If you are a digital nomad and want to go to Southeast Asia, why not head over to Vietnam! It is one of the most digital nomad friendly countries offering good WiFi and cozy places to work at. The digital nomad community is also growing here so you have plenty chances to go to meetups where you can network and socialize with other expats. But if you are unsure of where you should go, this list of the top three cities for being a digital nomad in Vietnam might be of use to you.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s biggest city, this place is chaotic but cool, busy but cozy and the best part is that there are so many cool cafés and coworking spaces here. If you are looking for a place with a big variety, this big city might just be for you. You can find moden apartments or condos for around $500. There are also pools and gyms included at times as well for this price. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives as well in Ho Chi Minh City but the growing popularity is making the real estate prices rise.
If you are looking for good coworking spaces you will almost be overwhelmed here. Some of the best include The Hive, CirCo Coworking Space and Officespot Coworking. Some of these coworking spaces even have small cafés, a rooftop terrace, lounge area and even events that you can attend if you want to socialise with other digital nomads. There are also a bunch of nice cafés spread out over the city where you can try some of Vietnam’s best coffee while working from your computer. M2C is one of the most popular places to go to, much thanks to their hipster vibe, cozy interior, stable internet and delicious food. Who wouldn’t want to work here?
Hanoi
Coming as no surprise, the capital city Hanoi is one of the best cities in Vietnam to work at. Although it might be a bit more expensive than some places in Vietnam, you can still find quite affordable housings here. Most of the expats come to live in Hanoi and you will find everything from western-style shops, restaurants, schools and of course – nice and cozy cafés!
Just as Ho Chi Minh City you will find a lot of coworking spaces here. You just have to go explore. If you like to go to a coworking space with a cozier ambiance, head over to Moonwork Coworking Space. The light is great here and the place is full of plants so you will feel like you have stepped inside a calmer oasis. There is also the CoGo Coworking Space which offers more modern and stylish office spaces. While it’s a bit further away from the city centre, it is worth the taxi ride to get here. They also host regular events.
The lifestyle in Hanoi is also one of the best in Vietnam. You have good access to nature. Go further up north and explore rice terraces, get to know Vietnam’s ethnic minority in Sapa and go on a boat cruise in Halong Bay. Just a few hours away from Hanoi, you can easily escape the busy city life if you want to.
Da Nang
This city is usually overlooked by tourists and serves more of a gateway to go to Hoi An. But what makes Da Nang such a great city is that it’s a bit more calm but there’s still a lot to do and see here. If the other two cities are a bit too hectic for you, check out Da Nang. It is in the center of Vietnam and has some of the country’s best beaches. It is also just a 30 min ride away from Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming towns. Because it’s not as popular as the other two cities, housing here is more affordable. You can find something for $300 per month here (including internet).
Da Nang is no different than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – you can also find coworking spaces and nice cafés here. Head over to IoT Coworking Space if you want some fast WiFi, spacious desks and just a general comfortable office environment. There are also events held here regularly so you can network with other expats or locals. If you love the outdoors and are curious about discovering another part of Vietnam then Da Nang is a great place to stay for a while.
Make sure before you go to Vietnam that you have applied for a Vietnam visa. Depending on which country you are a citizen of, you can apply for an E-Visa, Visa on Arrival or go to your local Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in order to get your Vietnam visa.