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Digital Nomad & Remote Work Guide for Vietnam (2025 Edition)

Posted by jeanseb on November 10, 2025
Cost of Living & Finances, Expat Life & Culture, Renting & Housing
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Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s hottest spots for remote workers. Fast internet, lively culture, and affordable living attract freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals from around the globe. If you’re wondering, Can I afford it? Will the Wi-Fi work? Where should I go? and What are the rules?, this guide is for you. Here’s how to make the most of working remotely from Vietnam—plus hidden gems and surprising facts you didn’t expect.

Table of Contents

Why Vietnam?Digital Nomad & Remote Work Guide for Vietnam (2025 Edition) 1

  • Affordable living: Most nomads live well on $700–$1,500/month.

  • Reliable internet: Even small cafes offer speeds over 100 Mbps—often faster than neighboring countries!

  • Community: Welcoming expats, regular meetups, coworking events, and language exchanges.

  • Food: From street food to vegan bistros, there’s something for every taste.

  • Visa: The popular 90-day e-visa lets you stay longer, and policies now offer more flexibility for repeat visitors.​

Top Cities & Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon is a more modern location in Vietnam, very busy.

The romantic Saigon: Between traditions and modernity.

 

  • District 1: Central, always buzzing. Choose from dozens of coworking spaces (Dreamplex, Toong, The Workshop), endless cafés, and nonstop nightlife.

  • Thao Dien (District 2): Calm, green, packed with international food and cozy work spots.

    Two people working on laptops and chatting in a cozy Thao Dien café

    Thao Dien’s café culture makes it a favorite hub for remote workers and creatives. Here at Ri Street

  • Vinhomes Grand Park (VHGP) in District 9 offers modern apartments at much lower prices than central Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular, budget-friendly choice for both expats and digital nomads.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a great destination for remote / nomad workers

A typical scene of Hanoi

  • Tay Ho (West Lake): Expats love the lakeside views, modern apartments, and social café scene. The air quality is often better than in the Old Quarter, and it is full of hidden coffee shops and fitness studios. There’s a really cool short-term apartment you should check out: https://theurbanhanoi.com/
    It’s near Train Street and West Lake — two of the nicest areas to stay in Hanoi.

  • Ba Dinh/Hoan Kiem: Dynamic, close to business hubs, lots of coworking, walkable streets. This is the pulse of the city, offering a mix of history, street food, and modern office spaces.

Da Nang

  • An Thuong: Digital nomad central. Coffee shops, beach, Western-friendly rentals, yoga studios. It’s the most concentrated spot for remote workers, making networking easy, and you’re always just a short walk from the ocean.

  • Son Tra Peninsula: Quieter, more residential area north of the main beach strip. Good option for those who want affordable, modern apartment complexes with mountain and sea views, but still close to the action.

Hidden Gem Destinations for Nomads

Da Lat
Up in the mountains, Da Lat offers cool temperatures, creative hidden cafés, cheap accommodation, and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for escaping tropical heat, hiking on weekends, and sipping award-winning local coffee.

Cao Bang
Way off the beaten path, Cao Bang is mostly rice fields, rivers, and unspoiled nature. The 4G is surprisingly strong; cost of living is ultra low. You’ll meet very few tourists, and it’s paradise for riders and photographers.

Quy Nhon
On the central coast, Quy Nhon is a lesser-known beach town with super-fast internet, fresh local seafood, and affordable resorts. Fewer crowds, great sunsets, and an easy pace.

Can Tho
Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has floating markets, peaceful riverside cafés, and chill evenings by the water. Remote work is easy; every café seems to have Wi-Fi and nobody hassles you for working.

Ha Giang
This far north province is famous for its breathtaking mountains and epic motorbike loops. Surprisingly, villages and even road-side cafés have decent mobile connection—you can Zoom from places with world-class views.

Where to Work: Coworking & Cafés

  • Popular chains: Dreamplex, The Hive, Toong (available in big cities).

    • Day rates: $6–$12; Monthly: $70–$150.

  • Cafés: Most have super-fast Wi-Fi and are fine with laptops. Some even open 24/7.

  • Apartments: Most offer high-speed fiber included in rent.

  • Pro tip: Even street food vendors near universities often have Wi-Fi—just ask!

Surprising Facts for Digital Nomads in Vietnam

Remote worker on laptop in Vietnamese café, overlooking the street outside

From café to coworking space — embracing the remote-work lifestyle in Vietnam.

  • Many apartments offer weekly maid service, included in rent—less cleaning, more free time.

  • Coworking spaces often host community yoga or skill-sharing events in English—easy way to make friends.

  • You’ll find food, groceries, and coffee delivered in under 30 minutes, even in smaller cities, using Grab, Baemin, or Now.

  • Neighborhoods outside the city center can be super affordable, green, and quiet—especially in hidden gems like Da Lat and Cao Bang.

  • Most locals are happy to help with tech problems or recommendations; don’t be afraid to ask!

Getting Set Up

    • SIM cards: Viettel and Vinaphone are solid, buy at airports or local shops.

    • Banking: MoMo and ZaloPay apps for instant payments. Long-term stay? Open a local bank account.

⚠️ Essential Cash Tip for Digital Nomads:
Vietnam is still a cash-first country for daily living. Without a Vietnamese bank account (which requires a work visa), most digital nomads can only use e-wallets (MoMo, ZaloPay, ShopeePay) in limited ways—mainly topping up with cash or receiving funds from other users. You’ll need cash for renting motorbikes, eating at small local restaurants, paying for street groceries, and covering immediate expenses. ATMs are widely available; bring an international debit card and always carry some Vietnamese đồng (VND) for convenience. Cash is king in Vietnam for daily transactions.

