[YardDog]

Great write up and intel, Papi Rico.

Da Nang’s mix of city and beach is a huge interest to me as well. But even better you can surf there at least 4 months of the year. It’s not Indo, but it looks like there’s enough to feed the addiction.

Did you surf at all when you were there? I know the season is just about to get going in November.

Could you tell me about the internet in the city? Were you on cable/fiber lines or older DSL connections? Do you have any info on speed, latency, and cost?

I’m not sure what you do for work, but did you ever get into screen shares, video meetings, or file uploading while there?

Thanks man.

[Papi Rico]

(10-30-2014 12:03 AM)YardDog Wrote:  

Great write up and intel, Papi Rico.

Da Nang’s mix of city and beach is a huge interest to me as well. But even better you can surf there at least 4 months of the year. It’s not Indo, but it looks like there’s enough to feed the addiction.

Did you surf at all when you were there? I know the season is just about to get going in November.

Could you tell me about the internet in the city? Were you on cable/fiber lines or older DSL connections? Do you have any info on speed, latency, and cost?

I’m not sure what you do for work, but did you ever get into screen shares, video meetings, or file uploading while there?

Thanks man.

Hey mate, glad to hear another person is interested. At this rate we will set up a RVF base. Again, the general consensus is that this is a great place to focus and get serious work done, without the first-tier city costs but with sufficient nightlife/women and the beach.

No clue about surfing, but I know Mui Ne, a southern beach resort, is a world-class kitesurfing destination.

No info on internet speed, but I found it adequate for my purposes -- I mainly deal with documents and communicate through e-mail. I paid 5usd/month for unlimited 3G data on my phone. Not the greatest, but adequate.

I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can chime in here, as I know these two factors can be outcome-determinative for some guys on here.

[YardDog]

Thanks man. Well, if the data in this image is even remotely realistic it's at least as good as the Phils. I'd imagine that the connections in cities along the seaboard between Hanoi and Saigon are good. No islands to contend with.

I read that Medium article that inspired you. In that he breakdowns the start up scene in Saigon. It seems like your everyday cafe there had blazing fast net.

That's certainly not the case in the Philippines. You can get decent net here if you live in the right building and can afford it (Fiber, cables lines). But coffee shops have terrible DSL connections.

I'll keep digging, but just an hour of research has me thinking good connections in places like Da Nang are easy to come by. Seems like Da Nang might be a good work and surf spot over here.

[TheBulldozer]

On the ground here, I will say the internet is extremely unreliable.

Since July, the outbound internet cable linking Vietnam and Hong Kong has broken twice, rendering connects about as fast as 3g over broadband networks. That seems unfathomable, but it's true. Give it a google. If I was doing heavy online work, I would not count Vietnam among the places I could relocate to.

What you'll see on that chart is a pingback through in country servers. Once you try to download or disseminate information outside of Vietnam you have to run this through the HK cable, which as noted earlier breaks frequently. The broadband companies have even admitted that the repairs they have to do are only temporary fixes. There will be another cable set to open speeds up in 2016, but knowing the way things works here, that probably won't be until 2026.

[YardDog]

(10-31-2014 03:53 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

On the ground here, I will say the internet is extremely unreliable.

Since July, the outbound internet cable linking Vietnam and Hong Kong has broken twice, rendering connects about as fast as 3g over broadband networks. That seems unfathomable, but it's true. Give it a google. If I was doing heavy online work, I would not count Vietnam among the places I could relocate to.

What you'll see on that chart is a pingback through in country servers. Once you try to download or disseminate information outside of Vietnam you have to run this through the HK cable, which as noted earlier breaks frequently. The broadband companies have even admitted that the repairs they have to do are only temporary fixes. There will be another cable set to open speeds up in 2016, but knowing the way things works here, that probably won't be until 2026.

Thanks for the on the ground intel. I did see those articles from July.

Sounds like similar issues that the Phils is nearly always dealing with. These typhoons are a serious challenge to the cables.

Did you live in Saigon and get a taste of the start up scene there? What was the general consensus on internet quality?

I've not been so I'm just going on blog posts and word of mouth. However, it does seem like it has a relatively thriving tech scene.

The Philippines also has a tech scene, but it's primarily massive corps that have exclusive/direct cable access. So the big companies get reliable, fast service for the voice related stuff, but everyday small timers get stuck with shitty expensive service. At least that's my take.

[TheBulldozer]

I am in the north and am not part of any start-up/tech scene so I really can't comment.

Vietnam has a vibrant cafe scene, but it seems more socialize rather than work. I hardly see people with laptops at a cafe.

(10-31-2014 04:06 AM)YardDog Wrote:  

(10-31-2014 03:53 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

On the ground here, I will say the internet is extremely unreliable.

Since July, the outbound internet cable linking Vietnam and Hong Kong has broken twice, rendering connects about as fast as 3g over broadband networks. That seems unfathomable, but it's true. Give it a google. If I was doing heavy online work, I would not count Vietnam among the places I could relocate to.

