From Pharmacy to Coworking: How I Built a Community for Digital Nomads in Vietnam

Da Nang, Vietnam is experiencing a surge in digital nomads, and one resident, Hana Nguyen, has turned her family home into a coworking space to meet the growing demand. Nguyen’s story, detailed in a recent Business Insider profile, illustrates a broader trend of locals adapting to the influx of remote workers and capitalizing on the opportunities it presents. What began as a personal encounter with a hiker has evolved into a thriving community hub and a significant source of income for Nguyen and her family.

From Pharmacy Graduate to Community Builder

Nguyen Thị Thanh Thơ, known as Hana Nguyen, initially pursued a more conventional career path after graduating with a business administration degree in 2016, followed by training as a pharmacist. But, she found her job at a local pharmacy unfulfilling. “It was the typical job for many Vietnamese graduates: stable but low-paying; not especially challenging but similarly very boring,” she explained in the Business Insider interview. A pivotal moment came in 2023 when she connected with a foreign traveler through an online forum. This encounter led her to a coworking space – a concept entirely new to her at the time – and sparked an immediate interest in the community and collaborative operate environment.

Nguyen’s initial foray into the coworking world began with managing a space for a friend in exchange for free rent for two months. This proved successful, garnering attention from local media and content creators. She earned approximately $250 per month, a modest income but one she found deeply rewarding. Recognizing the potential for a more sustainable and independent venture, she sought a location of her own. The opportunity arose when a friend offered space within his bar, unused during daylight hours. This arrangement, while rent-free, was temporary, prompting Nguyen to approach her parents with a bold proposition: converting a floor of their three-story family home into a dedicated coworking space.

A Family Affair and the Rise of Hana’s Coworking

Despite the inherent risks, Nguyen’s parents agreed to the conversion. The renovation process was demanding, requiring Nguyen to handle all aspects of the operation herself. However, the space quickly filled up, leading to an expansion of the coworking area throughout the house. Today, Hana’s Coworking can accommodate 30 people, with monthly memberships priced at $76. The business remains a family operation, with Nguyen’s father acting as a security guard and her mother handling cleaning duties. This keeps overhead low and maintains a personal touch.

The success of Hana’s Coworking is intertwined with the growing appeal of Da Nang as a destination for digital nomads. Nguyen attributes the city’s popularity to its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and convenient location, offering access to beaches, mountains, and an international airport. Business Insider reports that Da Nang is rapidly becoming a hub for remote workers in Asia.

Addressing the Loneliness Factor

Nguyen identifies loneliness as a significant challenge faced by many digital nomads. Arriving in a new country without established connections can be isolating. Hana’s Coworking aims to mitigate this by fostering a strong sense of community. Nguyen organizes events – beach trips, yoga sessions, dinners – designed to aid people connect both professionally and socially. Approximately 20% of participants in these events are local Vietnamese residents, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration. Some locals have even secured freelance work with nomads in fields like design, tech, and marketing.

The Economic Impact and Local Integration

The influx of digital nomads isn’t just benefiting Hana Nguyen and her family; it’s having a broader economic impact on Da Nang. Increased demand for accommodation, food, transportation, and local services is stimulating growth in various sectors. The integration of locals into the digital nomad ecosystem, as evidenced by the freelance opportunities emerging through Hana’s Coworking, is a positive development. This exchange of skills and knowledge can contribute to the long-term economic diversification of the region.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth and Community Focus

Nguyen emphasizes that she is still learning and doesn’t have a rigid long-term plan. Her primary focus remains on connecting people and building a thriving community. She acknowledges the temporary nature of her current arrangement with her parents and recognizes the demand for a more sustainable business model. The future of Hana’s Coworking will likely involve securing a dedicated, long-term location and potentially expanding her team. However, Nguyen’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for both digital nomads and locals remains central to her vision. She can be found on Instagram, where she regularly posts updates about the space and community events.

The story of Hana Nguyen and Hana’s Coworking serves as a compelling example of how individuals can adapt to changing economic landscapes and create opportunities by embracing new trends. Her success highlights the potential for local entrepreneurship to thrive in the age of remote work, while also emphasizing the importance of community building and cultural exchange.