The Digital Nomad's Guide to Working Remotely from Asia

Asia has become one of the most exciting regions for remote work. With affordable living, fast internet, and a deep diversity of cultures, cities like Johor Bahru, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Tokyo offer nomads a rare combination of productivity and adventure.

This guide pairs perfectly with our Johor Bahru city guide — together they cover both the where to live and how to work.

Why Asia?

• Cost of living is dramatically lower than in Europe or North America (except Tokyo)
• Internet speeds in Malaysia and Vietnam rival many Western cities
• Time zones overlap with both Europe (morning) and Australia (afternoon)
• Visa options are improving yearly — Malaysia now offers a Digital Nomad Pass

Best Cities for Remote Work

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

• Internet: 500Mbps fibre widely available
• Coworking: IOI Mall, Greenhouse by Seasons, and several beachfront cafés
• Cost: RM3,000–5,000/month for a premium serviced residence
• Vibe: Calm, family-friendly, easy access to Singapore for meetings

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Internet: Excellent fibre and 5G coverage
• Coworking: The Vuon, Dreamplex, Toong, Enouvo Space
• Cost: VND 8–15 million/month
• Vibe: Energetic, social, legendary street food

Hanoi, Vietnam

• Internet: Strong and reliable
• Coworking: Toong, Shark Coworking, Bay Tien
• Cost: VND 6–12 million/month
• Vibe: Historic, artistic, cooler climate

Tokyo, Japan

• Internet: Among the fastest in the world
• Coworking: WeWork, Tokyo Work, The Hive
• Cost: Higher than the rest, but worth it for quality
• Vibe: Sleek, punctual, endlessly inspiring

Essential Tools for Nomads

1. eSIM apps — Airalo and Holafly for instant data
2. VPN — essential for secure public Wi-Fi
3. Time-zone tools — World Time Buddy for scheduling across regions
4. Banking — Wise or Revolut for low-fee multi-currency accounts

Building Routine While Travelling

Remote work thrives on routine. Here's a simple framework:

• Morning deep work in your serviced residence before the world wakes up
• Lunch at a local hawker or street stall — cheap, fast, authentic
• Afternoon coworking session — networking and change of scenery
• Evening exploration — treat each city as a long-form discovery

Staying Connected Across Borders

When you live month-to-month across Asia, consistency matters. That's why many nomads choose a single hospitality brand like SaffronCasa — fully-furnished units in Johor Bahru, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Tokyo, with the same WiFi quality, workspace setup, and cleaning standards everywhere you go.

Final Thoughts

Asia rewards the curious remote worker. Pack light, stay flexible, and let each city teach you something new.

Pair this guide with our city-specific stays across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan to find your next base.