Digital Nomad in Vietnam – An Ultimate Guide

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.

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. 

Choose from 323 Hostels in 27 Cities in Vietnam

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!

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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!  

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. 

Let’s hear what nomads have to say about life in Hoi An 🇻🇳✨

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. 

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, it is a paradise island that boasts stunning beaches, clear waters, and a significantly affordable living costs.

The island is a great place to enjoy the peaceful digital nomad life as they have reliable WiFi widely available. Key areas for remote workers include the commercial hub Duong Dong Town and the more relaxed Cua Lap.

Although coworking spaces are limited there are still a few spots where nomads can connect like Nomads Seaview Coworking Phu Quoc or popular café-workspace like The Cloud Coffee, ensuring you can balance productivity with island life.

Phu Quoc is an ideal destination for digital nomads who prefer a more tranquil lifestyle rather than the hustle bustle of the mainland cities.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, also known as “Halong Bay on Land”, is a perfect escape for digital nomads looking to be surrounded by tranquil nature. 

Ninh Binh’s landscape is filled by stunning limestone karsts, tranquil rivers, and verdant rice paddies, providing a peaceful environment ideal for connecting with nature.

Must-do activities in Ninh Binh include taking Tràng An boat tour and to explore the caves and climbing Mua Cave to enjoy and take in the scenic view. Exploration is easy via rented motorbikes or bicycles.

Ninh Binh is known for having a low cost of living. Dedicated coworking spaces are a bit scarce in Ninh Binh, the nomad community thrives in hostels and cafes that offer reliable Wi-Fi. 

Trang An River Mountain Ecolodge, offers a quiet work setting amidst nature, and Golden Mountain Hostel, known for its fast internet and social vibe. Local favorites like Chookie’s Beer Garden are also popular for digital nomads to serve as their temporary office.

Visa to Vietnam for Digital Nomads

Vietnam’s Golden Visa Proposal

Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board recently submitted a proposal to the government to introduce a 10-year Golden Visa. If approved, this new visa could provide digital nomads with a long-term solution for living and working remotely in Vietnam, offering a more stable alternative to current short-stay options.

Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories. These e-visas are valid for up to 90 days and allow for multiple entries, providing flexibility for digital nomads and long-term travelers. The application process is entirely online, and e-visas are accepted at various international airports, land border gates, and sea ports across the country.

Visa Exemptions

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries, allowing for short-term stays without the need for a visa:

• 45-day visa exemption: Applicable to citizens of 13 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.
• 30-day visa exemption: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia.

While these visa options are convenient for short visits, they may not be ideal for digital nomads seeking longer stays without the hassle of frequent renewals or border runs.

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. 

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.

eSIM or Local SIM in Vietnam for Digital Nomads

Landing in Vietnam as a digital nomad? You need a solid plan to stay connected. Let’s compare international eSIMs and local physical SIM cards to see which fits your travel style best.

International eSIM

eSIMs offer unparalleled convenience: instant activation via a QR code lets you skip airport lines and keep your home SIM active. However, they carry a premium cost (around $19–$25 for 10GB/30 days) and lack a local Vietnamese phone number, which is a major drawback for long-term nomads.

Airalo for Vietnam

Airalo offers “Cu Sen” plans that connect to Viettel, the nation’s top carrier. It costs $4.50 (1GB) to $21 (10GB) and is famous for its reliability. It’s the perfect “landing” option to ensure you have high-speed data the second you step off the plane.

Holafly for Vietnam

Holafly uses Vinaphone for unlimited data starting at $19–$21 for 5 days. It has a great reputation for heavy usage and peace of mind, though it’s generally the most expensive option and does not usually support mobile hotspots or tethering.

Nomad eSIM for Vietnam

Nomad eSIM primarily uses the Mobifone network, offering 10GB for roughly $16. It is highly rated for its user-friendly interface and solid performance in major cities. This is a great choice if you are sticking to nomad hubs like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.

Local SIM cards for Vietnam

For superior long-term value, the local physical SIM (Viettel) is key. While requiring in-store registration, monthly plans are incredibly cheap—just $2.00–$8.00 USD for massive data. Crucially, it provides a local number essential for using Grab, local banking, and communicating with landlords.

Viettel SIM card

For local SIM cards Viettel is the undisputed king. For just $6–$10 monthly, you get massive data and a local number. It has the best coverage in rural areas as well.

Vinaphone SIM card

Vinaphone is a fantastic urban alternative, often boasting the fastest 4G/5G speeds in cities. Their local monthly plans cost roughly $4–$6 for 7GB of data per day. It’s a very reliable choice for city-based remote work.

MobiFone SIM card

MobiFone is typically the most budget-friendly local option. While its rural coverage isn’t as strong as Viettel’s, it’s perfect for hubs like Da Nang or Saigon. You can find solid monthly data packages starting as low as $3.

eSIM or local SIM? The Verdict

The most practical approach for a digital nomad staying over two weeks is to use a basic, short-term eSIM for your initial 3–7 days of arrival, then transition to a local Viettel prepaid physical SIM from an official city store. 

This hybrid approach guarantees instant connectivity while securing the lowest monthly costs and full local utility needed for working remotely.

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:

Joose The Nomad

Joose The Nomad shares his journey of living in Southeast Asia as a digital nomad for the past four years, offering insights into life, travel, and remote work in the region.
In this video, he documents a 60-day adventure across three cities in Vietnam, highlighting the affordability, food, and lifestyle in each spot, and gives his honest take on whether Vietnam is a place worth visiting or even calling home.

Travis Travels Vietnam

If you’re curious about what it’s really like to live and travel in Vietnam, then the YouTube channel Travis Travels Vietnam is a great place to start. In this video, Travis gets personal, sharing his honest takeaways after a full year of calling a Vietnamese beach town home. He goes beyond the usual tourist highlights to explore the real ups and downs of this lifestyle, offering a balanced look for anyone dreaming of a similar move to the Vietnamese coast.

Ho, Let’s Go!

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

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

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! 

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Nomad in Vietnam

Reddit Conversations on Digital Nomad in Vietnam

Best Place in Vietnam from r/digitalnomad

This Reddit thread discusses the best places in Vietnam for digital nomads, comparing cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Contributors share insights on internet speed, coworking spaces, cost of living, and overall lifestyle, making this Reddit conversation a great resource for those considering Vietnam as a remote work destination.

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!