Hi Maya, your journey sounds seriously fun. I'm now considering heading to Thailand and Vietnam in July (I have a job pending in Malaysia anyway). How long have you been in Vietnam? Have you seen Thailand? Places I'm interested in are: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Da Nang and Siem Reap. I have to do some research on visas.
I’ve been in Vietnam for almost two months now (out of a three-month tourist visa). I spent the first month in Hanoi in the north, and now I’m in Da Nang – it’s a digital nomad hotspot with a huge community.
I work from a different café every day, and I’m always surrounded by people on their laptops. Living costs here are super low – rent is around $250 USD, and everything else is about a dollar 😄 meals, coconuts, beach chairs, beers... The city is beautiful, and the beach is absolutely stunning.
I totally get why people end up staying here for years! Many expats I met do a quick visa run to Laos every few months and just keep coming back.
As for Thailand – I’ve been there three times on holiday (not as a nomad yet), but I’ve heard Chiang Mai has a big nomad scene and is very affordable too.
Personally, I loved the islands – I visited Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket, and it’s exactly what you’d imagine: paradise. Bangkok is a huge, vibrant city with everything, and of course, it has a nomad scene too. Like anywhere in SE Asia, I think you’ll find your spot pretty quickly.
Depends on what you’re after – more beach & chill vibes? Or high-energy city life? If you're like me and can’t decide – visit them all 😂
Haven’t been to Cambodia yet, but hoping to visit Siem Reap sometime soon.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned!
Thanks for taking the time to reply, Maya. I heard Hanoi is nice, but I like beach areas. I heard Da Nang is really nice. I do want to visit Bangkok for a bit. I've heard a lot about Chiang Mai.
I just started researching visas. In Vietnam is a US tourist visa good for three months? I had heard it was good for one or two months, then you have to apply for an extension.
Anyway, hopefully I'll be in Southeast Asia in early July. I'll keep reading your newsletter for travel tips.
An old manager of mine in LA used to travel to Vietnam all the time. He loved it.
PS. For some reason, I wasn’t getting notifications or emails about your posts, and I couldn’t remember the name of your Substack. I ended up searching my inbox for “Vietnam” and found the original email I signed up with! I love your posts so much I saved your Substack name in my phone notes so I can always find you.
Hi Maya, your journey sounds seriously fun. I'm now considering heading to Thailand and Vietnam in July (I have a job pending in Malaysia anyway). How long have you been in Vietnam? Have you seen Thailand? Places I'm interested in are: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Da Nang and Siem Reap. I have to do some research on visas.
Hey Carlton! Sounds exciting!
I’ve been in Vietnam for almost two months now (out of a three-month tourist visa). I spent the first month in Hanoi in the north, and now I’m in Da Nang – it’s a digital nomad hotspot with a huge community.
I work from a different café every day, and I’m always surrounded by people on their laptops. Living costs here are super low – rent is around $250 USD, and everything else is about a dollar 😄 meals, coconuts, beach chairs, beers... The city is beautiful, and the beach is absolutely stunning.
I totally get why people end up staying here for years! Many expats I met do a quick visa run to Laos every few months and just keep coming back.
As for Thailand – I’ve been there three times on holiday (not as a nomad yet), but I’ve heard Chiang Mai has a big nomad scene and is very affordable too.
Personally, I loved the islands – I visited Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket, and it’s exactly what you’d imagine: paradise. Bangkok is a huge, vibrant city with everything, and of course, it has a nomad scene too. Like anywhere in SE Asia, I think you’ll find your spot pretty quickly.
Depends on what you’re after – more beach & chill vibes? Or high-energy city life? If you're like me and can’t decide – visit them all 😂
Haven’t been to Cambodia yet, but hoping to visit Siem Reap sometime soon.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned!
Thanks for taking the time to reply, Maya. I heard Hanoi is nice, but I like beach areas. I heard Da Nang is really nice. I do want to visit Bangkok for a bit. I've heard a lot about Chiang Mai.
I just started researching visas. In Vietnam is a US tourist visa good for three months? I had heard it was good for one or two months, then you have to apply for an extension.
Anyway, hopefully I'll be in Southeast Asia in early July. I'll keep reading your newsletter for travel tips.
An old manager of mine in LA used to travel to Vietnam all the time. He loved it.
Loved this! And super cool video.
PS. For some reason, I wasn’t getting notifications or emails about your posts, and I couldn’t remember the name of your Substack. I ended up searching my inbox for “Vietnam” and found the original email I signed up with! I love your posts so much I saved your Substack name in my phone notes so I can always find you.
Thank you so much Brandi!🙏🏼🧡
About my posts - I post daily, so I don't email my posts every day (it's a bit too much 😅).
I only publish them here, and on Sundays I email The Weekly Journey - same week recap, and personal content.
You also get The Secret Journey emails on Fridays with extra behind the scenes moments, so there's plenty to read 🥰
My emails aren't published here, they're personal, and for those who care enough to subscribe, so I keep my content separate.
So happy you're here🧡
Ok, that makes sense! 🙏
Great post! Felt like was traveling with you. Loved the car cafe, nice flowery frock, and good street shops! Happy to see you have a great day. 🙂
Thank you so much!🙏🏼🥹
Glad you enjoyed it!😁