Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Digital Nomads & Remote Working Guide

Last Updated on January 28, 2024

Our Thoughts & Experience

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), or Saigon as it is still affectionately known by locals, is an exciting and bustling city in southern Vietnam.

It is the largest city in the country with a population of over 8 million people and it’s a place where you’ll find a unique combination of traditional Vietnamese culture and French colonial heritage, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.

During our time in the city, we loved it because we absolutely loved the food, found the locals to be incredibly friendly, it was a very affordable location, and very culturally interesting.

Furthermore, as a place to work remotely from, we had no problems at all finding quiet places to work, with good speed Internet and WiFi access. Additionally, decent accommodation is very affordable so, overall, this is a great city in our view, in which to spend a month or two as a digital nomad.

From the delicious local foods to the friendly people and unique culture, you’ll quickly understand why so many visitors fall in love with this vibrant city.

Pros and Cons of Ho Chi Minh City

While the city offers an exciting and vibrant atmosphere, there are both pros and cons that potential digital nomads should consider before making their move.

Pros of Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Cost of living: Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide variety of affordable housing options, along with low costs for food and entertainment. As a digital nomad, it’s very affordable.

2. General Infrastructure: The city has excellent transportation networks, reliable internet services, efficient banking systems, and modern healthcare facilities.

3. Quality of life: Ho Chi Minh City, not only is very affordable, but also there are a range of activities and attractions you can see that will give you, as a digital nomad, a great experience, particularly culturally.

4. Community: The vibrant community of digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh City provides plenty of social opportunities for making friends and networking. Furthermore, the people of Ho Chi Minh City are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Despite the city’s size, there is a strong sense of community among residents here that makes visitors feel right at home.

5. Weather: The climate in Ho Chi Minh City is warm and humid throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for you if you are looking to escape a colder climate such as the UK.

Cons of Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Pollution: The city has a high level of air pollution, which is caused by the high concentration of motorbikes in the area.

2. Language Barrier: English proficiency is low in many parts of Vietnam, so conversing with locals can be difficult for non-Vietnamese speakers. In Ho Chi Minh City though, you should be able to get by okay. Many younger people speak some English in the main cities.

3. Traffic Congestion & Roads Condition: The roads are often congested due to the sheer number of motorbikes on the road at any given time. If you are driving (which I wouldn’t really advise), many of the roads are in need of repair or upgrade.

4. Cultural Differences: With its own unique culture, Vietnam may take some getting used to for you if you are coming from a Western country. The cultural differences can also of course be an advantage if you are looking for a unique cultural experience!

Best Coworking Places In Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re looking to work productively, one of the most important things you need is a great workspace. With that in mind, here’s our list of the 10 best coworking spaces in Ho Chi Minh City:

1. The Hive District 1 (Our Favorite)

This is my favorite coworking in the city, as it is a fantastic place for meeting other digital nomads and locals. They often organize social events and there is a great mix of foreigners and Vietnamese, so you get more of a cultural experience in this coworking.

The office space is also perfect for getting work done. Pricing is reasonable and the location is great.

>> The Hive

2. Work Saigon Phu Nhuan

A modern and stylish space offers private offices, open desks, and meeting rooms. There’s also an on-site cafe, an event space, and a lounge area.

>> Visit Saigon Coworking

3. Serepok Coworking Space

This is a quite modern space and several friends worked from Serepok and recommended it. We didn’t get to experience Serepok but we heard positive things about it.

>> Visit the Serepok website

4. Sharespace Việt Nam

This is another excellent option for a coworking space in Ho Chmn Min City.

We tried Sharespace for a few days. The Internet was super fast and I appreciated the free tea and coffee that you can take at any time.

Very friendly staff and because it’s in District 1, it’s close to most places you’ll need.

>> Website for Sharespace Việt Nam

5. Hello World Saigon

This is kind of a coworking, coliving and hotel space all mixed into one.

It’s a great option if you are looking for everything in one place.

>> Hello World Saigon Coworking

5 Best Areas of Ho Chi Minh City to Stay in

With its bustling streets, colonial-era buildings, and delicious local cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do in HCMC and options in terms of accommodation.

We’ve put together a list of the 5 best areas of Ho Chi Minh City to make your stay as convenient and stress-free as possible.

District 1

District 1 is where we usually stay as it’s our favorite area and near everything we need.

This area is great for coworking spaces and it has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can sample some of HCMC’s best local cuisine.

This area is also very convenient if want to explore the city’s main sights, such as the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) and Notre Dame Cathedral, on your days off.

District 3

Next is District 3, a popular area with lots of great cafes and restaurants.

Here you’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese markets to upscale bistros.

District 3 is also home to some of the city’s most popular nightlife spots, so it’s perfect if you are interested in HCMC’s vibrant nightlife.

District 4

Another great area is District 4, which is known for its quiet streets and stunning views of the Saigon River.

