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Page Contents
- Why Thailand Is A Great Destination For Digital Nomads
- Cities To Consider As A Digital Nomad In Thailand
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Pattaya
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Samui
- Koh Tao
- Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa
- Getting A SIM In Thailand
- Booking Your Flight To Thailand
- Safety In Thailand For Digital Nomads
- And That’s A Wrap!
- FAQs For Digital Nomads In Thailand
Why Thailand Is A Great Destination For Digital Nomads
Of all the 40+ countries I’ve visited, Thailand is my arguably favourite country in the world as a traveller and as a digital nomad (along with Portugal). I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Thailand 4 times over the course of my life and I have no doubt I’ll be back again for a fifth time at another point in my nomad journey.
One of the main reasons I love Thailand is that it’s got something for every type of traveller - solo, adventure, luxury, family, couple, budget - you name it and Thailand will deliver the kind of experience you’re seeking. It’s no surprise that Thailand is one of the top 10 most visited countries in the world because of its year-round tropical weather, affordability, ocean access, electric nightlife, mouthwatering cuisines, and overall travel culture.
Thailand is extremely affordable and the cost of living is extremely economical compared to the big global North American, European, and Australian cities. Thailand has been an immensely popular spot since the beginning of the digital nomad wave, and it continues to be so. Since Thailand was ahead of the curve for remote work trends, it’s well-equipped for the needs of digital nomads such as coworking places, work-friendly cafes, fast internet, and other remote work resources.
Read on below to discover the different destinations of Thailand and see if they vibe the nomadic vibe you’re chasing.
Cities To Consider As A Digital Nomad In Thailand
Bangkok For Digital Nomads
If you like big-city vibes and enjoy the high-energy buzz of Southeast Asian metropolises, it doesn’t get better than Bangkok. Bangkok checks off many boxes for city lovers across its culture, gastronomy, and thriving tech scene.
The taste of Bangkok is unforgettable from mouthwatering high-end cuisine to the world’s best skyscraping cocktail bars to kickass street eats. The capital and biggest city of Thailand, Bangkok has undeniably the best tech scene in the country - and one of the best in the Southeast Asian subcontinent.
Most nomads who go to Thailand tend to snag a sweet deal at a high-end condo with amazing views for a very affordable price and live their best metropolitan Thai life. It’s hard to go wrong with Bangkok as a digital nomad — it’s globally recognized as one of the best cities for digital nomads in the world.
Verdict: Is Bangkok A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
Absolutely. Bangkok is an amazing destination for digital nomads looking for a global metropolis that’s always pulsing with energy.
Tours & Experiences In Bangkok
To get a sense of what experiences Bangkok has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Chiang Mai For Digital Nomads
The jewel of the north, Chiang Mai brings in a cultural side of Thailand that many tend to overlook. Chiang Mai has a less touristy and more authentic feel than the rest of Thailand. Chiang Mai is less busy and has some of the most mind-blowing temples in the world. It’s a quainter experience compared to the touristy vibrancy in other parts of the country. For the longest time, Chiang Mai was considered the OG digital nomad capital of the world because of how popular it was with travelling remote workers.
Chiang Mai also has some wonderful options for day trips like heading to Pai for the hippie mountain vibes and driving up to Chiang Rai for a cultured temple exploration day. To top it all off, Chiang Mai has some awesome cafes for remote workers alongside a delicious northern Thai food scene!
Verdict: Is Chiang Mai A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
Chiang Mai is excellent for someone looking for a less busy and more cultured Thai experience.
Tours & Experiences In Chiang Mai
To get a sense of what experiences Chiang Mai has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Phuket For Digital Nomads
Phuket has been a long debate for travellers. People either absolutely love Phuket other they find it extremely touristy and detest it. In my experience, I was a huge fan of Phuket’s energy and all its chaotic, coastal vibes. Granted, Phuket is very touristy, but that’s where it gets its heartbeat from.
