Digital Nomad Guide to Hoi An (Vietnam): The Perfect Blend of Work and Play
Hoi An, a small town in central Vietnam, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, Hoi An offers the perfect environment for remote work and exploration.
Whether you're looking for a quiet space to focus, or you want to balance work with beach days and cultural experiences, Hoi An has it all. Here's your ultimate digital nomad guide to living and working in this charming town.
Why Hoi An?
Hoi An offers a unique combination of affordable living, beautiful surroundings, and a growing remote worker community. With a slower pace of life compared to the big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An provides a peaceful and inspiring environment to work. The town is also well-connected with fast internet, cozy cafes, and comfortable coworking spaces, making it an ideal base for digital nomads.Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town
Staying in the heart of Hoi An’s Ancient Town means you’ll be close to all the action - restaurants, cafes, markets, and cultural sites. The area is very walkable, and you’ll have easy access to the town's charming streets. However, it can get crowded with tourists, especially in the evenings.An Bang, Tan Thanh, Cua Dai or Ha My Beaches
For those who like to be close to the beach, the above beaches are the perfect location. Most of the beaches are still quiet because they have not been heavily urbanized. It is also convenient to travel from the above beaches to the old town or Da Nang city for work, visiting friends or entertainment. There are many small guesthouses, homestays and boutique hotels here, providing a more relaxing atmosphere with the beach just a short walk away.Cam Chau
If you’re looking for a quieter area that's still close to the town center, Cam Chau is a great option. It’s a residential area that offers more affordable accommodation options and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of green spaces and rice paddies, perfect for a tranquil environment to focus on work.Where to Work: Cafes and Coworking Spaces
Cafes with WiFi
Hoi An has a growing number of cafes that cater to digital nomads. Most cafes offer free Wi-Fi, and some even have dedicated spaces for remote workers:- Reaching Out Tea House: A peaceful, quiet spot offering delicious tea and coffee, perfect for focused work.
- The Espresso Station: Known for its great coffee and fast Wi-Fi, this is a popular spot for digital nomads looking to get things done.
- Rosie’s Café: A cozy, stylish space with reliable Wi-Fi and a great menu, ideal for working for a few hours.
- Mia Coffee: A favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a calm atmosphere and fast internet.
Coworking Spaces
If you prefer a more professional setting, Hoi An has several coworking spaces that provide everything you need:- Hub Hoi An: A modern coworking space with reliable internet, comfortable workstations, and a vibrant community of remote workers. They also offer networking events, workshops, and a kitchen for snacks.
Things to Do in Hoi An After Work
As a digital nomad in Hoi An, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town and its surroundings once you’ve finished work for the day. Here are some things to do:Explore the Ancient Town
Stroll through Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. The beautiful, historic streets are lined with colorful buildings, temples, and shops. It’s a peaceful place to unwind after a day of work.Relax at the beaches
After a long day at work, head to the beach to relax by the sea, swim or watch the beautiful sunset. These beaches are often less crowded than other tourist beaches in Vietnam, providing a peaceful environment.Take a Cooking Class
Hoi An is famous for its food, and what better way to experience local culture than by learning how to cook traditional dishes? Many cooking schools in Hoi An offer hands-on classes, where you can learn to make dishes like Cao Lau noodles and Banh Mi.Attend the Lantern Festival
If you're in Hoi An during the full moon, don't miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival. The town is illuminated by hundreds of colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that's perfect for photography and relaxation.Explore the Countryside by Bike
Rent a bike and take a ride out to the rural villages surrounding Hoi An, such as Tra Que Village, known for its organic herbs and vegetables. Cycling through lush rice paddies and quiet streets is a great way to de-stress after a day of work.Living Costs for Digital Nomads
Hoi An is relatively affordable for digital nomads, especially compared to major cities in Southeast Asia. Here's a rough estimate of the cost of living:- Accommodation: Budget options start around $10-20 per night for basic guesthouses or homestays. Mid-range accommodations range from $20-40 per night, and more luxurious stays can go up to $60+ per night.
- Food: Street food and local restaurants are inexpensive, with a meal costing anywhere from $2-5. Dining at higher-end restaurants or international cafes will be around $10-15 per meal.
- Internet & Work Spaces: High-speed internet is available in most cafes and coworking spaces, with coworking spaces charging around $100-150 per month for full access.
- Transportation: Renting a bike costs around $3-5 per day, while taxis are generally affordable for short trips.
Visa Options for Digital Nomads
Vietnam offers several visa options for long-term stays, including:- Tourist Visa: A standard tourist visa allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. Extensions are available, but the process can be tedious.
- E-Visa: Vietnam also offers an e-visa for many nationalities, which allows a 30-day stay and can be applied for online.
- Business Visa: If you plan to stay longer or engage in business activities, the business visa may be a suitable option.
Conclusion
Hoi An is an excellent destination for digital nomads looking for a peaceful, affordable, and beautiful place to live and work. With its relaxed atmosphere, reliable internet, and welcoming community, it's the perfect base for those who want to combine work with the experience of living in one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns.Whether you're enjoying a coffee by the river, working in a cozy coworking space, or unwinding on the beach after a productive day, Hoi An offers the ideal environment for a balanced remote work lifestyle.