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 beloved 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 present 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 among the finest cities to base your self for distant working. Whether or not you’re searching for a devoted workspace outfitted with all the standard workplace facilities or just want to perceive what life as a digital nomad is likely to 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 referred to as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis. It’s full of an power that by no means appears to decrease and a pulsating vibe that draws folks from all all over the world. Whereas the official identify change to Ho Chi Minh came about in 1976 after the Vietnam Warfare, many locals nonetheless generally confer with it by its former identify.
With a inhabitants of 9.3 million folks, it’s the most populous metropolis in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is widely 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 provides a glimpse into the monetary successes of the town with big skyscrapers that dominate the view. The juxtaposition between the locals promoting fruit from roadside shacks and evident poverty can at occasions be startling, but it surely creates a tapestry of tradition for vacationers who will discover every little thing they may need in a metropolis.
For me, I’ll without end bear 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 beloved being a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. I managed to safe a 3-week home sit which meant my lodging prices have been actually low for my 45-day keep. It enhanced my total expertise and gave me a superb dwelling base to work from. In the event you’re curious about home sitting, try my 8 knowledgeable suggestions for touchdown a home sitting job.
I typically wish to enterprise out for some completely different surroundings on work days and located that WiFi is on the market just about all over the place. 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 simple to search 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 plentiful and are a terrific possibility for distant working.
The price of dwelling 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 buying was each simple 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, it’s best to at all times train normal precautions, reminiscent of safeguarding digital units and being conscious of your environment. Total, HCMC is a welcoming and safe vacation spot for vacationers and anybody searching for the digital nomad life-style.
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 carefully following fundamental security pointers and being conscious of native customs, everybody can take pleasure in their time in Ho Chi Minh with out main security considerations.
Greatest Areas to Stay 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, sights, and cultural components. Under, I’ve outlined the 5 finest 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 power 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. 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 avenue meals stalls are at each flip.
The well-known Ben Thanh Market is one other enjoyable/chaotic expertise. The mass of stalls promote every little thing from conventional textiles to native delicacies. Because the central enterprise and industrial hub, District 1 additionally hosts quite a few upscale inns, 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 life-style. Characterised by its spacious residential houses, 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 neighborhood that calls District 2 dwelling. It’s a welcoming vacationer hotspot, that has some incredible glad hours to be found! District 2’s attraction 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 search out. I had the luxurious of dwelling between D1 and D2 throughout my home sit and received to expertise each in equal measure. It was a good way to completely expertise each districts in additional depth.
3. Binh Thanh District (Quận Bình Thạnh)
Positioned to the northeast of D1, Binh Thanh District provides an incredible mix of custom and speedy city improvement. 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 on account of its central location and numerous worldwide facilities.
Binh Thanh is a perfect possibility for digital nomads searching for trendy 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 a good looking 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 traditional each day routines of native folks. Then again, The Field Market provides a recent twist on conventional HCMC avenue markets. The comfortably laid out and manageable collection of stalls sells every little thing 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 outlets with glorious 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 improvement 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 components and has a lovely worldwide attraction.
The star attraction of District 7 is Phu My Hung New Metropolis Middle, an space that includes huge boulevards, landscaped parks, and trendy skyscrapers. The Crescent Mall, an iconic buying vacation spot, has a mixture of high-end outlets and numerous high-quality eating choices. It’s additionally a terrific 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.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There are many nice lodging choices for folks working remotely in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Listed here are a couple of of one of the best locations to search 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 achieving a Genius Degree 3 membership could be fairly substantial. The choice to cancel without cost and e-book with out fee 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 at all times suggest adjusting budgets to decrease quantities to search out cheaper choices that may not come up on the primary search. Many properties provide big 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 at all times has hundreds of properties searching for sitters. Whereas Asia is rising as a growing 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 often included, and I’ve had a few of my most memorable experiences all over the world utilizing volunteer placement websites like this.
Value of Residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
The price of dwelling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is considerably decrease in comparison with many different nations 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 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 obtainable that digital nomads can simply eat a superb 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 first rate dimension rooster breasts value $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 at all times obtainable and price round $1-$2.
Lodging Prices
The vary of lodging in Ho Chi Minh is sort of spectacular; there’s one thing for each finances. Whereas reserving my keep I discovered some fantastic-looking inns and flats for as little as $20/evening. However throughout the identical search, I discovered related choices for $300/evening. The explanation 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 condominium complicated with a rooftop pool and health club included for $50/evening.
In my ultimate week, I moved out of the town towards Vung Tau Seaside and paid $120 for per week. Once more, it was a terrific condominium in a good looking complicated with a rooftop infinity pool and health club included. My recommendation is to buy round, learn critiques, 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, secure, 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.
Quick journeys will value round $1-$2, my 30-minute journey from the airport value lower than $10. In the event you dare, it’s also possible to e-book a Seize moped to come back and choose you up, and that is normally half the value of a automobile. They fortunately convey a helmet so that you can put on, however just one individual can trip 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 Information
There are a number of SIM playing cards and Information plans obtainable 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 probably the most quaint of cafes, I like to recommend you get a knowledge 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 gained’t break down the vacationer SIM choices, of which there are lots of, for you right here however slightly inform you 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 Ideas for Ho Chi Minh
- Eat and drink at native eating places and cafes. You’ll anticipate 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 may quantity to a whole bunch of {dollars} for a single journey.
