Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling 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 full of coloration, tradition, and nice coworking areas.
I left the UK over two years in the past and at the moment 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 rapidly 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 without doubt one of the greatest cities to base your self for distant working. Whether or not you’re searching for a devoted workspace geared up with all the standard workplace facilities or just want to perceive what life as a digital nomad is perhaps like in Ho Chi Minh, I’ve bought you lined. Let’s dive in and get began.
About Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh, previously referred to as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis. It’s full of an vitality that by no means appears to decrease and a pulsating vibe that pulls individuals from all world wide. Whereas the official identify change to Ho Chi Minh befell in 1976 after the Vietnam Struggle, many locals nonetheless generally discuss with it by its former identify.
With a inhabitants of 9.3 million individuals, it’s essentially the most populous metropolis in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is well known because the financial powerhouse of Vietnam. It’s a significant heart for commerce, finance, and commerce, and serves as a hub for enterprise.
The beautiful skyline of HCMC provides a glimpse into the monetary successes of the town with enormous skyscrapers that dominate the view. The juxtaposition between the locals promoting fruit from roadside shacks and evident poverty can at occasions be startling, nevertheless it creates a tapestry of tradition for vacationers who will discover the whole lot they may need in a metropolis.
For me, I’ll eternally keep in mind Ho Chi Minh for the motorbikes. My journey insurance coverage strictly forbade driving 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 an excellent residence base to work from. In the event you’re keen on home sitting, try my 8 skilled ideas for touchdown a home sitting job.
I generally wish to enterprise out for some completely different surroundings on work days and located that WiFi is on the market just about in all places. I even managed to select up free entry whereas sitting on the seaside in Vung Tau not too long ago – the true digital nomad’s dream! Bars, eating places, cafes, and even some public areas have good free web entry.
It was additionally straightforward to seek out reasonably priced coworking areas. There’s an actual digital nomad scene and the costs are very low-cost. I’ll be going into extra depth on a couple of of my favourite spots later. Nice espresso homes with excellent espresso for affordable costs are considerable and are a fantastic choice for distant working.
The price of dwelling in Ho Chi Minh was one other huge profit for me as a digital nomad. Lodging exterior of my home sit was low-cost and getting round and meals buying was each straightforward and reasonably priced with the native ride-share app Seize.
Is Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Protected?
Security is mostly not a big concern for guests to the town. That being stated, you need to all the time train customary precautions, akin to 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 might anyplace else.
Violent crimes are uncommon, and the native inhabitants is understood for its hospitality. By rigorously following primary security pointers and being conscious of native customs, everybody can take pleasure in their time in Ho Chi Minh with out main security considerations.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh sprawls throughout an unlimited 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 greatest areas to reside 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 trendy establishments just like the Bitexco Monetary Tower.
The streets are a mesmerizing mix of motorbikes, avenue distributors, and the fixed hum of exercise. Dwelling in District 1 means proximity to energetic areas akin to Bui Vien Avenue, the place bustling nightlife and a various vary of bars, golf equipment, and avenue meals stalls are at each flip.
The well-known Ben Thanh Market is one other enjoyable/chaotic expertise. The mass of stalls promote the whole lot from conventional textiles to native delicacies. Because the central enterprise and industrial hub, District 1 additionally hosts quite a few upscale lodges, buying 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 varied neighborhood that calls District 2 residence. It’s a welcoming vacationer hotspot, that has some implausible completely satisfied 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 straightforward to seek out. I had the posh of dwelling between D1 and D2 throughout my home sit and bought to expertise each in equal measure. It was an effective way to completely expertise each districts in additional depth.
3. Binh Thanh District (Quận Bình Thạnh)
Situated to the northeast of D1, Binh Thanh District provides a tremendous mix of custom and fast city growth. Traditionally an industrial space, Binh Thanh has undergone vital transformation, with trendy condominiums and high-rises which have created a surprising skyline alongside remnants of its industrial previous.
The Saigon River traces the district, offering picturesque views. Binh Thanh District is more and more turning into a sought-after residential space as a consequence of its central location and various worldwide facilities.
Binh Thanh is a perfect choice for digital nomads searching for trendy services in an ever-modernizing setting, with the cultural gems of Saigon’s previous all inside straightforward attain.
4. District 3 (Quận 3)
District 3 is a wonderful 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. However, The Field Market provides a recent twist on conventional HCMC avenue markets. The comfortably laid out and manageable collection of stalls sells the whole lot 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 low retailers 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 the town’s historic options with many modern parts and has a gorgeous worldwide enchantment.
The star attraction of District 7 is Phu My Hung New Metropolis Heart, an space that includes broad boulevards, landscaped parks, and trendy skyscrapers. The Crescent Mall, an iconic buying vacation spot, has a mixture of high-end retailers and various positive eating choices. It’s additionally a fantastic spot for distant working.
