Video summary

I live a simple life in Vietnam for $500/Month - Here's how I make money

Main summary

Key takeaways

Lifestyle

Lifestyle + travel snapshot (Da Nang, Vietnam)

  • They move away from the “hustle and bustle” and look for a quiet, simple lifestyle with less noise and less pressure.
  • They focus on building a life that isn’t just “survival mode,” aiming for enough money to feel free, then directing energy toward what brings happiness.

Cost of living (rough budget)

  • Rent/utilities: about $6.5 million VND total (including utilities).
  • Bicycle/motorbike: described as the second most expensive item after rent — about 2 million VND/month (needed for getting around).
  • Fun/attractions: about 3 million VND (varies).
  • Food/expenses estimate mentioned:
    • Around $450–$700/month (roughly $500 USD total).

Where they live + what the apartment includes

  • A top/higher-floor apartment with natural morning sun (east-facing).
  • Balcony with a washing machine and drying area.

Home setup includes:

  • AC (noted as important; used daily)
  • Fridge (though they mostly eat out)
  • Induction stove (they say they never use it)
  • Bathroom with multiple shower modes

Utility notes:

  • Water: mentioned as ~200k
  • Electricity: usually around 800k+, mainly due to frequent AC use

Cultural note:

  • Incense is used for meditation and to make the home smell good. They describe it as common practice—especially around full moon / half moon days, when people burn many incense sticks for blessings.

Eating routine + local food tips

  • They usually eat one meal a day.
  • Lunch is a massive local buffet (about < $3 USD).

Local restaurant habits:

  • Food for about ~$1 USD
  • Locals clean chopsticks/spoons themselves

If cooking is needed:

  • There’s a light/fan area and an induction stove available, but it’s rarely used.

Health + “getting sick” approach

  • They’re not overly worried, having planned for healthcare.

Experience:

  • Had flu-like symptoms once, went to a pharmacy, and described symptoms to get medicine.
  • Received medication for about 3 days for roughly $10–$12.

Preparedness:

  • A Vietnamese friend sent them two expat-friendly hospitals commonly used by foreigners.

Food/water caution (personal mindset)

  • They used to be paranoid about washing fruits/vegetables.
  • Some people avoid ice entirely when ordering drinks; they mention this as a common approach.

Morning-to-evening daily schedule

  • Wake up around 5:30–6:30 AM.
  • 5:30–?: Yoga + meditation (sometimes with music/singing)
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM: teaching
  • Midday break until about 4:00–4:30 PM (lunch + downtime)
  • 5:00 PM–~9:30 PM: second work block (teaching again)
  • After 9:30 PM: if desired, social time

Social life + meeting people

  • A mix of local Vietnamese friends and expat friends.
  • Language exchange: Vietnamese practice English / they practice Vietnamese.

Meetup system:

  • Uses Nomad Table (described as a popular meetup app) where people post activities and others join (e.g., hiking plans).

Local friendliness note:

  • If you know one person, they may introduce you widely—quickly expanding your social circle.

Learning Vietnamese + mindset

  • They study Vietnamese “for fun,” focusing on learning a few phrases and enjoying the process rather than striving for perfection.
  • They emphasize adapting with tools like Google Translate if needed.

Remote work / income path (how they make money)

  • They initially wanted remote income but couldn’t set it up through remote work skills.
  • They took jobs unrelated to their original talents (e.g., selling cell phones), then shifted to the easiest remote option.
  • Remote teaching became the solution:
    • Used Preply, Cambly, Native Camp, iTalki, applying widely until one worked.
    • Landed a teaching job shortly after arrival (within the second/third day).

Mindset:

  • Redirect energy once basic costs are covered—decide what to put energy into next.

Practical budgeting reminder

  • They emphasize having enough to live without constant money stress, and then choosing what makes you happiest.

Notable locations, products, or people mentioned

  • Locations: Da Nang (Vietnam), Chiang Mai (Thailand—chosen not for burning season), Florida (US)
  • Apps/websites: Nomad Table, Preply, Cambly, Native Camp, iTalki
  • Products/Services: incense for meditation; local pharmacies; motorbike/bike for transport
  • Person: Santi Castro (Argentina-born; lived in US/UK; currently in Da Nang)

Original video