Hey Hacker News,<p>What a nice surprise to see this oldie pop up.<p>I'm Jon Myers, the guy who wrote the article. Nice to meet you all.<p>Hard to believe, I wrote that article over 2 years ago. Some things were a bit naive, I need to update it.<p>I've planted roots now in Saigon and am here for the near future.<p>I told my friend the other day, Saigon is like an onion wrapped around a sweet lychee.<p>Initially a bit harsh on the eyes, makes the eyes water and then, once you get past the layers, you're rewarded with a sweet surprise inside.<p>A lot has changed since I wrote that article.<p>In my opinion, for the better.<p>The biggest, most visible change - construction has begun on the city's massive above and underground metro system.<p>It's a huge, ambitious project, designed and financed by the Japanese.<p>Sure, it will have delays in construction, but it will get there.<p>It's hard to imagine how this project will change the culture and dynamics of this city.<p>However, I can and have a bit of perspective on this matter.<p>I started my mobile entrepreneurial journey over 20 years ago (I know, dating myself) in Taipei, Taiwan.<p>I lived there for a year, and at that time, Taipei felt a lot like Saigon now. Ugly duckling, underrated motorbike dominated city.<p>Oddly, Taiwan's gross GDP then was similar to that of Vietnam's now - in the 175 billion range. Yet, Vietnam has a lot more people.<p>And, back then they were hard at work building Taipei's metro system.<p>Contrasting the Taipei of then and now, it's hard to overstate the impact of the metro system on that city.<p>Similarly, I believe Saigon will undergo a similar transformation on a much larger scale.<p>Aside from the metro system in Saigon, I've witnessed yet more, massive construction projects and change.<p>Yes, of course, there is speculation as well.<p>The other, most notable change in Saigon - the network and quality of people has grown significantly.<p>Some stay, some stay for awhile, build and have to move on, and others just pass through.<p>A few people come to mind who have had large successes. A friend was base here last year, hunkered down on his business, and had to move back to the U.S.<p>His business is now doing 7 figures in gross annual revenue.<p>I've seen others get similar lifts in their businesses who have based themselves here. It's the power of the network.<p>In some ways, everyday is like Shark Tank. We help each other, we critique, push and challenge each other.<p>The actual startup scene is maturing.<p>Personally, my pool of opportunities has widened since I've been here. I'm working with a venture capital firm here and helping them launch a new bank.<p>On the downsides.<p>Yes, costs have gone up since I've written that article.<p>I think too often those in this movement or toying with it become too fixated on "cheap".<p>If you're fixated on "cheap" or "cheapest", Saigon is not for you.<p>The focus should be on value.<p>If you want high value and an adult urban lifestyle while you're working and building your business, Saigon is still an incredible value.<p>Additionally, there are things of intangible value one must consider. Particularly, connections and the breakthroughs from those connections.<p>My expenses have risen considerably since I've written that article, but that is a personal choice I'm ok with.<p>I'm now married to a local (couldn't be happier) and am in the enclave of District 2. We have a beautiful, 3 story modern home, designed by a well known local architect, my design studio occupies the top floor, and the cost of monthly rental is a steal for the quality.<p>Yes, the visa situation has changed, and is in flux, however, it still trumps a place like Thailand by a long shot.<p>My friends here who are here for a longer stretch all have gotten 1 year multiple entry business visas for $700.<p>None have been denied.<p>You pay, you get the letter in a week, you have to pop over to an embassy outside Vietnam, for example in Cambodia to pick it up.<p>That's a bargain when you consider all the visa run hassles, hoops and what not in a place like Thailand.<p>For shorter term stays, it's still easy to get a 3 month multiple entry visa. You just can't renew in country like before or if you do, it might be costly.<p>I'm married, so I have a 5 year resident visa. That cost $75usd...<p>I really need to update that article.<p>Thanks.<p>If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.<p>If you're in Saigon, please hit me up.<p>Cheers!