According to AOL, booking data, surveys of the foreign community and the demand for co-working spaces in 2024 show a clear trend: Vietnam is absorbing the wave of work from afar away from destinations that were once "overloaded" like Bali.
The reason is not in a single factor, but in the convergence of reasonable costs, sufficient infrastructure for real work and a more relaxed visa policy.
Costs are still "easy to breathe" for a long life
For people working online full-time, the ability to stay for many months is the key problem. In cities like Da Nang or Hanoi, many cost of living databases show that a spending level of about 1,200-1,600 USD/month is enough for a comfortable life: renting a house, eating, traveling and using common workspaces.
This expense allows remote workers to focus on work, instead of constantly worrying about budget balance as in many other destinations in the region.
However, cheap prices are not the only factor keeping them. More importantly, Vietnam is meeting quite well the conditions for a full working day.
Infrastructure is not just for "check-in
Fiber optic internet is popular in urban areas, cheap mobile data packages, and increasingly improved power stability - these seemingly basic factors determine long-term workability.
The common working space in Vietnam has also changed, focusing on practical needs: quiet rooms, meeting rooms, stable wi-fi and a serious working environment.
Coffee shops also adapt quickly. Sitting for a long time with laptops is no longer scrutinized, extended opening hours are suitable for people working in different time zones, creating a familiar rhythm of life for the remote working community.
Each city has its own working style
Da Nang attracts those looking for balance. The city is compact, the traffic is pleasant, the sea is near, suitable for those who want to build stable habits and rhythms of life.
Ho Chi Minh City is attractive to speed-loving groups. The event network, dynamic community, and networking opportunities make many people "stay and stay". This is an ideal place for those who like to collaborate, meet, and are not afraid of fast pace.
Hanoi has a different color: Compact, neighborhood-rich and cultural depth. For writers, designers or independent workers, just enough silence in the evening without isolation is a big plus.
90-day visa: A silent boost
Vietnam's deployment of 90-day e-visas nationwide since 2023 has removed an important bottleneck. Remote workers can easily enter the country, move between cities and experiment with long-term stays. For those who have to stick to deadlines and international work schedules, this flexibility is very practical.
Without noisy promotion, Vietnam is becoming a new "working destination" of Southeast Asia - not because of flashiness, but because it is practical enough for those who need to both live, work, and stay for a long time.
