Asia · WorldSimple country guide

Vietnam

Vietnam is highly attractive for medium stays, but Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang differ in climate, traffic and housing style. The official e-Visa can cover up to 90 days, but it is not a dedicated remote-work residence permit.

CurrencyVietnamese dong (VND)
Start withHCMC vs Hanoi vs Da Nang
Official e-VisaUp to 90 days
EntriesSingle or multiple
Best forMedium staysAffordable city lifeFood and cultureWarm-weather bases

Choose your base

Where to start in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Best for: Fast-paced business city, international flights and huge service choice.

Watch: Traffic and district choice can turn a short map distance into a long commute.

Hanoi

Best for: Culture, government, northern Vietnam and distinct seasons.

Watch: Winter humidity and summer heat create a different comfort profile from the south.

Da Nang

Best for: Beach access, smaller-city scale and a popular remote-work lifestyle.

Watch: Seasonal storms and neighborhood distance from services should be checked before a long rental.

01

City choice changes the whole stay

Ho Chi Minh City is larger and more commercial, Hanoi has stronger seasons and a northern cultural rhythm, while Da Nang offers a smaller coastal base. Build separate housing and transport budgets rather than one Vietnam average.

For remote work, verify fiber internet at the exact property and keep mobile data as backup. Apartment quality can vary substantially even within the same price band.

02

The e-Visa is a travel permission, not a nomad residence permit

Vietnam's Immigration Department states that its electronic visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entry.

That makes it useful for medium stays, but the e-Visa should not be treated as a blanket right to take local employment or as a long-term digital-nomad residence status. Check the legal basis for your actual activity before committing to a long work stay.

03

Transport is city-specific

Ride-hailing and motorbikes shape daily movement in all three cities, but walking conditions, traffic intensity and weather differ. Choose housing around the places you will use every day rather than relying on tourist-center proximity.

Checked 2026-10-08

Sources & checks

Rules change. Use these references as a starting point and recheck time-sensitive information with the competent official authority.

Use anywhere

Planning guides for Vietnam