Working remotely and getting to see the world is becoming more and more popular with all the necessary technology right at our fingertips. Being a digital nomad is a dream life for those who don’t want to be stuck in one location and want to see interesting places, traveling only with a backpack and a computer.
But what is the best place to choose as a digital nomad? The possibilities seem endless! In this blog, we’ll go through several reasons why Vietnam is the ideal destination for digital nomads, along with some tips and easy vocabulary.
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Working As A Digital Nomad In Vietnam
There are some things to take into account when digital nomads pick a place to live and work. First off, the country where they work should preferably be affordable, with easy access to high-speed internet.
Remote workers choose Vietnam for exactly these reasons. Good internet is super important, as it allows people to stay productive and connected all the time. In Vietnam, you’ll find fast and reliable internet almost anywhere in the country.
You’ll be happy to know that Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia, making it that more appealing for digital nomads.
Best Places To Work In Vietnam As A Digital Nomad
There are many places where you can work as a digital nomad, from larger cities to some other options scattered across the country. Here are the most common places digital nomads choose to work remotely in Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam! It’s cheaper to live here than in many other big cities, and there are lots of different places to stay, from cheap hostels to fancy hotels.
Getting around is easy with good transportation, and the internet is fast and dependable. Plus, there are plenty of coworking spaces with everything you need to work remotely. It’s a great place to live, work, and soak up Vietnam’s lively culture and history.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has a very bustling city center, along with some cultural treasures in the old quarter. Being Vietnam’s business hub, you’ll find so many digital nomads here who use coworking spaces and cafés to work.
Here, you can find cheap places to stay, like cozy hostels. Plus, there are plenty of coworking spots where you can work and meet other nomads. Outside of work, you can explore Hanoi’s historic sights, chill by its lakes and rivers, or take trips to amazing places like Ha Long Bay. It’s a fun and affordable city to live and work in!
Hội An
If you’re not so much into bustling cities, then the charming Hội An may be the better choice for you. This is an ancient port city that’s famous for its old buildings and colorful lanterns. It’s like stepping back in time, with its narrow streets and ancient houses.
People love to visit Hội An to stroll around the old town, shop for handmade crafts, and eat delicious Vietnamese food. Plus, it’s not far from beautiful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. It’s a really pretty and peaceful place to explore! It may be a better choice as there isn’t as much traffic, which makes working in the cafés along the river the perfect place for digital nomads.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a beach coastal town where many digital nomads go. Known for its nightlife and stunning beaches, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to relax and recharge after a long day at work. There, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, budget-friendly as well as luxury resorts, whatever fits your needs better.
The place has a large expat community, helping you find like-minded individuals who are also working remotely. Other than that, the internet is fast; there are plenty of coworking spaces, and the affordable cost, in general, allows for a comfortable lifestyle and assures that you get lots of work done!
Phu Quoc
While other places mentioned in this blog may have more developed digital nomad lifestyle options, Phu Quoc is the solution for those who want to experience this kind of life on an island. While you won’t find so many other expats, you can still enjoy time here with tranquil beaches, lush landscapes, diving, snorkeling and many more activities after you’re done with work for the day!
Everything You Should Know About The Vietnam Visa
While some countries give out special visas for digital nomads, Vietnam isn’t one of them. As a visitor, you can apply for a tourist visa or a tourist eVisa. This varies depending on countries, but the visa allows a certain amount of time you can stay, with the option to extend as well.
If you’re a digital nomad planning to visit Vietnam, there are three main ways to obtain a tourist visa. You can apply online for a tourist eVisa through the Vietnam immigration website. You may get a visa on arrival, which are available at specified entry points, mainly at international airports in major cities. Or, if you are not eligible for an eVisa, you can apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
It may take a few days before you get your eVisa after paying, and visa on arrival approvals range from 2 to 4 working days. If you go to an embassy, the time depends on the specific office.
You’ll need to present a passport, visa application form, proof of visa fee payment, and any other documents required. A tourist visa will typically cost something between $25 and $50.
If you want to stay and work in Vietnam longer, you’ll have to extend your visa regularly.
Why Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia with a great climate, friendly people, and delicious street food. The country is also quite well known for its unique culture. Each region has its own customs and beliefs.
You can explore endless markets, temples, forests, waterfalls, cultural events, and historical attractions while traveling in Vietnam. Even being there for a few months is not enough to experience everything the culture of Vietnam has to offer! You can very easily and affordably move around the country using sleep buses and trains, saving on accommodation costs as well.
The low cost of living in general makes everything mentioned only a big plus for those who wish to live there.
How Do You Say Digital Nomad In Vietnamese?
In the Vietnamese language, “digital nomad” can be translated as du mục kỹ thuật số. It also translates to ”digital traveler” in English. It refers to someone who travels while relying on technology, such as a digital nomad who works remotely while exploring different locations.
Other ways to say Digital nomad in Vietnamese are dân du lịch số and dân du lịch công nghệ số.
Dân du lịch số refers to people who travel digitally, while dân du lịch công nghệ số emphasizes the use of technology in their nomadic lifestyle, translating to “digital travelers” and “digital technology travelers”
Vietnamese Travel Vocabulary
When in Vietnam, you’ll probably need some basic words and phrases to go around, especially if you’re trying to find good spots to work. Don’t worry; the locals are super friendly and will be happy to help you! You could also use the Ling app if you want to know more about Vietnamese, but for now, why not try learning these and impressing the locals?
Frequently Asked Questions About Being A Digital Nomad In Vietnam
How Much Does It Cost To Be A Digital Nomad In Vietnam?
While the cost of being a digital nomad can depend on your lifestyle and preferences, it will be anywhere from $600 to $1500 per month. This covers accommodation, food, getting around, using spaces to work, and other smaller costs. Keep in mind that prices may be slightly higher in large tourist spots than in small towns or the countryside.
Is It Legal To Be A Digital Nomad In Vietnam?
Vietnam doesn’t offer a special visa for digital nomads. To stay legally for a longer time, you need the right visa or permit. Many choose a tourist or business visa and then extend it. You should follow the country’s rules to avoid any trouble.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Taxes In Vietnam?
If you make money while in Vietnam, you might have to pay taxes. If you’re there for 183 days or more in a year, you could need to pay tax on all your income, no matter where it comes from. Tax rules depend on your situation, for example, the kind of income you receive: from employment, self-employment, or investments.
Ready To Go To Vietnam?
I hope this blog shed some light and helped you with your decision on where to travel next. As a digital nomad myself, I found working in Vietnam very enjoyable and easy. While this sort of life may also present its challenges, it’s all worth it in the end when you can continue exploring all the amazing things traveling remotely has to offer. It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
