The rise of remote work is upon us. Toptal’s COO and cofounder, Breanden Beneschott, has been traveling since Toptal’s inception. I spent a year in Bangkok and am now returning to Miami for a special someone. However, before I head back, adventure still calls. My girlfriend will be joining me on my travels, but until then, I have a unique mission for Toptal.
My destination is Da Nang, a rising Vietnamese city known for its sunshine, beaches, and welcoming locals. For two weeks, I’ll be working remotely alongside a group of nomadic techies known as Hacker Paradise. This group is traversing Southeast Asia, changing how remote work is done, and Toptal wants an inside look at their endeavors.
What Does It Mean to Be a Digital Nomad?
Friends, have you experienced the freedom of the Digital Nomad? Its influence continues to grow far and wide. I was won over when I moved to Thailand, armed with savings and the hope of a location-independent job. Believing in my skills and the demand for them, particularly by companies like Toptal, I embraced the remote work community and took a leap of faith. Shortly after, I joined Toptal as a Technical Editor and have been happily working remotely, exploring Laos, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and various parts of Thailand.
Globally, individuals are breaking free from traditional work models. From beaches to mountaintops, these traveling tech enthusiasts are spearheading a revolution, transforming how we live and work. Clients and companies are also embracing this change, leading to more freelance opportunities and the rise of businesses like Toptal, which empower individuals to build thriving careers without sacrificing fulfilling lives.
However, being a digital nomad isn’t a perpetual vacation. Working remotely can be challenging and isolating. The line between the digital work world and the real world can be difficult to navigate. Local language barriers and cultural differences, coupled with the transient nature of fellow travelers, can make lasting connections difficult without extended stays.
The richness of experiences, intellectual stimulation, and inspiration found while traveling are undeniable. It’s unfortunate that these aspects can’t always be integrated into our work and shared with those we meet. Casey Rosengren and Alexey Komissarouk, founders of Hacker Paradise, are striving to change that.
The Genesis of Hacker Paradise
Hacker Paradise, as its website states, is a, “traveling community of developers, designers, and other creative types.” It all began in the summer of 2014 when Casey Rosengren, a developer and digital nomad extraordinaire, was working remotely from the jungles of Costa Rica.
He shared, “Many people visiting Costa Rica are there to party, and I wanted to be around a more focused group of individuals passionate about their projects.” So, he took action. After striking a deal with a hotel owner eager for guests, he searched for a partner.
Enter Alexey Komissarouk, an Israeli developer and fellow University of Pennsylvania graduate. Alexey had just learned his US visa, renewable only through a lottery system, wasn’t selected. “I always talked about traveling and working,” he said, “This was my chance. The visa situation was the final push.” Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, he flew to Costa Rica, and together, he and Casey began recruiting fellow tech enthusiasts to work remotely from paradise.
The inaugural Hacker Paradise, a 12-week program on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, launched in the fall of 2014. It was a resounding success, attracting two dozen participants from around the globe. Even before it ended, Casey and Alexey were planning the next adventure, this time, taking their concept on the road.
The second Hacker Paradise is currently underway. Kicking off in February, the group spent a month in Da Nang, where I joined them for two weeks. They then journeyed to Ubud, on the Indonesian island of Bali. Their next stop, in a couple of weeks, will be Chiang Mai, Thailand, marking the final month of their Southeast Asia tour. Participants can join or leave at any point, and many opt for side trips between and during their stays.
How It Works
Hacker Paradise provides an ideal environment for digital nomads to work and travel together. It’s not a vacation, so applicants need a project to work on. While designed by developers and geared towards the tech community, other creative individuals are welcome.
The application process is simple and involves filling out a brief form, a brief Skype interview, and a down payment to reserve your spot. Once confirmed, participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to each location.
The Hacker Paradise experience is flexible. If committing to three months is too much, participants can book stays ranging from a week to a month and extend as needed. Some even attend for a week or two in one location, explore independently, and then rejoin the group at a different spot.
Daily schedules are minimally structured, allowing individuals to find their own rhythm in each location. Dedicated co-working spaces are available, but many prefer exploring cafes and bars, discovering hidden gems with reliable Wi-Fi, power outlets, and good coffee. For those seeking mentorship or accountability, morning check-ins are held to discuss progress. A weekly Demo Day allows participants to showcase their work before a group dinner.
Hacker Paradise utilizes Slack for team communication, facilitating the quick sharing of local discoveries.
When it’s time to unplug, there are endless opportunities to relax with newfound friends. The Slack channel is abuzz with activities, from frisbee on the beach and exploring ancient ruins to rock climbing excursions, exploring nearby towns, or enjoying meals at local food stalls. I’m excited to have found a local gym with equipment rentals for a dollar a day and even tried surfing for the first time!
Casey and Alexey, with the invaluable assistance of their program manager and logistics guru, Nicole Kelner, organize at least one group day trip in each location. In Da Nang, they took us down the coast to the ancient town of Hội An. The highlight was a boat trip to the Chàm Islands for stunning coral reef snorkeling.
Evenings offer ample opportunity to socialize over dinner or drinks. After a day of work, intellectual conversations flow, often building on the day’s tasks or continuing previous discussions. New ideas spark, and collaborations emerge.
My Hacker Paradise Experience in Da Nang
Upon arriving in Da Nang, I was greeted by Casey at the hotel. He took me to À La Carte, a chic hotel where our group had taken over the rooftop bar. With an incredible view of the South China Sea, we worked for several hours before heading to the beach for a sunset frisbee game. It was a fulfilling first day, a perfect blend of productivity and adventure.
The following days were spent planning and booking flights to India to meet my girlfriend, sampling local delicacies, and, of course, working diligently on publishing articles, collaborating with writers, and resolving issues. I was in a haven for tech enthusiasts, surrounded by some of the most brilliant individuals I’ve encountered.
