How a move to Asia in 2017 transformed my life forever and why you need to travel to see the world
On August 1, 2017 I landed in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai, which would mark the beginning of my overseas life in Asia until my return to the US in March, 2023—-a total of nearly 6 years abroad.
What was my motivation for moving, did I accomplish my goals, and how have I changed?
Buddhist temple, Chiang Mai
From 2012-2017, I worked in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) in trade compliance, while building my import business and rental property.
After an unfortunate corporate experience in 2015 that left a bad taste in my mouth, I doubled down on my importing business and binged on podcasts. I came across Johnny FD’s Travel Like a Boss podcast highlighting digital nomads, a fairly new phenomenon where young people travel the world with their suitcase and laptop working online.
This lifestyle really resonated with me as a way to grow my ecommerce business while living in Southeast Asia on a shoe-string.
So by January of 2017 I came up with a plan to trade in on all my possessions for an adventure abroad.
Seafood hot pot, Chiang Mai
I started my journey in Chiang Mai because it was touted as the “digital nomad capital” of the world, and the city didn't disappoint. I rented a cheap $330/month apartment on Nimmanhaemin Road, the epicenter of the digital nomad community where I enjoyed $2-3 Thai meals, copious amounts of $1 coffees, and attended as many meetups as possible.
The main reason Chiang Mai attracts travelers from across the world is because of its walkability and convenient lifestyle, the ample amount of co-working spaces and the ability to network with like-minded entrepreneurs.
Up in the clouds: The Leaning Buddha, Chiang Mai
After my six month visa was up, I moved all of my belongings to start a new chapter in Danang, Vietnam, wanting to try something different.
One reason for going there is because Danang was my parent’s hometown before they immigrated to the United States after the Vietnam War’s end in 1975.
Hue, Vietnam’s imperial city
Despite the sea-side allure, after one year of living in Danang I concluded that the city was a bit too small and limiting, lacking any real cultural arts or night life to indulge in, so I decided to make Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) my 2019 home.
Vietnamese banh mi——yum!
Saigon, Vietnam’s economic center and bustling southern city, is similar to the likes of Los Angeles—-there’s so much to do including an eclectic nightlife, business events and meetups, and diverse and affordable food choices.
In all, I would spend four years in Saigon where I eventually took a sourcing job that propelled me on the front lines of Vietnam’s hot manufacturing industry.
I criss-crossed the country visiting tools, furniture, textile, and home and garden factories, getting a better grasp of how Vietnam’s export potential was quickly rivaling China’s.
Overall, I preferred living in Saigon, attending a lot of business networking events, sipping red wine at rooftop bars, and spending a lot of mornings working from my laptop at the thousands of cafes enjoying cafe sua da (local caffeine-jolted coffee with sweetened condensed milk).
Saigon city view
Street food Saigon-style
In the end, I failed at building several ecommerce businesses as I had imagined and exited an existing one for 5-figures.
Despite this temporary setback, however, my overseas experience has changed me personally as I am more open-minded and tolerant, especially of people and cultures.
Having lived in Thailand and Vietnam, I am much calmer, more grateful and possess a positive attitude in life; I’ve witnessed vastly different lifestyles, lived minimally and experienced perspectives different than my own and developed a tolerance for imperfections when things don’t go right.
Saigon’s most famous hotel where Graham Greene penned his award-winning book, The Quiet American, from room 212
If you can escape America’s rat-race for an extended period, I highly recommend it!
You will possess a more interesting perspective and come away transformed with more empathy, understanding, and curiosity for other people, the world and for yourself.
