Working remotely in Thailand is what desires are product of. This text will record one of the best 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 thought – I can’t keep away!), I lived comfortably on $1,000 a month and by no means had a foul meal.
Thus far, 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 bored with 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 unbelievable islands for livin’ la vida nomad!
One other unbelievable factor about being a digital nomad in Thailand is the costs. It’s one of many world’s most inexpensive areas for residing and dealing remotely.
On this article, I’ll cowl one of the best locations to stay in Thailand in addition to the professionals and cons of residing within the nation.
1. Bangkok
The capital is among 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 is perhaps higher to ask why Bangkok isn’t an important digital nomad city in Thailand. It has quick WiFi, loads of co-working areas, a unbelievable third-wave espresso scene, and infinite expat communities you may faucet into.
From podcasts to Fb teams, I discovered it simple to search out sources and inspiration. Plus, the locals are a pleasant bunch, too.
Though vacationers are likely to spend 2 days in Bangkok, you could possibly 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 may have tons of choices in Bangkok. Just Co. is considered 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 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 Common Ground CentralWorld with workplace area from B4,000/month.
WiFi speeds
A mean 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 may have loads of choices in Bangkok.
As the most effective digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are a number 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 nice, relaxed space of city with a big park and plenty of espresso outlets.
To seek out an house in Bangkok, you should utilize an actual property agent or use web sites together with DDproperty, Hipflat and Baht&Sold. Craigslist may 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 stay in, the tough value of residing for one individual in Bangkok is 40,000 baht, round $1,000 USD.
The principle approach to hold your residing prices low is to eat avenue meals as an alternative of restaurant meals. It’s hardly a chore: Bangkok avenue meals is among the greatest on earth.
From pad Thai to som tam (papaya salad) and Kuay Teow Reua (boat noodles), dishes value as little as $1. You can even store for recent elements at native markets relatively than pay near Western costs in Thai supermarkets.
Though Uber is inexpensive, it can save you cash through the use of Seize scooters as an alternative. 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 plain professionals are the comparatively low value of residing, the wonderful co-working areas and the abundance of amazing Thai food 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 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 superb avenue 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 one of the best 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.
In the event you choose a extra relaxed tempo of life, then it is advisable 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, lovely nature, plenty of different nomads to satisfy. Mainly, Chiang Mai is among the greatest cities to stay in Thailand. It has the whole lot 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 number of choices whether or not you desire a social co-working area or someplace quieter to get your head down.
Your greatest wager is Punspace, Chiang Mai’s unique co-working area which has been open for almost a decade.
There are two branches, one in Nimman with a stunning, giant backyard space when it is advisable take a break. Nonetheless, this department will get somewhat crowded so that you may choose the Tha Pae location inside a spacious warehouse-style constructing.
WiFi speeds
A mean of 93 Mbps obtain and 88 Mbps add speeds.
The way to discover residences in Chiang Mai
To discover a rental, try Perfect Homes or keep watch over the Expat Fb teams. Another choice is long-term Airbnb stays. You get an honest low cost while you decide to remain a month or longer.
The very best 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, and experimental Thai delicacies. You title it, Nimman’s bought it.
Price of residing in Chiang Mai
You’ll be able to simply stay for underneath $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. Road 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 can even 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 in every single place by foot, however put together for it to be sizzling at sure instances of the 12 months.
Execs & cons of residing in Chiang Mai
The main 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 could possibly 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 things to do in Chiang Mai to maintain you busy.
3. Koh Phangan
Though it was solely on the map as a spot for partygoers eager to expertise the notorious full moon social gathering, Koh Phangan now has a repute 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. Yep, digital nomads rule the roost in KP.
Why is Koh Phangan nice for digital nomads?
There’s an important neighborhood. If you wish to meet like-minded distant employees, follow yoga, and benefit from the seashore 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 choice with quick WiFi and loads of desk area.
Casa Tropicana by Distant&Digital is a resort, restaurant, and co-working area with lovely views. You’ll be able to ebook your lodging and co-working area in a single package deal for those who’re eager on a bougie, vacation vibe.
WiFi speeds
First rate. Make certain to make use of WiFi at devoted co-working areas relatively than the touristic seashore cafes; some are fairly gradual.
The way to discover an house on Koh Phangan
Try Koh Phangan Rentals, Fb teams, and month-to-month offers on Airbnbs.
Price of residing in Koh Phangan
Outdoors of the excessive season, $1,000 per individual per thirty days is an efficient quantity to finances.
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.
Finances $70 for a scooter and somewhat extra for fuel; it’s principally the one approach to get across the island.
Execs & cons of residing in Koh Phangan
It could 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 stay in Thailand.
Issues to do in Koh Phangan
Rent a scooter and discover the island or why not kayak round it? I’ve accomplished all three, they usually’re all price your time. Attempt diving at Sail Rock or trek to Bottle Seaside, some of the lovely on the island. There are various 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 good looking 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 primary co-working area on Koh Lanta, and a part of the explanation the island grew to become generally known as one of many locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads.
WiFi speeds
Often okay however test your accommodation’s WiFi speeds earlier than reserving to keep away from disappointment.
The way to discover an house on Koh Lanta?
There are many web sites you’ll discover by means of Google which have residences for lease. Renting month-to-month Airbnbs can be choice, or you may stay 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 the most effective 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 tougher to get a discount than in a metropolis.
