Working remotely in Thailand is what goals are manufactured from. This text will record the perfect locations to stay 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.
Up to now, 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 Reside in Thailand for Digital Nomads
Think about working beside a swimming pool or stunning seaside and taking breaks to eat pad Thai whereas absorbing cool, cosmopolitan cities or wonderful nature — all of that is attainable 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 perfect locations to stay in Thailand in addition to the professionals and cons of residing within the nation.
1. Bangkok
The capital is among the finest cities in Thailand, whether or not you’re a vacationer or a nomad.
Why is Bangkok a high metropolis for digital nomads?
It is likely to be higher to ask why Bangkok ISN’T a terrific digital nomad city in Thailand! It has quick WiFi, loads of co-working areas, a improbable third-wave espresso scene, and infinite expat communities you may faucet into.
From podcasts to Fb teams, I discovered it straightforward to search out sources and inspiration. Plus, the locals are a pleasant bunch, too.
Though vacationers are inclined to spend 2 days in Bangkok, you would spend years getting immersed into the tradition, actions, and hidden gems with out ever having a uninteresting weekend.
Bangkok co-working areas
To work remotely in Thailand, you might have tons of choices in Bangkok. Just Co. is one in all your finest 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 variety of packages to select from relying on whether or not you want full-time entry and your personal desk.
A less expensive possibility is Common Ground CentralWorld with workplace house from B4,000/month.
WiFi speeds
A mean of 122 Mbps obtain and 101 Mbps add speeds.
Discovering flats in Bangkok
In contrast to some cities the place there’s a transparent expat space, you might have loads of choices in Bangkok.
As the most effective digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are a couple of areas to earmark for renting an house.
Ekkamai has a hipster vibe and loads of bars and eating places. You may additionally need to try Phrom Phong, a pleasing, relaxed space of city with a big park and plenty of espresso outlets.
To seek out an house in Bangkok, you need to use an actual property agent or use web sites together with DDproperty, Hipflat and Baht&Sold. Craigslist will also be helpful, or in any other case you can begin with Airbnb till you discover someplace extra everlasting.
Value of residing in Bangkok
Relying on which neighborhood you select to stay in, the tough price of residing for one individual in Bangkok is 40,000 baht, round $1,000 USD.
The primary option to maintain your residing prices low is to eat road meals as a substitute of restaurant meals. It’s hardly a chore: the Bangkok road meals is a number of the finest on Planet Earth!
From pad Thai to som tam (papaya salad) and Kuay Teow Reua (boat noodles), dishes price as little as $1. It’s also possible to store for contemporary substances at native markets reasonably 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.
Execs & cons of residing in Bangkok
The apparent professionals are the comparatively low price of residing, the superb co-working areas and the abundance of amazing Thai food in every single 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 so much to do in Bangkok from palaces to temples (don’t miss Wat Arun at sundown), purchasing at Chatuchak Market, visiting galleries & museums, strolling or working in Lumphini Park, and consuming wonderful road meals.
☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Bangkok and One Week in Bangkok: A Haven for Remote Workers
2. Chiang Mai
The attractive metropolis of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one other of the perfect locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads. It’s completely completely different from Bangkok so it will depend on what sort of metropolis vibe you take pleasure in. I discovered it a refreshing change of tempo after the considerably hectic time I spent in Bangkok.
If you happen to desire a extra relaxed tempo of life, then you might want to 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 unimaginable meals, not an excessive amount of visitors, stunning nature, a number of different nomads to fulfill. Mainly, Chiang Mai is among the finest cities to stay in Thailand. It has all the pieces you want as a digital nomad base.
Higher but, it’s one of many least expensive locations to stay 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 finest guess is Punspace, Chiang Mai’s unique co-working house which has been open for almost a decade.
There are two branches, one in Nimman with a stunning, massive backyard space when you might want to take a break. Nonetheless, this department will get slightly crowded so that you would possibly desire the Tha Pae location inside a spacious warehouse-style constructing.
WiFi speeds
A mean of 93 Mbps obtain and 88 Mbps add speeds.
discover flats in Chiang Mai
To discover a rental, try Perfect Homes or regulate the Expat Fb teams. Another choice is long-term Airbnb stays. You get an honest low cost once you decide to remain a month or longer.
The perfect 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 title it, Nimman’s received it!
Value of residing in Chiang Mai
You’ll be able to simply stay for below $1,000 a month in Chiang Mai.
Count on to pay round $600 a month for a 1-bedroom house though this varies relying on the neighborhood and the way lengthy you’re staying (typically, it’s cheaper the longer you signal for).
You’ll be able to pay lower than $500 to 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. It’s also possible to depend on Uber and Seize to get round. There are all the time loads of automobiles round and it’s cheap. Across the Previous Metropolis, it’s straightforward to get in every single place by foot, however put together for it to be sizzling at sure occasions of the yr.
Execs & 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 need to be in Chiang Mai for this: the air high quality is hazardous at finest, 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 would 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 things to do in Chiang Mai to maintain you busy.
3. Koh Phangan
Though it was solely on the map as a spot for celebration goers eager to expertise the notorious full moon celebration, Koh Phangan now has a fame as the most effective locations in Thailand for digital nomads.
