Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. I spent a wonderful 6-weeks working remotely from this vibrant Vietnamese metropolis and cherished my time there. It’s such a spirited and energetic place stuffed with coloration, tradition, and nice coworking areas.
I left the UK over two years in the past and presently journey the world as a digital nomad. I’ve labored remotely in dozens of nations however my journey to Ho Chi Minh was my first enterprise East. I shortly fell in love with all issues Vietnam, to the extent that I’ve already deliberate my subsequent journey to the northern metropolis of Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh is among the finest cities to base your self for distant working. Whether or not you’re searching for a devoted workspace geared up with all the same old workplace facilities or just want to perceive what life as a digital nomad could be like in Ho Chi Minh, I’ve received you lined. Let’s dive in and get began.
About Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh, previously often known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis. It’s stuffed with an vitality that by no means appears to decrease and a pulsating vibe that draws individuals from all around the globe. Whereas the official title change to Ho Chi Minh passed off in 1976 after the Vietnam Conflict, many locals nonetheless generally check with it by its former title.
With a inhabitants of 9.3 million individuals, it’s the most populous metropolis in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is well known because the financial powerhouse of Vietnam. It’s a serious heart for commerce, finance, and commerce, and serves as a hub for enterprise.
The beautiful skyline of HCMC presents a glimpse into the monetary successes of town with enormous skyscrapers that dominate the view. The juxtaposition between the locals promoting fruit from roadside shacks and evident poverty can at instances be startling, but it surely creates a tapestry of tradition for vacationers who will discover all the things they might need in a metropolis.
For me, I’ll endlessly keep in mind Ho Chi Minh for the motorbikes. My journey insurance coverage strictly forbade using one and after 10 seconds within the metropolis, you will notice why! Official stats put the quantity at 7.6 million motorbikes, however I’ve heard unofficially that it’s nearer to 10 million! The site visitors on the roads is a spectacle to witness, and it’s one thing I by no means fairly acclimated to.
Digital Nomad in Ho Chi Minh: Private Expertise
I cherished being a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. I managed to safe a 3-week home sit which meant my lodging prices had been actually low for my 45-day keep. It enhanced my total expertise and gave me a superb dwelling base to work from. For those who’re fascinated by home sitting, take a look at my 8 professional ideas for touchdown a home sitting job.
I generally prefer to enterprise out for some completely different surroundings on work days and located that WiFi is accessible just about all over the place. I even managed to select up free entry whereas sitting on the seashore in Vung Tau lately – the true digital nomad’s dream! Bars, eating places, cafes, and even some public areas have good free web entry.
It was additionally simple to seek out inexpensive coworking areas. There’s an actual digital nomad scene and the costs are very low-cost. I’ll be going into extra depth on just a few of my favourite spots later. Nice espresso homes with excellent espresso for affordable costs are considerable and are an ideal possibility for distant working.
The price of residing in Ho Chi Minh was one other large profit for me as a digital nomad. Lodging outdoors of my home sit was low-cost and getting round and meals procuring was each simple and inexpensive with the native ride-share app Seize.
Is Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Protected?
Security is usually not a major concern for guests to town. That being stated, you need to all the time train normal precautions, reminiscent of safeguarding digital gadgets and being conscious of your environment. General, HCMC is a welcoming and safe vacation spot for vacationers and anybody searching for the digital nomad way of life.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing can and do happen, particularly in crowded areas and busy vacationer hotspots. I like to recommend that vacationers stay vigilant always and safe their belongings in addition to they’d wherever else.
Violent crimes are uncommon, and the native inhabitants is thought for its hospitality. By carefully following fundamental security tips and being conscious of native customs, everybody can get pleasure from their time in Ho Chi Minh with out main security issues.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh sprawls throughout an enormous city panorama, divided into quite a few districts. Every has its distinctive traits, points of interest, and cultural parts. Beneath, I’ve outlined the 5 finest areas to dwell while working as a digital nomad in HCMC.
1. District 1 (Quận 1)
District 1 is the beating coronary heart of Ho Chi Minh and the place the vitality is most palpable. It’s the place I spent most of my time while within the metropolis. Iconic landmarks such because the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon combine seamlessly with fashionable establishments just like the Bitexco Monetary Tower.
The streets are a mesmerizing mix of motorbikes, road distributors, and the fixed hum of exercise. Residing in District 1 means proximity to energetic areas reminiscent of Bui Vien Road, the place bustling nightlife and a various vary of bars, golf equipment, and road meals stalls are at each flip.
