Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a fast-paced, energetic metropolis that perfectly blends tradition with modernity. It’s a top destination for digital nomads, thanks to its affordable cost of living, thriving café culture, and solid coworking spaces. If you’re wondering what life as a remote worker in this vibrant city looks like, here’s a glimpse into a typical day.

☀️ 7:30 AM – Wake Up and Morning Routine

The city starts early, and so do I. From my Airbnb balcony, I can hear the hum of motorbikes and the distant chatter of street vendors. The tropical heat builds quickly, so I make the most of the cooler morning hours.

🔹 Morning Ritual: A quick stretch or yoga session at home. Some nomads opt for a morning run at Tao Dan Park, but I prefer something slower.
🔹 Coffee Fix: I head to Cộng Cà Phê, a cozy Vietnamese café with vintage decor, for my first caffeine hit—a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk).

💻 9:00 AM – Work Session at a Coworking Space

Ho Chi Minh City has tons of coworking spaces, and today I choose The Hive in District 2. The space is bright, modern, and filled with fellow remote workers.

🔹 Task List:
✔️ Check emails and messages from clients (time zones can be tricky!)
✔️ Work on design updates for a client project
✔️ Join a quick Zoom call—thankfully, the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable

Some days, I switch it up and work from Work Saigon or a quiet café like Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters.

🍜 12:30 PM – Lunch at a Local Spot

Time to refuel! One of the best things about living in Vietnam is the amazing food—cheap, fresh, and packed with flavor.

🔹 Lunch Spot: I grab a bowl of bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) from a street vendor. A full meal costs around $2-$3 USD—an unbeatable deal.

Some days, I switch it up with phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) or a banh mi sandwich for something quick.

☀️ 2:00 PM – Second Work Session & Café Hopping

Afternoons are when the tropical heat peaks, so I settle into another work session—this time at a trendy café. Ho Chi Minh City has one of the best café cultures in the world, making it a paradise for digital nomads.

🔹 Today’s pick: Okkio Caffè, a stylish spot with vintage vibes and strong Wi-Fi.
🔹 Tasks:
✔️ Finalize client reports
✔️ Write content for a blog post
✔️ Edit some travel photos for Instagram

By now, I’m on my second cà phê đen đá (Vietnamese black iced coffee) of the day—it’s strong, smooth, and keeps me focused.

🏍️ 5:00 PM – Evening Exploration & Golden Hour Views

After finishing work, I take advantage of golden hour and explore the city.

🔹 Option 1: Rooftop Views – I head to Saigon Skydeck for a panoramic sunset view over the city.
🔹 Option 2: Local Markets – I stroll through Ben Thanh Market, where I check out souvenirs, fresh fruit, and street food.
🔹 Option 3: Motorbike Adventure – Renting a motorbike for the day is just $5-$7 USD, so sometimes I zip around the city and explore hidden alleys.

🍲 7:30 PM – Dinner & Socializing

Ho Chi Minh City has an exciting nightlife and food scene, so dinner is always a highlight.

🔹 Dinner Spot: Ốc Đào – A famous seafood spot where I dig into fresh clams, grilled scallops, and lemongrass crab.
🔹 Social Scene: I join other nomads at Broma Not A Bar, a laid-back rooftop bar with craft beer and live music.

Some nights, I attend networking events at coworking spaces or join an expat meetup at places like The Racha Room. It’s easy to meet other digital nomads in Saigon—there’s a thriving community here.

🌙 11:00 PM – Wind Down & Relax

Before bed, I take a slow walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where locals hang out and street performers put on shows. The energy is still buzzing, but I know another productive day awaits.

🔹 Nighttime Routine:
✔️ Catch up on messages from family and friends
✔️ Plan the next day’s to-do list
✔️ Read a few pages of a book before lights out

Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible base for digital nomads—it’s affordable, packed with culture, and has an unmatched energy. The combination of fast Wi-Fi, delicious food, and a lively community makes it easy to balance work and travel.