Why Vietnam for Digital Nomads?
Vietnam offers a lot to remote workers: generally good internet in the cities, affordable food, a growing coworking scene, and the kind of energy that makes you actually want to explore after closing your laptop. It’s less established in the nomad community than Bali or Chiang Mai, which can mean fewer crowds and a more local feel. Costs and rules change, so check current prices and official visa information before you commit.
Best Cities for Remote Work
1. Ho Chi Minh City - The Energetic Hub
HCMC is a major hub for remote workers. Many cafes have wifi and power outlets, and the city has one of the country’s most developed coworking scenes, with operators such as Dreamplex, CirCO and Toong. Ask each space for current day-pass and monthly rates.
Best for: Nomads who thrive on city energy, nightlife, and a large expat community.
2. Da Nang - The Balanced Choice
Da Nang combines a beach, mountains, and a mid-sized city that’s easy to navigate. It has a growing nomad community, and the coastline at My Khe Beach is close to the central neighborhoods.
Best for: Nomads who want work-life balance, beach access, and a mid-sized city that’s easy to get around.
3. Hanoi - The Cultural Deep Dive
Hanoi is for nomads who want to be immersed in Vietnamese culture rather than a nomad bubble. The Old Quarter’s cafe scene is a draw: sit in a small upstairs cafe overlooking the street with an egg coffee and your laptop. Coworking options include UP Coworking and Cogo. Winters in Hanoi are cooler than in the south.
Best for: Culture-focused nomads, writers, photographers, and those who prefer depth over convenience.
4. Hoi An - The Peaceful Retreat
Hoi An is where nomads go to slow down. The ancient town is beautiful, and the daily rhythm of morning work, afternoon beach and evening lanterns is hard to beat. It’s smaller than the other cities, so the community is tight-knit. Hub Hoi An is a coworking space there, and the Espresso Station and Reaching Out Tea House are cafes in the town.
Best for: Nomads who want a quieter pace, creative professionals, and those who love small-town charm.
Visa Options
Vietnam did not have a widely documented dedicated digital nomad visa at the time of the last update, so check the official immigration portal and your nearest Vietnamese embassy for the latest options. Here’s what’s usually used:
E-Visa
- Duration: Up to 90 days, per the Vietnam Immigration Department’s e-visa site (valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry)
- Fees: $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry (reported by VnEconomy)
- Processing: typically a few working days; apply well ahead of travel
- Eligibility: Check the portal for whether your passport is eligible
- Entry and exit points: The UK government notes that e-visas restrict you to the entry and exit points you select when you apply, and that getting an e-visa while already in Vietnam means leaving and re-entering to start it
- Apply only on the official portal: Third-party sites often charge more
Visa Exemption
Citizens of 12 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan and South Korea, can enter without a visa for up to 45 days. The exemption runs from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028, according to Vietnam’s national tourism board. It’s useful for shorter stays or testing the waters.
Working Legally
Vietnam’s rules on foreigners working are strict, and a tourist e-visa or visa exemption is not a work authorization. The UK government advises checking the required visa or work permit with the Vietnam Immigration Department if you will be working, and warns that overstaying or working illegally can lead to fines, being prevented from leaving until a fine is paid, deportation, and future entry bans. Get advice from an immigration lawyer or your nearest Vietnamese embassy about remote work for an overseas employer or clients before you rely on a tourist stay.
Internet & Connectivity
- Home and cafe wifi: Generally reliable in cities, but quality varies by building and cafe. Always test before settling in.
- Mobile data: Local SIM and eSIM plans are widely available. Major carriers include Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone. Compare coverage and plans at the time you arrive.
- Coworking wifi: Ask for a speed test and whether there’s a backup connection.
- Power outages: Can happen, so keep a backup plan (mobile hotspot, portable battery) for deadlines.
Cost of Living
Costs vary by city, neighborhood and lifestyle, and no single figure is reliable, so build your own estimate from current listings. Categories to budget for:
- Housing: Studios and one-bedroom apartments, or serviced apartments and coliving for a first month
- Coworking: Day passes and monthly memberships (ask the space directly)
- Food: Eating out daily versus cooking
- Transport: Grab, taxis or a rented motorbike
- Phone and internet: Local SIM or eSIM
- Social and entertainment: Cafes, events, trips
- Health insurance: The UK government’s advice is to carry full medical cover, since medical bills can be expensive
How to Find Apartments
- Facebook groups: Search “Expats in [city]” or “[City] apartments for rent.” Landlords post directly.
- Walk-in: In Da Nang and Hoi An, walking into apartment buildings and asking about vacancies can sometimes get better prices than online.
- Booking.com/Agoda: For the first week while you apartment hunt. Monthly rates on these platforms can be competitive.
Community & Social Life
- Facebook groups: Digital nomad and expat groups for each city are active communities for meetups, advice, and apartment leads.
- Coworking events: Many spaces host social events, skill shares, and networking nights.
- Language exchange: Language exchange meetups are a way to make local friends.
- Cafe culture: Vietnam’s coffee culture is a natural social hub. Many nomads make their “regular” cafe their de facto office and community space.
Tips for Nomad Life in Vietnam
- Get a local SIM or eSIM soon after arrival - You’ll likely want it for Grab, banking apps, and verification codes.
- Local bank account - Requirements vary by bank and by visa type, so ask the bank directly before relying on one.
- Motorbikes carry real risk - The UK government says travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK, advises against hiring one unless you are an experienced rider, and notes that helmets are mandatory and that driving without third-party insurance is illegal. Many nomads rely on Grab and taxis instead.
- Tax situation - Vietnam uses a day-count test for tax residency, commonly described as 183 days or more in a calendar year or in the 12 months from arrival, and the 12-month window can catch people who leave before the year ends. The rules have been changing, so consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
- Healthcare - Get travel health insurance that covers Vietnam. The UK government notes that medical bills can be expensive and that its embassy does not pay them.
- Weather and flooding - The UK government notes that the tropical cyclone season normally runs from May to November, and that seasonal flooding is common in and around Hanoi, central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. Check local weather forecasts and have flexible plans.