The well-known Ben Thanh Market is one other enjoyable/chaotic expertise. The mass of stalls promote all the things from conventional textiles to native delicacies. Because the central enterprise and business hub, District 1 additionally hosts quite a few upscale lodges, procuring malls, and coworking areas.
2. District 2 (Quận 2)
District 2 has advanced into an expat haven and an escape for these searching for a barely extra laid-back HCMC way of life. Characterised by its spacious residential properties, worldwide colleges, and a rising variety of Western-style facilities, this district stands out for guests.
Expat-friendly eating places, cafes, and supermarkets cater to the various group that calls District 2 dwelling. It’s a welcoming vacationer hotspot, that has some incredible pleased hours to be found! District 2’s enchantment is amplified by some lush greenery and peaceable waterfront views, offering a stark distinction to the bustling streets of District 1.
The expat nature of D2 means quite a few co-working areas and tranquil worker-friendly cafes are simple to seek out. I had the posh of residing between D1 and D2 throughout my home sit and received to expertise each in equal measure. It was a good way to totally expertise each districts in additional depth.
3. Binh Thanh District (Quận Bình Thạnh)
Situated to the northeast of D1, Binh Thanh District presents a tremendous mix of custom and fast city growth. Traditionally an industrial space, Binh Thanh has undergone vital transformation, with fashionable condominiums and high-rises which have created a shocking skyline alongside remnants of its industrial previous.
The Saigon River strains the district, offering picturesque views. Binh Thanh District is more and more turning into a sought-after residential space resulting from its central location and numerous worldwide facilities.
Binh Thanh is a perfect possibility for digital nomads searching for fashionable services in an ever-modernizing setting, with the cultural gems of Saigon’s previous all inside simple attain.
4. District 3 (Quận 3)
District 3 is an exquisite place to situate your self. It’s the place French colonial historical past mixes with the tradition of native Vietnamese life. D3 is revered for its picturesque tree-lined streets and well-preserved colonial villas.
Predominantly a residential space D3 has an genuine environment with glimpses into the conventional every day routines of native individuals. Alternatively, The Field Market presents a up to date twist on conventional HCMC road markets. The comfortably laid out and manageable choice of stalls sells all the things from native delicacies to designer garments – all from native distributors.
Though the quantity of co-working areas is decrease in D3, they do exist. Many cafes and occasional outlets with wonderful free WiFi are simply accessible within the space.
5. District 7 (Quận 7).
District 7, additionally known as Phu My Hung, is a contemporary city growth on the southern aspect of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It’s a well-planned district that contrasts town’s historic options with many up to date parts and has a beautiful worldwide enchantment.
The star attraction of District 7 is Phu My Hung New Metropolis Heart, an space that includes huge boulevards, landscaped parks, and fashionable skyscrapers. The Crescent Mall, an iconic procuring vacation spot, has a mixture of high-end outlets and numerous effective eating choices. It’s additionally an ideal spot for distant working.
D7’s Crescent Lake is a well-liked recreation and leisure spot and offers a serene escape with waterfront promenades and jogging paths.
The best way to Discover Lodging in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There are many nice lodging choices for individuals working remotely in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Listed below are just a few of the most effective locations to seek out them;
1. Reserving.com: I’ve been utilizing Reserving.com for years and regardless of quite a few different choices available on the market, it stays my go-to journey web site. The perks and financial savings of achieving a Genius Stage 3 membership will be fairly substantial. The choice to cancel free of charge and e book with out cost is of nice profit to digital nomads like myself.
2. Airbnb: One other nice possibility with hundreds of listings for all budgets in Ho Chi Minh is Airbnb. I all the time suggest adjusting budgets to decrease quantities to seek out cheaper choices that may not come up on the primary search. Many properties provide enormous reductions on month-long stays.
3. Trusted Housesitters: I landed a 3-week HCMC housesit because of Trusted Housesitters. It’s my best choice for home and pet sitting, it all the time has hundreds of properties searching for sitters. Whereas Asia is rising as a creating marketplace for home sits, alternatives do come up, and I’m residing proof that they are often secured. Use low cost code GOATS20 for 20% off!
4. Workaway: For those who’re up for exchanging just a little of your time for a spot of instructing English, for instance, you possibly can land free lodging with Workaway. Meals is often included, and I’ve had a few of my most memorable experiences around the globe utilizing volunteer placement websites like this.
Value of Residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
The price of residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is considerably decrease in comparison with many different international locations I’ve labored from remotely. I’ve categorized some on a regular basis bills beneath and offers you an perception into my typical expertise with every.
