Working remotely in Thailand is what desires are made from. This text will record the very best locations to dwell in Thailand for digital nomads.
Whereas residing in Thailand in 2016 and once more in 2018 and once more in 2019 (you get the concept – I can’t keep away!), I lived comfortably on $1,000 a month and by no means had a foul meal.
To date, I’ve labored remotely from all of the locations on this information and travelled round so many various locations in Thailand. I by no means get bored with this heat, pleasant nation and might’t wait to get again.
10 Finest Locations to Stay in Thailand for Digital Nomads
Think about working beside a swimming pool or lovely seaside and taking breaks to eat pad Thai whereas absorbing cool, cosmopolitan cities or superb nature — all of that is doable in Thailand.
There are many vibrant digital nomad cities in Thailand, in addition to some improbable islands for livin’ la vida nomad!
One other improbable factor about being a digital nomad in Thailand is the costs. It’s one of many world’s most reasonably priced areas for residing and dealing remotely.
On this article, I’ll cowl the very best locations to dwell in Thailand in addition to the professionals and cons of residing within the nation.
1. Bangkok
The capital is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Thailand, whether or not you’re a vacationer or a nomad.
Why is Bangkok a high metropolis for digital nomads?
It may be higher to ask why Bangkok ISN’T an ideal digital nomad metropolis in Thailand! It has quick WiFi, loads of co-working areas, a improbable third-wave espresso scene, and infinite expat communities you possibly can faucet into.
From podcasts to Fb teams, I discovered it simple to seek out sources and inspiration. Plus, the locals are a pleasant bunch, too.
Though vacationers are inclined to spend 2 days in Bangkok, you may spend years getting immersed into the tradition, actions, and hidden gems with out ever having a boring weekend.
Bangkok co-working areas
To work remotely in Thailand, you could have tons of choices in Bangkok. Simply Co. is one in all your greatest choices unfold throughout two flooring of the AIA Sathorn Tower. It has a hipster really feel with uncovered brick partitions and motivational quotes in neon lights.
There’s tremendous speedy WiFi and a spread of packages to select from relying on whether or not you want full-time entry and your personal desk.
A less expensive choice is Widespread Floor CentralWorld with workplace house from B4,000/month.
WiFi speeds
A median of 122 Mbps obtain and 101 Mbps add speeds.
Discovering residences in Bangkok
In contrast to some cities the place there’s a transparent expat space, you could have loads of choices in Bangkok.
As among the best digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are a couple of areas to earmark for renting an condo.
Ekkamai has a hipster vibe and loads of bars and eating places. You may additionally wish to take a look at Phrom Phong, a nice, relaxed space of city with a big park and plenty of espresso outlets.
To seek out an condo in Bangkok, you should utilize an actual property agent or use web sites together with DDproperty, Hipflat and Baht&Bought. Craigslist will also be helpful, or in any other case you can begin with Airbnb till you discover someplace extra everlasting.
Price of residing in Bangkok
Relying on which neighborhood you select to dwell in, the tough price of residing for one particular person in Bangkok is 40,000 baht, round $1,000 USD.
The primary strategy to maintain your residing prices low is to eat avenue meals as a substitute of restaurant meals. It’s hardly a chore: the Bangkok avenue meals is a number of the greatest on Planet Earth!
From pad Thai to som tam (papaya salad) and Kuay Teow Reua (boat noodles), dishes price as little as $1. You too can store for contemporary substances at native markets fairly than pay near Western costs in Thai supermarkets.
Though Uber is reasonably priced, it can save you cash through the use of Seize scooters as a substitute. It’s the identical precept, name one and a driver will arrive, hand you a helmet and allow you to hop on the again.
Professionals & cons of residing in Bangkok
The plain execs are the comparatively low price of residing, the wonderful co-working areas and the abundance of superb Thai meals all over the place you look.
The primary draw back of residing in Bangkok is the visitors, particularly throughout Thai holidays. It’s an actual chore. One other draw back is that Bangkok will get HOT and will also be polluted and smoggy.
Issues to do in Bangkok
There’s a lot to do in Bangkok from palaces to temples (don’t miss Wat Arun at sundown), buying at Chatuchak Market, visiting galleries & museums, strolling or operating in Lumphini Park, and consuming superb avenue meals.
☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Bangkok and One Week in Bangkok: A Haven for Distant Employees
2. Chiang Mai
The gorgeous metropolis of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one other of the very best locations to dwell in Thailand for digital nomads. It’s completely completely different from Bangkok so it will depend on what sort of metropolis vibe you get pleasure from. I discovered it a refreshing change of tempo after the considerably hectic time I spent in Bangkok.
