Hey Hacker News,
What a nice surprise to see this oldie pop up.
I'm Jon Myers, the guy who wrote the article. Nice to meet you all.
Hard to believe, I wrote that article over 2 years ago. Some things were a bit naive, I need to update it.
I've planted roots now in Saigon and am here for the near future.
I told my friend the other day, Saigon is like an onion wrapped around a sweet lychee.
Initially a bit harsh on the eyes, makes the eyes water and then, once you get past the layers, you're rewarded with a sweet surprise inside.
A lot has changed since I wrote that article.
In my opinion, for the better.
The biggest, most visible change - construction has begun on the city's massive above and underground metro system.
It's a huge, ambitious project, designed and financed by the Japanese.
Sure, it will have delays in construction, but it will get there.
It's hard to imagine how this project will change the culture and dynamics of this city.
However, I can and have a bit of perspective on this matter.
I started my mobile entrepreneurial journey over 20 years ago (I know, dating myself) in Taipei, Taiwan.
I lived there for a year, and at that time, Taipei felt a lot like Saigon now. Ugly duckling, underrated motorbike dominated city.
Oddly, Taiwan's gross GDP then was similar to that of Vietnam's now - in the 175 billion range. Yet, Vietnam has a lot more people.
And, back then they were hard at work building Taipei's metro system.
Contrasting the Taipei of then and now, it's hard to overstate the impact of the metro system on that city.
Similarly, I believe Saigon will undergo a similar transformation on a much larger scale.
Aside from the metro system in Saigon, I've witnessed yet more, massive construction projects and change.
Yes, of course, there is speculation as well.
The other, most notable change in Saigon - the network and quality of people has grown significantly.
Some stay, some stay for awhile, build and have to move on, and others just pass through.
A few people come to mind who have had large successes. A friend was base here last year, hunkered down on his business, and had to move back to the U.S.
His business is now doing 7 figures in gross annual revenue.
I've seen others get similar lifts in their businesses who have based themselves here. It's the power of the network.
In some ways, everyday is like Shark Tank. We help each other, we critique, push and challenge each other.
The actual startup scene is maturing.
Personally, my pool of opportunities has widened since I've been here. I'm working with a venture capital firm here and helping them launch a new bank.
On the downsides.
Yes, costs have gone up since I've written that article.
I think too often those in this movement or toying with it become too fixated on "cheap".
If you're fixated on "cheap" or "cheapest", Saigon is not for you.
The focus should be on value.
If you want high value and an adult urban lifestyle while you're working and building your business, Saigon is still an incredible value.
Additionally, there are things of intangible value one must consider. Particularly, connections and the breakthroughs from those connections.
My expenses have risen considerably since I've written that article, but that is a personal choice I'm ok with.
I'm now married to a local (couldn't be happier) and am in the enclave of District 2. We have a beautiful, 3 story modern home, designed by a well known local architect, my design studio occupies the top floor, and the cost of monthly rental is a steal for the quality.
Yes, the visa situation has changed, and is in flux, however, it still trumps a place like Thailand by a long shot.
My friends here who are here for a longer stretch all have gotten 1 year multiple entry business visas for $700.
None have been denied.
You pay, you get the letter in a week, you have to pop over to an embassy outside Vietnam, for example in Cambodia to pick it up.
That's a bargain when you consider all the visa run hassles, hoops and what not in a place like Thailand.
For shorter term stays, it's still easy to get a 3 month multiple entry visa. You just can't renew in country like before or if you do, it might be costly.
I'm married, so I have a 5 year resident visa. That cost $75usd...
I really need to update that article.
Thanks.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.
If you're in Saigon, please hit me up.
Cheers!