Eating places and Groceries
There’s an enormous distinction in what you’ll spend on meals in Ho Chi Minh in comparison with say the UK or the USA. Though high-end bars and eating places can nonetheless be costly, there are such a lot of low-cost meals choices accessible that digital nomads can simply eat a superb meal for round $2-$5pp.
Grocery procuring is a enjoyable expertise in Vietnam – the large supermarkets hand out so many tasters! The largest financial savings are discovered within the worth of issues like meat, eggs, sure fruits, and greens. 2 respectable measurement rooster breasts value $3 and 10 eggs are round $1.
Costs for Western cheese, wine, and varied non-dairy milks are pretty in line with the prices I’ve seen elsewhere on the planet. The deli counters are nice locations to select up inexpensive lunches. Set Sushi plates and salad/meat combos are all the time accessible and value round $1-$2.
Lodging Prices
The vary of lodging in Ho Chi Minh is sort of spectacular; there’s one thing for each price range. Whereas reserving my keep I discovered some fantastic-looking lodges and residences for as little as $20/evening. However throughout the identical search, I discovered comparable choices for $300/evening. The rationale for the value disparity is unclear so it’s undoubtedly price taking a while to do your personal analysis and make your personal comparisons.
Reserving.com and Airbnb have an enormous vary of choices. I used to be in a position to safe my first few nights within the metropolis at a central condo advanced with a rooftop pool and fitness center included for $50/evening.
In my ultimate week, I moved out of town towards Vung Tau Seaside and paid $120 for per week. Once more, it was an ideal condo in an exquisite advanced with a rooftop infinity pool and fitness center included. My recommendation is to buy round, learn evaluations, and snap up the bargains once you discover them.
Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Seize is just about all you’ll want for getting round in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It’s like Uber and is dependable, secure, and tremendous low-cost. It’s an app-based service totally translated into English and as user-friendly as any ride-share app available on the market.
Quick journeys will value round $1-$2, my 30-minute journey from the airport value lower than $10. For those who dare, you may also e book a Seize moped to return and choose you up, and that is normally half the value of a automotive. They fortunately deliver a helmet so that you can put on, however only one individual can trip with the motive force.
Seize additionally presents a meals and grocery supply service. The service cost and supply charges are very low and once more $2 will get you an honest lunch. I additionally joined Seize Limitless which had a 2-month free trial and was cancelable anytime. It saves you round 10% on all journeys and just about eradicates most meals supply charges.
SIM Playing cards and Information
There are a number of SIM playing cards and Information plans accessible for vacationers. I bought a SIM from an official Vinaphone retailer throughout my first few days in Ho Chi Minh. Though you’ll discover WiFi at even essentially the most quaint of cafes, I like to recommend you get an information SIM, if just for reserving a Seize when out and about.
I researched the costs and went in ready, however they provided me a totally completely different set of prices and plans as soon as I used to be there. Due to this fact, I received’t break down the vacationer SIM choices, of which there are lots of, for you right here however fairly let you know what I paid.
I obtained 6 GB of information plus calls and texts to Vietnam numbers for 160,000 VND which is round $5. It lasted a month, was activated instantly within the store, and labored nice for me. I did see and listen to of individuals haggling with costs and plans however for $5 a month, I used to be greater than content material.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Ho Chi Minh
- Eat and drink at native eating places and cafes. You’ll count on to pay round $2-$5 per meal and the meals is sweet.
- Although taxis aren’t overly costly, you’ll lower your expenses over a month’s keep utilizing Seize.
- Airbnb hosts normally provide terrific reductions on longer stays. This will quantity to a whole lot of {dollars} for a single journey.
- Reserving.com’s Genius Membership Program has some superb financial savings that embody reductions, room upgrades, free airport taxis, and complimentary breakfasts.
- Join a home sitting web site like Trusted Housesitters and use the filters to seek for stays in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
- Haggle for just about all the things. Bargaining is a standard apply in Vietnam, particularly within the marketplaces.
Coworking Areas in Ho Chi Minh and WiFi Pace
There’s an enormous digital nomad tradition in Ho Chi Minh and I loved working at quite a few completely different spots throughout my keep. Some nice choices can be found throughout the varied districts. You’ll discover all the things from constant and quiet working environments to energizing and motivating inventive areas.
1. Sharespace
For those who imply enterprise whereas in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and wish the total scorching desk expertise, I like to recommend Sharespace. With all of the comforts of a contemporary workplace, high-speed web, and a number of places across the metropolis, Sharespace is a one-and-done answer for these in want of standard and dependable workplace services.
They provide a bunch of choices and costs to go well with each digital nomad’s price range. Primary packages are round $15 and embody all the things a distant employee might have to get the job executed, together with free espresso!
