‘Don’t come to Vietnam—you’ll never want to leave,’ Spanish digital nomad quips

In a video posted on the TikTok channel 'Lost in Vietnam' (@vietnam_nomad), Alberto Ferreiras Casteleiro, who has lived in Vietnam for more than two years, opened with a playful warning: "Don't come to Vietnam. Seriously, don't come if you're a digital nomad. Just stay away."

"Why? Because once you come, you'll never want to leave this place," he added.

What makes Vietnam hard to leave

Ferreiras, who now lives in Ho Chi Minh City, went on to explain his advice in a lighthearted way.

"Here's the problem," he said. "You're gonna face $1 coffee that's stronger than rocket fuel, and your four-hour work day will literally turn into ten."

He also highlighted Vietnam's food scene, saying a $2 bowl of pho could easily surpass any overpriced noodle dish back home.

Housing, he noted, is another major draw, with fully furnished apartments featuring rooftop pools and city views costing less than tiny rooms in Western countries.

But it is the people, Ferreiras insisted, who make Vietnam truly irresistible.

"They'll feed you, invite you out, and before you know it, you've got a second family here," he said.

"Don't come to Vietnam unless you're ready for amazing food, endless energy, and a community that makes leaving almost impossible."

Responding to a TikTok viewer's question about whether Vietnam is a must-see destination, Ferreiras described the Southeast Asian country as the best place he has ever visited.

Why Vietnam appeals to digital nomads

Viewers flooded the comments section in agreement with Ferreiras, with many saying that even a brief stay in Vietnam had made them reluctant to leave.

Others shared more playful reactions, joking that the video nearly made them angry before they even finished watching.

Many also praised Vietnam for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and distinctive food.

A Spaniard who grew up in New York, Ferreiras became a digital nomad in 2016.

He previously lived in Spain, Serbia, and Costa Rica before eventually settling in Vietnam more than two years ago.

He told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that although he initially arrived in Vietnam out of curiosity, he chose to stay because of the friendliness and generosity of local people.

"I had heard about the country's energy, affordability, and growth, but nothing prepared me for the warmth of the people and the sense of possibility here," he stated.

He added that his first impression was that "Vietnam felt alive — dynamic, optimistic, and welcoming in a way that many places no longer feel."

Drawing from personal experiences, Ferreiras underscored that Vietnam offers one of the most supportive environments in the world for digital nomads, citing reliable infrastructure, fast Internet, affordable living costs, and a lifestyle that supports both productivity and balance.

"More importantly, it offers something harder to measure — peace of mind. When basic living costs and daily stress are reduced, people can focus on meaningful work and personal growth," he said.

Everyday life in Vietnam, he observed, feels open, safe, and deeply human, shaped by a strong sense of community, mutual respect, and resilience.

People, he added, are proud of their country while remaining remarkably hospitable.

Vietnam becomes home

Ferreiras regularly shares his experiences on TikTok to guide other foreigners considering a move to Vietnam.

He explained that the channel's name, 'Lost in Vietnam,' reflects his initial feelings upon arrival—not a negative sense of being lost, but one of curiosity, discovery, and appreciation.

"The name represents letting go of rigid expectations and allowing life to unfold in a new environment," he explained.

Living in Vietnam, Ferreiras said, has reshaped his understanding of success, happiness, and freedom.

The experience has slowed his pace in a positive way, teaching him to live fully in the moment, be patient, and value simplicity.

As a result, his priorities have shifted from constant ambition to balance, health, and community.

"Vietnam reminded me that success doesn't have to come at the cost of well-being," he stated.

For Ferreiras, Vietnam has become more than a destination—it has become home.

Despite frequent travels for business, Ho Chi Minh City is where he returns, where his routines feel familiar, and where he feels anchored.

"The sense of belonging I've found here is something I didn't expect, but deeply value," he said.