Working remotely in Thailand is what goals are fabricated from. This text will record one of the best locations to reside in Thailand for digital nomads.
Whereas residing in Thailand in 2016 and once more in 2018 and once more in 2019 (you get the thought – 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 numerous locations in Thailand. I by no means get uninterested in this heat, pleasant nation and may’t wait to get again.
10 Finest Locations to Stay in Thailand for Digital Nomads
Think about working beside a swimming pool or lovely seashore and taking breaks to eat pad Thai whereas absorbing cool, cosmopolitan cities or superb nature — all of that is potential 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 one of the best locations to reside in Thailand in addition to the professionals and cons of residing within the nation.
1. Bangkok
The capital is likely one of the greatest cities in Thailand, whether or not you’re a vacationer or a nomad.
Why is Bangkok a prime metropolis for digital nomads?
It is likely to be higher to ask why Bangkok ISN’T an awesome digital nomad metropolis in Thailand! It has quick WiFi, loads of co-working areas, a improbable third-wave espresso scene, and countless expat communities you’ll be able to faucet into.
From podcasts to Fb teams, I discovered it simple to search out assets and inspiration. Plus, the locals are a pleasant bunch, too.
Though vacationers are likely to spend 2 days in Bangkok, you may 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 may have tons of choices in Bangkok. Simply Co. is certainly one of 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 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 Widespread Floor 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
Not like some cities the place there’s a transparent expat space, you may have loads of choices in Bangkok.
As top-of-the-line digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are a number of areas to earmark for renting an condo.
Ekkamai has a hipster vibe and loads of bars and eating places. You may additionally need to try Phrom Phong, a nice, relaxed space of city with a big park and many espresso outlets.
To search out an condo in Bangkok, you need to use an actual property agent or use web sites together with DDproperty, Hipflat and Baht&Bought. Craigslist may 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 reside in, the tough value of residing for one individual in Bangkok is 40,000 baht, round $1,000 USD.
The principle method to hold 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 value as little as $1. You may also store for contemporary components at native markets slightly 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 value of residing, the superb co-working areas and the abundance of superb Thai meals in every single place you look.
The principle 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 may 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), procuring at Chatuchak Market, visiting galleries & museums, strolling or working 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 attractive metropolis of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one other of one of the best locations to reside in Thailand for digital nomads. It’s completely totally different from Bangkok so it is dependent upon 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 want a extra relaxed tempo of life, then you should analysis digital nomad cities in Thailand no additional. Chiang Mai is for you.
Why is Chiang Mai a prime metropolis for digital nomads?
There’s unbelievable meals, not an excessive amount of visitors, lovely nature, plenty of different nomads to fulfill. Principally, Chiang Mai is likely one of the greatest cities to reside 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 reside 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 number 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 beautiful, giant backyard space when you should take a break. Nonetheless, this department will get slightly crowded so that you would possibly want the Tha Pae location inside a spacious warehouse-style constructing.
WiFi speeds
A mean of 93 Mbps obtain and 88 Mbps add speeds.
Methods to discover flats in Chiang Mai
To discover a rental, try Good Properties or keep watch over the Expat Fb teams. Another choice is long-term Airbnb stays. You get a good 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 obtained it!
Value of residing in Chiang Mai
You may simply reside for below $1,000 a month in Chiang Mai.
Count on 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 (typically, it’s cheaper the longer you signal for).
You may 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 greater than $20.
Hiring a scooter prices as little as $70 a month. You may also depend on Uber and Seize to get round. There are all the time loads of autos round and it’s cheap. Across the Previous Metropolis, it’s simple to get in every single place by foot, however put together for it to be scorching at sure instances of the 12 months.
Professionals & cons of residing in Chiang Mai
The most important 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 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 by means of all of them. Hike by means of 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 status as top-of-the-line locations in Thailand for digital nomads.
There are many co-working areas and cafes the place you’ll be able to pitch up for the afternoon with nobody shifting you on. Yup, digital nomads rule the roost in KP!
Why is Koh Phangan nice for digital nomads?
There’s an awesome neighborhood. If you wish to meet like-minded distant staff, observe yoga, and benefit from the seashore life, that is simply top-of-the-line locations to reside 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 possibility 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 may ebook your lodging and co-working house in a single package deal in the event you’re eager for a bougie, vacation vibe!
WiFi speeds
Respectable. Be certain to make use of WiFi at devoted co-working areas slightly than the touristic seashore cafes; some are fairly gradual.
