I recently spent a month in Hoi An, Vietnam, and it was an unforgettable experience! My partner and I decided to stay in a coliving space in the lovely area of Cam Son, which is an ideal spot for digital nomads like us. The cost of living here is incredibly reasonable, with meals at local restaurants costing just $1.54 and a month's gym membership at $15.37. We found the local cuisine, especially the plant-based options, absolutely delicious and the vibrant community of other nomads was welcoming and inspiring.
The internet at our coliving space was a bit of a letdown, but no worries, as Hub HoiAn, the coworking space, was great! Fast and stable connection, which was such a relief. Speaking English in Hoi An was no problem at all, and the community vibe made the place feel like home.
Weather-wise, we arrived during the rainy season, so there was a fair amount of rain. It wasn't much of a surprise, though, and we made the best of it. Hoi An's public transport relies on bikes or Grab rides, both affordable ways to get around the small city.
There’s so much to do in Hoi An! The old town at night is genuinely magical, and we loved the various workshops available, like lantern and sewing, plus checking out the beaches. You won't find world-class beaches here, but they're beautiful enough for a relaxing day.
The best parts of Hoi An include the strong nomad community, incredible nature, and budget-friendly lifestyle. On the downside, the weather is unpredictable, and the cleanliness isn't the best. Also, driving can be a bit sketchy at times.
We even attempted to visit the famous Golden Bridge in Da Nang, but alas, the fog was so thick we could hardly see our feet! Still, it was a fun adventure thanks to the good company.
Overall, Hoi An is a fantastic place if you're into activities, scenic views, and connecting with other digital nomads. However, if you're not a fan of crowds, prefer a city vibe over nature, or worry about food safety (some of us had minor food poisoning), you might want to reconsider.
To sum it up, Hoi An is a great spot for those who enjoy community and nature on a budget. Just be mindful of the few downsides, and prepare for any weather surprises!
I recently spent a month in Hoi An, Vietnam, and I’m excited to share my experience as a digital nomad there. First off, the location is incredibly peaceful, nestled amongst paddy fields on the way to An Bang beach. I stayed in a cozy one-bedroom Airbnb, which was not only affordable but perfect for a solo traveler like me.
Hoi An is easy on the wallet too! You can grab dinner at a small restaurant for just $1.57, a bottle of water for 31 cents, and even catch a movie for under $3. Living costs are much lower than many other places I’ve been, which was a huge plus for my budget.
My work setup was pretty solid. The internet at my Airbnb occasionally dropped out, but my eSIM provided LTE or 4G almost everywhere, which kept me connected. When working at the local coworking space Hub Hoi An, the internet was always reliable. This coworking space was a highlight of my trip—super social, with a great community of people to connect with. But fair warning, it's almost too social! I found myself getting caught up in the daily lunches and weekend plans, which sometimes distracted from my personal to-do list.
Language-wise, Vietnamese is the main lingo here, but you'll find plenty of English speakers considering the town’s popularity with tourists. Weather-wise, I was there during what’s typically a warm, dry season, but experienced some colder spells—it seems to be a bit unpredictable.
Getting around is easy. I walked through the lush fields every morning to the coworking space, which was a treat. However, for those farther jaunts, Grab bikes, cars, and rentable bicycles or motorbikes are super convenient for exploring.
The Old Town is a must-see, a UNESCO site that’s worth the stroll. Other activities include cycling through the rice paddies and trying your hand at a cooking class. Just watch out for the sometimes crazy motorbike traffic.
Overall, if you’re looking for a pocket-friendly and social place with plenty of things to do, Hoi An is worth considering. Just keep an eye on accommodation standards; while mine was fine, others did mention issues like mold. Hoi An is a gem that offers a balance of work, relaxation, and adventure, if you don’t mind a few quirks along the way!
Cool little town to live in and work from, I was there for 3 weeks in low season. Lots of great restaurants, cafes etc. Nice easy access to the beach, riverside and countryside. Nightlife is quieter, but if you don't care about that, it's great. The Hub coworking there is run by some super friendly people and the new location they are building looks like it should be fantastic..