Working remotely in Thailand is what desires are manufactured from. This text will checklist 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 concept – I can’t keep away!), I lived comfortably on $1,000 a month and by no means had a nasty meal.
To date, 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 stunning 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 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 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 perhaps higher to ask why Bangkok isn’t a terrific 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 may 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 inclined 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 will have tons of choices in Bangkok. Simply 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 individual desk.
A less expensive choice is Frequent Floor CentralWorld with workplace house from B4,000/month.
WiFi speeds
A mean of 122 Mbps obtain and 101 Mbps add speeds.
Discovering residences in Bangkok
Not like some cities the place there’s a transparent expat space, you will have loads of choices in Bangkok.
As probably the greatest 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 search out an house 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 stay in, the tough price of residing for one individual 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: Bangkok avenue meals is a number of the finest on earth.
From pad Thai to som tam (papaya salad) and Kuay Teow Reua (boat noodles), dishes price as little as $1. You can even store for contemporary elements at native markets somewhat than pay near Western costs in Thai supermarkets.
Though Uber is inexpensive, it can save you cash by utilizing 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 plain professionals are the comparatively low price of residing, the superb co-working areas and the abundance of superb Thai meals in all places you look.
The primary draw back of residing in Bangkok is the site 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 one of the best locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads. It’s completely totally different from Bangkok so it depends upon 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.
For those who want a extra relaxed tempo of life, then it’s good 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 site visitors, stunning nature, numerous different nomads to satisfy. Principally, Chiang Mai is among the finest cities to stay in Thailand. It has all the things you want as a digital nomad base.
Higher but, it’s one of many most cost-effective 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 desire a social co-working house or someplace quieter to get your head down.
Your finest wager 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 beautiful, massive backyard space when it’s good to take a break. Nonetheless, this department will get somewhat crowded so that you may 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 residences in Chiang Mai
To discover a rental, try Excellent Properties or keep watch over the Expat Fb teams. Another 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 Outdated Metropolis. You’ll discover espresso outlets, Western eating places, and experimental Thai delicacies. You identify it, Nimman’s acquired it.
Price of residing in Chiang Mai
You may simply stay for beneath $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 (usually, it’s cheaper the longer you signal for).
You may pay lower than $500 in 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 can even depend on Uber and Seize to get round. There are at all times loads of autos round and it’s cheap. Across the Outdated Metropolis, it’s simple to get in all places 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 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 could possibly 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 partygoers eager to expertise the notorious full moon celebration, Koh Phangan now has a status as probably the greatest 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 a terrific neighborhood. If you wish to meet like-minded distant employees, apply yoga, and benefit from the seashore life, that is simply probably the greatest locations to stay 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 superb choice with quick WiFi and loads of desk house.
Casa Tropicana by Distant&Digital is a lodge, restaurant, and co-working house with stunning views. You may e-book your lodging and co-working house in a single bundle for those who’re eager on a bougie, vacation vibe.
WiFi speeds
Respectable. Make sure that to make use of WiFi at devoted co-working areas somewhat than the touristic seashore cafes; some are fairly sluggish.
Methods to discover an house on Koh Phangan
Take a look at 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 individual monthly is an efficient quantity to funds.
Though there are a couple of markets like Phantip Market in Thong Sala, you gained’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 mainly the one strategy to get across the island.
Execs & cons of residing in Koh Phangan
It will possibly get costly throughout 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 performed all three, they usually’re all value your time. Attempt diving at Sail Rock or trek to Bottle Seashore, one of the stunning on the island. There are numerous outside issues to do in Koh Phangan.
4. Koh Lanta
One other probably the greatest 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 stunning 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 rationale the island grew to become often known as one of many locations to stay in Thailand for digital nomads.
WiFi speeds
Normally okay however examine your lodging’s WiFi speeds earlier than reserving to keep away from disappointment.
Methods to discover an house on Koh Lanta?
There are many web sites you’ll discover via Google which have residences for hire. Renting month-to-month Airbnbs can also be a great 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 well probably the greatest locations in Thailand for digital nomads, it’s not the most affordable. In the identical method as Koh Phangan, you’ll discover extra vacationer costs and it’s tougher to get a cut price than in a metropolis.
