You’ve found a great apartment. The price is right, the location is ideal, and the photos look just like the apartment in person. Everything seems set.
Then you spend your first night there and realize the mattress feels more like a wooden board than a bed. For many foreigners renting in Vietnam, this is a common and unexpected surprise: very firm mattresses are the norm in many local rentals.
It’s not a mistake, and it’s not necessarily a sign of a bad landlord. It’s simply a different standard of comfort that catches many newcomers off guard.
Why mattresses in Vietnam are often very firm
In many Vietnamese households, firm beds are preferred. They are considered better for posture, easier to maintain in humid weather, and more durable over time. As a result, many apartments—especially those not specifically set up for expats—come with dense foam or coir-style mattresses that offer very little cushioning.
To someone used to softer, body-contouring mattresses, the difference can be dramatic.
Don’t trust the photos, see it in person.
Apartment listings often show spacious, clean apartments with beds that appear thick and comfortable. In reality, these mattresses can be extremely firm despite how they look. This is one detail photos rarely reveal.
What to do before signing a lease
One simple step can save you weeks or months of discomfort:
Sit and lie down on the bed during the viewing.
Take a moment to actually test it. Press it with your hands. Sit on the edge. Lie down for a minute. This is completely reasonable, and landlords are generally used to foreigners asking to check the mattress.
Ask if changes are possible
If the mattress feels too hard, ask the landlord or agent:
- Whether a topper can be added
- Whether the mattress can be replaced
- Or whether you are allowed to purchase your own
Some landlords are flexible, especially if you are signing a longer lease.
Consider a mattress topper
Many foreigners who discover this issue after moving in end up buying a foam mattress topper. These are widely available in Vietnam and can make a significant difference in comfort without the cost of replacing the mattress.
You can often order online via Lazada or Shopee. Note, you will need a Vietnam eSim to establish an account. Check out our eSim article for more details.
Look for apartments previously rented by foreigners
Properties that have recently housed expats or digital nomads are more likely to have softer mattresses or at least solutions already in place. Even if they had to purchase it on their own, you end up winning.
A small check that makes a big difference
A hard mattress is one of the most common “nobody warned me about this” experiences foreigners have when renting in Vietnam. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest problems to avoid.
Before signing any lease, take a moment to check the bed. It may be the difference between restful sleep and weeks of discomfort.
