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 vigorous place crammed with 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 finest cities to base your self for distant working. Whether or not you’re in search of a devoted workspace geared up 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 acquired you coated. Let’s dive in and get began.
About Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh, previously often called Saigon, is a bustling metropolis. It’s crammed with an power that by no means appears to decrease and a pulsating vibe that draws folks from all world wide. Whereas the official title change to Ho Chi Minh befell in 1976 after the Vietnam Warfare, many locals nonetheless generally consult 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 serious heart for commerce, finance, and commerce, and serves as a hub for enterprise.
The gorgeous skyline of HCMC presents a glimpse into the monetary successes of town with large 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 all the things they might need in a metropolis.
For me, I’ll ceaselessly 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 note 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 general expertise and gave me a great house base to work from. In case you’re serious 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 choose 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 reasonable costs are plentiful and are an ideal choice 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 procuring was each simple and inexpensive with the native ride-share app Seize.
Is Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Secure?
Security is usually not a big concern for guests to town. That being mentioned, you need to all the time train commonplace 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 in search of 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 carefully following fundamental security tips 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 Reside 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. Under, I’ve outlined the 5 finest areas to stay 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 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 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 all the things 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 (Quận 2)
District 2 has developed into an expat haven and an escape for these in search of a barely extra laid-back HCMC way of life. Characterised by its spacious residential houses, worldwide faculties, 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 house. It’s a welcoming vacationer hotspot, that has some improbable pleased 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 seek out. I had the posh of dwelling between D1 and D2 throughout my home sit and acquired 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 presents a tremendous mix of custom and speedy city improvement. 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 traces the district, offering picturesque views. Binh Thanh District is more and more changing 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 in search of fashionable amenities 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 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 ambiance with glimpses into the traditional every day routines of native folks. Alternatively, The Field Market presents a up to date twist on conventional HCMC road markets. The comfortably laid out and manageable number 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 low retailers 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 town’s historic options with many up to date parts and has a lovely worldwide attraction.
The star attraction of District 7 is Phu My Hung New Metropolis Middle, an space that includes extensive boulevards, landscaped parks, and fashionable skyscrapers. The Crescent Mall, an iconic procuring vacation spot, has a mixture of high-end retailers and various high quality eating choices. It’s additionally an ideal spot for distant working.
D7’s Crescent Lake is a well-liked recreation and leisure spot and supplies a serene escape with waterfront promenades and jogging paths.
Learn 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 just a few of the perfect 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 could be fairly substantial. The choice to cancel without spending a dime and guide with out cost 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 large 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 in search of 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 case you’re up for exchanging somewhat of your time for a spot of educating English, for instance, you’ll be able to land free lodging with Workaway. Meals is ceaselessly included, and I’ve had a few of my most memorable experiences world wide 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 international locations 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 obtainable that digital nomads can simply eat a great meal for round $2-$5pp.
Grocery procuring is a enjoyable expertise in Vietnam – the massive 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 value $3 and 10 eggs are round $1.
Costs for Western cheese, wine, and varied 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 obtainable 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 finances. 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 explanation for the value disparity is unclear so it’s undoubtedly value taking a while to do your individual analysis and make your individual 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 advanced with a rooftop pool and health club included for $50/evening.
In my remaining week, I moved out of town towards Vung Tau Seaside and paid $120 for per week. Once more, it was an ideal house in a wonderful advanced with a rooftop infinity pool and health club included. My recommendation is to buy round, learn opinions, 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 totally translated into English and as user-friendly as any ride-share app in the marketplace.
Brief journeys will value round $1-$2, my 30-minute journey from the airport value lower than $10. In case you dare, it’s also possible to guide a Seize moped to return and choose you up, and that is often half the value of a automotive. They fortunately deliver a helmet so that you can put on, however just one individual can experience 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 a good 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 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 very 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 lots of, for you right here however slightly let you know 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 sweet.
- Although taxis should not 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 a whole bunch 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 website 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 typical follow 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 varied districts. You’ll discover all the things 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 standard and dependable workplace amenities.
