This paper provides an overview of the characteristics of migrant households and
analyses the effects of migration in Vietnam, on the basis of the Vietnam Access to Resources
Household Survey conducted in 2012 and 2014. The data reveal significant movements of
household members, both intra- and inter-province. Differences are uncovered between migrant
and non-migrant households: migrant households are wealthier than non-migrant households, as
measured by food expenditure. The analysis shows that remittances and migration act as a
shock-coping mechanism, especially in the presence of natural shocks. Remittance recipient
households seem to react better to natural shocks, as the remittance flows counterbalance the
need for borrowing.