With its unique location and slower pace of life, it's no wonder the charming town of Hoi An is an increasingly desirable destination for expats considering living and working in Vietnam.
Popular industries in Hoi An
Hoi An has a history as a trade port destination and was considered by Chinese and Japanese merchants to be the best in all of Asia. As a result, they have left their mark on local culture. Today, however, the majority of locals work in agriculture, tourism, and as tailors with a focus on making customized suits, dresses, and other clothing items. At present, there are well over 200 tailors in Hoi An.
Jobs for foreigners in Hoi An are not as readily available as in other locations in the country. As a potential expat in Hoi An, you are more likely to find jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors. There is an ever-increasing number of young people backpacking to the town, and an English-speaking guide is often welcome in areas frequented by tourists, such as hostels and bars. English teachers can also find work in Hoi An, but this is not nearly as quick and easy as in other places in the country due to the scarcity of language schools in the area.
How to find a job in Hoi An
If you are struggling to find work, you might want to consider doing a work exchange through organizations like Workaway. There are opportunities in Hoi An to work for a few hours per day in exchange for accommodation (and sometimes food). This can be a good way to find your feet in a new town if you don't yet have accommodation, as well as establish new friendships and do meaningful work in your day-to-day life.
Our best bet of advice is to network. Find out from other residents if anyone knows who's hiring and see what's available. This can be particularly beneficial since Hoi An is a small town, and it's good to develop a solid network. You can also use Facebook groups dedicated to expats in Hoi An to get a good idea of the local job market before your arrival.
Lifestyle in Hoi An
Hoi An is an attractive place to live and work for many reasons. For the majority of the year, the weather is pleasant, it is located on the coast, and the pace of life is slower in comparison to major cities. Being in a smaller town, you will experience much less traffic congestion, and you are likely to live close to your place of work, thereby ensuring a minimal commute time.
If you are a digital nomad in Vietnam, there are many cafes with wifi available where you will be able to set yourself up for the day, plug in, and get some work done. Coworking spaces are also in plentiful supply in Hoi An.
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