In the event you favor a extra relaxed tempo of life, then you must analysis digital nomad cities in Thailand no additional. Chiang Mai is for you.
Why is Chiang Mai a high metropolis for digital nomads?
There’s unbelievable meals, not an excessive amount of visitors, lovely nature, a number of different nomads to satisfy. Principally, Chiang Mai is without doubt one of the greatest cities to dwell in Thailand. It has every little thing you want as a digital nomad base.
Higher but, it’s one of many least expensive locations to dwell in Thailand for digital nomads. Costs are notably decrease than the islands and Bangkok.
Chiang Mai co-working areas
There aren’t as many co-working areas in Chiang Mai as there are in Bangkok however fortunately, you don’t want that many. Chiang Mai has a couple of choices whether or not you need a social co-working house or someplace quieter to get your head down.
Your greatest guess is Punspace, Chiang Mai’s authentic co-working house which has been open for practically a decade.
There are two branches, one in Nimman with a stunning, giant backyard space when you must take a break. Nonetheless, this department will get a bit of crowded so that you would possibly favor the Tha Pae location inside a spacious warehouse-style constructing.
WiFi speeds
A median of 93 Mbps obtain and 88 Mbps add speeds.
Tips on how to discover residences in Chiang Mai
To discover a rental, take a look at Excellent Properties or keep watch over the Expat Fb teams. An alternative choice is long-term Airbnb stays. You get a good low cost while you decide to remain a month or longer.
The most effective neighborhood for digital nomads is Nimman. This expat hub is a 5-minute drive (or 20-minute stroll) from the Previous Metropolis. You’ll discover espresso outlets, Western eating places, experimental Thai delicacies. You identify it, Nimman’s obtained it!
Price of residing in Chiang Mai
You possibly can simply dwell for underneath $1,000 a month in Chiang Mai.
Anticipate to pay round $600 a month for a 1-bedroom condo though this varies relying on the neighborhood and the way lengthy you’re staying (usually, it’s cheaper the longer you signal for).
You possibly can pay lower than $500 on your month-to-month meals and transport in Chiang Mai. Avenue meals is as little as $1 a meal and there are such a lot of meals markets to select from. For a 3-course meal and drinks in a Western-style restaurant, you’re not taking a look at greater than $20.
Hiring a scooter prices as little as $70 a month. You too can depend on Uber and Seize to get round. There are at all times loads of automobiles round and it’s cheap. Across the Previous Metropolis, it’s simple to get all over the place by foot, however put together for it to be sizzling at sure occasions of the 12 months.
Professionals & cons of residing in Chiang Mai
The foremost draw back of residing in Chiang Mai is the burning season that runs from February to March.
That is when native farmers burn the leftovers of their harvest. You don’t wish to be in Chiang Mai for this: the air high quality is hazardous at greatest, and the sky is an ominous gray.
Many digital nomads in Chiang Mai select to skip city for this era and return when it’s over.
Issues to do in Chiang Mai
With greater than 300 temples, you may temple-hop each weekend and nonetheless not get via all of them. Hike via the jungle on the ‘Pilgrim’s Path’, take a day journey to the Sticky Waterfalls, or make a journey to Northern Thailand’s very personal grand canyon.
There are quite a few issues to do in Chiang Mai to maintain you busy.
3. Koh Phangan
Though it was once solely on the map as a spot for occasion goers eager to expertise the notorious full moon occasion, Koh Phangan now has a repute as among the best locations in Thailand for digital nomads.
There are many co-working areas and cafes the place you possibly can pitch up for the afternoon with nobody transferring you on. Yup, digital nomads rule the roost in KP!
Why is Koh Phangan nice for digital nomads?
There’s an ideal group. If you wish to meet like-minded distant employees, observe yoga, and benefit from the seaside life, that is simply among the best locations to dwell in Thailand. The one draw back is the chance of sand in your laptop computer.
Koh Phangan coworking areas
Beachub on the north of the island is a good choice with quick WiFi and loads of desk house.
Casa Tropicana by Distant&Digital is a resort, restaurant, and co-working house with lovely views. You possibly can ebook your lodging and co-working house in a single bundle if you happen to’re eager for a bougie, vacation vibe!
WiFi speeds
First rate. Make sure that to make use of WiFi at devoted co-working areas fairly than the touristic seaside cafes; some are fairly sluggish.
Tips on how to discover an condo on Koh Phangan
Try Koh Phangan Leases, Fb teams, and month-to-month offers on Airbnbs.
