Vietnam is gradually becoming one of the popular destinations among digital nomads, and travelers. While prices in many Asian countries are rising, cost of living in Vietnam is quite affordable.
There’s more to Vietnam than getting a plane ticket and hoping for the best! You need to know where you’re going, what to expect, and get as many resources as you need to ensure a fun and safe trip. With that in mind, read on to get the ultimate guide for digital nomads in Vietnam.
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Why Vietnam is Great for Digital Nomads
You must have heard so many travelers and fellow digital nomads recommend Vietnam as your next destination. But why is the country one of the most suitable areas for digital nomads, specifically?
Here are the reasons why Vietnam is a hub for remote workers and travelers alike, to name a few:
Immersive Culture
One of the things you hear so many digital nomads rave about is the fantastic culture Vietnam has.
Plus, there are so many things to do when in Vietnam. You can explore the markets and try their street food, head out of the city to explore the forests, attend cultural events, and visit many temples and historical attractions!
Besides their history, many will also appreciate their coffee culture. Try Trung Nguyen, a popular coffee chain in Vietnam with a 5-page beverage menu and comfy atmosphere conducive for working.
Plus, many locals are hospitable and ready to help. However, not everyone can speak English, so it’s best to brush up on your basic Vietnamese skills before you get there.
Low Cost of Living
Vietnam’s cost of living is what makes it so popular among travelers and digital nomads, especially if you’re staying long term!
Internal flights, street food, even accommodation is wallet-friendly! For instance, a nice bowl of pho only sets you back $2, a local beer for less than $1, and internal flights costing around $50. As for accommodation in a spacious condominium in the city can cost more or less $800.
One can comfortably live in Vietnam at less than $1,000 a month if they watch their expenses and know where to go.
Delicious Vietnamese Cuisine
You can’t beat Vietnamese cuisine; their food and drinks are to die for! Such mouthwatering dishes are filled with so many colors from the spices and vegetables they use. Plus, their cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest ones across the continent.
Their food alone is already an attraction, and you must try everything! You can find authentic food along the markets, streets, or restaurants wherever you go. We recommend trying pho, banh mi, egg coffee, and all their seafood dishes if you can!
Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in Vietnam
Now that you know why Vietnam is the place to be as a digital nomad, the next question is: Where should you go?
Here are the best places a digital nomad should visit when in Vietnam:
Da Nang
Da Nang is Vietnam’s fourth-largest city, nestled between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. With its combination of natural wonders and urban city life, digital nomads can get the best of both worlds here.
More digital nomads are heading to Da Nang for its rich history, filled with solid tradition and culture, along with natural attractions. This has you learn a lot about Vietnam and immerse yourself in the country and the locals.
Outdoorsy digital nomads are going to enjoy sightseeing here with the many outdoor activities there are to do. There are so many beaches nearby, so you can head to the sand during the morning and be back working in a coworking space by late afternoon!
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh is coming hot in terms of tech development, with the city growing skyscrapers and start-ups! If you’re a fast-paced digital nomad who loves urban life, you’ll appreciate Ho Chi Minh city.
The city’s got a big-city vibe with many stores and places open 24/7, delicious food, low cost of living, and high-speed Internet connection. And because it’s home to many start-ups, you can find yourself networking opportunities in coworking spaces and feel all the energy and enthusiasm to get you reaching career goals.
However, the city can get a bit too crowded and noisy, which is why you can easily travel to the calmer side of things, like in Phu Quoc Island for the rainforest and beaches.
Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the most famous ancient cities worldwide and is slowly growing to be a digital nomad hub. It used to be. French colonial city, and you’ll be able to see that through the culinary influence and historic architect it has up to this day.
The unique cuisine will give anyone the gastronomic experience, perfect for digital nomad foodies who want to explore the vibrant city and authentic dishes the city offers.
Hoi An
This city doesn’t have the most prominent digital nomad influence as the likes of Ho Chi Minh, but this is what makes it a fabulous place to be in. If you’re a fan of quieter and more peaceful cities, then Hoi An is the destination for you.
You can head to their ancient center, check out their rice paddies, quaint rivers, and serene beaches during your free days. Once it’s time to work, you can visit their many spacious cafes or the new coworking spaces popping up. Even if it’s a slower-paced city, they have excellent WiFi connection, accessibility to public transportation, and other tourist shops.
Visa to Vietnam for Digital Nomads
Vietnam only opened international tourism around ten years ago, so the immigration system isn’t streamlined just yet. Right now, the country’s visa requirements constantly change and are, admittedly, a bit confusing.
You might come across visa agencies that claim to be official visa providers for Vietnam. Many of these agencies are scammers that are only in it for the money. Remember, you can get a tourist visa upon arrival, which applies to most nationalities. With this visa, you can stay for up to 90 days!
Simply do a bit of research, and you’ll know how the process goes and what you need.