They provide a bunch of choices and costs to go well with each digital nomad’s finances. Fundamental packages are round $15 and embody all the things a distant employee might must get the job completed, 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 choice for anybody dwelling in HCMC as a digital nomad.
Their every day charges begin at 190,000 VND (round $8) and contains all the things you should full a great stable 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’ll be able to take common dips between convention calls – bliss!
3. Hi there World Saigon
In case you fancy being within the coronary heart of D1’s pulsating monetary district when you work, Hi there World Saigon stands out as the coworking area 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, comfy, and well-equipped surroundings is a superb alternative for any sort of digital nomad. It was a spot the place I spent quite a lot of afternoons working away. The very inexpensive day price of round $8 contains espresso, water, and business-hour entry.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Ho Chi Minh
Along with the numerous official coworking choices obtainable, Ho Chi Minh is house to many cafes with glorious WiFi and comfy 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 vivid, spacious, and comfy cafe with excellent espresso, dependable, quick WiFi, and pleasant workers.
- The Espresso Home: A glossy {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 assorted espresso choices, and free WiFi for all prospects. 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 just a few of the nice actions that make HCMC such a fascinating place to work remotely.
1. Warfare Remnants Museum
As museums go, the Warfare 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 Warfare. You’ll be able to see numerous it from the road, however with tickets priced at round $1.50pp, it’s value each cent.
On prime of quite a few intact navy plane akin to helicopters, jets, missiles, and heavy artillery, 3 flooring of exhibition rooms showcase many horrific points 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
With no consideration 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 all the things from clothes and materials to watches and peanuts. If you’d like it, you’ll probably discover it in Ben Thanh Market. Don’t overlook to haggle – it’s a suitable method to procuring in Vietnam marketplaces. I used to be informed to right away halve regardless of the acknowledged worth is and preserve reducing 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 superbly each evening at 6 pm and is a shocking and iconic image.
You’ll be able to 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 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 trade has not escaped Vietnam and there are some nice bars to be discovered all throughout town. Costs are somewhat costlier in comparison with native beers nevertheless it’s nonetheless far more inexpensive for an ideal 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 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 folks. I noticed an American couple be taught this the arduous means.
5. Binh Quoi 1 Vacationer Village
I used to be somewhat postpone by the title ‘Vacationer Village’ at first too, however don’t be deterred. Binh Quoi is a wonderful and tranquil setting and an ideal 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 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.
Through 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 ambiance. Transient however intense afternoon downpours are frequent however they do present some mild reduction 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 fully manageable. It allowed me to comfortably discover all 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, think about first these execs and cons;
Execs of Residing in Ho Chi Minh
- Low-cost value of dwelling: All the pieces 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: An enormous 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 lots of locations that supply dependable WiFi and comfy working environments for a digital nomad dwelling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
- Pleasant Folks: Locals and expats alike are welcoming of tourists and HCMC has a pleasant inviting really feel.
- Nice Social Scene: Exterior of working hours, digital nomads can benefit from the improbable bar and restaurant scene that’s outstanding all through town.
Cons of Residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
- Language Barrier: Though many Ho Chi Minh residents do communicate English, it’s not unusual to work together with locals who don’t communicate something however their native tongue.
- Completely different Tradition: Traditions, cultures, and cuisines are significantly completely different in HCMC and might be difficult for anybody used to house comforts.
- Heavy Rain: Ho Chi Minh can expertise large quantities of rain and even monsoons throughout sure seasons, making 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 comparable 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 the moment a selected 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 completed 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 will need to have at the very least 6 months of validity, be in a suitable situation, and have two clean pages for visa stamps.
In Conclusion
I can’t communicate 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 totally geared up and available coworking areas, digital nomads received’t have any points discovering some very best spots to work from. With all the advantages of a metropolitan metropolis on faucet too, it’s an ideal place to good your work-life steadiness.
There’s a lot to like about Ho Chi Minh. Take pleasure in!