Methods to discover an condo on Koh Phangan
Try Koh Phangan Leases, 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 thirty days is an efficient quantity to funds.
Though there are a number 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 costlier.
Price range $70 for a scooter and slightly extra for fuel; it’s mainly the one method to get across the island.
Professionals & cons of residing in Koh Phangan
It could 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 cost effective place to reside 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 lovely on the island. There are numerous out of doors issues to do in Koh Phangan.
4. Koh Lanta
One other top-of-the-line locations in Thailand for digital nomads is Koh Lanta, an exquisite island off the coast of Krabi. It’s a small island that may be explored by scooter with lovely seashores and loads of first rate co-working areas and cafes.
Koh Lanta coworking areas
Kohub is the principle co-working house on Koh Lanta, and a part of the explanation the island turned often known as one of many locations to reside in Thailand for digital nomads.
WiFi speeds
Often okay however test your lodging’s WiFi speeds earlier than reserving to keep away from disappointment.
Methods to discover an condo on Koh Lanta?
There are many web sites you’ll discover by means of Google which have flats for hire. Renting month-to-month Airbnbs can also be a great possibility, or you’ll be able to reside 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 top-of-the-line locations in Thailand for digital nomads, it’s not the most cost effective. In the identical approach as Koh Phangan, you’ll discover extra vacationer costs and it’s more durable to get a cut price than in a metropolis.
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless get by on $1,000 a month in the event you get a great price on lodging and search out 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, that means it’s more durable to discover a long run neighborhood. All the chums I made there appeared to depart inside every 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 awesome place to remain lively. Then, calm down on the seashore later with a cocktail! You may also volunteer for the day or longer at Lanta Animal Welfare. Be taught 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 prime vacation spot for digital nomads?
Krabi has all the advantages of the islands, akin to lovely seashores and diving alternatives, however entry to mainland comforts.
With miles of shoreline and inland sights to discover, it’s top-of-the-line locations to reside in Thailand for individuals who’ll become bored with life on a tiny island.
WiFi speeds
Round 25 mbps; not one of the best nor the worst.
Krabi City co-working areas
Krabi City has loads of first rate cafes the place you’ll be able to seize a espresso and work however your greatest guess for a devoted co-working house is Phansa.House, a brief drive from Krabi City close to Ao Nang Seashore.
One other laptop computer-friendly possibility is Lekker Cafe and Restaurant the place you should purchase fairly priced food and drinks and keep for a number of hours. The WiFi is speedy, plus it’s spacious and normally quiet.
Methods to discover an condo in Krabi City?
Examine 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 likely one of the least expensive locations to reside 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’ll be able to decide up reasonably priced components and put together your personal meals.
Professionals and cons of residing in Krabi
Krabi has extra of a status with backpackers than digital nomads so you’ll 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’ll be able to 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. Principally, Krabi is a mecca for out of doors adventurers. There are quite a few enjoyable actions in Krabi to maintain you busy.
6. Phuket
Phuket is an island in southern Thailand related to the mainland by street. For a few years, it’s been a hub for vacationers and since 2021, it’s turn into a nomad hub.
Why is Phuket an awesome place for digital nomads in Thailand?
Phuket has been voted not simply top-of-the-line locations in Thailand for digital nomads however the greatest in the entire world! It’s protected and low-cost with loads to do and many locations to work. I didn’t ever need to depart.
Coworking areas in Phuket
Hatch is likely 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’ll be able to splash out on a full month cross for five,700 baht.
Different good working spots embrace 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 could have earned the standing of the world’s greatest digital nomad vacation spot with out it, do you?
Methods to discover an condo in Phuket?
Use actual property web sites, Airbnb or ebook a room at Phuket Stash. Phuket City is one of the best place to remain because it’s close by to co-working areas and away from Patong which could be fairly touristy and loud.
Value of residing in Phuket
Regardless of its recognition, it’s not onerous to reside cheaply in Phuket offering you keep away from touristy areas which I believe in the event you’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 Dwelling in Phuket
Though it has all of the amenities to be an awesome 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 you could not fall in love…
Issues to do in Phuket
Head to Phang Nga bay, go to the Phi Phi islands, hike to the Huge Buddha statue and admire Chalong Temple, a 60-meter Buddhist pilgrimage website. This island provides 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 status for resorts, it’s lately turn into often known as a spot to work remotely in Thailand, presumably as an overspill from Phangan.