Bangla Road and Bangla Beach are filled with tourists and I love it the vigour they bring to the table! But hey, if you’re looking for non-touristy experiences, Phuket has a ton to explore outside of Bangla that is beautiful to explore.
Verdict: Is Phuket A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
If you think you’d enjoy an energetic beach city brimming with action, Phuket is for you!
Tours & Experiences In Phuket
To get a sense of what experiences Phuket has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Pattaya For Digital Nomads
The coastal city of Pattaya is quite similar to Phuket in terms of what it has to offer to digital nomads. Pattaya is a quick 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok which is one of its major benefits. To help give you perspective: Phuket is the more popular of the two, and Pattaya is the more affordable option. Pattaya’s growth as a remote work hub has been reflected in its coworking culture and how the city has made adjustments to accommodate more digital nomads.
Like most big cities in Thailand, Pattaya too has a notorious nightlife scene across many bars, clubs, music venues, and beach clubs. In addition to nightlife, the water activities that Pattaya has are boundless from beach sports to jet skis. Additionally, you could head out on day trips to nearby islands like Koh Larn to get away from the city life.
Verdict: Is Pattaya A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
Yes, it sure is! It’s a very similar experience to Phuket though and Phuket tends to be the preferred of the two by travellers. If proximity to Bangkok is something you want, then Pattaya is a better option.
Tours & Experiences In Pattaya
To get a sense of what experiences Pattaya has to offer, check out some of these activities you could explore with GetYourGuide.
Koh Phangan For Digital Nomads
Koh Phangan is one of the best places on this planet for backpackers! Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, a monthly nightlife spectacle that attracts travellers from all over the globe. In my opinion, the Full Moon Party is the best nightlife event on this planet. It’s an ideal bucket list experience for those who enjoy an energetic night out.
The week of the Full Moon Party, the island gets packed with travellers, but the rest of the time, the island is a peaceful nature escape with affordable amenities and you can enjoy some peace and quiet here. It’s worth noting Koh Phangan isn’t a full-blown digital nomad hub and its infrastructure lacks compared to the rest of the places on this list. However, Koh Phangan is still great for an island escape and attracts several remote workers because of its nature, wellness retreats, and island vibes.
Verdict: Is Koh Phangan A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
Maybe. For 3 weeks of the month, Koh Phangan is a chill destination for digital nomads but for the 1 week of the full moon party, you’ll be fully engulfed in the Full Moon Party culture! It’s hella fun but that one week isn’t conducive to work so keep that mind ;)
Tours & Experiences In Koh Phangan
To get a sense of what Koh Phangan has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Koh Samui For Digital Nomads
Koh Samui is a fun island that’s filled with resorts. The island’s beauty is stunning and it also has the cutest airport in the world! However, the island caters more to families and resort life — which usually tends not to align with what digital nomads are out to seek from destinations.
Even though it’s a super popular destination in Thailand, don’t mistake it for one that’s suitable for the average young professional digital nomad.
Verdict: Is Koh Samui A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
I’d say no. It’s great for families and resort life. There are better options for digital nomads chasing Thai island vibes.
Tours & Experiences In Koh Samui
To get a sense of what Koh Samui has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Koh Tao For Digital Nomads
The smallest of the three islands of the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Tao, a new and upcoming destination for digital nomads. It’s gaining popularity day-by-day and it’s surely the biggest hidden gem on this list. If all you’re looking for is beautiful island vibes and want to escape the hustle & bustle, Koh Tao is a great option.
Keep in mind that Koh Tao is an island escape and like the other islands on this list, the digital nomad infrastructure isn’t as good as the cities — but is great when for nature, vacation vibes, and good wifi.
Verdict: Is Koh Tao A Good Destination For Digital Nomads?
Yeah, if you’d like to cut off from the world and work remotely from a chill island, then Koh Tao is a great pick!
