Thailand is a dream come true for remote work. Imagine working next to a gorgeous beach or in the mountains, taking breaks to get a massage and eating the best food on the planet. You can explore fascinating cities or hike breathtaking nature trails on your days off. The diversity here ensures you never lack something new to experience!
Prices are an additional perk of being a digital nomad in Thailand. It's one of the world's most affordable places to live and work remotely. With $1,000 a month, you can live comfortably and never have a bad meal.
Thailand has so many unique attractions and digital nomad-friendly places that you could visit indefinitely and never get bored. The following locations are the most popular among digital nomads, although they are by no means the only places worth visiting.
Whether you're a tourist or a nomad, the capital is one of Thailand's best cities. It's simple to locate materials and inspiration, and the locals are lovely.
It boasts dozens of coworking spaces for digital nomads, a fantastic third-wave coffee scene, and many expat communities to join.
You could spend years immersing yourself in Bangkok's culture, activities, and hidden jewels without ever experiencing a dull weekend, even though most tourists spend only two days there.
Bangkok has many remote work choices.
Just Co. is a top pick, with its hipster feel stretching across two levels of the AIA Sathorn Tower and speedy internet connection. It offers various packages, depending on if you need full- or part-time access or even a personal desk.
Another good option is Common Ground CentralWorld. It has offices for B4,000/month.
The average download speeds are 122 Mbps; upload speeds are 101 Mbps.
To find a Bangkok apartment, you can use DDproperty, Hipflat, and Baht&Sold. You can also search Craigslist or Airbnb to find a temporary home.
Ekkamai offers chic bars and restaurants. Phrom Phong is a relaxing neighbourhood with a large park and many coffee shops.
The average cost of living in Bangkok for one person is 40,000 baht, or roughly $1,000, depending on where you live.
Street food is a cheaper alternative to restaurant meals. Fortunately, Bangkok's street food is among the world's most incredible. Dishes as low as $1 include pad Thai, som tam (papaya salad), and Kuay Teow Reua (boat noodles).
Grab scooters are cheaper than Uber.
Bangkok has palaces, temples (don't miss Wat Arun at sunset), Chatuchak Market, Chinatown, galleries, museums, Lumphini Park where you can comfortably jog or relax, outstanding street cooking, and a raging nightlife, and so much more.
Northern Thailand's Chiang Mai is another excellent spot for digital nomads. It's very different from Bangkok, so it depends on your style. If you prefer a slower pace, you'll love Chiang Mai.
There's fantastic food, not much traffic, incredible scenery, and many other nomads to meet. In addition, It's one of Thailand's cheapest spots for digital nomads to settle. Prices are lower than on the islands and Bangkok.
Chiang Mai has fewer coworking spaces than Bangkok, but you don't need as many.
Punspace, Chiang Mai's original coworking space, is your best bet. One branch in Nimman has a beautiful, huge garden. However, it can get congested, so you may prefer the Tha Pae location inside a vast warehouse-style building.
The average download speeds are 93 Mbps; upload speeds are 88 Mbps.
Check Perfect Homes or Expat Facebook groups for rentals. Airbnb is another option. Monthly stays earn a discount.
Digital nomads prefer Nimman. The Old City is 5 minutes away by car or 20 minutes on foot. There are lovely coffee shops and Western and Thai restaurants.
Chiang Mai is affordable (around $1,000/month). A 1-bedroom apartment costs roughly $600 a month; however, this varies by neighbourhood and length of stay (it's cheaper the longer you stay).
Street food is $1 a meal, and there are various food markets. On the other hand, in a Western-style restaurant, a 3-course meal and drinks cost $20.
Scooter rental is $70 per month. Uber and Grab are additional options. Everything is walkable around the Old City, but it can get hot.
With over 300 temples, you could go temple-hopping every weekend and still not see them all.
Or, we recommend hiking the 'Pilgrim's Path' through the jungle, taking a day trip to the Sticky Waterfalls, and visiting Thailand's very own Grand Canyon up north.