There are many co-working areas and cafes the place you may 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 a terrific neighborhood. If you wish to meet like-minded distant staff, apply yoga, and benefit from the seaside life, that is simply the most effective locations to stay in Thailand. The one draw back is the chance of sand in your laptop.
Koh Phangan coworking areas
Beachub on the north of the island is a superb possibility with quick WiFi and loads of desk house.
Casa Tropicana by Distant&Digital is a resort, restaurant, and co-working house with stunning views. You’ll be able to ebook your lodging and co-working house in a single package deal for those who’re eager for a bougie, vacation vibe!
WiFi speeds
Respectable. Be certain to make use of WiFi at devoted co-working areas reasonably than the touristic seaside cafes; some are fairly sluggish.
discover an house on Koh Phangan
Try Koh Phangan Rentals, Fb teams, and month-to-month offers on Airbnbs.
Value of residing in Koh Phangan
Exterior of the excessive season, $1,000 per individual per 30 days 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 road meals as you’ll in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The eating places are additionally dearer.
Funds $70 for a scooter and slightly extra for gasoline; it’s principally the one option to get across the island.
Execs & cons of residing in Koh Phangan
It might probably 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 stay in Thailand.
Issues to do in Koh Phangan
Rent a scooter and discover the island or why not kayak round it? I’ve finished all three, they usually’re all price your time. Attempt diving at Sail Rock or trek to Bottle Seaside, probably the most stunning on the island. There are lots of out of doors things to do in Koh Phangan.
4. Koh Lanta
One other the most effective locations in Thailand for digital nomads is Koh Lanta, a stupendous island off the coast of Krabi. It’s a small island that may be explored by scooter with stunning seashores and loads of first rate co-working areas and cafes.
Koh Lanta coworking areas
Kohub is the primary co-working house on Koh Lanta, and a part of the explanation the island turned referred to as one of many locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads.
WiFi speeds
Normally okay however examine your accommodation’s WiFi speeds earlier than reserving to keep away from disappointment.
discover an house on Koh Lanta?
There are many web sites you’ll discover via Google which have flats for lease. Renting month-to-month Airbnbs can be a great possibility, or you may stay at Kohhub. Lodging and co-working packages together with breakfast begin at $600 a month.
Value of residing on Koh Lanta
Though Koh Lanta is definitely the most effective locations in Thailand for digital nomads, it’s not the most affordable. In the identical manner as Koh Phangan, you’ll discover extra vacationer costs and it’s tougher to get a discount than in a metropolis.
Nonetheless, you may nonetheless get by on $1,000 a month for those who get a great fee on lodging and search out lower-priced eating places.
Execs and cons of residing in Koh Lanta
It’s fairly a small island so most nomads solely keep 1-2 months, that means it’s tougher to discover a long run neighborhood. All the chums 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 a terrific place to remain lively. Then, loosen up on the seaside later with a cocktail! It’s also possible to volunteer for the day or longer at Lanta Animal Welfare. Study extra concerning the things to do in Koh Lanta 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, comparable to stunning seashores and diving alternatives, however entry to mainland comforts.
With miles of shoreline and inland points of interest to discover, it’s the most effective locations to stay in Thailand for individuals who’ll get tired of life on a tiny island.
WiFi speeds
Round 25 mbps; not the perfect nor the worst.
Krabi City co-working areas
Krabi City has loads of first rate cafes the place you may seize a espresso and work however your finest guess for a devoted co-working house is Phansa.House, a brief drive from Krabi City close to Ao Nang Seaside.
One other laptop-friendly possibility is Lekker Cafe and Restaurant the place you should purchase fairly priced foods and drinks and keep for a number of hours. The WiFi is speedy, plus it’s spacious and often quiet.
discover an house 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.
Value of residing in Krabi
Krabi is among the least expensive locations to stay 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 road meals in addition to native markets and supermarkets the place you may choose up reasonably priced substances and put together your personal meals.
Execs and cons of residing in Krabi
Krabi has extra of a fame with backpackers than digital nomads so you could find the neighborhood 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 may kayak and go 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 climbing. Mainly, Krabi is a mecca for out of doors adventurers. There are quite a few fun activities 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 turn out to be a nomad hub.
Why is Phuket a terrific place for digital nomads in Thailand?
Phuket has been voted not simply the most effective locations in Thailand for digital nomads however the best in the whole world! It’s protected and low cost with a lot to do and plenty of locations to work. I didn’t ever need to go away.
Coworking areas in Phuket
Hatch is among the finest locations to work on the town with ergonomic chairs and speedy WiFi. It’s 100 baht for two hours or you may splash out on a full month move for five,700 baht.
Different good working spots embrace Garage Society in Patong Seaside and Phuket Stash in Koh Kaew.
WiFi speeds
Very quick! You’ll don’t have any bother discovering good WiFi in Phuket. You don’t assume it could have earned the standing of the world’s finest digital nomad vacation spot with out it, do you?
discover an house in Phuket?
Use actual property web sites, Airbnb or ebook a room at Phuket Stash. Phuket City is the perfect place to remain because it’s close by to co-working areas and away from Patong which might be fairly touristy and loud.