Nonetheless, you may nonetheless get by on $1,000 a month for those who get a great charge 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, which means it’s tougher to discover a long run neighborhood. All the chums 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 a terrific place to remain lively. Then, chill out 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 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, akin to stunning seashores and diving alternatives, however entry to mainland comforts.
With miles of shoreline and inland sights to discover, it’s probably the greatest locations to stay in Thailand for individuals who’ll get tired of 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 finest wager 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 choice 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 house in Krabi City?
Test 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 most cost-effective locations to stay in Thailand as a result of there’s an abundance of lodging and also you gained’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 decide up inexpensive elements and put together your individual meals.
Execs 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 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 mountain climbing and mountain climbing.
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 related to the mainland by street. For a few years, it’s been a hub for vacationers and since 2021, it’s change into a nomad hub.
Why is Phuket a terrific place for digital nomads in Thailand?
Phuket has been voted not simply probably the greatest locations in Thailand for digital nomads however the finest in the entire world. It’s secure and low-cost with lots to do and plenty of locations to work. I didn’t ever need to depart.
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 Storage Society in Patong Seashore and Phuket Stash in Koh Kaew.
WiFi speeds
WiFi speeds are very quick right here. You’ll don’t have any hassle 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 finest digital nomad vacation spot with out it, do you?
Methods to discover an house in Phuket?
Use actual property web sites, Airbnb or e-book 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 will be fairly touristy and loud.
Price of residing in Phuket
Regardless of its recognition, it’s not onerous to stay cheaply in Phuket offered 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 offered 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 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 Massive Buddha statue and admire Chalong Temple, a 60-meter Buddhist pilgrimage web site. 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 status for resorts, it’s just lately change into often known as a spot to work remotely in Thailand, probably as an overspill from Phangan.
Why is Koh Samui a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
It’s stunning, has lots to do, numerous 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 gained’t have any issues at co-working areas or inns, 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 expensive 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 house and quick WiFi.
Methods to discover an house on Koh Samui?
Use a rental company akin to 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 supply 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 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 somewhat than Western and keep away from lavish nights out.
Execs and cons of residing in Koh Samui
Apart from the very fact the nomad neighborhood is extra lively 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 could 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 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 Dwelling 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 well-liked weekend vacation spot for Bangkok residents, and it has progressively change into one of many high locations to stay 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 had deliberate.
Why is Hua Hin a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
Hua Hin has a fairly seashore, a pleasant vibe, and a terrific 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 House Hua Hin is a pleasant spot that’s common with digital nomads in Thailand.
9. Pattaya
Higher identified and extra established than Hua Hin, Pattaya is one other common resort city close to Bangkok. It has a status as a touristy celebration spot, however there’s additionally loads 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 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 affordable charges and good air con.
10. Koh Mak
The tiny island of Koh Mak may not seem to be an apparent selection for the place to stay in Thailand as a digital nomad. However this up-and-coming vacationer vacation spot options an especially engaging co-working place. I believed it was probably the greatest I’d used anyplace.
Why is Koh Mak a terrific digital nomad vacation spot?
Koh Mak is tropical paradise, and because it’s somewhat off the crushed 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 checklist 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 house.
Dwelling in Thailand Execs and Cons
Working remotely in Thailand is at all times a good suggestion, however there will be professionals and cons. As I’ve coated, the professionals are the inexpensive 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 may apply for a 2 or 6 month one on the Thai Embassy.
The tradition of ‘saving face’ will be additionally complicated round Thailand and will baffle you while you ask for instructions.
Principally, if folks don’t know the reply to your query, they could make up incorrect instructions to seem pleasant and useful. Whereas the intention is pure, you could spend lots 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 hold of staying savvy.
Dwelling in Thailand FAQs
Learn on for solutions to some steadily requested questions on the place to stay in Thailand.
In order for you seashores and tropical paradise, you will 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 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 signifies that Thailand is totally 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 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’d like a cosmopolitan metropolis whereas Chiang Mai is the place to stay in Thailand for those who like your metropolis facilities with out the site visitors and large 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 chill out and work someplace quieter.
Krabi and Phuket sit someplace between island and metropolis life making them first rate choices if you’d like fashionable facilities with seashores close by. You actually can’t go flawed! Thailand is digital nomad heaven.
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