While Hanoi rocks, Ho Chi Minh City is rolling on a wave of tech development. Skyscrapers are shooting up and tech start-ups are appearing on every corner.
There’s even a self-styled Saigon Silicon City, under construction in District 9 in the eastern suburbs. So it’s no surprise many digital nomads are looking towards Vietnam’s biggest city to make a home base.
Editor’s note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel. Check the latest guidance before departure, and always follow local health advice.
Why should digital nomads choose Ho Chi Minh City?
For digital nomads, the city serves up delicious street food, inexpensive accommodation, and easy-to-find high-speed internet connections, plus a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to remote workers who want easy access to everything 24 hours a day. However, many co-working spaces are as popular with local freelancers as with visiting nomads, and you won’t find the same sense of community as in more popular expat hubs, such as Chiang Mai or Canggu.
Those who love HCMC appreciate its energy and enthusiasm, start-up mentality, and design-oriented coffee shops serving full-bodied French-style coffee. On the flip side, the motorcycle traffic jams, air pollution, and tropical heat can take some getting used to. When the city closes in, nomads retreat to the calmer surroundings of the Mekong Delta and such laid-back hangouts as Phu Quoc Island, with its beautiful beaches, diving opportunities, and lush rainforest greenery.
Best co-working spaces
Easily the best-loved co-working space in Ho Chi Minh, Dreamplex has a central location in District 1 (in fact two of them, plus two more in Binh Thanh District), fast internet access, and a no-nonsense business vibe that appeals to nomads who like to concentrate on their work. For a more social atmosphere, Spiced CoWorking is set in an area filled with rental options in District 2, hosting regular networking lunches and social gatherings while offering its own co-living accommodations and a pool.
Internet speeds
High-speed internet is readily available in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to significant investments, with download speeds of 25 Mbps being typical. While promised free city-wide Wi-Fi has yet to be fully realized, inexpensive local SIMs for 4G mobile coverage are accessible.
Living arrangements
Most remote workers tend to base themselves centrally in Districts 1 and 3, while more established expats gravitate towards Districts 2 and 7. Rented apartments are the mainstay for nomad accommodations but central locations can be pricey; many transient workers prefer more affordable rooms in shared houses, thus often working in coffee shops and co-working spaces for a quieter environment. Moreover, with Vietnam’s fabulous street food, you’ll want to dine out frequently. For transportation, Uber and Grab provide a cost-effective alternative to local taxis, or you can follow the locals and opt for a motorcycle taxi.
Networking
There are several Facebook groups in HCMC aimed specifically at remote workers. Consider joining Saigon Digital Nomads and Expats in Ho Chi Minh City.
Things to do when you’re not working
Explore Chinatown – the district of Cholon, just 3 miles (5km) southwest of the center, offers fantastic Chinese flavors, a bustling market atmosphere, and ornate pagodas set within hidden courtyards.
Experience a Delta tour – the green, rice-paddy covered wetlands of the Mekong Delta are perfect for exploration; you can go on organized tours or travel independently by rented motorcycle, bus, and boat.
Enjoy a weekend break on the beach at Phu Quoc – VietJet Air and Jetstar provide affordable flights to the island airstrip, making Phu Quoc’s beaches, bars, and national park easily accessible.
Pros and cons of working in Ho Chi Minh
As with every travel experience in any destination, there are advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
Ho Chi Minh City is great for:
- Amazing food
- Low cost of living
- Rich culture
- Positive attitude
- Abundant coffee shops
Ho Chi Minh City is not so great for:
- Overcrowding
- Pollution
- Street crime
- Traffic congestion
- Lack of community
Practicalities
Climate: December to March is southern Vietnam’s dry season, but it’s very hot and chaotic during the Tet Festival (January or February). The May-to-September rainy season brings high humidity, starting with intense heat.
Getting there: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, provides access to the city, while trains connect from northern Vietnam and buses run to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Living costs: Approximately US$900 per month.
LGBT-friendly: Yes.
