Quick Answer
You genuinely need a VPN in China (comprehensive restrictions), Vietnam (social media restrictions, periodic blocking), and Myanmar (significant restrictions). VPN is useful but not essential in Thailand (periodic political content blocking), India (occasional regional restrictions), and Indonesia (some content blocked). VPN is not necessary in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines, or Cambodia for normal internet use.
Country-by-Country Assessment
China — Essential
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram, most Western news sites, and thousands of other services. Working remotely in China without a VPN is essentially impossible for any internationally-connected worker. Note: VPN legality in China is complex — technically only government-approved VPNs are legal, but foreign nationals using VPNs are rarely prosecuted. NordVPN works in China but connection can be inconsistent — use the obfuscated servers setting.
Vietnam — Strongly Recommended
Vietnam periodically blocks Facebook and other social media during sensitive political periods. Some news sites and content are permanently restricted. For day-to-day remote work involving video calls, cloud services, and international communication, a VPN is practically essential. NordVPN works reliably in Vietnam.
Myanmar — Essential (if visiting)
Significant internet restrictions since the 2021 coup. Social media blocked, VPN required for normal international communication. The security situation also makes Myanmar challenging for remote workers generally.
Thailand — Useful
Thailand blocks some content (political commentary, gambling, adult sites). Most international services work without restriction. VPN primarily useful for: accessing geo-restricted streaming services, some political news sites, and public WiFi security. Not essential for most remote work tasks.
India — Useful in Some Contexts
India occasionally blocks specific apps or sites in certain states (Jammu & Kashmir has had internet restrictions). Some content is blocked nationally. For standard remote work (video calls, cloud services, international communication) a VPN is not needed. Useful for public WiFi security and accessing geo-restricted content.
Indonesia — Useful
Indonesia blocks certain content (gambling, pornography, some political/religious content). Main services used by remote workers are generally accessible. VPN useful for public WiFi security and occasional access restrictions but not essential for typical remote work.
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan — Not Needed
All three have open internet with essentially no restrictions on services relevant to remote workers. VPN useful for public WiFi security but not required for any functional access.
Georgia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia — Not Needed
None of these countries have significant internet restrictions affecting remote workers. VPN optional for security on public networks.
The Security Case (Everywhere)
Regardless of content restrictions, NordVPN provides value everywhere for public WiFi security — coworking spaces, cafes, airports, hotels. Unencrypted WiFi networks expose your data to interception. This is a legitimate security benefit even in countries with no content restrictions.
Recommended Setup
NordVPN is the most reliable option for Asia across multiple countries:
- Works in Vietnam and provides reasonable performance in China with obfuscation
- 6-device simultaneous connection
- Apps for all platforms
- Kill switch feature (cuts internet if VPN drops — important for security)
- ~$3–5/month on annual plans
Bottom Line
China and Vietnam: essential. Thailand, India, Indonesia: useful. Everywhere else: optional security benefit. Get a NordVPN annual subscription before your Asia trip — it costs less than one restaurant dinner and covers you everywhere.
*Last updated: June 2026*