Tours & Experiences In Koh Tao
To get a sense of what Koh Tao has to offer, check out some of these activities from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa
If you’re considering Thailand as a long-term nomad option, you should consider Thailand’s Destination Travel Visa (DTV). The DTV is designed to further boost Thailand’s tourism and attract more long term remote workers. This visa allows travellers to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days a year (with an option to extend for an additional 180 days) for a 5 year period. To apply for this visa, you must be at least 20 years old from one of the 93 eligible countries and you should be able to show documents of financial stability.
Getting A SIM In Thailand
When you land in Thailand, I strongly suggest you purchase a SIM card to stay better connected as a digital nomad. As a digital nomad, staying connected to the internet is essential to keep work running smoothly. Having a local SIM on your travels is usually better than activating your existing provider’s roaming plan. Trusted telecom providers in Thailand are DTAC, True Move or AIS and you can get these SIMs across most convenience stores like 7Eleven, Family Mart, and Tesco.
Alternatively, I recommend checking out Airalo for an eSIM while travelling in Thailand. I've used it multiple times on my trips around the world, and it's been a lifesaver. It’ll save you the hassle of hunting for SIM cards at airports and local markets – you can purchase it easily on your phone and you're good to go!
📱 Explore eSIMs For Thailand With Airalo →
Booking Your Flight To Thailand
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is well-connected to many international destinations, making it a convenient entry point for your Thai adventure.
If you haven't booked your trip yet, you can use our Skyscanner widget below to get an idea of flight prices for the dates you’ve got in mind. If you spot a great deal, you could lock in your tickets to Bangkok today!
Safety In Thailand For Digital Nomads
Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travellers making it very easy to travel independently without much worry. For women travellers too, Thailand is generally considered a safe destination with many being able to comfortably travel solo here. Like any country, you’ll find trouble if you go out looking for it – but for the most part, most travellers have a safe and enjoyable time across everything it has to offer from the adventure sports to the wild nightlife.
Despite Thailand being a safe spot for digital nomads, I’ll never take a chance with my health when I’m travelling. To stay protected on my travels, I always make sure I’m covered with a strong insurance partner. For my last couple of travels, I’ve been using Genki, an insurance company that is literally dedicated to digital nomads. They’ll have you covered for every country with a flexible month-to-month plan and no long-term commitment.
Your digital nomad journey deserves the added security that Genki provides so that you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand. Genki has your back across scooter accidents in Pai and water sports injuries in Phuket.
And That’s A Wrap!
Thailand is undoubtedly one of the best countries on the planet for digital nomads. If you’re a digital nomad, it’s not a matter of “if you’re visiting Thailand” but a “when you’re visiting Thailand”. I hope this guide has helped you identify a destination or two or more you’d consider visiting on your next nomad adventure. Bon voyage!
FAQs For Digital Nomads In Thailand
Where to go as a digital nomad in Thailand?
Thailand has something for everyone! Bangkok is perfect for city lovers, Chiang Mai for a cultural escape, Phuket for beach energy, and Koh Phangan if you want island vibes with a mix of peace and party.
How much does it cost to live in Thailand as a digital nomad?
The cost of living is incredibly affordable compared to Western cities. You can comfortably live on $1,000–$2,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location. If your budget is higher, you could live a very luxurious life in Thailand.
Do foreigners pay tax in Thailand?
Yes, but only if you earn income sourced in Thailand or spend more than 180 days in a calendar year and are deemed a tax resident.
How long can I stay in Thailand without paying taxes?
You can stay up to 180 days per year for 5 years on a Digital Nomad Visa without becoming a tax resident, provided your income is sourced outside Thailand.
Where is the best place for digital nomads in Thailand?
It depends on your vibe! For a buzzing city life, Bangkok tops the list. Chiang Mai is ideal for a quieter, cultured experience, and Phuket is great if you want an energetic beach city.
Which island in Thailand is best for remote work?
Koh Tao is a hidden gem for remote work if you're seeking peaceful island life and wellness vibes, while Koh Phangan offers a mix of tranquillity and vibrant energy outside the Full Moon Party week (where the island becomes a huge party). It's worth noting that though there are a lot of digital nomads comfortably working on the islands, the cities are better equipped to support the remote work life.
