You will have plenty of choices when looking for Thailand digital nomad places to stay. As one of the best countries for digital nomads to live in, thousands of digital nomads have been moving to the country over recent years. This is not a surprise considering the many great things that Thailand has to offer.
From its pristine islands home to idyllic beaches to modern and bustling cities, you'll have plenty of choices when you decide to live as a digital nomad in Thailand. What's more, living in Thailand is affordable, and there are numerous coworking spaces where you can accomplish your projects and network with fellow digital nomads. Nomad Girl has an up-to-date article on the various visa options available to digital nomads.
If you plan to pursue a digital nomad lifestyle in Thailand, it is vital that you prepare well in advance. You should take important steps that will make living in Thailand easier, such as learning Thai online before you embark on your life-changing adventure. In addition, you should research the best areas and working facilities for digital nomads, which is something that we are here to help you with.
In this article, we've listed the top 10 places in Thailand for digital nomads and included information about the cost of living and coworking spaces available in each city. Hopefully, this can help you decide where to live as a digital nomad in Thailand.
1. Bangkok
As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers and excellent coworking spaces. Although traffic can be worse, especially during peak hours, getting around the city is easy, thanks to its modern train system and extensive bus and ferry services. Being a digital nomad in Bangkok will give you access to an abundance of reasonably priced accommodations, decent Internet connections, and affordable food.
In addition, Bangkok is one of those Thailand digital nomad cities that are known for having vibrant nightlife. The city has an exciting nightlife scene and offers everything, from fun street parties to lively nightclubs and sophisticated rooftop bars. You definitely will not be bored living in Bangkok as a digital nomad since you'll have many opportunities to have fun on weekends.
Aside from the nightlife, Bangkok has plenty of great attractions you can explore when you feel like taking a break from work. You can visit beautiful temples and palaces, shop at bustling markets, or sample the many delicious street foods. Whether you're a history buff, shopaholic, or foodie, living in Bangkok as a digital nomad could be your dream come true.
The cost of living is worth considering if you decide to become a digital nomad in Thailand. In Bangkok, the average cost of living is $1,237 per month, which is not too bad. If you rent a one-bedroom studio in the middle of the city, you can expect to pay $400 per month, and that's pretty reasonable, that includes a pool, gym and other condo facilities. Check out the video below.
Coworking spaces
If you prefer to work in coworking spaces, you'll have plenty to choose from in Bangkok. In fact, Coworker lists down more than a hundred coworking spaces in the city. The best ones are the Antares Offices, The Urban Office, The Company Bangkok, and fabbit Global Gateway.
2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular Thailand digital nomad cities. In fact, it's known as the country's digital nomad hotspot, luring nomads from around the world with its laidback atmosphere. While the city is not as busy as Bangkok, it has a thriving digital nomad community, especially around Niman road, home to many coworking spaces where you can meet fellow nomads.
Located north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is smaller than Bangkok, yet it doesn't fall short of exciting places to explore. Chiang Mai is home to many beautiful temples and bustling markets. If you are into nature, it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, such as hiking the Pilgrims Path and exploring a majestic waterfall called the Namtok Bua Tong or Sticky Waterfall. There are also plenty of elephant sanctuaries, read this article by Thailand Nomads to find the ethical operated ones.
Most digital nomads in Thailand will choose Chiang Mai as their base mainly because it's much more peaceful than Bangkok. And with an average cost of living of $916 per month, it's much cheaper to live here than in many other places in Thailand. Best of all, accommodations are very affordable, and you could rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in the city centre for less than $300!
Coworking spaces
Since Chiang Mai has a thriving digital nomad community, you can expect to find several coworking spaces in the city. The best ones are Yellow Coworking, One Workspace, and The Common Space.
3. Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Party that takes place on the night of every full moon, attracting young backpackers and digital nomads. But aside from the wild parties, there are many other reasons why it's one of the best places for digital nomads in Thailand. It has beautiful beaches, coworking spaces, and cafes with fast Wi-Fi.
Another great thing about being a digital nomad in Ko Pha Ngan is that there's a strong 4G connectivity on the entire island, so it would be a great idea to hotspot your phone if you want to have a stable Internet connection. And when you're not working, you'll find plenty of fun things to do. Aside from relaxing at the beach and attending parties, you can explore the bustling night markets or take up fun activities like hiking and diving.
Living in Ko Pha Ngan is cheaper than in many places in Thailand, as the island's average cost to live on the island is only $971 per month. As for the accommodation, you can rent a one-bedroom studio for $276 per month, which is pretty affordable.
Coworking spaces
Since more and more digital nomads are moving to Ko Pha Ngan, many co-working spaces have opened up on the island over the past few years. The most popular ones are The Nomad House, Remote & Digital, Genesis, and the beacHub.
4. Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing beach getaway. The island also attracts thousands of digital nomads who want to live in an island paradise while taking advantage of the affordable cost of living.
As one of the best islands for digital nomads to live in Thailand, Phuket has plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with insanely fast Internet speed, giving you plenty of options when coworking. The island is also famous for its lively nightlife scene. And when you're not working, you could find yourself surfing, snorkelling, or swimming at one of its beautiful beaches.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Phuket has a remarkably affordable cost of living. The average cost of living in Phuket is only $1,185 per month, and you'll have plenty of options for reasonably priced accommodations. If you are looking at being away from tourists and enjoying night markets with great Thai food, I would recommend staying in Phuket town.