  • Transport: Grab and Be apps for rides, or local buses/bikes for the adventurous.

  • Groceries: Modern supermarkets are everywhere; local markets offer cheap, fresh veggies.

Work-Life Balance & Social Life

  • Regular expat meetups and networking events in every major city

  • Fitness: gyms, yoga, swimming pools, bike rentals, jogging paths

  • Weekend trips: Beaches, mountains, waterfalls—all easy to access

Visa Tips

  • 90-day e-visa: Easy online application, with some extension and border run options.

  • Tourist visas are often enough for remote work, but double-check your employer’s policy.

  • Always confirm details with official sites or reliable expat groups.

Quick Safety Tips

  • Inspect properties before paying deposits; bring a friend or local.

  • Use bank transfers for big payments, get a signed contract.

  • Avoid rental scams by using trusted Facebook or Telegram groups.

  • Test the internet speed at your rental before you commit.

Local Stories & Voices

“Switching between Saigon’s fast pace and Da Lat’s chill mountain air keeps my work-life balance healthy!”
— Emily, UK brand designer

“Can Tho’s riverside cafés are peaceful, food is cheap, and locals are super friendly. Perfect remote work spot I never expected.”
— Hugo, French freelancer

Vietnam vs. Thailand vs. Cambodia: Which is Best?

Choosing between Southeast Asia’s top nomad destinations? Here’s the quick comparison:

  • Internet Speed: Vietnam (100+ Mbps) beats Thailand (50-100 Mbps) and Cambodia (25-50 Mbps).
  • Cost: Cambodia is cheapest ($600-1,200/month), Vietnam is mid-range ($700-1,500), Thailand highest ($800-1,800).
  • Visa Ease: Cambodia easiest (30-day visa), Thailand moderate (60-day), Vietnam solid (90-day e-visa).
  • Nomad Community: Thailand has the most established scene, Vietnam is growing fast, Cambodia is smallest.
  • Language: Thailand best for English speakers, Vietnam moderate, Cambodia challenging.
  • Healthcare: Thailand excellent, Vietnam good in cities, Cambodia basic.

Bottom line: Choose Vietnam for reliable internet + culture + value. Choose Thailand for comfort + established community + beaches. Choose Cambodia for budget + adventure.

Tax & Legal: What Remote Workers Need to Know

Working remotely in Vietnam exists in a legal gray area. Here’s what matters:

The Visa Reality

  • The 90-day e-visa is technically for tourism, not work. Working for foreign clients is tolerated but not officially permitted.
  • A formal work permit requires employer sponsorship (impractical for freelancers).
  • What most nomads do: Work quietly for foreign clients without advertising it. Keep a low profile—don’t conduct business from tourist areas.

Taxes: Your Home Country First

Critical: Your home country taxes your worldwide income, regardless of where you live. This is your main tax concern, not Vietnam.

  • US Citizens: Report all foreign income to the IRS. Use FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) to exclude ~$120,000 of foreign income from US taxes. File FBAR if you have foreign bank accounts over $10,000.
  • UK/EU/Australia/Canada: Report worldwide income to your tax authority. Check if your country has a tax treaty with Vietnam to avoid double taxation.

Vietnam Taxes (Usually Not Required)

  • Short-term tourists on e-visas don’t owe Vietnam income tax.
  • If you stay 180+ days, you may technically be a “tax resident,” but remote work for foreign clients is debatable. Most nomads don’t file.
  • Risk level: Low if you’re on a tourist visa; consider consulting a tax professional if staying 6+ months.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a tax professional in your home country or hire a local tax advisor. Ask your coworking space for recommendations.

Seasonal Guide & Visa FAQ

Best Times to Visit Vietnam

  • October-April (Ideal): Cool and dry. Perfect for remote work and travel. Temperatures 15-25°C (north) and 20-30°C (south). Book early—prices rise.
  • May-September (Monsoon): Hot and rainy. Stick to cities like HCMC or Hanoi for reliable infrastructure. Prices are cheaper; fewer tourists.
  • Typhoon Season (Sept-Oct): Peaks in central Vietnam and coastal areas. Avoid Da Nang; stick to major cities.
  • Tet Holiday (Late Jan/Early Feb): Lunar New Year—everything closes for 3-7 days. Book ahead. Prices spike 20-50%. Locals travel home, so cities are quieter.
  • Air Quality (Nov-Feb in Hanoi): Winter pollution in Hanoi can be “Unhealthy” (AQI 100-200+). Bring N95 masks. HCMC air is generally better.

Visa FAQ

Q: How do I get a Vietnam e-visa?
A: Visit the official Vietnam immigration website (evisa.xuathanhonline.com.vn), fill the form, upload your passport photo and bio page, pay $25 USD, and receive approval in 1-3 days. Print the approval letter and present it upon arrival. It’s straightforward.
Q: Can I extend my 90-day e-visa?
A: Extensions are limited and complicated. Most nomads do a “border run”—fly to Thailand or Cambodia for a few days and return on a new e-visa. It’s simple and cheap (~$300 total with flights).
Q: What if I overstay my visa?
A: Don’t. Fines are ~$10 USD per day. Just book your flight out before your visa expires.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Highly recommended. International insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and cancellation. Get it before you arrive.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a dream for remote workers—modern cities, friendly people, amazing nature, and affordable living. Explore both famous hotspots and hidden gems (Da Lat, Cao Bang, Quy Nhon, Can Tho, Ha Giang) for a truly unique digital nomad experience. Surprising conveniences, strong internet, and vibrant communities make every day smooth. Choose the location that fits your work and lifestyle, take advantage of the perks, and enjoy working remotely from Vietnam!

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