Introduction
Cowork spaces are an actual thing now – really thought they were just a fad. But even before Covid, they’ve been providing excellent value. And not just for digital nomads! In today’s dynamic world, work environments and hybrid work models hold the key to any organization’s success. And yes, Vietnam is right in the mix! Flexibility is the new norm, and coworking spaces have become the heartbeat of international business, so we’ve decided to compile a list of coworking spaces in Saigon (most of which have been tried and tested).
Coworking now means community, fun, networking opportunities, and zero investment or landlord issues. This is the time for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and even multinationals to try out these local gems. Here’s a list of spaces you might want to check out:
List of Coworking Spaces in Saigon (and Vietnam)
CirCO
- Location: CirCO has several (very central) locations in Ho Chi Minh City, serving startups and businesses across diverse sectors.
- Expected Prices: CirCO offers affordable options, with hot desks starting from $100 per month and private offices ranging from $250 to $600 per person per month.
- Facilities: CirCO offers flexible and functional spaces with private floors, virtual offices, meeting rooms, event spaces, and a supportive community of entrepreneurs.
- Extras: CirCO has a range of promos and partnerships with the likes of UOB (United Overseas Bank), Google, and a gym
Compass Offices
- Location: Compass Offices offers premium spaces in key cities across Asia, but currently only has Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnam
- Expected Prices: Compass Offices provides flexible plans, with prices starting from $150 per month for hot desks and $400 to $800 per person per month for private offices.
- Facilities: Compass Offices offers modern, well-equipped workspaces with in house cafes, along with enterprise level IT solutions for teams across Asia
- Extras: Compass Offices has been favored by the likes of Disney, Qatar airways, and AirBnB. Might be able to rub shoulders with the big boys. Or at least get 2 months free.
Dreamplex
- Location: Dreamplex offers multiple locations across Saigon (there’s one conveniently located in Thao Dien), and at least one in Hanoi
- Expected Prices: Prices vary based on location, membership type, and facilities. Flexible plans start from $100 per month, while dedicated offices can range from $300 to $800 per person per month.
- Facilities: Dreamplex provides modern, stylish workspaces with high-speed internet. Have personally tried the one in Thao Dien, and quite like the meeting rooms.
- Extras: Dreamplex is the preferred choice for remote teams of global corporations like Samsung and Tiki. Though from what I can tell, they don’t really have promos and discounts for tenants.
The Executive Center
- Location: The Executive Center has premium locations all over Asia, mostly in big, traditional office buildings, and cater to high-end corporate clients. In Vietnam, they have two locations in Saigon (both in D1).
- Expected Prices: The Executive Center offers luxury workspace solutions with prices starting from $500 to $1000 per person per month.
- Facilities: The Executive Center provides high-end offices with concierge services, premium amenities, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
- Extras: Of the places I’ve visited, this is one of my least favourite. Call me obtuse, but I prefer my cowork spaces to actually have some character.
Regus
- Location: Regus has a vast presence across the world (arguably the widest network of the options listed here), with locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang.
- Expected Prices: Regus offers flexible plans, with prices starting from $120 per month for hot desks and $300 to $700 per person per month for private offices.
- Facilities: Regus provides professional workspaces with business-grade amenities, fully-equipped meeting rooms, and access to a global network of locations.
- Extras: They’ve been around for a while, and have been a familiar brand even back when I was living in China. Not my first choice (locations are too… blah), but certainly a convenient and flexible option which would serve in a cinch.
The Hive
- Location: The Hive is probably my favourite coworking space in Saigon. They have several locations in SEA, along with HKG, Australia, and Taiwan. But for Saigon, they have two spots in Thao Dien, each of which will have it’s own “flavour”.
- Expected Prices: The Hive offers competitive pricing, with hot desks starting from $150 per month and private offices ranging from $300 to $700 per person per month.
- Facilities: The Hive offers stylish and modern workspaces, event spaces, and a vibrant community to foster collaboration and networking.
- Extras: Join this place if you’re looking for something with a good community feel, and have relevant (and fun) activities. They also have several partnerships and discounts (including a 20% discount for international health insurance).
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Toong
- Location: Toong boasts prime locations in key cities of Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Danang). Probably the only one I know that has a spot in Vientiane (Laos).
- Expected Prices: Toong’s pricing is competitive, with hot desks starting from $120 per month and private offices ranging from $300 to $600 per person per month.
- Facilities: Toong offers creative and inspiring spaces with ergonomic furniture, meeting rooms, event spaces, and a focus on fostering collaboration and creativity.
- Extras: Never used this place personally, but have had a chat with a dozen or so people who have been long term tenants and swear by it.
Upgen
- Location: Upgen operates in strategic locations within Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, catering to startups and SMEs. They also have spots in Malaysia.
- Expected Prices: Upgen offers budget-friendly solutions, with hot desks starting from $100 per month and private offices ranging from $200 to $500 per person per month.
- Facilities: Upgen provides no-frills but comfortable workspaces with essential amenities to facilitate productivity.
- Extras: Upgen has a very robust range of services, which is actually quite impressive in scale and scope. One of their Saigon locations has a gym! Another spot in Hanoi has 3D printers, and woodworking tools!
WeWork
- Location: WeWork has established itself in key locations of Ho Chi Minh City, offering convenient access to businesses (though, for the life of me still can’t imagine anyone willingly working in District 4).
- Expected Prices: WeWork’s pricing varies based on location and services, with hot desks starting from $200 per month and private offices ranging from $400 to $800 per person per month.
- Facilities: WeWork delivers trendy and innovative spaces with top-notch facilities, high-speed internet, networking events, and community engagement opportunities.
- Extras: A friend of mine used to work at WeWork, and I have some really good experiences working here. Upscale but still approachable. Locations are not bland at all.
Summary
Vietnam’s coworking scene is flourishing, attracting global giants and thriving local players alike. As the demand for flexible workspaces continues to rise, investors have a golden opportunity to support these local gems and create a level playing field against established brands. With diverse offerings catering to various needs, these coworking spaces in Saigon and across Vietnam present a vibrant tapestry of opportunities, fostering innovation, collaboration, and productivity in the ever-evolving world of work.