Coworking spaces
If you prefer to work in coworking spaces, you'll find plenty in Phuket. Check out the Grind Time Co-Workspace & Cafe, Let's Work, and Sentio Coworking Space.
5. Krabi (including Ao Nang)
Krabi has a rural vibe, so if you're someone who prefers to live and work on an island surrounded by lush jungles and stunning ocean views, Krabi would be one of those Thailand digital nomad cities that you should check out. The atmosphere here is very relaxing, allowing you to enjoy peace and quiet.
Krabi has many interesting natural attractions, giving you plenty to explore between working. It's home to the Krabi Tiger Cave and many other majestic caves that are a joy to explore. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, from rock climbing to diving and mountain climbing. If you're the outdoorsy type, then Krabi is the perfect place. Beach lovers will like Ao Nang and Relay Beach.
The cost of living for digital nomads in Krabi is only $1,021 per month, and that's pretty affordable compared to many other islands in Thailand. A one-bedroom studio apartment will only cost you around $303 monthly.
Coworking spaces
Coworker lists down one coworking space in Krabi, the Lekker Cafe. But you'll find many other cafes to co-work and enjoy fast Wi-Fi for free, such as the Sprucy Cafe and The Coffee Club.
6. Hua Hin
Digital nomads love Hua Hin for its relaxing, beachy vibe. Given its resort feel, it's an ideal choice for digital nomads who want to live and work in a beach community. Hua Hin may feel like a small town, but the town has modern amenities, including a fast Internet speed. It is also a 3-4 hour train ride located away from the capital city Bangkok.
Another reason digital nomads are choosing to live in Hua Hin is it offers many fun activities, giving you plenty to do if you want to take a break from work. You can explore attractions like Ratchapak Park and Wat Bor Fai. There are also many beaches for relaxing and swimming.
The cost of living in Hua Hin is a bit on the higher side, costing you an average of $1,214 per month. But the good thing about Hua Hin is that there are many affordable accommodations. You could find a one-bedroom studio to rent for only $193 per month.
Coworking spaces
The Coworker has not listed any co-working spaces in Hua Hin, but you'll find plenty of great cafes with good Internet where you can spend the day working. These are The Coffee Club, Pony café, and Buffalo Tavern.
7. Pattaya
Pattaya is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and is only less than two hours drive from Bangkok. Like Bangkok, it has a great nightlife scene, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads who want to experience city life but don't want to live in the busy and congested city of Bangkok.
Compared to Bangkok, it's much cheaper to live in Pattaya. The cost of living is only $1,150 per month, and you could get a one-bedroom apartment for only $524 per month. Its proximity to Bangkok is another advantage.
Coworking spaces
There are six coworking spaces in Pattaya, as per Coworker. They all offer decent working spaces with fast Internet. Some of the best ones are Anchor Coworking, rPod Coworking Space, J2 Park House.
8. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a stunning archipelago lying off the west coast of Thailand. It's famous for its beautiful beaches and lush jungles. If you want to be surrounded by breathtaking nature views while living as a Thailand digital nomad, you've got to consider Koh Lanta.
While Koh Lanta is pretty small, it offers a wide range of attractions you can visit when you're on work break – from coral-fringed beaches to unique limestone formations and lush rainforests. You can also indulge in water activities like kayaking and snorkelling.
If you plan on living in Koh Lanta as a digital nomad, you can expect to spend an average of $1,403 per month. As for the accommodations, you can rent a one-bedroom studio for around $400 per month.
Coworking spaces
Coworker lists down one coworking space in Koh Lanta. But you can also choose to work in the many cozy cafes all over the island. Some of the best ones are the Peak Cafe and the Backyard.
9. Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai lies in the middle of Laos and Myanmar, making it a perfect base for digital nomads who want to explore the nearby Southeast Asian countries while being a digital nomad in Thailand.
Compared to many other places in Thailand, Chiang Rai is way cheaper in terms of the cost of living. Living in the city will cost you an average of $947 per month. There are plenty of affordable accommodations, too. In fact, a one-bedroom studio will cost you less than $200 per month! The nighttime food scene is amazing and you will be spoilt for choice.
Coworking spaces
There are a few coworking spaces in Chiang Rai. They have a good Internet connection, allowing you to work uninterrupted. Two of the most popular coworking spaces in Chiang Rai are the Stone Wall and Project Hub.
10. Koh Chang
Another place to consider when looking for affordable digital nomad cities in Thailand is Koh Chang. Also called the “Elephant Island,” Koh Chang is the country's third largest island. Like most islands in Thailand, Koh Chang is famous for its beautiful beaches. When living as a digital nomad in Koh Chang, you can enjoy the beaches while being able to get your work done.
The biggest advantage to living in Koh Chang as a digital nomad is the affordable cost of living. You can expect to spend an average of $930 per month living on the island. You'll also find plenty of reasonably priced accommodations, with hotels costing an average of $490 per month and studio apartments for only $276 per month.
Coworking spaces
There is one co-working space listed in Coworker for Koh Chang, the Oasis Coworking Space. You can also take your work to some air-conditioned cafes that have excellent Internet.
