18 Jan 2024
Vietnam: From Northern Peaks to Ancient Streets
A month of wandering through Vietnam's diverse landscapes took me from the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the serene streets of Hoi An. Here's how I balanced remote work with exploring some of Vietnam's most spectacular destinations.
Week 1: Hanoi (5 Days)
Kicked off my Vietnamese adventure in the vibrant capital.
Work Setup:
Toong Coworking Space (multiple locations)
The Click Space (great community)
Ministry of Coffee (excellent workspace)
Must-Do Experiences:
Dawn coding at Hoan Kiem Lake
Old Quarter food tour
Weekend at Temple of Literature
Egg coffee at Giang Cafe
Train Street photography
Tay Ho district cafes
Week 1-2: Ha Long Bay (3 Days)
A much-needed break between work weeks.
Experience Highlights:
2-night cruise (Heritage Line)
Sunrise tai chi sessions
Cave exploration
Kayaking adventures
Local fishing village visits
Ti Top Island sunset
Week 2: Ha Giang Loop (4 Days)
Scheduled this epic adventure over a long weekend.
Adventure Highlights:
Heaven's Gate Pass
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Dong Van Karst Plateau
Ma Pi Leng Pass views
H'mong King's Palace
Local homestays
Quan Ba Twin Mountains
Week 3: Sapa (5 Days)
Mixed trekking adventures with remote work.
Work Setup:
Highland Camp & Coffee
Sapa Hub Coworking
Lens Cafe (mountain views)
Must-Experience:
Cat Cat Village trek
Muong Hoa Valley
Silver Waterfall
Weekend Fansipan climb
Local market visits
Rice terrace photoshoots
Week 3-4: Da Nang (7 Days)
Beach life meets modern workspace.
Work Setup:
DNC Workspace
The Hub - Work & Play
43 Factory Coffee
Highlights:
My Khe Beach mornings
Marble Mountains sunset
Lady Buddha statue
Son Tra Peninsula
Dragon Bridge shows
Hai Van Pass drive
Monkey Mountain views
Week 4: Hoi An (6 Days)
Ancient charm for the final week.
Work Setup:
Hub Hoi An Coworking
Dingo Deli (great workspace)
The Hill Station
Must-Experience:
Ancient Town sunrise
Japanese Bridge photos
Lantern market nights
Cam Nam Island cafes
An Bang Beach work days
Cooking class
Tailored clothing fitting
Pro Tips for This Route:
Book Ha Long Bay midweek for better rates
Get proper insurance for Ha Giang Loop
Pack layers (north can be chilly)
Download offline maps
Get a Grab bike account
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Transportation Between Cities:
Hanoi to Ha Long: Luxury minivan (2.5 hrs)
Return to Hanoi, then night bus to Ha Giang (6-7 hrs)
Ha Giang to Sapa: Private car transfer (7-8 hrs)
Sapa to Hanoi: Night train
Hanoi to Da Nang: Vietnam Airlines
Da Nang to Hoi An: Grab car (30 mins)
Budget Breakdown:
Accommodation: $700
Coworking: $150
Food: $400
Transport: $500
Activities: $450
Total: ~$2200
Digital Nomad Essentials:
VPN subscription
eSIM for mountain areas
Portable power bank
Rain gear for electronics
Multiple adapters
Noise-canceling headphones
The beauty of this north-to-central route is the dramatic contrast between destinations. From navigating Hanoi's bustling streets to finding peace in Hoi An's ancient alleys, each stop offered a unique perspective on remote work life in Vietnam.
My biggest surprise? How seamlessly traditional Vietnamese life blends with modern digital infrastructure. You can literally code from a coffee shop overlooking century-old rice terraces or take client calls from an ancient town that hasn't changed in 400 years.
Pro tip: Schedule your most intensive work for Da Nang - it has the most reliable internet infrastructure in Vietnam and a thriving digital nomad scene!
© 2024, Zoe Hartley.
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