What you'll see on that chart is a pingback through in country servers. Once you try to download or disseminate information outside of Vietnam you have to run this through the HK cable, which as noted earlier breaks frequently. The broadband companies have even admitted that the repairs they have to do are only temporary fixes. There will be another cable set to open speeds up in 2016, but knowing the way things works here, that probably won't be until 2026.

Thanks for the on the ground intel. I did see those articles from July.

Sounds like similar issues that the Phils is nearly always dealing with. These typhoons are a serious challenge to the cables.

Did you live in Saigon and get a taste of the start up scene there? What was the general consensus on internet quality?

I've not been so I'm just going on blog posts and word of mouth. However, it does seem like it has a relatively thriving tech scene.

The Philippines also has a tech scene, but it's primarily massive corps that have exclusive/direct cable access. So the big companies get reliable, fast service for the voice related stuff, but everyday small timers get stuck with shitty expensive service. At least that's my take.

[WanderingSoul]

Saigon has a lot of digital nomads, or whatever you wish to call them, living there. Internet doesn't seem to be a problem for them. It's even more popular right now than Chiang Mai from what I've read.

[Enigma]

How is the martial arts scene in Da Nang?

I'm sure there's Vietnamese styles, but I was doing some googling and see people saying there's not much or any Muay Thai, BJJ, boxing kinds of stuff in Vietnam period.

Any intel on that?

[Mojorisin808]

I spent a month in Saigon, and worked at a co-working tech space while there. They provided fast reliable fiber optic - 40mb. If you can afford it the infrastructure is there. Not sure about the coastal areas though.

[Enigma]

^What do we mean by "afford it"?

[YardDog]

(11-02-2014 09:32 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  

I spent a month in Saigon, and worked at a co-working tech space while there. They provided fast reliable fiber optic - 40mb. If you can afford it the infrastructure is there. Not sure about the coastal areas though.

Thanks man. Do you remember the name of the place? I'd like to take a look at it.

[YardDog]

(10-31-2014 09:52 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

Saigon has a lot of digital nomads, or whatever you wish to call them, living there. Internet doesn't seem to be a problem for them. It's even more popular right now than Chiang Mai from what I've read.

Thanks man. Can you share any links for articles you've read?

Any insight into where these Saigon nomads are hanging out online?

[WanderingSoul]

(11-03-2014 01:31 AM)YardDog Wrote:  

(10-31-2014 09:52 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

Saigon has a lot of digital nomads, or whatever you wish to call them, living there. Internet doesn't seem to be a problem for them. It's even more popular right now than Chiang Mai from what I've read.

Thanks man. Can you share any links for articles you've read?

Any insight into where these Saigon nomads are hanging out online?

http://tropicalmba.com/ is the home of the Dynamite Circle, a big internet marketing group that has a lot of guys out there.

http://www.johnnyfd.com/ is a member of the DC that has some posts about going to Saigon and meeting with other DCers.

[Patriarch]

This thread convinced me to move to Da Nang in January after I renew my visa again. Say a guy doesn't need a two bedroom apartment. What sort of one bedroom close to the beach are we talking for $400-500 per month, in terms of a pool, balcony, kitchen, etc. Utilities included? I heard the sidewalks are a lot more clear in Da Nang, and you can actually walk on them. Is that true?

On the internet -- yes, the trans-pacific cable or whatever it's called has been broken twice in the past three months. However, except for maybe two weeks total in that time span, my internet has been as fast or faster than it was in America. There was about a week in September when I couldn't watch YouTube videos, but it was definitely ok to surf the web.

[Papi Rico]

(11-03-2014 09:22 AM)Sweet Pea Wrote:  

This thread convinced me to move to Da Nang in January after I renew my visa again. Say a guy doesn't need a two bedroom apartment. What sort of one bedroom close to the beach are we talking for $400-500 per month, in terms of a pool, balcony, kitchen, etc. Utilities included? I heard the sidewalks are a lot more clear in Da Nang, and you can actually walk on them. Is that true?

Go for it mate, time to enjoy that clean air, beachside living, and uncorrupted central vietnamese poon.

Pure conjecture on my part, but I would venture to say you can get all of the above mentioned, beachside, and utilities included for below that amount. Check yourself in at a centrally-located hotel for a week or so and go hunting for that perfect pad. Hit up everyone you come across for advice; you will get it. You're already in Vietnam so you know not to waste time on agents and always drive a hard bargain.

I found the city very walkable, but would still get a motorbike. The riverwalk along the Han River (across from the major pubs) is pleasant and a great place to take a girl for that kiss-close after the bars (don't understand the importance of discreet game in VN, especially Da Nang!).

One word of caution: because there are a lot fewer motorbikes on the roads relative to Saigon/Hanoi, people will drive at extremely reckless speeds along the main roads (Bach Dang) and the beachside strip. Fatalities routinely occur, so exercise extreme care when escorting your misses across the street.

Keep us updated on your plans and let us know of the housing situation once you're on the ground.

