Hoi An Digital Nomad Guide: How to make best of digital nomad life
If you’re exploring digital nomad destinations, you’ve probably heard a lot about places like Bali or Chiang Mai, but today, let me introduce you to a quieter yet charming spot: Hoi An, Vietnam.
Known mainly for its beautiful ancient town and relaxed atmosphere, Hoi An offers a different experience. You won’t encounter overwhelming crowds here, making it ideal if you’re seeking a calmer, more personal experience.
Best Time to Visit
I spent three months in Hoi An from December to February. Usually, the best season starts around January, though the town becomes noticeably busier from March to August. There’s a clear difference in visitor numbers before and after February.
Unfortunately, during my stay, it rained almost continuously, despite the fact that weather was supposed to get better from January onward. Perhaps it’s just my luck!
How to Get There
To get to Hoi An you’ll need to fly to Da Nang Airport, which has solid international connections from major hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or Manila. From the airport, it’s just a 45-minute ride to Hoi An, easily done by Grab, local taxis, or a shuttle arranged with your accommodation.
Where to Stay
Hoi An is quite spread out, and the city centre can be busy and loud, so in my opinion, staying slightly outside the center is a better option. Neighborhoods like An My or Tra Que, surrounded by rice fields, offer a more peaceful atmosphere. That’s where I stay during my time in Hoi An and I highly recommend it. Just a heads-up: karaoke sessions are common almost everywhere around the town: it’s part of the local charm (and sometimes an annoying inconvenience!).
Coworking Spaces
Hoi An’s coworking scene is really straightforward: there’s essentially just one option, but oh boy, it’s a good one. Hub Hoi An, located among rice paddies, has a wonderful community with daily events organized by members themselves.
It’s one of the friendliest coworking spaces I’ve experienced (comparable only to Chiang Mai’s Real Space). Although it’s pricier compared to other coworking spaces in Asia, the welcoming atmosphere makes it worththe extra spend. If you’re planning to stay in Hoi An, you definitely need to check it out.
Community & Networking
Most socializing happens around Hub Hoi An, making it easy to meet others through shared dinners, meetups, and activities. If you’re interested in yoga, pickleball, or similar activities, you’ll quickly find your crowd. Hoi An isn’t crowded with digital nomads, but the community is incredibly welcoming, allowing you to build real and genuine friendships.
Food, Drink, and Bars
In my experience, Hoi An has some of the best food in Vietnam. It’s delicious, diverse, and affordable. I’ve written more details in my post about best restaurants in Hoi An, but briefly: you’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to vegan-friendly cafes. Simply exploring local restaurants became one of my favourite activities.
Getting Around
As with most places in Southeast Asia, scooter in the best option, costing about €50-60 per month. If you don’t ride a scooter, Grab is available in and around town. Grab rides are also affordable (€1-2 per ride). Be aware that Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic and sometimes dangerous, so staying alert is essential whenever you’re on the road!
What to Do in Your Free Time
While Hoi An isn’t as busy as other digital nomad hubs, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Activities range from yoga and gyms to pickleball, cooking classes, historical sightseeing, or surfing in nearby Da Nang. I covered the best things to in Hoi An in my other blog post. Feel free to check it out.
Cost of Living
Hoi An is very affordable. You can find a simple room or studio apartment from around €200 through local Facebook groups, or €400-600 monthly via Airbnb. Eating out is extremely cheap. Local banh mi sandwiches cost less than €1, while meals at restaurants are usually €1-5. The only major expense is coworking, around €160 per month. Overall, €1000 a month allows for a comfortable lifestyle.
Downsides
Hoi An does have a few downsides. Humidity and mold were issues significant enough that I had to throw away some clothes and even my yoga mat. Traffic can also be frustrating and occasionally dangerous. Karaoke is a thing and not always pleasant to listen to. While most locals are friendly, you’ll sometimes encounter rudeness or discomfort around foreigners. From February onwards, you can see that town gets much more busy with tourists, which make the place quite crowdy. BUT don’t let that discourage you from visiting Hoi An. Overall it’s truly amazing and one of a kind experience.
Personal Insights
The highlight of my stay in Hoi An was definitely the community. I’ve never experienced a place as open and friendly as Hoi An. It’s affordable enough to enjoy excellent food and activities without worrying about costs, and while coworking is somewhat expensive, the quality makes up for it. I’d especially recommend Hoi An if you’re looking for meaningful friendships and enjoy a calm work environment over constant partying (though you can find good parties in Hoi An as well!). Ultimately, Hoi An attracts slightly more experienced digital nomads, and after my time there, I’m sure I’ll return.
I hope you enjoyed the read. If you want to know more about Vietnam and being a digital nomad, check out our other blog posts.
Best Regards,
Kuba
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