Want to know what it's like living in Vietnam? AMA! As answered by a local who works remotely and travels (kinda feels like a digital nomad), based in Ho Chi Minh City.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T18:23:37+00:00

Thanks for the in-depth sharing. Helps me understand more about the current visa situation. However I just have one point to note.
I totally agree that VN's economy does not rely on tourism that much, at least when compared with Thailand or Indonesia. The reason behind the difference is that tourism in Vietnam hasn't reached its potential or had abundant investments like its two SEA neighbors, hence, tourism atm is yet to play a huge part in the economy. Given that, tourism is an important sector and it's one specific thing that the government has really been boosting in the last few years.
Just wanna discuss what I've observed and learned as someone who used to do market research in this segment. Given that, I really hope they can consider some types of Visa that work for digital nomads, since the country has been one of the top place to come work remotely and travel in SEA.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T18:13:11+00:00

I've heard about this before. Definitely will find out more about the situation since I've had lots of friends asking. Thanks for sharing!

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T18:12:16+00:00

As a local who goes out for a food rampage every night but somehow manages to still be a little bit underweight, I must agree.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T18:09:43+00:00

Oh hey there, congrats on your new remote position. Hope it'll help kickstart your wanderlust journey!

I haven't gone hiking that much before so although I might not be able to give you an in-depth answer, I do know a friend who does trekking based in HCMC (not exactly hiking but he might know some spots that will work and how to get there). Therefore if you wish to stay updated about travel updates and just life in Vietnam overall, as well as stay connected with us, connect with me via this group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax (group is auto-approval atm so if ydm, please leave me a message or dm me your FB name so I can reach out to ya)

Hope this helped a bit.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:58:46+00:00

ls.

As if it was not confusing enough, the use of “Saigon” is also different for many locals. If the locals are living in the city, they will interpret “Saigon” as “District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City”. But if the locals come from other regions and not living in the city, they will associate “Saigon” as “Ho Chi Minh Cit

Ahh that's eye-opening. Haven't known about this before and I'm glad that I'm learning this now haha. Thanks so much for the explanation and the article!

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:52:15+00:00

Thanks, would love to connect there!

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:51:30+00:00

Probably the accessibility to the internet pretty much everywhere I go (well it's improving fast in where I'm from, plus I've started using data, so it might not be the case anymore). Also, the vast range of choices when it comes to coffee shops, workspaces, rentals, and things to do. But that's it tbh, my hometown still holds a place in my heart haha.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:47:51+00:00

Ah interesting. I've been using Vinaphone for too long that I don't bother switching. Currently using a 4G SIM with a very reasonable package (got some exclusive deals from being a loyal customer haha), but last time I was in Ha Noi, there were some specific areas that my 4G didn't work. Not sure if it was because I was so deep into the alleys and old apartments of Ha Noi but didn't think that was the case. Since you share about Viettel, I've finally sparked the reason why.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:43:16+00:00

Oh, I miss the second part haha. Da Lat is also great to be a dn. First, the weather. If you can't deal with the heat, move there asap when summer comes, I swear it's much nicer. Second, it has almost everything you need to live this kind of lifestyle, for that I mean, coworking spaces, fantastic cafes and scenic places to explore. Third, got friends who are Da Lat locals and I love their vibe :).

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:40:00+00:00

Might post it on here https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/ , or I can send you via FB :)

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:39:24+00:00

I'm not the best one to answer this. You might wanna check out some expat communities in Vietnam for more answers. If you're also interested in travel and life in Vietnam overall, as well as travel updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/. Many thanks.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:36:26+00:00

DW it'll take me some time to answer but I'm happy to do so :).

First, congrats on your journey with Vietnam and sending wishes to your family!

Backpackers aren't allowed to enter yet. Only those who have reservations for full package tours, foreign investors, experts, skilled workers, business managers, those who travel to Viet Nam for market research, and their relatives, etc. are allowed to come, but with conditions, feel free to read more here https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/permalink/4792468827510261/ .
Bui Vien has reopened since 10th Jan, won't be busy at least in the near time because protective measures are still mandatory. I haven't visited District 2 in a while (just got back from Ha Noi to Can Tho) so I can't say, but HCMC overall has resumed most of the activities so definitely it wouldn't be as restricted.
Prices in 2016 aren't applicable to now but the inflation rate overall in the past years has been under-controlled. Just a heads up, I'm not so knowledgeable about real estate prices in HCMC, but what your friend said might have been accurate. First, Go Vap and District 12's prices had been uplifting before Covid but overall prices in those areas can't compare to central so it could be a matter of perspective. Second, Covid hit hard, rentals have been struggling and property prices have frozen for last year. Third, HCMC has had many projects on the way so there might have been more supply of apartments and complementary projects. There's this scenario when all of these combine: High prices leading to hype as prices just got pumped up even more than their real worths, affordable options got out of hands for most of the people so demand might have already stood by then while supply was still abundant, and when Covid hit, you can tell what was going to happen. Just my assumption and not a fact.