D7’s Crescent Lake is a well-liked recreation and leisure spot and gives a serene escape with waterfront promenades and jogging paths.
How you can Discover Lodging in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There are many nice lodging choices for individuals working remotely in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Listed here are a couple of 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 in the marketplace, it stays my go-to journey web site. The perks and financial savings of accomplishing a Genius Degree 3 membership may be fairly substantial. The choice to cancel at no cost and e-book with out fee is of nice profit to digital nomads like myself.
2. Airbnb: One other nice choice with 1000’s of listings for all budgets in Ho Chi Minh is Airbnb. I all the time advocate adjusting budgets to decrease quantities to seek out cheaper choices which 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 1000’s of properties searching for sitters. Whereas Asia is rising as a creating marketplace for home sits, alternatives do come up, and I’m dwelling proof that they are often secured. Use low cost code GOATS20 for 20% off!
4. Workaway: In the event you’re up for exchanging a little bit of your time for a spot of educating English, for instance, you possibly can land free lodging with Workaway. Meals is regularly included, and I’ve had a few of my most memorable experiences world wide utilizing volunteer placement websites like this.
Value of Dwelling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
The price of dwelling 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 under and will provide you with an perception into my typical expertise with every.
Eating places and Groceries
There’s a giant 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 an excellent meal for round $2-$5pp.
Grocery buying is a enjoyable expertise in Vietnam – the large supermarkets hand out so many tasters! The most important financial savings are discovered within the worth of issues like meat, eggs, sure fruits, and greens. 2 respectable dimension hen breasts price $3 and 10 eggs are round $1.
Costs for Western cheese, wine, and numerous non-dairy milks are pretty per the prices I’ve seen elsewhere on this planet. The deli counters are nice locations to select up reasonably priced 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 flats for as little as $20/evening. However throughout the identical search, I discovered related choices for $300/evening. The rationale for the worth disparity is unclear so it’s undoubtedly value 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 capable of safe my first few nights within the metropolis at a central condominium advanced with a rooftop pool and health club included for $50/evening.
In my last week, I moved out of the town towards Vung Tau Seaside and paid $120 for per week. Once more, it was a fantastic condominium in a wonderful advanced with a rooftop infinity pool and health club included. My recommendation is to buy round, learn evaluations, and snap up the bargains while 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, protected, and tremendous low-cost. It’s an app-based service absolutely translated into English and as user-friendly as any ride-share app in the marketplace.
Brief journeys will price round $1-$2, my 30-minute journey from the airport price lower than $10. In the event you dare, you can too e-book a Seize moped to come back and choose you up, and that is often half the worth of a automobile. They fortunately convey a helmet so that you can put on, however just one individual can journey with the driving force.
Seize additionally provides 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 Knowledge
There are a number of SIM playing cards and Knowledge 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 supplied me a totally completely different set of prices and plans as soon as I used to be there. Subsequently, I received’t break down the vacationer SIM choices, of which there are various, for you right here however quite inform you what I paid.
I obtained 6 GB of knowledge 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 Ideas 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 nice.
- Although taxis will not be overly costly, you’ll lower your expenses over a month’s keep utilizing Seize.
- Airbnb hosts often provide terrific reductions on longer stays. This may quantity to lots of 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 the whole lot. Bargaining is a standard observe in Vietnam, particularly within the marketplaces.
Coworking Areas in Ho Chi Minh and WiFi Pace
There’s a giant 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 assorted districts. You’ll discover the whole lot from constant and quiet working environments to energizing and motivating inventive areas.
1. Sharespace
In the event you imply enterprise whereas in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and need the complete 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 normal 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 the whole lot a distant employee might have to get the job carried out, together with free espresso!
2. The Hive
With 3 places in Ho Chi Minh, together with a handy base in D2 for these staying exterior of the town heart, The Hive is a superb choice for anybody dwelling in HCMC as a digital nomad.
Their every day charges begin at 190,000 VND (round $8) and consists of the whole lot you have to full an excellent strong shift on the laptop computer. The Hive’s month-to-month 24/7 entry membership prices round $90 and provides entry to a pool; that means you possibly can take common dips between convention calls – bliss!
3. Hiya World Saigon
In the event you fancy being within the coronary heart of D1’s pulsating monetary district whilst you work, Hiya World Saigon could be the coworking area for you. Right here, you’ll be working steps from the gorgeous Saigon River and within the fast presence of the towering Landmark 81 constructing.
This contemporary, snug, and well-equipped setting is a superb selection for any type of digital nomad. It was a spot the place I spent various afternoons working away. The very reasonably priced day fee of round $8 consists of espresso, water, and business-hour entry.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Ho Chi Minh
Along with the numerous official coworking choices accessible, Ho Chi Minh is residence to many cafes with wonderful WiFi and cozy areas for digital nomads. The cafe tradition is large and also you received’t should journey far to discover a good espresso store in HCMC. Listed here 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 smooth {and professional} setting with an environment that makes for a really inviting place to work.