Nonetheless, you may nonetheless get by on $1,000 a month for those who get price on lodging and hunt down 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 buddies I made there appeared to go away 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 important place to remain energetic. Then, calm down on the seashore later with a cocktail. You can even volunteer for the day or longer at Lanta Animal Welfare. Be taught 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, resembling lovely seashores and diving alternatives, however entry to mainland comforts.
With miles of shoreline and inland sights to discover, it’s the most effective locations to stay in Thailand for many 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 may seize a espresso and work however your greatest wager for a devoted co-working area is Phansa.House, a brief drive from Krabi City close to Ao Nang Seaside.
One other laptop-friendly choice is Lekker Cafe and Restaurant the place you should purchase moderately priced food and drinks and keep for a number of hours. The WiFi is speedy, plus it’s spacious and often quiet.
The way to discover an house in Krabi City?
Examine the actual 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 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 avenue meals in addition to native markets and supermarkets the place you may choose up inexpensive elements and put together your personal meals.
Execs and cons of residing in Krabi
Krabi has extra of a repute with backpackers than digital nomads so yow will discover the neighborhood transient as folks 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 related to the mainland by highway. For a few years, it’s been a hub for vacationers and since 2021, it’s change into a nomad hub.
Why is Phuket an important 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 greatest 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 cross for five,700 baht.
Different good working spots embody Garage Society in Patong Seaside and Phuket Stash in Koh Kaew.
WiFi speeds
WiFi speeds are very quick right here. You’ll haven’t any bother discovering good WiFi in Phuket and you may count on 250 Mbps down and round 50 up on common. You don’t suppose it might have earned the standing of the world’s greatest digital nomad vacation spot with out it, do you?
The way to discover an house 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 may be fairly touristy and loud.
Price of residing in Phuket
Regardless of its reputation, it’s not arduous to stay cheaply in Phuket supplied you keep away from touristy areas which I think for those who’re a digital nomad in Thailand, you’re eager to do anyway. For residing prices, $1,000 a month is cheap supplied you go to native eating places and store at native markets.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Phuket
Though it has all of the services to be an important 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 might 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 variety of things 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 not too long ago change into generally known as a spot to work remotely in Thailand, probably as an overspill from Phangan.
Why is Koh Samui an important digital nomad vacation spot?
It’s lovely, has a lot 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 might just like the extra relaxed vibe.
WiFi speeds
You received’t have any issues at co-working areas or accommodations, plus additionally, you will discover inexpensive 4G SIM playing cards for buy.
Co-working areas on Koh Samui
Mantra Work Lounge is a good looking place to work resembling an opulent house. The views from the terrace while you want a break are equally gorgeous.
You may additionally need to try WYSIWYG Coworking House & Cafe which has two flooring of co-working area and quick WiFi.
The way to discover an house on Koh Samui?
Use a rental company resembling Samui Renting or Airbnb and Fb teams to search out inexpensive medium to long run leases.
Lamai and Chaweng areas have essentially the most on provide by way of infrastructure, eating places, and good residences however put together for them to be busy and noisy for those who keep too near the centre.
Price of residing in Koh Samui
Prices of residing on Koh Samui are barely greater than the mainland. It’s possible you’ll need to finances 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 relatively than Western and keep away from lavish nights out.
Execs and cons of residing in Koh Samui
Other than the actual fact the nomad neighborhood is extra energetic in different digital nomad cities in Thailand, there are not any enormous drawbacks of residing in Koh Samui.
Having mentioned that, islands aren’t as enjoyable in dangerous climate, plus you might must 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 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
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 change into one of many high locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads who just like the seashore 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 had deliberate.
Why is Hua Hin an important digital nomad vacation spot?
Hua Hin has a reasonably seashore, a pleasant vibe, and an important location. A digital nomad in Thailand will discover loads 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 Space Hua Hin is a pleasant spot that’s well-liked with digital nomads in Thailand.
9. Pattaya
Higher identified and extra established than Hua Hin, Pattaya is one other well-liked resort city close to Bangkok. It has a repute as a touristy social gathering spot, however there’s additionally loads about it that makes it an acceptable place to stay for a digital nomad in Thailand.
Why is Pattaya an important 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 area with cheap charges and good air con.
10. Koh Mak
The tiny island of Koh Mak may not appear 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 enticing co-working place. I assumed it was the most effective I’d used anyplace.
Why is Koh Mak an important digital nomad vacation spot?
Koh Mak is tropical paradise, and because it’s somewhat 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 purpose: Koh Mak Campus. It presents non-public villas, two bars and eating places, and greater than 150 sq. meters of co-working area.
Residing in Thailand Execs and Cons
Working remotely in Thailand is at all times a good suggestion, however there may be professionals and cons. As I’ve coated, the professionals are the affordable prices, the seashores, and the nomad communities.
Nonetheless, there are a number 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’ may be additionally complicated round Thailand and will baffle you while you ask for instructions.
Mainly, if folks don’t know the reply to your query, they could make up incorrect instructions to look pleasant and useful. Whereas the intention is pure, you might 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 dangle of staying savvy.
Residing in Thailand FAQs
Learn on for solutions to some regularly requested questions on the place to stay in Thailand.
If you would like seashores and tropical paradise, you may have quite a few choices for the place to stay 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 folks, excellent delicacies, and lots to see and do implies that Thailand is completely 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 even perhaps much less. Comparatively low costs make residing in Thailand fairly inexpensive.
Folks 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 stay in Thailand for those who 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 need fashionable facilities with seashores close by. You actually can’t go unsuitable! Thailand is digital nomad heaven.
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