Pai is a 3-hour journey from Chiang Mai, the iconic Digital nomad hub. The small town is noted for its hippy, laidback ambience, affordable guesthouses, craft stores, quirky workshops, artisan jewellery, cafes, and restaurants.
Due to its proximity to bordering countries, Pai has become a cultural melting pot. As a result, it has a rich heritage and varied nationalities. Pai lies in Mae Hong Son, Thailand's northernmost province, which borders Burma, China, and Laos. Over half of Mae Hong Son's population are Hill Tribes, predominantly Shan (Thai Yai) and Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Karen.
Pai is all about nature. You'll find waterfalls, rice farms, buffalo, caves, rivers, hot springs, treks, and infinite luscious landscapes in these magnificent highlands.
Pai Siam Bistro on Walking Street has a bohemian atmosphere, open-air layout, and fantastic food. It's also a lovely place for people-watching and reading a book.
The Pedlar is sleek, minimalist, and well-designed. Artisan coffee, locally sourced cuisine, pleasant employees, and AC make this a terrific workspace.
Om Garden Cafe is a quiet and shaded work hideaway. There are many quiet spots to work, and they offer worldwide cuisine and drinks for all diets.
Silhouette by Reverie Siam is a jewel tucked away from Pai's hustle and bustle. A tiny brook runs outside, leaving the eastern mountain vista unobstructed. The staff is amicable, and the kitchen serves tapas and an extensive wine list.
Khaotha Cafe feels like an extension of someone's house, with treasures, dogs, hobbies, and bicycles everywhere. It sources its coffee beans from local farmers.
Cafe Cito is a tiny Mexican cafe and coffee roastery in Pai, beside Khaotha. You can order baked goods, coffee, or Mexican staples like Chilaquiles and Al Pastor Tacos.
Good Life Dacha is fantastic for creative work and letting your thoughts wander. Plenty of workspaces and affordable meals and drinks. The establishment includes a restaurant with a long menu, herbal teas, a sauna, and a library. Once there, you won't want to leave.
With an average internet speed of 20 Mbps, you can easily upload images into online galleries for clients and stream videos.
You can join the Our Pai Family Facebook group to find accommodation in the local area or search google. There are so many housing options! It's more cost-effective to rent by the month or longer.
You can expect air-conditioned choices with wifi, water, and electricity included to start at 6000 baht (183 USD) a month; non-air-conditioned, utilities-included houses to begin at 2,500 baht (76 USD) per month.
Living in Pai is an excellent way to cut costs if you're bootstrapping a startup. With house rentals starting at 2500 baht per month (80 USD), motorbike rental for 2000 baht per month (64 USD), a full tank of gas costing around 100 baht (3 USD), a 2-month visa costing 1900 baht (57 USD), and a meal starting at 30 baht (0.96 USD), you could live here carefully yet comfortably for $500 per month.
Of course, If you want to eat at premium restaurants, have regular massages, visit tourist destinations, and take workshops and classes, you'll need a bigger budget. However, with wifi in most restaurants and cafés, you may save the cost of a coworking space by working from a different location each day.
If you're looking for adventure, don't miss Pai Canyon, Mae Yen Waterfall, one of the many hot springs in Pai and its surrounding areas, the giant Buddha at the Chedi Phra That Mae Yen temple, Tham Lod Cave, and rafting and trekking exclusions by Pai Adventures.
Also worth the experience is a trip to Santichon Chinese Village (which is like stepping into a lost world of traditional artwork displays and authentic buildings), the land split and the Boon Ko Ku So Bridge.
If you like sailor-themed things, you should spend a day hanging out at Oia. If you like eco-architecture, earthhomethailand.com (a 2.5hrs trip from Pai) offers workshops on building houses from natural materials.
One hundred twenty kilometres from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi feels like another planet. It's the perfect getaway to escape Thailand's bright lights and heavy traffic. Imagine majestic mountains sloping along the River Kwai providing stunning sunsets every night, a chilled out vibe with low traffic, amazing food, and great rates. This beautiful riverbank village is perfect for lazing around, but there's also much to do and see.
Space Leader co.,ltd is the area's official coworking space with offices.