- Highlands Espresso @ Landmark 81: An enormous chain of espresso retailers that provides very reasonably priced and various espresso choices, and free WiFi for all clients. Highlands are in all places in HCMC, however the department at Landmark 81 is a superb 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 here are a couple of of the good actions that make HCMC such a charming place to work remotely.
1. Struggle Remnants Museum
As museums go, the Struggle Remnants Museum needs to be one in all my all-time favorites. Located within the coronary heart of D1 is a bunch of memorabilia left over from the Vietnam Struggle. You possibly can see a whole lot of it from the road, however with tickets priced at round $1.50pp, it’s value each cent.
On high of quite a few intact navy plane akin to helicopters, jets, missiles, and heavy artillery, 3 flooring of exhibition rooms showcase many horrific elements 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 warfare.
2. Ben Thanh Market
For granted of passage, everybody ought to go to Ben Thanh Market at the very least 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 depend promote the whole lot from clothes and materials to watches and peanuts. If you would like it, you’ll doubtless discover it in Ben Thanh Market. Don’t neglect to haggle – it’s an appropriate strategy to buying in Vietnam marketplaces. I used to be instructed to instantly halve regardless of the said worth is and preserve decreasing my provide till they cave!
3. Landmark 81
It’s inconceivable to overlook the Landmark 81 constructing throughout a visit to Ho Chi Minh. It’s not solely the tallest constructing within the metropolis, nevertheless it’s additionally the tallest in Vietnam. It lights up fantastically each evening at 6 pm and is a surprising and iconic image.
You possibly can take an elevator to the highest for a small payment 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. Goal 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
In the event you love craft beer then Ho Chi Minh has bought you lined. The explosion within the craft beer trade has not escaped Vietnam and there are some nice bars to be discovered all throughout the town. Costs are a little bit costlier in comparison with native beers nevertheless it’s nonetheless rather more reasonably priced for a fantastic pint than anyplace 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 occasions. Belgo provides a 2-for-1 completely satisfied hour day by 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 large enough for 8 individuals. I noticed an American couple study this the onerous approach.
5. Binh Quoi 1 Vacationer Village
I used to be a little bit postpone by the identify ‘Vacationer Village’ at first too, however don’t be deterred. Binh Quoi is a wonderful and tranquil setting and a fantastic 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 provides 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 Might to November, has a lot heavier rainfall, excessive humidity, and occasional tropical storms.
Through the moist season, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis encounters monsoon rains, particularly in June, July, and August. The humidity ranges rise and might create a sweltering environment. Temporary however intense afternoon downpours are widespread however they do present some mild aid from the warmth.
I visited Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in the course of 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 the town’s cultural websites, energetic avenue scenes, and scrumptious delicacies with out the extraordinary tropical warmth and heavy rainfall.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Ho Chi Minh
In the event you’re planning to spend a while in Ho Chi Minh as a digital nomad, think about first these execs and cons;
Execs of Dwelling in Ho Chi Minh
- Low-cost price of dwelling: The whole lot 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 twenty-two to 34 levels Celsius (72 to 94 levels Fahrenheit) year-round.
- Ample Coworking House: A giant digital nomad tradition signifies 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 provide dependable WiFi and cozy working environments for a digital nomad dwelling 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: Outdoors of working hours, digital nomads can benefit from the implausible bar and restaurant scene that’s outstanding all through the town.
Cons of Dwelling 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.
- Totally different Tradition: Traditions, cultures, and cuisines are significantly completely different in HCMC and could possibly be difficult for anybody used to residence comforts.
- Heavy Rain: Ho Chi Minh can expertise enormous quantities of rain and even monsoons throughout sure seasons, making the town a tough place to traverse.
- Air pollution: With so many mopeds and autos on the busy streets, Ho Chi Minh has a big quantity of smog which can have an effect on these with bronchial asthma or related respiratory situations.
- Visitors: The roads may 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 occasions!
Digital Nomad Visa for Ho Chi Minh
There isn’t at the moment a particular visa for digital nomads in Vietnam. Guests from the UK and 12 different international locations can take pleasure in 45 days with out the necessity to apply for a visa. For a small payment, 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 carried out on-line earlier than arriving or at worldwide airports on arrival. A payment of $17 – $65 is payable relying on the size and variety of entries required per visa. Canadian guests should additionally observe an identical course of, click on right here for more information.
All passports should have at the very least 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 very magnificent place during which to base your self as a distant employee for therefore many causes.
From the ample espresso retailers and cafes to the absolutely geared up and available coworking areas, digital nomads received’t have any points discovering some perfect spots to work from. With all the advantages of a metropolitan metropolis on faucet too, it’s a fantastic place to good your work-life steadiness.
There’s a lot to like about Ho Chi Minh. Get pleasure from!
