Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. I spent an excellent 6-weeks working remotely from this vibrant Vietnamese metropolis and cherished my time there. It’s such a spirited and vigorous place crammed with shade, 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 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 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 perhaps like in Ho Chi Minh, I’ve acquired you coated. 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 crammed with an power that by no means appears to decrease and a pulsating vibe that pulls folks from all around the globe. Whereas the official title change to Ho Chi Minh passed off in 1976 after the Vietnam Battle, many locals nonetheless generally check with it by its former title.
With a inhabitants of 9.3 million folks, it’s 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 gorgeous skyline of HCMC affords 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 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 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 have been actually low for my 45-day keep. It enhanced my general expertise and gave me a very good dwelling base to work from. In case you’re desirous about home sitting, try my 8 professional ideas for touchdown a home sitting job.
I typically wish to enterprise out for some totally different surroundings on work days and located that WiFi is offered just about in all places. I even managed to choose up free entry whereas sitting on the seaside in Vung Tau just lately – 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 search 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 a couple of of my favourite spots later. Nice espresso homes with excellent espresso for reasonable costs are plentiful and are an incredible possibility for distant working.
The price of residing 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 procuring was each straightforward 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 the town. That being stated, you must all the time train normal precautions, akin to safeguarding digital gadgets and being conscious of your environment. Total, 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 anyplace else.
Violent crimes are uncommon, and the native inhabitants is understood for its hospitality. By rigorously following primary 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 Stay 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. Under, I’ve outlined the 5 finest areas to stay while working as a digital nomad in HCMC.
1. District 1 (Quáºn 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, road distributors, and the fixed hum of exercise. Residing in District 1 means proximity to vigorous areas akin to 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 the whole lot from conventional textiles to native delicacies. Because the central enterprise and business hub, District 1 additionally hosts quite a few upscale accommodations, procuring malls, and coworking areas.
2. District 2 (Quáºn 2)
District 2 has developed 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 dwelling. It’s a welcoming vacationer hotspot, that has some incredible completely satisfied 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 straightforward to search out. I had the posh of residing between D1 and D2 throughout my home sit and acquired to expertise each in equal measure. It was an effective way to totally expertise each districts in additional depth.
3. Binh Thanh District (Quáºn Bình Thạnh)
Positioned to the northeast of D1, Binh Thanh District affords a tremendous mix of custom and fast city improvement. Traditionally an industrial space, Binh Thanh has undergone vital transformation, with trendy condominiums and high-rises which have created a shocking 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 attributable to its central location and numerous worldwide facilities.
Binh Thanh is a perfect possibility for digital nomads searching for trendy amenities in an ever-modernizing setting, with the cultural gems of Saigon’s previous all inside straightforward attain.
4. District 3 (Quáºn 3)
District 3 is an attractive 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 affords a recent twist on conventional HCMC road markets. The comfortably laid out and manageable choice 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 occasional retailers with wonderful free WiFi are simply accessible within the space.
5. District 7 (Quáºn 7).
District 7, additionally known as Phu My Hung, is a contemporary city improvement on the southern facet 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 horny worldwide attraction.
The star attraction of District 7 is Phu My Hung New Metropolis Heart, an space that includes huge boulevards, landscaped parks, and trendy skyscrapers. The Crescent Mall, an iconic procuring vacation spot, has a mixture of high-end retailers and numerous advantageous eating choices. It’s additionally an incredible 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 folks working remotely in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Listed here are a couple of of the perfect 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 Stage 3 membership may be fairly substantial. The choice to cancel free of charge and e-book with out fee is of nice profit to digital nomads like myself.
2. Airbnb: One other nice possibility with 1000’s of listings for all budgets in Ho Chi Minh is Airbnb. I all the time suggest adjusting budgets to decrease quantities to search out cheaper choices which 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 due to 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 residing proof that they are often secured. Use low cost code GOATS20 for 20% off!
4. Workaway: In case you’re up for exchanging just a little of your time for a spot of educating English, for instance, you’ll be able to land free lodging with Workaway. Meals is continuously 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 nations I’ve labored from remotely. I’ve categorized some on a regular basis bills beneath and provides 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 a very good 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 value of issues like meat, eggs, sure fruits, and greens. 2 respectable dimension rooster breasts price $3 and 10 eggs are round $1.
Costs for Western cheese, wine, and numerous non-dairy milks are pretty in step with the prices I’ve seen elsewhere on the earth. The deli counters are nice locations to choose up inexpensive lunches. Set Sushi plates and salad/meat combos are all the time accessible and price round $1-$2.
Lodging Prices
The vary of lodging in Ho Chi Minh is kind of spectacular; there’s one thing for each funds. Whereas reserving my keep I discovered some fantastic-looking accommodations and flats for as little as $20/evening. However throughout the identical search, I discovered comparable choices for $300/evening. The rationale for the worth disparity is unclear so it’s positively 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 house complicated with a rooftop pool and fitness center included for $50/evening.
In my remaining week, I moved out of the town towards Vung Tau Seashore and paid $120 for per week. Once more, it was an incredible house in an attractive complicated with a rooftop infinity pool and fitness center included. My recommendation is to buy round, learn critiques, and snap up the bargains if 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 case 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 only one particular person can journey with the motive force.