Why is Koh Samui an awesome digital nomad vacation spot?
It’s lovely, has loads to do, plenty of cafes (together with co-working ones) and eating places. Though there are barely fewer digital nomads than in Koh Phangan, you could 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 an exquisite place to work resembling an expensive condo. The views from the terrace once you want a break are equally gorgeous.
You may additionally need to try WYSIWYG Coworking House & Cafe which has two flooring of co-working house and quick WiFi.
Methods to discover an condo on Koh Samui?
Use a rental company akin to Samui Renting or Airbnb and Fb teams to search out reasonably priced medium to long run leases.
Lamai and Chaweng areas have essentially the most on provide by way of infrastructure, eating places, and good flats however put together for them to be busy and noisy in the event you keep too near the centre.
Value of residing in Koh Samui
Prices of residing on Koh Samui are barely larger 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 in the event you eat native meals slightly than Western and keep away from lavish nights out.
Professionals and cons of residing in Koh Samui
Except for the very fact the nomad neighborhood is extra lively in different digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are not any large drawbacks of residing in Koh Samui.
Having stated that, islands aren’t as enjoyable in dangerous climate, plus you could have to make occasional journeys to the mainland to purchase issues the Samui shops have run out of.
Issues to do on Koh Samui
Absorb 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 prime of Pom Mountain. Discover out extra concerning the prime issues to do in Koh Samui right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Koh Samui
8. Hua Hin
A couple of 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 into one of many prime locations to reside in Thailand for digital nomads who just like the seashore however need quick access 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 awesome digital nomad vacation spot?
Hua Hin has a fairly seashore, a pleasant vibe, and an awesome location. A digital nomad in Thailand will discover quite a bit to love about it.
WiFi speeds
The WiFi in Hua Hin is usually quick and dependable.
Co-working areas in Hua Hin
The aptly named Co Working House 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 status as a touristy occasion spot, however there’s additionally quite a bit about it that makes it an acceptable place to reside for a digital nomad in Thailand.
Why is Pattaya an awesome 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 seashore.
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 won’t seem to be an apparent selection for the place to reside in Thailand as a digital nomad. However this up-and-coming vacationer vacation spot options an especially enticing co-working place. I assumed it was top-of-the-line I’d used anyplace.
Why is Koh Mak an awesome 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 one of the best locations for a digital nomad in Thailand for one cause: Koh Mak Campus. It provides personal villas, two bars and eating places, and greater than 150 sq. meters of co-working house.
Dwelling in Thailand Professionals and Cons
Working remotely in Thailand is all the time a good suggestion, however there could 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 number of downsides, the principle one being the visas. You solely get a 30-day visa on entry though you’ll be able to apply for a 2 or 6 month one on the Thai Embassy.
The tradition of ‘saving face’ could be additionally complicated round Thailand and will baffle you once you ask for instructions.
Principally, if individuals don’t know the reply to your query, they might make up incorrect instructions to look pleasant and useful. Whereas the intention is pure, you could spend a variety of time misplaced in Bangkok!
Visitors within the cities and the odd vacationer rip-off may also be an annoyance however you’ll quickly get the grasp of staying savvy.
Dwelling in Thailand FAQs
Learn on for solutions to some steadily requested questions on the place to reside in Thailand.
If you’d like seashores and tropical paradise, you may have quite a few choices for the place to reside in Thailand, together with Phuket and Koh Samui. If an city surroundings is extra to your liking, then look no additional than Bangkok. For a relaxed tempo of life away from the seashore, try 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 many to see and do implies that Thailand is completely a great place for foreigners to reside. A digital nomad in Thailand has loads of causes to remain.
Sure, you’ll be able to reside on $1,500 a month in Thailand, and even perhaps much less. Comparatively low costs make residing in Thailand fairly reasonably priced.
Individuals 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 if you’d like a cosmopolitan metropolis whereas Chiang Mai is the place to reside in Thailand in the event you like your metropolis facilities with out the visitors and massive metropolis rush.
Koh Phangan has one of the best island nomad neighborhood, however Koh Lanta and Koh Samui are nice choices if you wish to calm down and work someplace quieter.
Krabi and Phuket sit someplace between island and metropolis life making them first rate choices if you’d like trendy facilities with seashores close by. You actually can’t go unsuitable! Thailand is digital nomad heaven.
Like This Article? Pin It!