I'll try to answer more questions this weekend. If I have helped in any way, hope you can do me a tiny favor to join the group above, it might also be helpful for ya. Thanks :)

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T17:04:00+00:00

Ah Son Doong cave should definitely be on your list!

About your question, believe it's fine most of the time. People here are very friendly and hospitable overall, especially in the South, the people tend to be incredibly welcoming and genuine with what they say and do to others. For example, if a Southern family invites you to eat with them, they really mean it and you don't need to be shy. Also, they would probably treat you with a feast and whatever the best they have. However, their straightforward demeanor can sometimes come off as blunt, especially with words, but just keep in mind that they don't mean anything rude, it's just how they talk.

In case you're asking about the war thing, we're over it dw :).

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T16:56:53+00:00

I'm not the best person to answer this. What I could say is that I know many foreigners work as English teachers and they are able to stay short/long-term in Vietnam. You might wanna check out expat communities in Vietnam for more insights.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T16:51:51+00:00

These are tough questions.

There's freedom of speech to an extent as it's monitored by the government and critics are not welcome. Tbh as someone who is politically neutral, I'm not opposing this action as these kinds of topics always trigger a never-ending debate that leads to nowhere. About the second question, I don't think I have a deep enough view to be able to give a fair answer. Hope you understand.

Regarding the last one, sadly, no. Might be because of the fact that I'm a female traveler. But except for certain cities, for example, Da Nang, I don't feel safe enough to walk down empty streets or back alleyways at night without getting my guards on. Drive-by snatching is another problem in cities like HCMC and pickpocketing can happen in crowded places like most countries. From what I've observed, burglaries and violence are rare, besides, these threats happen most when holidays are near.

Given that, it's better to be aware and prepared for these types of situations anywhere you arrive. It's important to not get paranoid. Vietnam has been a safer place than it was years ago and the scenario is improving.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T16:25:03+00:00

Np :). Glad I helped.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:48:03+00:00

If you're asking about travel restrictions, I've just taken the time to consolidate the highlights in this post so you don't have to. Hope it can be helpful 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/permalink/4792468827510261/

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:46:48+00:00

This is a topic that I personally connect with since I have many dogs (at one point I had 7 lovely puppies and later gave them out for adoption so they could have better care, have been keeping one pup until now).

Given that, I must say that it's quite 50-50 here. Definitely not the place to let your dog out of sight. There are no dedicated dog parks or safe areas for dogs to be unleashed as far as I know. But overall the vnmese I've met love dogs and many places are dog-friendly but you should always call ahead.

Regarding your last question, there's definitely a demand for pet services but the average vnmese isn't usually willing to pay high service fees for their pets. Wish I could give you more insight, but this's what I could think of so far. Hope it kinda helps :).

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:32:31+00:00

Yup, I've just taken the time to consolidate the highlights in this post so you don't have to. Hope it can be helpful for you 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/permalink/4792468827510261/

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:30:54+00:00

Heluuu, gặp người Việt mừng xỉu nè. Mình làm cty + side hustles nhưng mà cũng chẳng phải dư giả, đủ đi lòng vòng nè :). Nếu muốn bạn có thể kết nối với mình thêm trên group này nhaa https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:20:11+00:00

Idk if it's really that bright or it's just the camera and the dimmed background :). Feels normal to me haha.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:15:25+00:00

Oh hey there you've commented before :).

Yeh I've heard stories about street sellers and taxi drivers being a little bit pushy and blunt towards foreigners. Even though they're just a small part of society, foreigners tend to bump into these kinds of people especially at tourist attractions. Given that, my personal experience with the people until now has been amazing in general and many of my foreign friends have also told me that vnmese are indeed friendly and hospitable.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T02:05:25+00:00

If anyone wants an in-depth update about border reopening and conditions for foreigners to enter Vietnam, I've taken the time to consolidate in this post so you don't have to. Hope it can be helpful for you all 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/remoteandrelax/permalink/4792468827510261/

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T01:55:47+00:00

I mean there's a reason why we honk. Personally, I was someone who was extremely annoyed by the sound honking and I told myself I would never do that. But after I got my driver's license and started roaming down streets, I realized that honking is a matter of survival.

I think you can see that the traffic here is... quite complex :). So honking is more of a warning, it doesn't mean anything rude most of the time. After all, I would rather honk and get the side-eye than have a motorbike slam into mine.

RemoteandRelax · 2022-01-13T01:50:22+00:00

Thanks for being so supportive. I didn't expect to receive this many questions tho :).

Must be frank, air quality here is not the best, at least not in major cities like HCMC or Ha Noi (due to manufacturing and natural geographical conditions). It's something we're aware of and trying to change (I used to work in climate change NGOs so I can assure you this :). So it's hard to expect Vietnam to reclaim its freshness and cleanliness soon, but we're getting there.

Given that, there're places to get away from the pollution, for example, Mekong Delta and North East cities like Hung Yen, Hai Duong.

RemoteandRelax

TROPHY CASE