- Reserving.com’s Genius Membership Program has some wonderful financial savings that embrace reductions, room upgrades, free airport taxis, and complimentary breakfasts.
- Join a home sitting website like Trusted Housesitters and use the filters to seek for stays in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
- Haggle for just about every little thing. Bargaining is a typical 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 every little thing from constant and quiet working environments to energizing and motivating artistic areas.
1. Sharespace
In the event you imply enterprise whereas in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and wish 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 areas across the metropolis, Sharespace is a one-and-done answer for these in want of standard and dependable workplace services.
They provide a number of choices and costs to go well with each digital nomad’s finances. Primary packages are round $15 and embrace every little thing a distant employee may have to get the job carried out, together with free espresso!
2. The Hive
With 3 areas in Ho Chi Minh, together with a handy base in D2 for these staying outdoors of the town heart, The Hive is a wonderful possibility for anybody dwelling in HCMC as a digital nomad.
Their each day charges begin at 190,000 VND (round $8) and consists of every little thing that you must full a superb 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. Hey World Saigon
In the event you fancy being within the coronary heart of D1’s pulsating monetary district when you work, Hey World Saigon often is the coworking house for you. Right here, you’ll be working steps from the attractive Saigon River and within the speedy presence of the towering Landmark 81 constructing.
This contemporary, snug, and well-equipped setting is a superb alternative for any form of digital nomad. It was a spot the place I spent quite a lot of afternoons working away. The very reasonably priced day fee of round $8 consists of espresso, water, and business-hour entry.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Ho Chi Minh
Along with the numerous official coworking choices obtainable, Ho Chi Minh is dwelling to many cafes with glorious WiFi and cozy areas for digital nomads. The cafe tradition is large and also you gained’t must journey far to discover a good espresso store in HCMC. Listed here are a few my favourite spots for working in;
- Beenthere Cafe: A brilliant, spacious, and cozy cafe with excellent espresso, dependable, quick WiFi, and pleasant employees.
- The Espresso Home: A modern {and professional} setting with an environment that makes for a really inviting place to work.
- Highlands Espresso @ Landmark 81: An enormous chain of espresso outlets that provides very reasonably priced and diverse espresso choices, and free WiFi for all clients. Highlands are all over the place 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. Warfare Remnants Museum
As museums go, the Warfare Remnants Museum needs to be certainly one of my all-time favorites. Located within the coronary heart of D1 is a bunch of memorabilia left over from the Vietnam Warfare. You possibly can see a number of it from the road, however with tickets priced at round $1.50pp, it’s price each cent.
On prime of quite a few intact navy plane reminiscent of helicopters, jets, missiles, and heavy artillery, 3 flooring of exhibition rooms showcase many horrific elements of the Vietnam/America battle. Be warned, some elements are stunning to have a look at and act as a harsh reminder of the devastation of warfare.
2. Ben Thanh Market
Without any consideration of passage, everybody ought to go to Ben Thanh Market at the 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 every little thing from clothes and materials to watches and peanuts. If you would like it, you’ll possible discover it in Ben Thanh Market. Don’t overlook to haggle – it’s a suitable strategy to buying in Vietnam marketplaces. I used to be informed to instantly halve regardless of the said worth is and hold reducing 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 surprising and iconic image.
You possibly can take an elevator to the highest for a small price of round $10. Alternatively, there’s a bar on the seventy fifth and 76th flooring that has a free elevator and undoubtedly one of the best 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 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 the town. Costs are a little bit costlier in comparison with native beers but it surely’s nonetheless way more reasonably priced for a terrific 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 glad hour on daily basis 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 folks. I noticed an American couple study this the onerous manner.
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 good looking and tranquil setting and a terrific place to go to. The free-to-visit park is a mirrored image of the Mekong Delta with beautiful water options, river views, wood bridges, and wonderful 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.
Throughout 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. Transient however intense afternoon downpours are widespread however they do present some gentle 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 extreme tropical warmth and heavy rainfall.
Execs and Cons of Residing 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 professionals and cons;
Execs of Residing in Ho Chi Minh
- Low cost value of dwelling: Every little thing from lodging, meals, drink, and transportation is considerably cheaper in HCMC than in lots of different nations 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 House: An enormous 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 lots of locations that provide dependable WiFi and cozy working environments for a digital nomad dwelling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
- Pleasant Folks: 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 incredible bar and restaurant scene that’s outstanding all through the 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 big quantities of rain and even monsoons throughout sure seasons, making the town a troublesome 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 circumstances.
- Site visitors: The roads could 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 might require environment friendly scheduling and result in some unusual assembly occasions!
Digital Nomad Visa for Ho Chi Minh
There isn’t at present a particular visa for digital nomads in Vietnam. Guests from the UK and 12 different nations can take pleasure in 45 days with out the necessity to apply for a visa. For a small price, 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 price 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 will need to have at the least 6 months of validity, be in a suitable 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 wherein to base your self as a distant employee for therefore many causes.
From the ample espresso outlets and cafes to the absolutely outfitted and available coworking areas, digital nomads gained’t have any points discovering some superb spots to work from. With all the advantages of a metropolitan metropolis on faucet too, it’s a terrific place to good your work-life steadiness.
There’s a lot to like about Ho Chi Minh. Take pleasure in!