2. The Hive
With 3 places in Ho Chi Minh, together with a handy base in D2 for these staying outdoors of town heart, The Hive is a wonderful possibility for anybody residing in HCMC as a digital nomad.
Their every day charges begin at 190,000 VND (round $8) and contains all the things you could full a superb strong shift on the laptop computer. The Hive’s month-to-month 24/7 entry membership prices round $90 and presents entry to a pool; which means you possibly can take common dips between convention calls – bliss!
3. Good day World Saigon
For those who fancy being within the coronary heart of D1’s pulsating monetary district when you work, Good day World Saigon stands out as the coworking house for you. Right here, you’ll be working steps from the gorgeous Saigon River and within the instant presence of the towering Landmark 81 constructing.
This contemporary, snug, and well-equipped atmosphere is a good selection for any form of digital nomad. It was a spot the place I spent quite a lot of afternoons working away. The very inexpensive day fee of round $8 contains espresso, water, and business-hour entry.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Ho Chi Minh
Along with the various official coworking choices accessible, Ho Chi Minh is dwelling to many cafes with wonderful WiFi and cozy areas for digital nomads. The cafe tradition is big and also you received’t must journey far to discover a good espresso store in HCMC. Listed below are a few my favourite spots for working in;
- Beenthere Cafe: A vibrant, spacious, and cozy cafe with excellent espresso, dependable, quick WiFi, and pleasant employees.
- The Espresso Home: A glossy {and professional} atmosphere with an environment that makes for a really inviting place to work.
- Highlands Espresso @ Landmark 81: An enormous chain of espresso outlets that gives very inexpensive and various espresso choices, and free WiFi for all prospects. Highlands are all over the place in HCMC, however the department at Landmark 81 is a good spot.
Actions and Issues To Do in Ho Chi Minh
We don’t simply journey to Ho Chi Minh to work, proper? There are such a lot of cool issues to do within the metropolis when you’ve ticked off your duties for the day. Listed below are just a few of the nice actions that make HCMC such a fascinating place to work remotely.
1. Conflict Remnants Museum
As museums go, the Conflict Remnants Museum must be considered one of my all-time favorites. Located within the coronary heart of D1 is a bunch of memorabilia left over from the Vietnam Conflict. You possibly can see loads of it from the road, however with tickets priced at round $1.50pp, it’s price each cent.
On high of quite a few intact army plane reminiscent of helicopters, jets, missiles, and heavy artillery, 3 flooring of exhibition rooms showcase many horrific features of the Vietnam/America battle. Be warned, some components are stunning to take a look at and act as a harsh reminder of the devastation of battle.
2. Ben Thanh Market
For granted of passage, everybody ought to go to Ben Thanh Market a minimum of as soon as throughout a visit to Ho Chi Minh. It’s a chaotic and enjoyable expertise to be embraced and loved.
Too many stalls to rely promote all the things from clothes and materials to watches and peanuts. If you would like it, you’ll doubtless discover it in Ben Thanh Market. Don’t overlook to haggle – it’s an appropriate strategy to procuring in Vietnam marketplaces. I used to be instructed to instantly halve regardless of the acknowledged worth is and maintain decreasing my provide till they cave!
3. Landmark 81
It’s unimaginable to overlook the Landmark 81 constructing throughout a visit to Ho Chi Minh. It’s not solely the tallest constructing within the metropolis, but it surely’s additionally the tallest in Vietnam. It lights up fantastically each evening at 6 pm and is a shocking and iconic image.
You possibly can take an elevator to the highest for a small charge of round $10. Alternatively, there’s a bar on the seventy fifth and 76th flooring that has a free elevator and undoubtedly the most effective views within the metropolis. Purpose to reach at 5.30 pm so you possibly can sit with a cocktail because the solar goes down and the Landmark lights up.
4. Craft Beer Bars
For those who love craft beer then Ho Chi Minh has received you lined. The explosion within the craft beer trade has not escaped Vietnam and there are some nice bars to be discovered all throughout town. Costs are just a little dearer in comparison with native beers but it surely’s nonetheless rather more inexpensive for an ideal pint than wherever I’ve ever visited within the UK or the US.
The Coronary heart of Darkness and Belgo are two excellent breweries and craft beer bars that I frequented many instances. Belgo presents a 2-for-1 pleased hour day-after-day from 3 pm-6 pm on its draft beers. The meals within the Coronary heart of Darkness is excellent. Be warned, the Macho Nachos are a celebration platter sufficiently big for 8 individuals. I noticed an American couple study this the exhausting manner.
