šŸ“These 3 Cities Quietly Leveled Up — Did You Notice?

Why travelers are rethinking Southeast Asia and how remote work still wins in 2025

Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:

  • How Siem Reap, Ipoh and Hanoi got smoother, friendlier and more polished

  • What remote work costs in 2025 and why it’s still a great deal

  • A tiny tracker that solves your ā€œWhere’s my backpackā€ panic

  • A single mom VC’s routine, remote job scam alert and a $60K AI editor role

Some of the links featured in this issue are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

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🧳 Three Southeast Asian Cities That Got Better Over Time

Hidden lakes in gunung lang, Ipoh

If you’ve ever visited Southeast Asia and thought, ā€œCool place, but kinda chaotic,ā€ it might be time for a second look. A seasoned traveler with 30 years of experience in the region shares how Siem Reap, Ipoh, and Hanoi have quietly leveled up. Here’s the full article, but here’s the gist:

Siem Reap, Cambodia has gone from backpacker central to polished destination. Streets are cleaner, parks are refreshed, and a brand-new airport makes arrivals smoother. Even Angkor Wat feels more peaceful thanks to regulated tours and timed tickets.

Ipoh, Malaysia, once known for its post-mining gloom, has had a glow-up. The city’s colonial architecture is now accented by boutique cafĆ©s, cool art galleries, and cozy heritage hotels. Think Penang vibes, but more chill.

Hanoi, Vietnam has also improved its welcome. What felt cold and chaotic in 2007 now feels more friendly and organized, thanks to a metro system, better airport access, and locals who go out of their way to help.

Each city still holds onto its cultural soul—but they’ve added just enough polish to make your stay a whole lot smoother.

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šŸ’» Remote Work in 2025 Is Still a Win with a Little Planning

Remote work is still thriving in 2025, and that’s something to celebrate. This NDTV article highlights a few costs that come with the territory, but most of them are manageable—and often well worth it for the freedom and flexibility remote workers enjoy.

You might spend more on electricity, internet, or a good office chair, but these aren’t just expenses. They’re smart upgrades that improve focus, comfort, and your overall workday. A better setup can make a big difference in how you feel and perform.

Working from home also means drawing clearer lines between work and personal life. Without a commute, it’s easy to blur the two. But with some simple routines—like logging off at a set time or creating a dedicated workspace—you can keep balance intact.

Some companies are scaling back perks or shifting minor costs to employees. Even so, the bigger picture hasn’t changed. You still get more control over your schedule, zero time stuck in traffic, and in many cases, the freedom to work from anywhere.

With a bit of intention and setup, remote work in 2025 continues to offer big benefits that far outweigh the costs.

šŸ—žļø A Biotech Newsletter Does Not Have to be Borin

BioPharmGuy News is a sarcastic and fun weekly newsletter looking at the more interesting, absurd and funny happenings in the worlds of biotech, health & science.

Our most popular bit is the Team Roast where we skewer biotech/life science executives for their ā€œTeamā€ page choices.

Bottom line: It’s fun.

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🌐 In Other News

Carrie Colbert, a founder-turned-VC and single mother of two, reveals her 5 tactics for handling business and kids—think shared calendars, setting daily goals, outsourcing (nanny + cleaner), and truly shutting down work in evenings. She emphasizes realistic expectations, self-care, and letting ā€œprogress over perfectionā€ be the guiding mantra.

Scammers are sending flashy text offers for supposedly easy remote gigs ($260–$500/day), using real company names and asking for upfront fees or personal info. Experts warn: legit employers don’t charge to work. If it smells off, it probably is—stay skeptical.

EverAI is hiring a remote Senior AI Marketing Video Editor ($50K–$60K) to craft high-converting ads using tools like Midjourney, Runway, Premiere, and After Effects. Must be skilled in pacing, storytelling, and performance-driven content—especially in NSFW/adult spaces.

Until next time,
The Nomad Cloud Team ā›…ļø