Two Vietnamese cities in Asia's top five destinations for digital nomads

Danang and Hoi An in the central region of Vietnam are listed among the five typical destinations for digital nomads - people who use technology to work remotely while traveling.

Dragon Bridge in Danang. Photo: Quang Hai/The Hanoi Times

Danang in particular stands out for its seamless blend of culture, history and nature. With a relatively low cost of living - such as an average rent of about $355 and a bowl of pho costing only $1.6. Danang is considered an ideal place for digital nomads.

Travel Off Path recommends must-see experiences in Danang, Hoi An, including exploring Ba Na Peak at the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area. Visitors can admire the famous Golden Bridge, sample Sun KraftBeer (a Bavarian-inspired craft beer), or unwind at the Linh Ung Pagoda, a stunning example of ancient Vietnamese architecture in a tranquil setting.

Danang and Hoi An also offers My Khe and numerous other stunning beaches, the unspoiled natural scenery of the Son Tra Peninsula, and a variety of adventure activities such as jet skiing and paragliding. Together, these experiences provide the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement for digital nomads.

Visitors to Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province. Photo: Nguoi Hoi An Page

Alongside Danang, Travel Off Path also highlights Hoi An, calling it the "Golden City" of Vietnam. Known for its iconic yellow-painted buildings, Hoi An is described as a peaceful haven, ideal for digital nomads seeking a comfortable, laptop-friendly environment in a charming, laid-back atmosphere.

UNESCO-recognized Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its cultural riches and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's larger cities. Hoi An's quaint streets are free of traffic noise and modern glass skyscrapers, replaced instead by picturesque Japanese-style pagodas, grand Chinese-style temples and French-era civic buildings, reflecting the city's thriving multicultural heritage.

Hoi An Ancient Town is sparkling at night. Photo: The Hanoi Times

 According to Nomad List, the total monthly cost of living in Hoi An is estimated at just $909, which includes affordable takeout from street vendors ($1.48), dining at a mid-range riverside restaurant ($14.75), and renting a cheap apartment ($249.12 in some areas).

In 2023, the ancient city opened a new pedestrian street space, which stretches from the intersection of Nguyen Hue - Phan Chau Trinh streets to the intersection of Cao Hong Lanh - Phan Chau Trinh streets. This 1.5 kilometer street is famous among locals for its countless busy small shops, restaurants, ancient relics and tourist attractions in the heart of Hoi An.

Many cultural activities and art performances are arranged at various tourist attractions in the new pedestrian zone, such as a Hat Boi folk performance at the Van Chi Minh Huong Art Center, a music performance by the "Old Melody" group at 49 Phan Chu Trinh; and other venues for tea ceremony, calligraphy practice, traditional handicraft experience, and others.

Attracting digital nomads not only brings direct revenue from tourism and lodging, but also contributes to local economic growth. These freelance workers don't compete for local jobs; instead, they invest, spend and promote the destination through a global digital network, enriching the local economy.

As a result, cities like Danang, Hoi An and many others are strengthening their positions on the international tourism map, emerging as ideal destinations for the flexible and independent lifestyle of the digital transformation era.