Working remotely in Thailand is like living a dream. This guide will highlight the best places for digital nomads to live in Thailand.
Back in 2016, 2018, and 2019, I comfortably lived in Thailand on a $1,000 monthly budget, enjoying amazing meals along the way. I’ve had the chance to work remotely from many of the places mentioned here, and I’ve traveled extensively throughout Thailand’s diverse destinations. I never tire of this warm, friendly country and look forward to returning.
Picture this: working beside a swimming pool or on a stunning beach, taking breaks to savor pad Thai, while enjoying bustling cities or breathtaking natural scenery. This can all be your reality in Thailand.
Thailand offers a vibrant digital nomad scene with fantastic cities and islands to choose from. Living and working here is incredibly affordable, making it one of the best places in the world for digital nomads.
Bangkok, the capital, stands out whether you’re a tourist or a digital nomad. It offers fast WiFi, numerous co-working spaces, a thriving coffee scene, and an extensive expat community. Resources for digital nomads are easy to find, and the locals are incredibly friendly. You could spend years exploring Bangkok’s culture, activities, and hidden gems without ever getting bored.
For remote work options, there’s Just Co. in the AIA Sathorn Tower with a hip vibe and various packages. Common Ground CentralWorld offers office space starting from B4,000/month. Bangkok has various neighborhoods suitable for digital nomads, like Ekkamai with its hipster vibe and Phrom Phong, a relaxed, coffee shop-rich area.
Finding an apartment is easy using real estate agents or websites like DDproperty, Hipflat, and Baht&Sold. To keep costs low, eat street food, which is some of the best in the world and very affordable. Transportation is also budget-friendly with options like Grab scooters.
The pros of living in Bangkok include low living costs, excellent co-working spaces, and fantastic Thai food. However, the traffic, heat, and occasional pollution can be downsides. There’s always something to do in Bangkok, from visiting palaces and temples to exploring markets and parks.
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is another top choice for digital nomads seeking a slower pace of life. Chiang Mai has a relaxed lifestyle, incredible food, minimal traffic, beautiful nature, and a community of fellow nomads. It’s one of the cheapest places to live in Thailand, with lower costs than Bangkok and the islands.
Punspace is a top co-working space in Chiang Mai, and finding a rental is straightforward through agents or Facebook groups. The Nimman neighborhood is popular among expats, offering plenty of cafes and restaurants. You can live comfortably for under $1,000 a month, with affordable housing and food options.
A downside to Chiang Mai is the burning season from February to March, when air quality is poor due to local farming practices. However, there’s always plenty to do, from temple-hopping to hiking and exploring waterfalls.
Koh Phangan, known for more than just its full moon parties, has become a digital nomad hotspot. The island offers numerous co-working spaces and cafes, a great community, and a beach lifestyle. Beachub and Casa Tropicana by Remote&Digital are great spots to work with fast WiFi.
Living on Koh Phangan can be budget-friendly outside the high season, but the island has fewer street food options, and transport is mainly by rented scooter. There’s plenty to do, from diving and kayaking to exploring beautiful beaches.
Koh Lanta is another fantastic island for digital nomads with beautiful beaches and decent co-working spaces, especially Kohub. Living costs can be higher here, but you can live on $1,000 a month by finding good accommodation rates and budget-friendly food.
Krabi offers a mix of island and mainland living with stunning beaches and plentiful activities. Phansa.Space and Lekker Cafe are good co-working spots in Krabi Town, and it’s one of the cheaper places to live. There’s a transient community of digital nomads, and lots of outdoor adventures to keep you busy.
Phuket, an island connected to the mainland, has been voted one of the best spots for digital nomads globally. With fast WiFi, affordable living costs, and plenty to do, it has become a popular choice. Hatch and Garage Society are some of the best co-working spaces.
Koh Samui, though quieter than Koh Phangan, also offers excellent co-working spaces and a relaxed vibe. Mantra Work Lounge and WYSIWYG Coworking Space & Cafe are top choices for working. Living costs are slightly higher than the mainland, but you can manage on a $1,000 budget with local food and smart spending.
Hua Hin and Pattaya, both close to Bangkok, are also good options for digital nomads looking for beach life with easy access to the city. Places like Co Working Space Hua Hin and rPod in Pattaya offer good working environments.
Koh Mak, a lesser-known island, has become popular due to the Koh Mak Campus, which offers private villas and extensive co-working space.
Working remotely in Thailand is generally a great idea due to its affordability, beautiful locations, and friendly communities. However, there are some challenges, such as short visa durations and cultural differences. If you’re savvy and prepared, you’ll find Thailand to be a digital nomad haven.
Ideal spots vary based on your preferences, whether it’s the cosmopolitan vibe of Bangkok, the relaxed pace of Chiang Mai, or the island lifestyle on Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, or Koh Samui. Places like Krabi and Phuket offer a balance of city and beach life, making Thailand a perfect destination for digital nomads.