[Mojorisin808]

(11-03-2014 01:27 AM)YardDog Wrote:  

Thanks man. Do you remember the name of the place? I'd like to take a look at it.

http://www.saigoncoworking.com/

[Mojorisin808]

(11-02-2014 10:40 PM)Enigma Wrote:  

^What do we mean by "afford it"?

I meant the stable high-speed internet infrastructure is there (fiber optics), but it comes down to how much you are willing to pay, and if your place is wired for it. I guess same holds true for the Philippines.

[Enigma]

(11-04-2014 12:34 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  

I meant the stable high-speed internet infrastructure is there (fiber optics), but it comes down to how much you are willing to pay, and if your place is wired for it. I guess same holds true for the Philippines.

Yeah, I understand what you're saying.

I'm talking numbers. $50? $100? $200? $500? (per month)

"Affordable" is going to be completely different for a lot of people, especially if they use the internet for work.

EDIT: Ah, I see you're talking about a coworking space, not a residence, so perhaps you don't know.

[Mojorisin808]

(11-04-2014 02:06 PM)Enigma Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 12:34 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  

I meant the stable high-speed internet infrastructure is there (fiber optics), but it comes down to how much you are willing to pay, and if your place is wired for it. I guess same holds true for the Philippines.

Yeah, I understand what you're saying.

I'm talking numbers. $50? $100? $200? $500? (per month)

"Affordable" is going to be completely different for a lot of people, especially if they use the internet for work.

EDIT: Ah, I see you're talking about a coworking space, not a residence, so perhaps you don't know.

Yea couldn't say about residential costs, I only spent a month in Saigon in total, and worked exclusively at the workspace, paid $140ish a month, which I thought wasn't too bad.

[Vacancier Permanent]

Been doing some more research and the more I learn about this place, the more I'm attracted to it and the more I'm convinced this is where I should post up for the winter as opposed to Chiang Mai.

Found these 2 sites for accommodations which give a good indication of what is available. However, I'm sure once on the ground, one can find even better deals than these gringo oriented sites as usual.

http://danangrenting.com/danh-muc-bds/6/...-nang.html

This one looks like it has a lot more to offer in terms of options:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=search/viewGallery

A quick look and I already found a few quality gems:

2 BDR house near the beach for 370$/month
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/danang-2bd...-BB.ST.Q01

2 BDR Apart 3 minutes walk from the beach 500$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-apart...B.ST.H7081 BDR

Apart near the beach for 400$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/1-bdr-apar...BB.NHS.Q43

3 BDR House near the beach for 500$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/danang-3bd...-BB.ST.T20

2 BDR condo in the highest building in Da Nang for 1200$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-azura...bb.az.24.4

Beautiful 2 BDR beach house with a pool on a golf course for 1350$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-ocean...-in-danang

3 Storey 6 BDR house near the beach for 1200$/month!
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/danang-6bd...-BB.ST.T23

2 BDR Ocean View Penthouse for 1K$/Month!
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-ocean...ent-danang

My fav, a 2 BDR house with a pool for 900$/month:
http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-pool-...-bb.nh.512

As these samples show, there is potential to live it up pretty nicely there for a fraction of the cost. Also great potential to team up with say 1-3 like minded guys who want a quiet, clean place to post up to get work done or get a biz off the ground without the pollution or traffic of say Saigon or the non stop distractions of say MNL or BKK or even Saigon. And focus on work with the right amount of fun when needed.

I'd be interested in such a setting where 2-3 like minded guys get together and stay at a posh place, get work done and have a good time there.

The house with a pool for 900$ would be perfect for such a thing. http://cvr.com.vn/?q=property/2bdr-pool-...-bb.nh.512
Between 2 guys, it would come to 450$ each which is nothing compared to the value we'd get.

Who would be up for something like that from say mid/end Dec onwards for the next 3 months?

[Patriarch]

Holy shit, these are the prices on western-focused sites? More and more I realize that the only reason I chose Saigon in the first place was to find a teaching job.

It looks like many of the best properties (by my standards, which are newer 1BR apartments near the beach for $400 or less) are on An Thuong 1-4.

[TheBulldozer]

Find the Da Nang expat groups on Facebook and I guarantee you'll find even cheaper rents.

[YardDog]

Nice VP. Looks like Da Nang is a great value.

I could walk to surf, have a mini-yard for BBQ and a place to chill, and a roomy apartment for sub $500-700 a month.

VP - I'd be down to get a house but I'm locked into Manila for the winter. I'll be visiting Da Nang though to check the city and surf out though.

[Patriarch]

What are the food prices like in Da Nang? In general, prices here in Binh Thanh district are:

Fried egg banh mi, two eggs: 10-12k
Broken rice with one portion of meat: 15-20k
Coffee: 10k at takeaway places, 20k in nicer cafes
Nuoc mia: 5k
Pho: 25-35k

Curious how much further these prices would drop. I was in some strange wonderland out in the provinces where food seems to be a hair's width away from free.

[TheBulldozer]

Yeah, prices in Vietnam are so cheap that I can take out less than $10 with me and get drunk, fed, and transported.