Otherwise, there are nice cafes around town, including 10 O'Clock Café, Library Café, and Mangosteen Cafe and Books.
The average internet speed is 149.95 Mbps for broadband and fibre internet and 29.22 Mbps for mobile data speeds.
There are lots of websites through Google with apartments for rent.
Kanchanaburi is far more affordable than Thailand's capital. A one-bedroom apartment is between $200 to $500 a month, a meal out at a restaurant will cost you $3, and a beer will cost you $1.65. One kilometre in a taxi costs $0.51, and the monthly rental of an uncapped fibre internet line will cost you $25. A single person estimated monthly costs are between $700 to $1,000.
Go historical sightseeing by visiting the Bridge at River Kwai and adjacent museums.
For a day in the wild, go to Erawan National Park and swim in Erawan Falls.
Wander on a motorbike and have dinner in a floating restaurant.
Koh Phangan, widely known for its full moon parties, is now one of the most incredible spots in Thailand for digital nomads. There are plenty of coworking places and cafes where you can work all afternoon.
In addition, there is a beautiful sense of community here and loads of yoga and wellness centres where you can recalibrate before or after a long day's work.
Koh Space and Beachub both have fast wifi and ample desk space.
Casa Tropicana by Remote&Digital is a hotel, restaurant, and coworking space on the beach.
You're better off using wifi at specialist coworking spaces rather than touristy beach cafes; some are slow.
Koh Phangan Rentals, Facebook groups, and monthly Airbnb are good places to look for monthly specials.
You can budget $1,000 per person per month in the low season. However, the high season ( December-February) is pricey, and you'll definitely need to spend more money.
Despite marketplaces like Phantip Market in Thong Sala, street food isn't as plentiful as in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and restaurants can be expensive.
Budget scooter rental costs (around $70) and gas because it's the best way to get around the island.
There are many outdoor activities on Koh Phangan, like diving at Sail Rock, trekking to Bottle Beach, or visiting Than Sadet Waterfall. You can also learn how to kiteboard, practice yoga and meditation, or train in Muay Thai. If you like to party, events are going on every day. There's no way to be bored on this wonderful little island.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan's larger neighbour, is known for being a resort destination, but it's become a popular place to work remotely in Thailand. It's a gorgeous spot with many cafes (including coworking ones) and eateries.
There are fewer digital nomads than in Koh Phangan, but there's more to do in terms of infrastructure. For example, there are movie theatres here and ample shopping options.
The Mantra Work Lounge is a luxurious workplace location, which is a nice treat. Plus, the terrace views are magnificent.
WYSIWYG Coworking Space & Cafe is also a great option. It features two levels and fast wifi.
Coworking spaces and hotels have excellent WiF, and you can get cheap 4G SIM cards.
You can use Samui Renting, Airbnb, and Facebook groups to find economical long-term rentals.
Lamai and Chaweng have the greatest infrastructure, restaurants, and excellent apartments. However, if you stay too near the centre, it might be congested and noisy.
Koh Samui is pricier than the mainland. You may need $1,000 to $1,500 a month, but you can spend less if you eat local food and forgo costly nights out.
Soak up sun lounging on Chaweng Beach, Chaweng Noi, or Laem Setbeach. Or take a tour or rent a boat to Ang Thong National Marine Park for snorkelling for a full day of fun.
Sail Rock is home to whale sharks and black coral. Aside from marine-related activities, Pom Mountain's Secret Buddha Garden is a unique destination worth the visit.
Koh Tao, smaller than Koh Phangan and Koh Samui but just as much a utopian paradise, was once a "sleepy" town. Now it attracts many divers, beach bums, partygoers, and digital nomads.
White sand beaches and a crystal-blue ocean are enough to attract visitors, but the tranquil, basic lifestyle keeps them there. Plus, it isn't expensive, the weather is warm and tropical year-round, the inhabitants are kind, and the internet is good. As a result, digital nomads who've visited want to return often. Many chose to stay long-term.
Koh Tao means "Turtle Island" because local fishermen saw a turtle-shaped island from their boats. Koh Tao is easily accessible from Chumphon on the mainland or a ferry or private boat rental from one of the neighbouring islands.
