VOV.VN - Convenient tourist visa, an array of destinations to explore, low cost of living, and a friendly atmosphere are among the four reasons that Vietnam is surging in popularity with digital nomads, according to United States-based travel website Travel Off Path.
Vietnam is surging in popularity with digital nomads (Photo courtesy of Travel Off Path)
Vietnam’s 90-day tourist visa, which was recently introduced in August, can be viewed as a game changer for both visitors and digital nomads alike.
Not only is the document obtainable online, but it also allows for multiple entries in and out of Vietnam, enabling remote workers to explore hotspots and attractions located outside the country’s borders with ease, noted Travel Off Path.
Similar visas in comparable Southeast Asian destinations are nowhere near as easily obtainable or long-lasting. In contrast, Thailand’s only lasts for 30 to 45 days. Elsewhere, Indonesia offers a digital nomad visa but requires applicants have proof of funds of at least IDR2 billion, equal to US$130,000, in their bank account, whilst Malaysia is more reasonably priced at US$24,000.
The second reason is that Vietnam boasts so much attractions to explore. In Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital is home to the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature, all of which provide the visual and intellectual stimuli that many explorers chase.
Furthermore, along with the serene waters of Ha Long Bay to the terraced fields of Sa Pa, digital nomads can find some much-needed tranquility and inspiration through natural beauty that can only be found in Southeast Asia.
While the gorgeous sights are undoubtedly a major selling point for Vietnam, what’s drawing in digital nomads at such remarkable rates is the area’s low cost of living, the foreign website recommended.
Anecdotal evidence highlights that the average living expenses of a digital nomad living in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City range from between US$700 and US$950, which is notably cheaper than what one would have to pay in regional countries such as Thailand or Malaysia.
Friendliness and hospitality are two values that are deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, something that becomes apparent as soon as a visitor comes into contact with a local or ask them for help. Travel Off Path suggests this as the final reason for the Southeast Asian country to surge in popularity with digital nomads.
The willingness of Vietnamese people to share their culture and traditions not only enhances the overall experience on offer for guests, but also allows visitors to make new connections and actually feel part of a wider community.
Moreover, the country’s popularity among digital nomads has seen its biggest cities host thriving expat communities, with plenty of co-working spaces and meet-up events on offer, the article concluded.
