The Rise of Co-working Spaces in Secondary Vietnamese Cities

Coworking spaces approach new trends

Introduction

Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and digital transformation are not limited to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Secondary cities like Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Nha Trang are becoming attractive destinations for startups, remote workers, and small businesses. One of the most notable developments supporting this trend is the rise of co-working spaces outside the major metropolitan hubs. As the demand for flexible, affordable, and collaborative work environments grows, co-working operators are expanding into these emerging urban areas, reshaping Vietnam’s commercial real estate and work culture.

Why Secondary Cities Are Embracing Co-working Spaces

1. Demographic Shifts and Urban Development

Secondary cities in Vietnam are seeing increased population growth, largely fueled by internal migration, urbanization, and rising local investment. With improvements in infrastructure and transportation—especially in cities like Da Nang and Hai Phong—these areas have become more accessible and attractive for businesses.

According to a World Bank report on urbanization in Vietnam, secondary cities are projected to experience a faster pace of economic development than the two main metropolises over the next decade. This growth has led to demand for modern office solutions that can serve local entrepreneurs and inbound professionals alike.

2. Surge in Remote and Hybrid Work

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a normalized mode of employment. Vietnam has witnessed a rise in freelancers, digital nomads, and remote teams. Secondary cities offer a lower cost of living, a more relaxed lifestyle, and good internet infrastructure—making them ideal for work-from-anywhere professionals.

Platforms like Nomad List rank Da Nang as one of Southeast Asia’s most livable cities for digital nomads, thanks to affordable accommodations, coastal charm, and a burgeoning tech ecosystem.

3. Government Support for Startups and SMEs

Vietnam’s government has increasingly supported the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in less-developed regions. Local authorities in cities like Can Tho and Binh Duong are offering incentives for technology hubs, innovation centers, and startup ecosystems. Co-working spaces play a crucial role in supporting these goals by offering affordable, community-driven office solutions.

Key Secondary Cities with Booming Co-working Markets

Da Nang

Often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Central Vietnam,” Da Nang has seen the strongest surge in co-working space development outside of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Spaces like Enouvo Space and The Embassy cater to tech startups, freelancers, and international teams.

Highlights: Excellent internet infrastructure, international community, regular tech events.
Opportunities: Attractive for offshore tech development and customer service outsourcing.

Can Tho

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is leveraging its role as a commercial and education center to build a startup ecosystem. Although smaller in scale, co-working spaces such as CoPioneer Can Tho offer affordable workspaces and events for young entrepreneurs.

Highlights: Low operational costs, growing student population, proximity to agriculture and aquaculture hubs.
Opportunities: Ideal for agritech startups and local SMEs.

Hai Phong

With its industrial base and growing port infrastructure, Hai Phong is an emerging logistics and manufacturing hub. The city’s growing economy is attracting more professionals and startups, prompting demand for co-working hubs such as Regus Hai Phong.

Highlights: Strong ties to foreign direct investment (FDI), industrial zone proximity.
Opportunities: Useful for logistics firms, supply chain consultants, and export-oriented startups.

Nha Trang

Known for its tourism appeal, Nha Trang is now doubling as a creative hub. Digital nomads and content creators flock to the coastal city for its laid-back lifestyle and scenic views. Spaces like Dreamplex Nha Trang and smaller boutique co-working cafés cater to this niche.

Highlights: Beautiful natural surroundings, focus on wellness and work-life balance.
Opportunities: Digital marketing agencies, travel startups, and influencers.

Business Models and Trends

1. Hybrid Co-working-Café Concepts

Spaces that combine coffee shops with co-working functionality are thriving in secondary cities. These hybrid models are affordable, flexible, and culturally aligned with Vietnam’s love for café culture.

2. Membership Flexibility

Co-working operators are offering a range of packages—hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly—to cater to freelancers, part-time remote workers, and full-time teams. This flexibility helps attract a diverse range of users.

3. Community-Focused Events

Workshops, pitch nights, networking events, and mentoring programs help foster a sense of community and enable skill-sharing among users. These events are particularly effective in smaller cities where business networks are still forming.

4. Partnership with Local Governments and Universities

Some co-working spaces collaborate with local governments, universities, or startup incubators. This not only brings in funding and talent but also ensures alignment with regional economic development strategies.

Challenges to Address

Despite the optimistic growth, some hurdles remain:

Lack of Awareness: Many small businesses in these cities are not yet aware of the benefits of co-working spaces.
Internet Connectivity in Rural Areas: While central city areas are well-connected, the outskirts may still suffer from unreliable internet.
Cultural Adjustments: The open-space culture of co-working is still unfamiliar in more conservative regions.

Future Outlook

The co-working trend in Vietnam’s secondary cities is expected to accelerate through 2025 and beyond. With increasing urban migration, startup support, and improved infrastructure, cities outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will become hubs for both innovation and regional economic empowerment.

A report by Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam noted that flexible office space is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25–30% in the coming years—much of which will occur in non-primary cities.

Conclusion

The rise of co-working spaces in Vietnam’s secondary cities reflects a broader shift in how people work, live, and build businesses. As demand for affordable, flexible, and community-driven office environments continues to rise, co-working spaces will play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s next phase of digital and economic development.

Whether you’re a startup founder, a freelancer, or a foreign investor exploring the Vietnamese market, cities like Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Nha Trang are increasingly attractive—and co-working spaces are opening the doors.