This area is ideal if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of HCMC’s main tourist areas.

Here you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes, small restaurants, and art galleries tucked away in alleyways.

District 7

The next best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is District 7, which is home to many luxury hotels and high-end shopping malls.

District 7 also has a thriving business district where you can find plenty of modern office buildings and technology companies.

Getting Around and Local Transportation

The most popular way of getting around Ho Chi Minh City is by motorbike.

Motorbike hire shops line the streets, offering scooters for rent for an affordable fee.

If you’re uncomfortable driving a motorbike yourself, you can hire one of the many taxi services available in the city.

If you prefer to get around by public transport, Ho Chi Minh City has two main options, buses and taxis.

Buses are plentiful, with many routes connecting different parts of the city.

Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed from just about any street corner.

No matter what mode of transport you choose, getting around Ho Chi Minh City is relatively easy and convenient (but try and avoid rush hour when the streets get clogged up).

The Food, Cuisine, and Restaurants

As a bustling metropolitan hub, it offers an incredible variety of food and cuisine to tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you’re after street food snacks or high-end dining experiences, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone.

Some of the local dishes you won’t want to miss include:

• pho (rice noodles with meat)
• bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup)
• banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
• banh mi sandwiches
• and goi cuon (spring rolls)

If you prefer Western fare, there are also plenty of restaurants dishing up international cuisines too. The city also offers a variety of international cuisines from Italian to Japanese.

Best Things to Do and See

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city with lots to offer in terms of attractions and cultural experiences.

Here are twelve of the best attractions that will make your visit to Ho Chi Minh City unforgettable.

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

This iconic red-brick building, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, dates back to the 1880s and is a symbol of French colonial architecture. On Sundays and holidays, Mass is still held here.

2. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum allows visitors to gain an understanding of the effects of war on Vietnam. It houses artifacts from conflicts including the Vietnam War and features photographs depicting life during wartime.

3. Reunification Palace

Also known as ‘Independence Palace’, this iconic landmark served as South Vietnam’s presidential residence between 1966 and 1975. Today, it serves as a museum with guided tours available for those who want to explore its fascinating history.

4. Cu Chi Tunnels

Located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a unique insight into the Vietnam War. You can explore the underground network and gain an understanding of how it was used by the Viet Cong during combat.

5. Bitexco Financial Tower

This impressive skyscraper is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic buildings and offers stunning views from its observation deck. It also houses several restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.

6. Ben Thanh Market

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest markets, Ben Thanh is a bustling shopping experience with plenty of local goods on sale – from food to souvenirs and clothing.

7. Emperor Jade Pagoda

Built in 1909, this Buddhist temple features intricate details and a selection of sacred statues. It is one of the most important places of worship in Ho Chi Minh City and still welcomes visitors today.

8. Giac Lam Pagoda

Inside, you will find several exquisite Buddha sculptures as well as other ornate decorations throughout the building.

9. Pham Ngu Lao Street

This lively street is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers an array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops for visitors to explore.

10. Vietnam History Museum

Located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, this museum houses several exhibitions on the history of Vietnam from pre-historic times to the modern day. It also features artifacts such as weapons and documents related to the country’s wars.

11. Parks

Ho Chi Minh City is full of lush parks perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic. Some of the most popular include Tao Dan Park, September 23rd Park, and Dam Sen Park, which all offer plenty of greenery and plenty of entertainment options such as swimming pools and amusement rides.

12. Mekong Delta

Just a few hours away from Ho Chi Minh City lies the stunning Mekong Delta, an area of immense natural beauty. Here, visitors can take part in boat tours, explore the local villages, and see traditional stilt houses along the riverbanks.

Cost of Living for Digital Nomads

Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, making it one of the most affordable cities in Southeast Asia.

There are many great affordable options in HCMC with a wide range of accommodation options with average rent prices starting from USD $250 a month.

Additionally, food and drinks are quite affordable too.

You can expect to pay around $3-5 USD for a meal in one of the local restaurants, and prices for basic necessities such as toiletries are considerably lower than in other parts of the world.

Public transportation is also accessible and reliable, allowing you to explore what the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Resources

I have been traveling for many years and have come to use a lot of travel sites and resources for booking my trips. They represent the companies that I often use and have served me well and they are the first ones I use when booking new trips.

• Booking.com – they tend to provide very competitive prices and the reviews are easy to view, and they normally have something available wherever in the world I am going to. They also now provide airport transfers, local attractions, and flights.
• Safety Wing Travel Insurance – Safety Wing has become one of the leaders in travel insurance, especially for remote workers and digital nomads as they provide cover that includes for long-term stays.
• Get Your Guide – is the site on which I normally book tours (I love to visit the local sports stadia, aquarium, royal palace, and some cultural attractions). With get Your Guide they have excellent customer support and have a wide range of tours.

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