There aren’t any special visas for digital nomads, but there are four visa options you should know about:
- Visa Exempt – There are 23 countries exempted from getting a visa and can stay for 14 or 30 days, depending on their nationality
- eVisa – 46 nationalities can apply for an eVisa, which allows a 30-day stay
- Visa on Arrival – Applicable for most nationalities, which allow a 90-day stay
- Visa Required – Certain nationalities require a pre-approved visa from the consulate before arriving in the country.
If you need to apply for an eVisa, you can do so at Vietnam’s official National Web Portal. There is a visa fee of USD 25, and it will take three business days to process.
If you plan on getting a visa on arrival, you can either get one through a visa approval letter from an authorized agency or when you arrive at the port of entry. The fees will vary depending on the agency, and as mentioned, be wary of scammers.
Coworking Spaces in Vietnam
As a digital nomad, one of the first things you’re looking for is a good coworking space. Luckily, Vietnam is home to many!
You can find dozens of coworking spaces in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, many being used by local start-ups and entrepreneurs. There are even coworking spaces in Da Nang, where many new ones continue opening up as the city grows in popularity among digital nomads.
These coworking spaces are conveniently located and accessible through public transportation, with fast WiFi and comfy seats. You’ll find various coworking spaces offering free coffee, delicious food, even coliving accommodation to hit two birds with one stone! Just choose the one best for your needs, and you’re good to go.
Digital Nomad YouTube Videos in Vietnam
You can learn a lot from YouTube, especially when you find informative vloggers who want to share how amazing Vietnam is! Not only will they share about their experience and the country’s beautiful places, but concrete advice on living as a digital nomad in Vietnam.
Give these YouTubers a follow and follow some of their tips as you plan your trip:
Ninja Teacher
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtO3HnehIGo8aWwLDJJoLdg
Ninja Teacher is an all-around vlogger whose main vlogs focus on teaching English. He lives in Vietnam and loves to create travel vlogs about the different places to go to. He also shows you how to take a TEFL course in Vietnam and how to get started teaching English in the country!
Chase for Adventure
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQL1-6vWiXw4iZjMdBZgCSQ
This couple is absolute goals! They quit their day jobs and sold everything to travel the world full-time, working as digital nomads and vloggers. You can learn everything about traveling here, and they offer a lot of helpful travel vlogs on Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. From awesome adventures to valuable travel tips, you can learn a lot from these two.
Ho, Let’s Go!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1JsEiasewwU0BQFQgrM2vQ
How can you squeeze in a whole trip within a few days? Anne-Li’s got you covered! She shares her itineraries of the countries she’s visited, including Bali! From here, you learn about how it feels to be a digital nomad in various parts of Vietnam, along with the fantastic places you should visit.
La Karencita
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9lYSdFSSr_d8wrb2neIHA
This beach bum shares so many informative vlogs on what life is like wherever she goes. She’s a digital nomad that talks about what a day in her life looks like, the cost of living in various countries, English tips, and more!
Dreamlife Deluxe
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54Jl36tmooEak3CcNJhZOA
Susi is all about traveling the world, and she loves to share all about her life as a digital nomad. You won’t only learn about what it’s like traveling in Vietnam, but how to build your own business and create a winning mindset that has you continue traveling while earning, truly living the life.
Facebook Groups for Digital Nomads in Vietnam
When you’re heading to a whole new country, you’ll want some support! There are numerous Facebook communities with helpful members willing to assist and share their experiences. Here are the ones to join:
Expats in Vietnam – The Vietnam Expat Guide
This is a helpful Facebook group with many posts of coworking spaces to visit and apartments for rent to get you started. There are even posts of where to go when in Vietnam, rent a private car, and even job opportunities!
Hanoi Expats
Hanoi Expats are filled with outstanding members eager to show you the ropes to starting a business or freelancing in Hanoi. You can also find various products and services for sale if you require furniture, books, clothes, even desks, and cookware.
Expats in (Ho Chi Minh City) – expatsinsaigon.com
When you’re in Ho Chi Minh, you’ll find many valuable tips and support here. This expat group shares many posts about life in the city, as well as job opportunities, condos or vehicles for rent, items for sale, and Q&A forums.
Da Nang & Hoi An Expats
This s a support group made for expats living in Da Nang and Hoi An, and digital nomads are invited! Here, you can ask questions about traveling to the area, what to expect, share experiences, offer advice, and ask for support. It’s also a great way to meet new people in the area!
Expats in Da Nang
This is another great group for those traveling to Da Nang, and they are a friendly community that’s open for meetups and making friends. You can find accommodation, transportation services, shops, and products for sale here. It’s a great group for those looking to rent housing or even couch surf!
Wrapping It Up
Is Vietnam your next destination as a digital nomad? Make sure you get ready and prepare ahead with all the information and resources above. Enjoy Vietnam and safe travels!