Price of residing in Koh Phangan
Outdoors of the excessive season, $1,000 per particular person monthly is an efficient quantity to funds.
Though there are a couple of markets like Phantip Market in Thong Sala, you received’t discover the identical abundance of avenue meals as you’ll in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The eating places are additionally dearer.
Finances $70 for a scooter and a bit of extra for fuel; it’s mainly the one strategy to get across the island.
Professionals & cons of residing in Koh Phangan
It may possibly get costly in the course of the excessive season. This runs from December to February. Throughout this time, it’s removed from the most affordable place to dwell in Thailand.
Issues to do in Koh Phangan
Rent a scooter and discover the island or why not kayak round it? I’ve achieved all three, they usually’re all price your time. Strive diving at Sail Rock or trek to Bottle Seashore, one of the crucial lovely on the island. There are numerous outside issues to do in Koh Phangan.
4. Koh Lanta
One other among the best locations in Thailand for digital nomads is Koh Lanta, a phenomenal island off the coast of Krabi. It’s a small island that may be explored by scooter with lovely seashores and loads of respectable co-working areas and cafes.
Koh Lanta coworking areas
Kohub is the principle co-working house on Koh Lanta, and a part of the rationale the island turned often called one of many locations to dwell in Thailand for digital nomads.
WiFi speeds
Normally okay however test your lodging’s WiFi speeds earlier than reserving to keep away from disappointment.
Tips on how to discover an condo on Koh Lanta?
There are many web sites you’ll discover via Google which have residences for hire. Renting month-to-month Airbnbs can be an excellent choice, or you possibly can dwell at Kohhub. Lodging and co-working packages together with breakfast begin at $600 a month.
Price of residing on Koh Lanta
Though Koh Lanta is definitely among the best locations in Thailand for digital nomads, it’s not the most affordable. In the identical approach as Koh Phangan, you’ll discover extra vacationer costs and it’s tougher to get a cut price than in a metropolis.
Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless get by on $1,000 a month if you happen to get an excellent charge on lodging and hunt down lower-priced eating places.
Professionals and cons of residing in Koh Lanta
It’s fairly a small island so most nomads solely keep 1-2 months, which means it’s tougher to discover a long run group. All the buddies I made there appeared to depart inside per week or two.
Issues to do on Koh Lanta
There are alternatives for diving and snorkeling, in addition to yoga studios and gymnasiums. It’s an ideal place to remain lively. Then, loosen up on the seaside later with a cocktail! You too can volunteer for the day or longer at Lanta Animal Welfare. Study extra concerning the issues to do in Koh Lanta right here.
5. Krabi City
Within the south of Thailand close to Koh Lanta island, the area of Krabi is ripe for journey. Krabi City is the city hub on the coronary heart of all of it.
Why is Krabi a high vacation spot for digital nomads?
Krabi has all the advantages of the islands, similar to lovely seashores and diving alternatives, however entry to mainland comforts.
With miles of shoreline and inland points of interest to discover, it’s among the best locations to dwell in Thailand for individuals who’ll get tired of life on a tiny island.
WiFi speeds
Round 25 mbps; not the very best nor the worst.
Krabi City co-working areas
Krabi City has loads of respectable cafes the place you possibly can seize a espresso and work however your greatest guess for a devoted co-working house is Phansa.Area, a brief drive from Krabi City close to Ao Nang Seashore.
One other laptop computer-friendly choice is Lekker Cafe and Restaurant the place you should buy moderately priced food and drinks and keep for a number of hours. The WiFi is speedy, plus it’s spacious and normally quiet.
Tips on how to discover an condo in Krabi City?
Verify the true property web site or YourKrabi.com for medium-long keep choices. As ever, Airbnb is an efficient choice to bag a month-to-month low cost.
Price of residing in Krabi
Krabi is without doubt one of the least expensive locations to dwell in Thailand as a result of there’s an abundance of lodging and also you received’t be affected by inflated island costs in peak seasons.
You’ll simply get by on $1,000 a month. There’s loads of avenue meals in addition to native markets and supermarkets the place you possibly can choose up reasonably priced substances and put together your personal meals.
Professionals and cons of residing in Krabi
Krabi has extra of a repute with backpackers than digital nomads so you could find the group transient as individuals journey between Thailand and Koh Lanta for digital nomad life.
Issues to do in Krabi City
Discover the Krabi seashores like Ao Nang and Railay. From right here, you possibly can kayak and go mountain climbing and mountaineering.