Seize additionally affords 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 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 totally 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 somewhat let you know what I paid.
I acquired 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 sweet.
- Although taxis aren’t overly costly, you’ll lower your expenses over a month’s keep utilizing Seize.
- Airbnb hosts often provide terrific reductions on longer stays. This will quantity to tons of of {dollars} for a single journey.
- Reserving.com’s Genius Membership Program has some superb financial savings that embrace 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 apply 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 totally different spots throughout my keep. Some nice choices can be found throughout the varied districts. You’ll discover the whole lot from constant and quiet working environments to energizing and motivating artistic areas.
1. Sharespace
In case you imply enterprise whereas in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and wish the complete sizzling 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 amenities.
They provide a number of choices and costs to go well with each digital nomad’s funds. Fundamental packages are round $15 and embrace the whole lot a distant employee may have to get the job performed, 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 wonderful possibility for anybody residing in HCMC as a digital nomad.
Their each day charges begin at 190,000 VND (round $8) and consists of the whole lot that you must full a very good strong shift on the laptop computer. The Hive’s month-to-month 24/7 entry membership prices round $90 and affords entry to a pool; that means you’ll be able to take common dips between convention calls – bliss!
3. Good day World Saigon
In case you fancy being within the coronary heart of D1’s pulsating monetary district whilst you work, Good day World Saigon would be the coworking house for you. Right here, you’ll be working steps from the attractive Saigon River and within the rapid presence of the towering Landmark 81 constructing.
This contemporary, snug, and well-equipped surroundings is a good selection for any form of digital nomad. It was a spot the place I spent various afternoons working away. The very inexpensive day charge 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 accessible, Ho Chi Minh is dwelling to many cafes with wonderful WiFi and comfy areas for digital nomads. The cafe tradition is big and also you gained’t need to journey far to discover a good espresso store in HCMC. Listed here are a few my favourite spots for working in;
- Beenthere Cafe: A shiny, spacious, and comfy cafe with excellent espresso, dependable, quick WiFi, and pleasant employees.
- The Espresso Home: A smooth {and professional} surroundings 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 inexpensive and diverse espresso choices, and free WiFi for all prospects. Highlands are in all places 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 here are a couple of of the nice actions that make HCMC such a charming place to work remotely.
1. Battle Remnants Museum
As museums go, the Battle Remnants Museum must 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 Battle. You may 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 akin to helicopters, jets, missiles, and heavy artillery, 3 flooring of exhibition rooms showcase many horrific features of the Vietnam/America battle. Be warned, some elements are surprising to take a look at and act as a harsh reminder of the devastation of conflict.
2. Ben Thanh Market
With no consideration of passage, everybody ought to go to Ben Thanh Market not less than 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 the whole lot from clothes and materials to watches and peanuts. In order for you it, you’ll possible discover it in Ben Thanh Market. Don’t overlook to haggle – it’s a suitable strategy to procuring in Vietnam marketplaces. I used to be instructed to instantly halve regardless of the said value is and hold decreasing my provide till they cave!
3. Landmark 81
It’s unattainable 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 may 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 the perfect views within the metropolis. Purpose to reach at 5.30 pm so you’ll be able to sit with a cocktail because the solar goes down and the Landmark lights up.
4. Craft Beer Bars
In case you love craft beer then Ho Chi Minh has acquired you coated. The explosion within the craft beer business has not escaped Vietnam and there are some nice bars to be discovered all throughout the town. Costs are just a little dearer in comparison with native beers but it surely’s nonetheless rather more inexpensive for an incredible 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 affords a 2-for-1 completely satisfied hour daily 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 folks. I noticed an American couple study this the onerous approach.
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 attractive and tranquil setting and an incredible place to go to. The free-to-visit park is a mirrored image of the Mekong Delta with gorgeous water options, river views, wood bridges, and superb flower preparations and gardens.
On weekend evenings the park affords an enormous buffet. For round $12 guests can feast on a combination 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 frequent 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 fully manageable. It allowed me to comfortably discover all the town’s cultural websites, vigorous road scenes, and scrumptious delicacies with out the extreme tropical warmth and heavy rainfall.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Ho Chi Minh
In case you’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 price of residing: Every 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 median 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 plenty of locations that provide dependable WiFi and comfy working environments for a digital nomad residing 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: Exterior of working hours, digital nomads can benefit from the incredible bar and restaurant scene that’s distinguished 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.
- Totally different Tradition: Traditions, cultures, and cuisines are significantly totally different in HCMC and may very well 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 tough place to traverse.
- Air pollution: With so many mopeds and automobiles 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.
- Site 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 presently a selected visa for digital nomads in Vietnam. Guests from the UK and 12 different nations can get pleasure from 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 performed 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 observe the same course of, click on right here for more information.
All passports should have not less than 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 during which to base your self as a distant employee for therefore many causes.
From the ample espresso retailers and cafes to the absolutely outfitted and available coworking areas, digital nomads gained’t have any points discovering some splendid spots to work from. With all the advantages of a metropolitan metropolis on faucet too, it’s an incredible place to good your work-life stability.
There’s a lot to like about Ho Chi Minh. Take pleasure in!