Who were these masters of work-life balance? There was the Googleplex alum who founded multiple successful companies. The life coach who coached other life coaches. The MIT graduate who challenged me to define a concept without a word (He wanted a software solution; I suggested a good editor).
One sunny afternoon, I worked from a beach bar with Pedro, a Portuguese architect. His screen constantly displayed intricate CAD designs. (“Here’s a museum I designed in Dubai,” he casually mentioned during a Demo Day, showing a massive building). He came from a world where publications were the ultimate measure of success. He explained how the h-index, academia’s primary metric for success, is completely hackable, negatively impacting the academic community and its output.
One morning, Google.com started redirecting users to a Lizard Squad page. It became clear that Google’s Vietnam domain had been been hacked. Manu, an Austrian developer, quickly found the google.com.vn registrar data and discovered the certificate was socially engineered the day before. (Manu later offered to write about machine learning for optimizing power plants, an enticing prospect.)
Another day, I had lunch with Jay, whose infectious laughter made him an instant favorite. Jay had built and licensed tools to major companies and now enjoyed exploring Southeast Asia, learning Thai and Vietnamese, and brainstorming his next venture. We ate at Tam’s Pub and Surf Shop, decorated with photos of American tanks, soldiers, and a young Tam. In touristy Da Nang, it was easy to forget its war-torn past. During the conflict, Da Nang’s US airstrip was said to be the busiest globally. Jay and I discussed history and the changing world over massive cheeseburgers, the kind that could comfort any weary soldier.
A group’s true character shines through during adversity. While heated debates about Emacs’s superiority reveal tech prowess, it’s during difficult times that true colors emerge. Fortunately, Hacker Paradise attracts team players. When a member, Emma, experienced a medical emergency, the group rallied to ensure she received proper care and support. Casey and Alexey took charge, others provided translation services at the hospital, managed her care, and even stayed overnight. After a few days, Emma fully recovered. Though still relatively unknown to each other, we found comfort in knowing we could rely on one another.
Connecting with Quân from Hanoi
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Toptal is collaborating with people globally, getting a glimpse into their lives and cultures. My editing colleagues are based in the US, Bosnia, and Bangladesh, and I’ve published authors from São Paulo in Brazil, Alexandria in Egypt, Zagreb in Croatia, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Nanjing in China, Szeged in Hungary, and Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I’m always eager to learn about different parts of the world.
A few weeks before my Vietnam trip, I had worked with Toptal developer Quân Lê](http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptal.com%2Fresume%2Fle-anh-quan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG9DZCSHX5T7dRTlvZPGxD1OY2ufA) on an article about [class reloading in Java. Quân lived in Hanoi, a city I longed to visit. We connected, and I informed him of my upcoming trip.
I arrived in Hanoi days before Tết, Vietnam’s most significant holiday celebrating the lunar new year. Being unfamiliar with the holiday, I assumed it was a massive festival. However, I learned that Tết is a time for family, with businesses closed and streets empty for several days. Despite this, Quân took an afternoon to show me around Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter on his motorbike. Bundled up in a much-needed oversized sweater, I held on tight as we explored the city, stopping at a renowned ice cream parlor to discuss topics like religion, Marxism, politics, and finance. Quân was only the second Toptal person I had met in person, and he was fantastic.
I promised Quân I’d return after Hacker Paradise, when the demands of Tết subsided.
As my time in Da Nang ended, I had one final opportunity for connection. Some Hacker Paradise members planned a Hanoi trip that coincided with my return. We met for dinner in the Old Quarter, and Quân joined us.
That evening was unforgettable. Surrounded by new friends, I witnessed our differences fade as we bonded over shared interests. In this interconnected age, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can easily connect, geographical borders seem increasingly insignificant. Perhaps they will soon be relics of the past. As we sat on floor cushions in Hanoi, enjoying bún chả, my friends from North and South America, Europe, and Vietnam - from Toptal and Hacker Paradise - discussed everything from JavaScript to Vietnamese history, Google Chrome’s evolution, and the Khmer Empire. In that moment, I felt hopeful for the future.
Final Thoughts
As you read this, we’re thrilled to announce that Toptal is now the main sponsor for Hacker Paradise. We believe our collaboration will lead to incredible things. We’re committed to supporting Toptal team members and freelancers in becoming digital nomads, exploring the world, and coding in uncharted territories.
Hacker Paradise welcomes those eager to learn and grow, from seasoned developers and designers to those just starting. Like Toptal’s commitment to the top 3 percent of freelancers, Hacker Paradise cultivates an exceptional community of driven and productive individuals, making it truly special.
The Da Nang group consisted mostly of individuals from Europe and the Americas, but I envision a future where its reach extends further, connecting even more diverse groups. Toptal reminds me daily that brilliant and talented individuals exist globally, and they will only enrich the Hacker Paradise community. While the internet connects us, traveling together truly breaks down barriers.
Hacker Paradise will be heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in late April 2015. Casey and Alexey are already planning their next move, eyeing Berlin as the next hub for digital nomads. If you’re interested in joining them, don’t hesitate to apply. Adventure awaits!
I’m currently writing from a hostel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where my girlfriend is patiently waiting for me to finish working so we can explore the magnificent ruins of Angkor. We reunited in Kolkata, India, after my departure from Vietnam three weeks ago. This is our first trip together, and it’s been an amazing learning experience. There’s no better way to test a new relationship than through shared adventures, and luckily for me, it’s only getting better.
I’m incredibly grateful to Toptal and Hacker Paradise for creating opportunities for individuals like me to have such enriching experiences. The world is meant to be shared, and I hope our paths cross someday.