Value of residing in Phuket
Regardless of its recognition, it’s not laborious to stay cheaply in Phuket offering you keep away from touristy areas which I believe for those who’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.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Phuket
Though it has all of the amenities to be a terrific digital nomad vacation spot, it’s not fairly as stunning because the islands, not fairly as nice as Chiang Mai and never fairly as cosmopolitan as Bangkok. It does the job however it’s possible 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 Large Buddha statue and admire Chalong Temple, a 60-meter Buddhist pilgrimage website. This island gives travellers and digital nomads a variety of things to see and do.
7. Koh Samui
The bigger neighbor of Koh Phangan is Koh Samui. Though it historically had a fame for resorts, it’s lately turn out to be referred to as a spot to work remotely in Thailand, presumably as an overspill from Phangan.
Why is Koh Samui a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
It’s stunning, has a lot 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, it’s possible you’ll just like the extra relaxed vibe.
WiFi speeds
You received’t have any issues at co-working areas or inns, plus additionally, you will discover reasonably priced 4G SIM playing cards for buy.
Co-working areas on Koh Samui
Mantra Work Lounge is a stupendous place to work resembling an expensive house. The views from the terrace once you want a break are equally beautiful.
You may additionally need to try WYSIWYG Coworking House & Cafe which has two flooring of co-working house and quick WiFi.
discover an house on Koh Samui?
Use a rental company comparable to Samui Renting or Airbnb and Fb teams to search out reasonably priced medium to long run leases.
Lamai and Chaweng areas have probably the most on supply when it comes to infrastructure, eating places, and good flats however put together for them to be busy and noisy for those who keep too near the centre.
Value of residing in Koh Samui
Prices of residing on Koh Samui are barely greater than the mainland. Chances are you’ll need to funds between $1,000 and $1,500 a month however you are able to do it on the decrease finish for those who eat native meals reasonably than Western and keep away from lavish nights out.
Execs and cons of residing in Koh Samui
Except for the actual fact the nomad neighborhood is extra lively in different digital nomad cities in Thailand, there aren’t any enormous drawbacks of residing in Koh Samui.
Having stated that, islands aren’t as enjoyable in dangerous climate, plus it’s possible 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 Seaside, 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 things to do in Koh Samui here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Koh Samui
8. Hua Hin
Just a few hours south of Bangkok by automobile or prepare, Hua Hin is a thriving resort city. It’s a preferred weekend vacation spot for Bangkok residents, and it has regularly turn out to be one of many high locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads who just like the seaside however need quick access to the massive 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 a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
Hua Hin has a fairly seaside, a pleasant vibe, and a terrific location. A digital nomad in Thailand will discover rather a lot 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 Space Hua Hin is a pleasant spot that’s well-liked with digital nomads in Thailand.
9. Pattaya
Higher recognized and extra established than Hua Hin, Pattaya is one other well-liked resort city close to Bangkok. It has a fame as a touristy celebration spot, however there’s additionally rather a lot about it that makes it an appropriate place to stay for a digital nomad in Thailand.
Why is Pattaya a terrific 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 cheap charges and good air con.
10. Koh Mak
The tiny island of Koh Mak may not seem to be an apparent alternative for the place to stay 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 the most effective I’d used anyplace.
Why is Koh Mak a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
Koh Mak is tropical paradise, and because it’s slightly 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 perfect locations for a digital nomad in Thailand for one cause: Koh Mak Campus. It gives personal villas, two bars and eating places, and greater than 150 sq. meters of co-working house.
Dwelling in Thailand Execs and Cons
Working remotely in Thailand is all the time a good suggestion, however there might be professionals and cons. As I’ve coated, the professionals are the affordable prices, the seashores, and the nomad communities.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of downsides, the primary one being the visas. You solely get a 30-day visa on entry though you may 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 once you ask for instructions.
Mainly, 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, it’s possible you’ll spend numerous time misplaced in Bangkok!
Site visitors within the cities and the odd vacationer rip-off will also be an annoyance however you’ll quickly get the dangle of staying savvy.
Dwelling in Thailand FAQs
Learn on for solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions on the place to stay in Thailand.
If you’d like seashores and tropical paradise, you might have quite a few choices for the place to stay in Thailand, together with Phuket and Koh Samui. If an city setting is extra to your liking, then look no additional than Bangkok. For a relaxed tempo of life away from the seaside, try Chiang Mai.
Because the nation’s largest metropolis, Bangkok has probably 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 implies that Thailand is completely a great place for foreigners to stay. A digital nomad in Thailand has loads of causes to remain.
Sure, you may stay on $1,500 a month in Thailand, and maybe even much less. Comparatively low costs make residing in Thailand fairly reasonably priced.
Folks from many international locations 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 in order for you a cosmopolitan metropolis whereas Chiang Mai is the place to stay in Thailand for those who like your metropolis facilities with out the visitors and large metropolis rush.
Koh Phangan has the perfect island nomad neighborhood, 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 first rate choices in order for you fashionable facilities with seashores close by. You actually can’t go improper! Thailand is digital nomad heaven.
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