’d owned and operated a Pilates studio in the States for 18 years, and when I sold it, I realized I needed a major mental reset. I wasn’t ready to retire, and I wanted to rediscover my passion for the Pilates method. I was looking for a change of scenery and a fresh start, so Southeast Asia seemed like the perfect place for that.
Chantal: Had you spent any time in Cambodia before making the move there?
Mary Ann: Yes, I’d been to Cambodia several times before. In early 2022, I visited again for three weeks to see if I could make it work. I wanted to be sure I could handle such a life-changing move, live on my own, and find the right spot to settle in Cambodia.
As for Vietnam, I fell in love with Hoi An while living in Cambodia. I taught some Pilates workshops here and loved that I could be teaching one moment and then hop on my bike and be at the beach just 15 minutes later. I’m a water person, so it felt like a dream come true!
Chantal: Did you know the local languages before relocating?
Mary Ann: I didn’t speak any Khmer when I first moved to Cambodia, but by the time I left, I’d picked up enough to get by in the markets and communicate with locals. Surprisingly, most people in Siem Reap want to speak English, especially because of the tourist industry. Now in Vietnam, I’m starting to pick up some Vietnamese, though it’s tricky! Hoi An has a unique dialect, so I’m learning as I go.
Chantal: What drew you to Vietnam?
Mary Ann: I’m fortunate to be a second-generation Pilates instructor, which allows me to teach anywhere and meet wonderful people along the way. I was invited to teach in Vietnam and help expand a studio, which was a fantastic opportunity. So now, here I am!
Chantal: Navigating visa requirements can be tough. How did you manage that?
Mary Ann: Cambodia was quite straightforward. I started with an E-Visa and then extended to a 12-month retirement visa within the first 30 days. I used a travel agency both times, which made it a breeze.
Vietnam is a bit more challenging since there isn’t a retirement visa. I’m preparing for my first border run after 90 days and using an agent to assist with the process. For my work visa, the business that’s hiring me is working with an agency to help me out, but it’s a long and confusing process.
Chantal: Were there any decisions you made that you’d do differently now?
Mary Ann: Yes, spending the last two months of my Cambodian stay in Phnom Penh was a bit of a mistake. I took a job assisting in opening a Pilates studio, but it just wasn’t the right fit.
Chantal: What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Mary Ann: The hardest thing has been living so far from my family. I stay connected through Google Meet and messaging, but the time difference makes it tricky. My family is spread across three time zones in the U.S., so finding a time that works for everyone can be tough.
Chantal: How have you found making friends in your new home?
Mary Ann: Making friends does get harder as we get older, doesn’t it? I’m not sure if it’s because we become more selective about who we spend time with, or if it’s just a different lifestyle. I’m lucky, though, because teaching Pilates allows me to meet many new people. I’d recommend joining women-only Facebook groups in your area, as they can be really supportive and helpful.
Chantal: How does the cost of living in Asia compare to the U.S.?
Mary Ann: Cambodia is cheaper than the U.S., and Vietnam is even more affordable; especially in Hoi An.
Chantal: How do you feel about safety and access to medical services in Cambodia and Vietnam?
Mary Ann: I’ve felt incredibly safe in both places. But I also take precautions, like not staying out late or walking home alone. I used to tell my son that nothing good happens after midnight, and I still believe that; especially at 64!
Chantal: What do you miss most about home, and what would you miss most about your adopted countries if you returned to the U.S.?
Mary Ann: My family. Some days, not hearing English around me can make me a bit homesick, but I remind myself how fortunate I am to be here.
From Cambodia, I miss the friends I made and the peacefulness of riding my bike through Angkor Park.
In Vietnam, I’m growing fond of my Vietnamese neighbors who are helping me learn about the local culture.
If I returned to the U.S., I’d miss the kindness of the Southeast Asian people and the peacefulness of the Buddhist way of life.
Chantal: Looking back, what are three things you wish you knew before relocating?
Mary Ann: Honestly, I went into this adventure without a big plan, and I kind of like it that way. Every day brings a new challenge, but that’s why we step out of our comfort zones, right? Complacency just leads to boredom, and that’s nobody’s friend.
Interviewer: Do you see yourself moving back to the U.S. eventually?
Mary Ann: Eventually, yes. Most likely somewhere out west to be closer to family. My son is 24, and as he starts his own family, I’d like to be there. My niece is having her second baby, and I miss being part of those special moments.
Chantal: Thank you for sharing your journey, Mary Ann. Your story is inspiring, and I can’t help but wonder where you’ll pop up next! Any last thoughts you’d like to share?
Mary Ann: Just embrace the adventure and stay open to the unexpected. It’s all part of the experience!