5. Binh Quoi 1 Vacationer Village
I used to be just a little postpone by the title ‘Vacationer Village’ at first too, however don’t be deterred. Binh Quoi is an exquisite and tranquil setting and an ideal place to go to. The free-to-visit park is a mirrored image of the Mekong Delta with beautiful water options, river views, picket bridges, and superb flower preparations and gardens.
On weekend evenings the park presents an enormous buffet. For round $12 guests can feast on a mix of fish, barbecued meats, greens, rice, and noodle dishes, along with many different conventional delicacies from dozens of various stalls. All within the tranquil setting of Binh Quoi.
Climate in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has a tropical local weather marked by distinct moist and dry seasons. Common temperatures vary from 22 to 34 levels Celsius (72 to 94 levels Fahrenheit) year-round. The dry season, from December to April brings nice and sunny climate, whereas the moist season, from Could to November, has a lot heavier rainfall, excessive humidity, and occasional tropical storms.
In the course of the moist season, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis encounters monsoon rains, particularly in June, July, and August. The humidity ranges rise and may create a sweltering environment. Transient however intense afternoon downpours are widespread however they do present some mild aid from the warmth.
I visited Ho Chi Minh Metropolis throughout the dry winter months of December and January. It was comfortably heat, had minimal rain, and the humidity was utterly manageable. It allowed me to comfortably discover all town’s cultural websites, energetic road scenes, and scrumptious delicacies with out the extreme tropical warmth and heavy rainfall.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Ho Chi Minh
For those who’re planning to spend a while in Ho Chi Minh as a digital nomad, contemplate first these professionals and cons;
Execs of Residing in Ho Chi Minh
- Low-cost value of residing: Every thing from lodging, meals, drink, and transportation is considerably cheaper in HCMC than in lots of different international locations I’ve visited.
- Heat Climate: Ho Chi Minh has a mean temperature of 22 to 34 levels Celsius (72 to 94 levels Fahrenheit) year-round.
- Ample Coworking Area: A giant digital nomad tradition implies that there are many areas to affordably base your self for distant working.
- Nice Espresso: There’s an enormous cafe tradition and plenty of locations that supply dependable WiFi and cozy working environments for a digital nomad residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
- Pleasant Individuals: Locals and expats alike are welcoming of holiday makers and HCMC has a pleasant inviting really feel.
- Nice Social Scene: Exterior of working hours, digital nomads can benefit from the incredible bar and restaurant scene that’s distinguished all through town.
Cons of Residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
- Language Barrier: Though many Ho Chi Minh residents do converse English, it’s not unusual to work together with locals who don’t converse something however their native tongue.
- Completely different Tradition: Traditions, cultures, and cuisines are significantly completely different in HCMC and could possibly be difficult for anybody used to dwelling comforts.
- Heavy Rain: Ho Chi Minh can expertise enormous quantities of rain and even monsoons throughout sure seasons, making town a troublesome place to traverse.
- Air pollution: With so many mopeds and autos on the busy streets, Ho Chi Minh has a major quantity of smog which can have an effect on these with bronchial asthma or comparable respiratory situations.
- Visitors: The roads will be fairly loopy. Whether or not driving, in a taxi, or strolling as a pedestrian, guests ought to take all warning and stay vigilant when out and about.
- Time Distinction: HCMC is 7 hours forward of the UK and 12-15 hours forward of the USA, which may require environment friendly scheduling and result in some unusual assembly instances!
Digital Nomad Visa for Ho Chi Minh
There isn’t presently a selected visa for digital nomads in Vietnam. Guests from the UK and 12 different international locations can get pleasure from 45 days with out the necessity to apply for a visa. For a small charge, earlier than arriving, guests can apply for an E-Visa on-line and keep for as much as 90 days.
Guests from the USA should attain a visa. This may be executed on-line earlier than arriving or at worldwide airports on arrival. A charge of $17 – $65 is payable relying on the size and variety of entries required per visa. Canadian guests should additionally comply with an identical course of, click on right here for more information.
All passports should have a minimum of 6 months of validity, be in an appropriate situation, and have two clean pages for visa stamps.
In Conclusion
I can’t converse extremely sufficient about my time in Vietnam and I hope that’s come throughout in my digital nomad information to Ho Chi Minh. It’s a really magnificent place through which to base your self as a distant employee for therefore many causes.
From the ample espresso outlets and cafes to the totally geared up and available coworking areas, digital nomads received’t have any points discovering some ideally suited spots to work from. With all the advantages of a metropolitan metropolis on faucet too, it’s an ideal place to excellent your work-life steadiness.
There’s a lot to like about Ho Chi Minh. Get pleasure from!
