Hana Nguyen, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Da Nang, Vietnam, has turned a floor of her family’s home into a coworking space aimed at serving the growing population of digital nomads in the area. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of coworking, Nguyen’s journey began in 2023 after an encounter with a foreign visitor led her to explore a coworking space for the first time.
Nguyen grew up in the countryside of central Vietnam and moved to Da Nang during her teenage years for college. She studied business administration and pharmacy, eventually working in a local pharmacy after graduating in 2016. The stable but unexciting nature of that job propelled her to seek new opportunities.
Her exposure to the coworking culture began when a foreign friend introduced her to a coworking space in Da Nang. Intrigued by the environment, Nguyen started organizing events for locals and digital nomads to foster connections.
With limited funds, she convinced a hotel owner to let her manage a coworking space on an unused floor, operating it for free initially to prove viability. The project gained traction after several months, supported by media coverage and visits from content creators. Nguyen managed all aspects alone, earning about $250 a month, yet she felt the venture lacked sustainability since she did not own it.
Her father’s illness motivated her to increase financial support for her family. When a friend offered her an unused daytime space in a bar, she accepted and began managing a coworking area there without rent. However, recognizing the impermanence of this solution, Nguyen asked her parents for permission to convert part of their three-story family home into a coworking space.
With family support, she renovated the top floor, which can seat 18 people, before expanding to accommodate up to 30 individuals. Nguyen charges approximately $76 monthly per user. Her parents assist with upkeep—her father acting as a doorman and her mother handling cleaning—making it a family-run business.
Nguyen attributes Da Nang’s appeal to digital nomads to its affordability, accessibility, and diverse attractions such as beaches, mountains, and an international airport nearby. She emphasizes the importance of community for nomads, many of whom experience loneliness upon arrival. Her coworking space hosts events promoting social connection, with around 20% local participation. Locals benefit by practicing English and sometimes securing freelance work with visiting nomads.
Despite challenges, Nguyen remains focused on connecting people and nurturing a community that enriches both residents and visitors. She continues developing her business without a fixed master plan but driven by her passion for fostering connections that can change lives.