The island has work spots. Some are cafes that have become hubs for workers, while others are "official" coworking spaces with a productive atmosphere. Koh Tao has one 'official' coworking facility.
Koh Tao isn't a popular digital nomad location because it's an isolated island. However, with 600,000 annual visits, it's expected that more coworking and coliving spaces will open. Cafes and hotel lounges offer reliable wifi. Working from a beach bar would be great if it weren't distracting.
TAO HUB is near Mae Haad Pier, the island's entry point and most popular tourist zone. It's not as attractive as coworking spaces in big cities, but it'll do. The all-in-one room comprises working and living areas. Water, coffee, and tea are complimentary. They also provide bike rentals, which makes navigating around the island easier. There's a big focus on community development, with movie evenings, community dinners, yoga courses, parties, and ping-pong tournaments. You can work or rest 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no private offices or dedicated workstations. The beach is two minutes from TAO HUB, a big plus for breaktime.
Aside from designated coworking spaces, there are many great work-friendly cafes. For example:
People adore Dots Coffee's excellent internet and relaxing atmosphere for working and having a drink. The location is perfect for people who need to perform tasks on the go and for meetings.
This Is A Book Café is a little café on Mae Haad Pier. The idea is to drink and read a book, so working makes sense in this context.
Indie Café is near nightlife-friendly Sairee Beach. It features a western-style interior and menu.
AVA Hostel Koh Tao offers clean, affordable accommodations. It's excellent for coliving and coworking. You can work from your patio table or the reception area's minibar.
There is 4G coverage and average download speeds of 3.89 Mbps; upload speeds of 1.31 Mbps.
Choose a neighbourhood based on your interests, needs, and budget. This simplifies your search. Facebook groups can help you plan your Koh Tao trip before you arrive. Simply search "Koh Tao residences for rent" to find groups. You might find a roommate on Facebook. Join the 'Host a Sister' Facebook group, women. You might discover a Koh Tao woman prepared to host you for a few days or weeks.
Using a local agent is another option. Booking, Remax, HomeToGo, and Agoda may also help, although these solutions aren't the cheapest.
Or, if you're already there, walking around, asking questions, and looking for 'for rent signs is the way to go.
Your living costs depend on your lifestyle. Do you want a private house or a dorm? Do you like parties or prefer nature? Do you eat out or cook? These things will significantly affect your Koh Tao monthly budget. Rent can cost 5000 baht (155 USD) a month, and a streetside dinner can cost as little as 50 baht, but fancier places and eating at restaurants are more expensive.
Get a bike to save money on transportation. Taxi rides can dramatically increase monthly costs. If you live cheaply, you can live well in Koh Tao for 15,000-20,000 baht per month (470-625 USD).
Diving is the island's main attraction. It's one of the world's best and cheapest diving spots. Divers can encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and yellow boxfish in shallow coral reefs and clear waters. The island's more than 60 diving schools offer low prices and excellent training. Therefore, Koh Tao is a fantastic spot to earn your Open Water certification.
Aside from that, nice things to do include beach hopping, hiking from Mae Haad to Chalok Bay, climbing up to Koh Nang Yuan mountain top viewpoint, and joining thai cooking classes.
Hua Hin's beach resort vibe attracts expats. Because of its resort-like atmosphere, it's ideal for beach residents. Hua Hin feels like a little town but has modern amenities.
Because of its ties to Thai royalty, it won't lose its small-town charm. King Prajadhipok popularized Hua Hin as a resort in the early 1920s.
Designated coworking spaces include True Sphere - Blúport Hua Hin and Co-working Space Hua Hin.
Nice working-friendly cafes include Pony café, The Coffee Club, Bello Dolce, Buffalo Tavern, Veggie Tales x Wagging Tales Café, Black Monster Hua-Hin, Two Beds & Coffee Machine, and Hot Cappuccino Huahin.
The average is 50 Mb/s download speed.
There are many internet booking sites for arranging extended or short-term stays.
