Ho Chi Minh City

I had the chance to live in Saigon, Vietnam for five months, and what an experience it was! As a solo traveler with no pets, I settled in Thao Dien, District 2, which is a pretty chill spot if you're looking for a mix of expat vibe and local culture.

Accommodation-wise, I stayed in a serviced apartment, which worked out well for my needs. Cost of living here is fantastic, especially for someone earning in a more favorable currency. Meals are cheap (think $2 at an inexpensive restaurant), and even my monthly sim only set me back around $6.

As for internet speed, it ranged between 25 to 100 Mbps, sufficient for my web development work. The city's coffee culture is thriving and there's no shortage of cafes perfect for nomads like myself — plus, the coworking spaces are a boon if you need a more professional setting.

Vietnamese is the language here, but don't worry if you're like me and didn't get much beyond "thank you" and "hi." English and even some French speakers can be found around.

One thing you gotta be prepared for is the heat — it hovered between 30-35°C while I was there. Rain came as part of the deal too, but just short showers in the rainy season. The city's got plenty of shaded spots though, and the air conditioning inside is always a relief.

Public transport is super affordable with Grab, and while there's a new metro line, I mostly stayed cozy with my regular routes. If you're big into beaches, plan for weekend trips to Vung Tau or Mui Ne because Saigon itself is landlocked.

Food here is amazing, and I just couldn't get enough. Pho, Bahn Mi, and the coffee variants like egg coffee were among my faves. The cost of living is unbeatable, and I genuinely felt safe the whole time.

On the downside, occasional lack of manners from the older generation might catch you off guard, but it's rare. Some find the city's peacefulness a bit too routine, and while it suited me, there wasn't much in terms of luxury living or large scale shopping — something to consider if that's your scene.

In summary, Saigon's a gem for nomads, especially if you have a remote job. You'll enjoy a balance of tranquility and discovery, and make incredible memories. But if diverse transport options or instant beach access are your priorities, you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, if you do decide to make the trip, you're in for a great time with welcoming people and a stress-free lifestyle. Enjoy the incredible Vietnamese hospitality and all the culinary delights waiting around every corner!

Full of scams, surprisingly expensive, too hot and humid, too busy, food is mostly terrible. Definitely NOT recommended for beginners.

Pros: cheap, unique/interesting vibe, decent infrastructure, good food.

Cons: dangerous traffic, intense pollution, hit-or-miss local attitudes, annoying tourist visa process