Where is the best city for living as a developer in Vietnam?

You are a software engineer, and you are planning to move to Vietnam. The most frequently asked question is, "In Vietnam, where is the best place for a programmer to live?"

Okay, today we will talk about that.

Vietnam has a total of 64 provinces and municipalities spanning from the North to the South, but not all of them have programming companies or a significant IT workforce.

Let's take a look at this population chart (arranged by decreasing total population):

You might think that cities with the highest population density would have the most vibrant IT industry, right? While that is partially true, it's not entirely accurate.

Only a few major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi are densely populated and in need of a large IT workforce. The majority of other cities have a significant population engaged in manufacturing or are farmers working in the fields, as Vietnam is one of the world's largest exporters of rice.

Now, let's explore which cities are considered desirable for living and working.

Ho Chi Minh city(Sai Gon)

This can be considered the most vibrant city in Vietnam, and the Vietnamese economy relies heavily on this city, with a population of nearly 9.2 million people.

Riverside, Ho Chi Minh city - Credit: Unsplash

With a dense population and a young workforce, Sai Gon is viewed as the place where the IT industry develops most dynamically in Vietnam. Many international companies have established their headquarters or opened offices here, including Microsoft, Shopee, Intel, Robert Bosch,...
It is also a hub for numerous start-ups that emerge and test their products due to the presence of a large potential customer base.

The weather in Saigon, specifically, and the Southern region of Vietnam, in general, is considered mild compared to the rest of the country. Throughout the year, it is hot and dry during the day, with temperatures gradually dropping at night, making the air cool. Particularly, there are a few days each year when the weather is colder than usual, especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve. People from the South rarely have the opportunity to experience storms in their lifetime because Saigon's geographical location is not in the path of storms in Vietnam.

According to various surveys and my own personal experience, Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon) is the city with the highest number of programmers and the most vibrant programming scene in Vietnam. The salaries for programmers are also the highest in the country, but the cost of living is consequently higher than in other cities.

Ha Noi City

This is the capital of Vietnam, as well as the second-largest city in Vietnam, only after Ho Chi Minh City. I think many people don't know that it is the capital but yes, Ha Noi is the capital.

The population is approximately 8.2 million people, mostly concentrated in the northern provinces around Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem lake, Ha Noi - Credit: Unsplash

Hanoi has a long and prestigious history, renowned through the feudal dynasties of Vietnam. In Hanoi, amidst the rapidly changing modern life, you can still witness the ancient charm that persists.

Due to Hanoi being a densely populated city with a high population density, urban issues are inevitable here. For instance, air and water pollution, noise pollution, and other challenges typical of large metropolitan areas are present.

Hanoi experiences distinct seasons throughout the year: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. It is considered a place with beautiful weather, but at times it can be challenging for those prone to illnesses due to its fluctuating conditions.

Da Nang City

As a coastal city, youthful and dynamic, yet with a population of only 1.3 million people, this place is known as the livable city of Vietnam. Why? Because the population is not too crowded like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it is close to the sea, and the transportation system is considered quite spacious.
Furthermore, the people here are quite honest and friendly, ready to help you whenever you need or encounter difficulties.

Dragon Bridge, Da Nang city - Credit: Unsplash

Da Nang welcomed over 6.4 million tourists in 2023. With its long, clean, and peaceful beaches and beautiful infrastructure, it is considered one of the interesting choices to visit. International tourists as well as digital nomads also see this as one of the cities with reasonable costs to live and work in Vietnam.

Da Nang is renowned for its beautiful and clean beaches, and its coastal infrastructure has developed, transforming the city into a well-known coastal destination in Southeast Asia. You can stroll along the beach and drop by any beachside bar to enjoy a refreshing beer for less than 5 USD, or you can cross the street and treat yourself to a cup of coffee at one of the largest coffee chains in Vietnam - Highlands Coffee.

From Da Nang, you only need to drive over 30 km to visit Hoi An, a famous ancient city in Southeast Asia, and go back within a day.

Hoi An Ancient Town used to be a bustling trading hub for ships from Portugal and China in the 2nd to 19th centuries. Although trade has dwindled throughout history, turning Hoi An into a renowned ancient town. Nowadays, people often take leisurely walks or bike rides around the old town, enjoying traditional dishes such as Cao Lau, grilled corn, coffee, and more.

There was a time when the Vietnamese government aimed to transform Da Nang into the Silicon Valley of Vietnam. However, after several years of planning, it seems that the implementation is proceeding at a relatively slow pace. Many buildings designated as "software parks" are either under construction but incomplete or remain largely vacant. Some of my friends had to return to Ho Chi Minh City after trying to live in Da Nang because they said that the salaries here are much lower compared to the cost of living. I'm not sure how the salary situation is for foreigners, but for Vietnamese individuals, they tend to receive lower wages compared to living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary

All three major cities, Saigon, Hanoi, and Da Nang, offer diverse experiences for everyone. Saigon exudes dynamism, Hanoi captivates with its historical charm, and Da Nang beckons as a beach paradise. Each place represents a unique adventure, awaiting those who wish to immerse themselves in the culture, history, or nature of Vietnam.

It's hard to say which place is the most suitable; you have to experience living in each and discover the one that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.