The cost of living a comfortable life in Hua Hin is around $1,175 per person.
Hua Hin is full of culture and attractions, from the Tamarind Market to the Huay Mongkol Temple to spending the day with elephants at the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation.
You can spend hours at Ratchapak Park, a historically themed park honouring Thai kings with three distinct areas.
Or visit the lively village of Khao Takiab, home to several temples of historical and cultural significance and Khao Takiab Mountain with fabulous panoramic views from its summit.
The Hua Hin Railway Station and Maruekhathaiyawan Palace Cha-Am are popular sightseeing destinations.
Meanwhile, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is lovely for grownups, and Black Mountain Water Parks is super fun for families. If you like shopping, Plearn Wan Shopping Village offers everything from clothes to gift items to food in an exciting and vibrant atmosphere.
Krabi Town is the epicentre of many Southern Thailand's best destinations, like Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
The city has it all: diving, stunning beaches and mainland comforts. As a result, it's one of the most excellent places to reside for individuals who have or may become bored on a small island.
The average internet speeds are around 25 Mbps; mediocre.
There are plenty of decent cafes in Krabi Town where you can grab a coffee and work, but Phansa.Space is your best option for a dedicated coworking space. It's near Ao Nang Beach, a short drive from Krabi Town.
Another worker-friendly choice is Lekker Cafe & Restaurant. It offers affordable food and drink, space, silence, and fast wifi.
Visit the real estate website YourKrabi.com or Airbnb for medium-long term choices.
Krabi is one of the cheapest areas to live in Thailand because of abundant accommodation, without the issue of inflated peak season prices like the islands have. You can get by on $1,000 a month by eating street food or shopping at local markets and supermarkets to make your meals.
Krabi is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. Ao Nang and Railay are Krabi's best beaches. You can kayak, hike, and rock climb from there. Also lovely, Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is a hiker's paradise with unusual fauna and the Crystal Pool.
Phuket is a road-connected Thai island. It has become a nomad hotspot as one of the few areas open to foreign tourists in 2021. In fact, Phuket was voted the finest place in the world for digital nomads. It's safe, affordable, and full of activities and jobs.
However, although it has all the amenities for a digital nomad location, it's not as picturesque as the other islands, as friendly as Chiang Mai, or sophisticated as Bangkok, so you may not fall in love, but you'll surely like it.
Hatch is a good spot thanks to its ergonomic chairs and fast wifi. Costs are 100 baht for 2 hours or 5,700 baht for a month. Garage Society at Patong Beach and Phuket Stash in Koh Kaew are also good working spots.
Quick! Phuket's wifi is reliable everywhere and very fast. Hence, Phuket is a top digital nomad destination.
Use property websites, Airbnb, or Phuket Stash. Phuket Town is ideal because it's near coworking places and away from touristy, loud Patong.
It's easy to live cheaply in Phuket if you avoid touristy areas. Budgeting $1,000 a month is reasonable if you eat and shop locally.
This island provides digital nomads with much to do. Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi islands, the Big Buddha statue and Chalong Temple are must-sees.
Koh Lanta, off Krabi, is another excellent destination for digital nomads. It's a little island with gorgeous beaches, coworking spaces, and cafes.
However, most nomads only spend 1-2 months here because it's so tiny; thus, it's hard to find a long-term community.
Kohub is Koh Lanta's main coworking facility and one of the reasons the island became recognized as a digital nomad destination.
Usually acceptable, but verify the wifi speeds of where you'll stay before reserving.
Google has many websites with apartment listings. Airbnbs and Kohhub are nice options. You can find accommodation with coworking and breakfast for around $600 a month.
Koh Lanta is not inexpensive. Like Koh Phangan, tourist costs are higher, and bargaining is more complicated than in a metropolis. However, if you find cheap accommodation and eateries, you can spend around $1,000 a month.
Koh Lanta is an active place where you can find diving, snorkelling, yoga, and gyms. It's also tranquil to spend a peaceful evening sipping a coconut or a cocktail on the beach.
If you love animals, the Lanta Animal Welfare accepts short- and long-term volunteers.
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