Thung Teao Forest Pure Park is a paradise for hikers with uncommon wildlife and the idyllic Crystal Pool the place you cool off after a day mountain climbing. Principally, Krabi is a mecca for outside adventurers. There are quite a few enjoyable actions in Krabi to maintain you busy.
6. Phuket
Phuket is an island in southern Thailand linked to the mainland by highway. For a few years, it’s been a hub for vacationers and since 2021, it’s develop into a nomad hub.
Why is Phuket an ideal place for digital nomads in Thailand?
Phuket has been voted not simply among the best locations in Thailand for digital nomads however the greatest in the entire world! It’s secure and low cost with loads to do and plenty of locations to work. I didn’t ever wish to depart.
Coworking areas in Phuket
Hatch is without doubt one of the greatest locations to work on the town with ergonomic chairs and speedy WiFi. It’s 100 baht for two hours or you possibly can splash out on a full month go for five,700 baht.
Different good working spots embody Storage Society in Patong Seashore and Phuket Stash in Koh Kaew.
WiFi speeds
Very quick! You’ll haven’t any hassle discovering good WiFi in Phuket. You don’t suppose it might have earned the standing of the world’s greatest digital nomad vacation spot with out it, do you?
Tips on how to discover an condo in Phuket?
Use actual property web sites, Airbnb or ebook a room at Phuket Stash. Phuket City is the very best place to remain because it’s close by to co-working areas and away from Patong which might be fairly touristy and loud.
Price of residing in Phuket
Regardless of its recognition, it’s not exhausting to dwell cheaply in Phuket offering you keep away from touristy areas which I think if you happen to’re a digital nomad in Thailand, you’re eager to anyway. $1,000 a month is cheap offering you go to native eating places and store at native markets.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Phuket
Though it has all of the services to be an ideal digital nomad vacation spot, it’s not fairly as lovely because the islands, not fairly as nice as Chiang Mai and never fairly as cosmopolitan as Bangkok. It does the job however chances are you’ll not fall in love…
Issues to do in Phuket
Head to Phang Nga bay, go to the Phi Phi islands, hike to the Massive Buddha statue and admire Chalong Temple, a 60-meter Buddhist pilgrimage website. This island presents travellers and digital nomads a number of issues to see and do.
7. Koh Samui
The bigger neighbor of Koh Phangan is Koh Samui. Though it historically had a repute for resorts, it’s lately develop into often called a spot to work remotely in Thailand, probably as an overspill from Phangan.
Why is Koh Samui an ideal digital nomad vacation spot?
It’s lovely, has loads to do, a number of cafes (together with co-working ones) and eating places. Though there are barely fewer digital nomads than in Koh Phangan, chances are you’ll just like the extra relaxed vibe.
WiFi speeds
You received’t have any issues at co-working areas or motels, plus additionally, you will discover reasonably priced 4G SIM playing cards for buy.
Co-working areas on Koh Samui
Mantra Work Lounge is a phenomenal place to work resembling an expensive condo. The views from the terrace while you want a break are equally beautiful.
You may additionally wish to take a look at WYSIWYG Coworking Area & Cafe which has two flooring of co-working house and quick WiFi.
Tips on how to discover an condo on Koh Samui?
Use a rental company similar to Samui Renting or Airbnb and Fb teams to seek out reasonably priced medium to long run leases.
Lamai and Chaweng areas have essentially the most on supply when it comes to infrastructure, eating places, and good residences however put together for them to be busy and noisy if you happen to keep too near the centre.
Price of residing in Koh Samui
Prices of residing on Koh Samui are barely increased than the mainland. It’s possible you’ll wish to funds between $1,000 and $1,500 a month however you are able to do it on the decrease finish if you happen to eat native meals fairly than Western and keep away from lavish nights out.
Professionals and cons of residing in Koh Samui
Other than the actual fact the nomad group is extra lively in different digital nomad cities in Thailand, there aren’t any big drawbacks of residing in Koh Samui.
Having mentioned that, islands aren’t as enjoyable in dangerous climate, plus chances are you’ll have to make occasional journeys to the mainland to purchase issues the Samui shops have run out of.
Issues to do on Koh Samui
Take in the seashores together with Chaweng Seashore, Chaweng Noi and hidden gem, Laem Setbeach. Take a tour or rent a ship to Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park for snorkeling with colourful sea life.
Skilled divers can look out for whale sharks and black coral at Sail Rock. For a unusual tour, discover Secret Buddha Backyard on the high of Pom Mountain. Discover out extra concerning the high issues to do in Koh Samui right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Koh Samui
8. Hua Hin
Just a few hours south of Bangkok by automotive or prepare, Hua Hin is a thriving resort city. It’s a well-liked weekend vacation spot for Bangkok residents, and it has regularly develop into one of many high locations to dwell in Thailand for digital nomads who just like the seaside however need easy accessibility to the large metropolis. That’s why I selected to remain there for a number of weeks, which was for much longer than I’d deliberate!
