Long known as a favorite destination of backpackers and adventure travelers, Vietnam has also grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most popular countries for digital nomads.
With its low cost of living and increasing variety of high-end hotels, apartments, and other places to stay, Saigon—Vietnam’s largest city and commercial hub—offers the opportunity to enjoy an exciting, luxurious lifestyle on a relatively modest budget.
Whether you’re a remote worker or someone seeking a unique and rewarding place to live for a sabbatical, Saigon, which is also known as Ho Chi Minh City, has a lot to offer. Below, we’ve put together a detailed guide to life in Saigon for flashpackers and digital nomads.
First off, why Saigon? As Vietnam’s biggest city and economic hub, Saigon is most people’s first point of entry into Vietnam. As such, it has the country’s largest selection of interesting things to do, places to stay, cafés, restaurants, and more.
Add year-round warm weather, a bustling atmosphere, and some of Southeast Asia’s best dining and entertainment options into the mix. Vietnam’s largest city has a lot to offer, whether you plan to stay for a week or several months.
One of Saigon’s biggest advantages is its affordable cost of living. Despite being the most costly city in Vietnam, Saigon’s cost of living is highly affordable in comparison to international cities of the same size and level of development.
Depending on your tastes and expectations, you should expect to spend from $1,000 to $5,000 per month to maintain a comfortable standard of living in Saigon.
Vietnam has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with an average growth as high as seven percent. In major digital nomad cities, the growth rate is even higher—a fact that’s transformed large urban areas over the past decade.
Because of this rapid development, cities like Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi are bustling with new hotels, luxury apartments, and other developments.
Digital nomads seeking an unforgettable luxurious experience will find it in three districts. The first is Thao Dien—a riverside area that’s long been known as Saigon’s most popular area for digital nomads and expatriates.
Thao Dien offers a selection of luxurious apartments and villas, many of which offer views of the Saigon River. It’s also home to some of Saigon’s best restaurants and cafés.
You can find apartments for rent in Thao Dien from a few hundred dollars for smaller units to as much as several thousand dollars per month for duplexes and penthouses. The area also has a diverse selection of serviced residences available for rent on a daily or weekly basis.
The second area of interest for digital nomads is Binh Thanh District, a densely populated area located on the opposite side of the Saigon River from Thao Dien. This is where you can find the eye-catching Landmark 81 building, currently the tallest building in Southeast Asia.
The final area of interest is District 1, Saigon’s main commercial core, and the historic center of the city. Life in District 1 is bustling, fast-paced, and exciting, although higher prices and a more touristic feel could mean that this district isn’t for everyone.
Cafés and coworking spaces are essential for any digital nomad looking to be productive, and Saigon is full of interesting places to set up your laptop and focus on important tasks.
In Thao Dien, you’ll find coworking spaces such as The Hive, which offers a relaxing space for digital nomads to work in as well as a variety of events and workshops.
Other coworking spaces can also be found throughout the city. In District 7, Rilex offers a large and conducive environment where you can work, while Regus facilities are located throughout Saigon’s major business areas.
If you’re more of the café type, you’ll find countless options for working in just about every major neighborhood of Saigon, including the popular VCR and The Coffee House chains, which offer a comfortable working environment and fast, free Wi-Fi.
Although Saigon is a rewarding place to live in, there are a few things you’ll need to know if you’re planning to make the move, either as an ex-pat or as a digital nomad.
First, Vietnam offers several visas for foreign visitors. If you’re visiting for just a few months, your best bet is to apply for a tourist visa in your home country ahead of time, as this will allow you to stay for up to three months in the country.
Once you’re in Vietnam, it’s possible to extend your tourist visa through a visa agency to increase the length of your stay.
The second is the basics of accessing your funds while in Vietnam. ATMs in Vietnam generally have low daily withdrawal limits, meaning, you may want to set up an account with a local bank such as HSBC or Shinhan Bank (both of which operate in Vietnam) to avoid costly ATM fees.
Finally, thanks to Southern Vietnam’s tropical climate, it’s important to be aware of the seasons before moving to Saigon.
Saigon’s dry season lasts from November until the end of April, while the rainy season extends from May until late October. Unless you’re fond of heavy downpours, you’ll probably enjoy the weather more during the dry season.
Overall, Vietnam’s largest city offers an exciting lifestyle, and for luxury digital nomads, an ever-increasing selection of places to stay in and experiences to remember.
While Singapore, Taipei, and other large cities might spring to mind first when you think of warm and exciting Asian metropolises, Saigon’s rapid economic development and fast-paced lifestyle give it a lot to offer for digital nomads.
