Best Places in Vietnam for Digital Nomads in 2026

The best places in Vietnam for digital nomads in 2026 are Da Nang (beach lifestyle with infrastructure, $1,200-1,800/month), Ho Chi Minh City (networking and energy, $1,500-2,500/month), Hanoi (culture and distinct seasons, $1,000-1,800/month), and Hoi An (relaxed ancient town, $1,000-1,500/month). Da Nang offers the best balance of reliable internet, modern coworking spaces, clean beaches, and healthcare. Ho Chi Minh City leads for startup ecosystem and expat community. Hanoi provides authentic culture with better WiFi than southern cities. All locations offer visa-friendly policies, affordable living, and strong digital nomad infrastructure including coworking spaces, cafes, and modern apartments.

Da Nang: The All-Rounder

Best for: Those wanting beach lifestyle with urban convenience

Da Nang has become my home for good reason. The infrastructure here rivals any major city - reliable high-speed internet, modern coworking spaces, and excellent healthcare. The beaches are clean and uncrowded on weekdays, and you're just 30 minutes from Hoi An's ancient charm.

Pros: Best infrastructure, clean beaches, growing expat community, moderate cost of living, easy day trips to Hoi An and the Marble Mountains, modern apartment buildings with proper amenities

Cons: Less cultural depth than Hanoi, rainy season runs October through February, nightlife scene is developing but still limited

Monthly budget: $1,200-1,800 for comfortable living with beach views

The coworking scene has exploded here. Spaces like Enouvo, Hub Hoi An (if you're willing to commute), and numerous cafe-offices provide reliable work environments. Most cafes have good WiFi and tolerate laptop warriors.

Ho Chi Minh City: The Energizer

Best for: Those seeking energy, networking opportunities, and maximum variety

Saigon is Vietnam's economic engine, and the energy is palpable. If you're building a business or need constant stimulation, this is your city. The networking opportunities are unmatched, with regular meetups, tech events, and a massive expat community.

Pros: Most options for everything from food to entertainment, largest expat and digital nomad community, best nightlife in the country, easy travel throughout Southeast Asia, startup ecosystem

Cons: No beaches nearby, traffic chaos can be mentally exhausting, intense heat year-round, higher costs than other Vietnamese cities, can feel overwhelming

Monthly budget: $1,500-2,500 depending on district and lifestyle

Hanoi: The Culture Hub

Best for: Culture lovers, food enthusiasts, those seeking distinct seasons

The capital offers something the south simply can't match - genuine seasons and deep cultural roots. The Old Quarter feels like stepping back in time, and the food scene is arguably Vietnam's best. Egg coffee alone is worth the trip.

Pros: Best food scene in Vietnam, rich history and culture, cooler weather October through April, authentic Vietnamese atmosphere, beautiful lakes and parks

Cons: Traffic pollution remains serious, winters are cold and damp, further from beach destinations, can feel grittier than other cities

Monthly budget: $1,200-1,800

Hoi An: The Charmer

Best for: Slower pace seekers, those prioritizing atmosphere over amenities

This UNESCO town wins on atmosphere alone. Walking through lantern-lit streets never gets old. The beach is decent, the food is excellent, and everything is walkable or bikeable. Perfect for writers, artists, or anyone needing peace.

Pros: Beautiful historic setting, peaceful atmosphere, beach access at An Bang, highly walkable, strong sense of community, excellent tailors

Cons: Smaller expat community, fewer professional amenities, can feel too small for extended stays, flooding during rainy season

Monthly budget: $1,000-1,500

Nha Trang: The Beach Focus

Best for: Beach lovers, Russian speakers (large Russian community), diving enthusiasts

Nha Trang is Vietnam's most tourist-oriented beach city. The diving is good, the beaches are accessible, and the resort infrastructure is solid. However, the nomad community is smaller and the city can feel less authentic.

Pros: Good beaches right in town, excellent diving options, resort atmosphere, island day trips

Cons: Very tourist-oriented, smaller nomad community, less authentic feel, many Russian-only establishments

Monthly budget: $1,000-1,600

My Recommendation

Start in Da Nang for the best introduction to Vietnam nomad life. The city offers a manageable learning curve with modern conveniences while you adjust to Vietnamese culture. After a few months, explore other destinations to find your ideal fit. Many nomads rotate between cities seasonally - Da Nang for spring and summer, Saigon for the rainy season, Hoi An for shoulder months. Vietnam rewards those who explore.

Related Vietnam Digital Nomad Guides

• Explore Da Nang coworking and expat services
• Browse Da Nang housing for digital nomads
• Read more Da Nang living and working guides

Coworking space or nomad service in Vietnam? List your business on ExpatsList to reach digital nomads.