Why is Hua Hin an ideal digital nomad vacation spot?
Hua Hin has a reasonably seaside, a pleasant vibe, and an ideal location. A digital nomad in Thailand will discover quite a bit to love about it.
WiFi speeds
The WiFi in Hua Hin is mostly quick and dependable.
Co-working areas in Hua Hin
The aptly named Co Working Area Hua Hin is a pleasant spot that’s standard with digital nomads in Thailand.
9. Pattaya
Higher identified and extra established than Hua Hin, Pattaya is one other standard resort city close to Bangkok. It has a repute as a touristy occasion spot, however there’s additionally quite a bit about it that makes it an acceptable place to dwell for a digital nomad in Thailand.
Why is Pattaya an ideal digital nomad vacation spot?
Pattaya is near Bangkok, has well-developed infrastructure, and loads of eating and nightlife choices. It’s additionally proper on the seaside.
WiFi speeds
Most foreigners residing in Thailand will discover the WiFi acceptable in Pattaya.
Co-working areas in Pattaya
There are many co-working areas to select from in Pattaya. rPod is a well-liked co-working house with affordable charges and good air-con.
10. Koh Mak
The tiny island of Koh Mak won’t seem to be an apparent selection for the place to dwell in Thailand as a digital nomad. However this up-and-coming vacationer vacation spot options a particularly engaging co-working place. I assumed it was among the best I’d used anyplace.
Why is Koh Mak an ideal digital nomad vacation spot?
Koh Mak is tropical paradise, and because it’s a bit of off the overwhelmed path, it doesn’t obtain the crowds like different extra well-known island locations like Phuket and Koh Samui.
Co-working areas in Koh Mak
Koh Mak makes this record of the very best locations for a digital nomad in Thailand for one motive: Koh Mak Campus. It presents personal villas, two bars and eating places, and greater than 150 sq. meters of co-working house.
Residing in Thailand Professionals and Cons
Working remotely in Thailand is at all times a good suggestion, however there might be execs and cons. As I’ve lined, the professionals are the reasonably priced costs, the seashores, and the nomad communities.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of downsides, the principle one being the visas. You solely get a 30-day visa on entry though you possibly can apply for a 2 or 6 month one on the Thai Embassy.
The tradition of ‘saving face’ might be additionally complicated round Thailand and should baffle you while you ask for instructions.
Principally, if individuals don’t know the reply to your query, they could make up incorrect instructions to look pleasant and useful. Whereas the intention is pure, chances are you’ll spend plenty of time misplaced in Bangkok!
Visitors within the cities and the odd vacationer rip-off will also be an annoyance however you’ll quickly get the cling of staying savvy.
Residing in Thailand FAQs
Learn on for solutions to some often requested questions on the place to dwell in Thailand.
If you’d like seashores and tropical paradise, you could have quite a few choices for the place to dwell in Thailand, together with Phuket and Koh Samui. If an city atmosphere is extra to your liking, then look no additional than Bangkok. For a relaxed tempo of life away from the seaside, take a look at Chiang Mai.
Because the nation’s largest metropolis, Bangkok has essentially the most foreigners. Different areas with many foreigners residing in Thailand are Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
Low costs, pleasant individuals, excellent delicacies, and lots to see and do signifies that Thailand is totally an excellent place for foreigners to dwell. A digital nomad in Thailand has loads of causes to remain.
Sure, you possibly can dwell on $1,500 a month in Thailand, and maybe even much less. Comparatively low costs make residing in Thailand fairly reasonably priced.
Individuals from many nations obtain a 30 or 45 day visa on arrival. There’s additionally a 90-day Particular Vacationer Visa (STV), which permits two 90-day extensions for a most of 9 months within the nation.
Conclusion
To summarise, there are numerous locations to be a digital nomad in Thailand. Bangkok is the clear winner if you need a cosmopolitan metropolis whereas Chiang Mai is the place to dwell in Thailand if you happen to like your metropolis facilities with out the visitors and massive metropolis rush.
Koh Phangan has the very best island nomad group, however Koh Lanta and Koh Samui are nice choices if you wish to loosen up and work someplace quieter.
Krabi and Phuket sit someplace between island and metropolis life making them respectable choices if you need trendy facilities with seashores close by. You actually can’t go improper! Thailand is digital nomad heaven.
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