Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

VietnamAsia

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Vietnam's dynamic southern hub offering excellent coffee culture, fast internet, and energetic startup scene.

Why Ho Chi Minh City for Digital Nomads?

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's economic powerhouse and a rising star in the digital nomad world. The city combines French colonial charm with modern skyscrapers, world-famous street food with hip coffee shops. Internet speeds are excellent (often 70-100 Mbps), and the cafe culture is perfect for laptop workers - Vietnamese coffee is legendary for a reason.

Best Neighborhood: District 1/District 3

District 1 puts you in the heart of the action with easy access to coworking spaces, restaurants, and nightlife. District 3, just next door, offers a more authentic Vietnamese experience with lower prices. Both areas have excellent walkability and countless cafes perfect for working. Thao Dien in District 2 is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more Western environment.

The Vibe

Saigon pulses with entrepreneurial energy. The startup scene is booming, and you'll meet both local and international entrepreneurs at coworking spaces and networking events. The city is loud, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating. Scooters flood the streets, street food vendors set up on every corner, and life happens outdoors. It's a city that rewards the adventurous.

Digital Nomad Visa

Vietnam offers an E-Visa for up to 90 days, which can be extended. For longer stays, a Business Visa with local sponsorship is an option. The visa situation has improved significantly, and many nomads combine Vietnam with other Southeast Asian countries in their travel rotation.

Pro Tip

Learn to cross the street like a local - walk slowly and steadily, and traffic will flow around you. Get a Grab account immediately for transportation. The best cafes for working include The Workshop, Oromia, and L'Usine. Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) will become your productivity fuel. Consider a local SIM from Viettel or Mobifone for cheap, fast data.

Visa & Legal Information

Entry requirements and visa options for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

No Digital Nomad Visa

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.

Food & Workspace Guide

Local food prices and work-friendly cafes in Ho Chi Minh City

🍔

Big Mac Index

Global cost comparison

$3.2045% cheaper than US

US reference price: $5.79 (2025)

Cappuccino

$2.00

Local Meal

$2.50

🍽️ Must Try

Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

World-famous street food, French-influenced bakeries, vibrant coffee culture

💰 Budget Eats

Ben Thanh MarketPho HoaBanh Mi Huynh HoaLunch Lady

Work-Friendly Cafes

The Workshop Coffee

District 1

Fast

"Specialty coffee roaster, industrial design, great for focus"

Power outlets available

Oromia Coffee

District 3

Fast

"Third-wave coffee, quiet upstairs seating"

Power outlets available

L'Usine

District 1

Fast

"French-Vietnamese fusion, concept store with cafe"

Power outlets available

Community Reviews

What digital nomads are saying about Ho Chi Minh City

AI-Curated

Compiled from Reddit, NomadList & nomad forums by AI

Kevin N.

Kevin N.

1 week ago · via NomadList

Nomad Fan

Vietnamese coffee culture is next level! ☕ The energy here is infectious - everyone's hustling on something. Pho for breakfast, banh mi for lunch, life is good.

Sophie L.

Sophie L.

3 weeks ago · via r/digitalnomad

The Realist

Internet is surprisingly fast, but crossing the street is a skill you need to learn! The heat and scooter chaos can be overwhelming at first. District 1 is manageable.

Chris H.

Chris H.

2 weeks ago · via Nomad Forums

Remote Worker

The Workshop Coffee is my go-to spot! 🎯 Industrial vibes, excellent single-origin beans, and fast WiFi. Dreamplex is also amazing for serious work days.

Been to Ho Chi Minh City? Add your real experience! 💬

Help fellow nomads with your first-hand insights

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip wisely

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Not Ideal
Recommended Months
DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
Summer

Hot & Wet (May-Nov, 30-35°C)

Winter

Warm & Dry (Dec-Apr, 25-32°C)

Join the Community

Connect with nomads in Ho Chi Minh City

Community links are provided for convenience. NomadPoint is not affiliated with these groups.

Quick Stats

Location
Vietnam, Asia
Internet Speed
75 Mbps
Good
Monthly Cost
$1,200
Budget
Safety Score
4 / 5
Nomad Visa
Available

Cost Breakdown (USD/month)

accommodation$450
food$300
transport$80
coworking$170
entertainment$200
Total$1200

Budget Calculator

Estimate your monthly expenses

1 mo6 mo12 mo
Monthly Cost$1,200
accommodation$450
food$300
transport$80
coworking$170
entertainment$200
Total (1 month)$1,200

Based on average costs for Ho Chi Minh City. Actual expenses may vary.

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