The smallest of the three islands situated in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Tao. A heavenly paradise in the middle of Thailand, Southeast Asia, with beaches and jungles. It is now a major diving centre and has the ability to become a worldwide hub for digital nomads.
Virtual Nomads are opting to become location independent in the home of pad thai noodles for several other purposes, including, of course, the tastiest food in Asia and around the world.
With friendly individuals and technical advances, the country also has a rich community that paves the way for the arrival of urban nomads who now name their 'hub' Thailand.
There is a rather big ex-pat group, mainly scuba diving specialists, on Koh Tao. Divers are awesome people: easygoing, always up for a fun time, SUPER excited about the ocean and marine life. This might be a pretty cool spot to park yourself for a bit if you're a digital nomad with a diving passion on hand.
![Koh Tao](https://phanganist.smugmug.com/photos/i-BVJjcrs/0/L/i-BVJjcrs-L.jpg)
Living Expense
Living on Koh Tao is inexpensive when you consider the cost of living in most western towns, but living here can be more pricey relative to living in, say, Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Here are the average costs of some
Rent: 12,000THB ($378)/month for A/C hot water space, simple kitchen, private bathroom, balcony, all amenities included and WIFI.
Food: Average meal of 100THB ($3.15) (I eat a variety of Western and Thai things)
Yoga: 2500THB for a 10-class pass ($79)
Laundry: 40THB ($1.26)/kilo (I do laundry every week or week and a half, about once)
Drinking water: 55THB ($1.73)/6 litres (once every 3 or 4 days I purchase one of these)
Safety
Thailand is home to the most welcoming people in the country, and Bangkok is also regarded as the Land of Smiles. Koh Tao is really welcoming because it is tiny and the relaxed residents have a wonderful culture.
It goes without saying that life is relatively secure as a digital nomad on Koh Tao. However with your things, including your desktop and papers, you can also be careful. However, if you require any kind of help and most locals understand the English language, you will be able to easily communicate what you need.
![Diving Koh Tao](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kRTLpVW/0/83d7f589/X2/i-kRTLpVW-X2.jpg)
Koh Tao Weather
Thailand is the same as the rest of Southeast Asia, with a rainy-dry cycle. There are 3 seasons in the country: hot, cold and wet.
It is important to be mindful of the difference in the southern part of Thailand, on the east side of Koh Tao (Gulf Coast), as the weather in these regions varies from other parts of the south.
A region that is mild and humid during the year is Southeastern Thailand. Apart from its wet season from September to December, the best time to visit is virtually any month, but staying here in the rainy season of those months is rather manageable and often acts as a pleasant cooling down.
It rains most often and most intensely in October to December. Renowned for its pristine existence, the famed islands of Ang Thong Marine Park in the Gulf of Thailand include attractions for enjoyable water activities. Other than that, you should predict lovely conditions nearly all the way.
Where to Stay
For outdoor lovers, Koh Tao is an exotic combination of laid-back beaches, a vibrant party atmosphere and natural wonders. As well as premium resorts, it has family-friendly locations and backpacker haunts. Where you can remain in Koh Tao, it comes down to your type of budget and life!
Mae Had
The first place you'll see when you come to Koh Tao is Mae Haad Shore. It's a friendly and funky beach where your friends and family can find exclusive souvenirs back home. There is a famous shipwreck in Mae Haad, which is popular with snorkelers.
Sairee
Sairee is the place to party on Koh Tao. The beach is full of visitors looking to focus on their tan and try out the nighttime party scene. Right on the water of the beach, there are plenty of bars and restaurants. The club vibes commence when the moon rises!
Chalok Bay
Amazing views of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong Underwater National Park are provided from Chalok Bay. A 5-star favourite that specializes in offering fine dining in paradise is The Cape Restaurant. Chalok Bay is not for you if you enjoy water activities, swimming, or snorkelling.
Tanote Bay
One of Koh Tao's most rugged regions is Tanote Bay. It's a perfect way to discover some of the lush jungle overlooking most of the island. The two common activities in the region are sea kayaking and trekking.
![Digital Nomad Koh Tao](https://phanganist.smugmug.com/photos/i-z2NRDxd/0/L/i-z2NRDxd-L.jpg)
Visas
If you are a digital nomad with a Thailand-registered company, you would be able to get a Non-B visa and work permit via the business with which you operate. Depending on the status inside the firm, it will run for 3 months or one year.
You may also set up your own business in Thailand, implying for one year at a time you will be entitled to a job permit and Non-B Visa. Your counsel would be willing to arrange all solutions and speak about you about them. For a work permit, being on a Non-B visa ensures you can remain in Thailand for longer times and be legal to work.
The immigration website has the latest changes and details.
For visitors, for up to 60 nations, Thailand has a 30-day visa exemption stamp on entry and even 60-day visas that can be obtained before you reach the kingdom. For people with plenty of capital or who are over 50 years of age, there are often elite visas and retirement visas.
An education visa is a common choice for a longer-stay visa. You may need to register for a course such as Thai language, massage, or cooking with a school for this. Via the school, your education visa is then obtained and you learn along with it.
See more specific to visas.
Other Digital Nomad Hotspots in Thailand
Bangkok
About 8.2 million inhabitants, tall towers, boisterous, traffic-filled, and bursting of entertainment are in Bangkok. Recently, Chiang Mai has been sort of trumped-up as the nomadic hub of the country. This is largely attributed to urban condos and upcoming communities such as Ekkamai and Thong Lor becoming more accessible.
The trick is to bypass Khaosan Road and Banglamphu's backpacker hubs when settling in Bangkok.
Upsides of the nomadic life of Bangkok: ultra-fast wifi, limitless check-out cafes and a range of luxury condominiums. Downsides: It's crazy noisy, there's bad public transit, and it's perhaps the most expensive place in the country.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a sacred land in the world of digital nomads. Some claim this is when it all began; the trend of online working and earning. Overall, Chiang Mai is a doozy DN-destination indeed. It's got an endless number of ex-pat apartments and rentals. Tasteful veggie and vegan foods are bundled into the leafy streets of the centre. And it's nowhere as busy as Bangkok, the real second location.
Upsides to a nomadic existence in Chiang Mai: locating other nomads is simple, plenty of accommodation choices, a powerful foodie crowd.
Pai
Grab a tie-dye shirt and let's head to Pai. Hippy Central is located way up in the rolling green hills of northern Thailand. The Chiang Mai bus ride is stomach-churning, but it's worth it!
New Age bars meet coffee roasteries and health-food cafes on the main lane, developing into a great night bazaar at 6 pm. Temperatures are a little lower in these valleys, which means cooler nights and less sweating as you work. The surrounding environment, away from the laptop, promotes hot springs, waterfalls, and weekend mountain trekking.
Koh Phangan
For Koh Phangan, the digital nomad sector is poised to be the next challenger for the economy, along with eco-tourism and fitness, yoga tourism.