Top Digital Nomad Destinations in Vietnam: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang

Experts have released a list of the fastest-growing remote work hubs worldwide based on an analysis of approximately 3,00,000 check-ins on the database in the past couple of years. According to the list, Japan tops the chart, with Tokyo having witnessed a staggering 369 percent increase in remote workers last year. Additionally, three cities from Vietnam have made it to the list, with all three of them ranking within the top 10.

Vietnam’s Da Nang ranks second, while Hanoi takes the eighth spot. Ho Chi Minh City is the third city from Vietnam to make it to the list on the ninth spot. Da Nang has witnessed a significant growth of 99 percent over the last five years and an impressive 107 percent growth in 2023 among digital nomads. Hanoi witnessed a growth of 58 percent, and HCMC was ninth at 55 percent.

Hanoi

Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today’s Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries.

Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Photo: Shutterstock

Hanoi’s Old Quarter serves up a sensory overload. Wisps of incense drift out onto streets from ancient temples, while the clang of blacksmiths’ hammers mingles with mobile fruit sellers’ calls. Jump in a cyclo and tour this intoxicating maze.

For those interested in Vietnamese history, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum give insights into the life and legacy of the country’s revered leader. Additionally, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, showcases stunning traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene gardens, serving as a testament to the country’s scholarly heritage.

Visitors can explore the local culinary scene by savoring authentic Vietnamese dishes, including the renowned pho and bun cha, at one of the many local eateries scattered throughout the city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vibrating with energy, innovation, and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past and future.

Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is a bustling and lively metropolis that seamlessly combines the old and the new. One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an impressive French colonial-era cathedral renowned for its architectural grandeur. The Central Post Office, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, is also a must-visit attraction and provides a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Shutterstock

For a taste of the local culture, a visit to the vibrant and bustling Ben Thanh Market is recommended, where visitors can immerse themselves in the energetic atmosphere and sample various Vietnamese street food and handicrafts. The War Remnants Museum is another notable attraction that provides a poignant insight into the Vietnam War, displaying historical artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the country’s tumultuous past.

Da Nang

Da Nang, located on the stunning central coast of Vietnam, offers an array of captivating experiences for travelers. One of the city’s highlights is the iconic Marble Mountains. Visitors can explore ancient Buddhist cave temples and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. For those looking to relax on the beach, My Khe Beach, with its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters, is a must-visit. Additionally, the Dragon Bridge, known for its dazzling display of lights at night, is a popular spot to witness the city’s vibrant energy. The Golden Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that looks like it is resting on giant stone hands, is another attraction nearby that is not to miss.

Da Nang, located on the stunning central coast of Vietnam, offers an array of captivating experiences for travelers. Photo: Shutterstock

To experience the local culture, a trip to the bustling Han Market provides a glimpse of authentic Vietnamese life, with an array of local delicacies and traditional handicrafts. Moreover, the Ba Na Hills can be reached via a thrilling cable car ride and boasts a picturesque French village and an exhilarating amusement park, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.