If you’re a digital nomad searching for your next travel destination, you’ve probably heard of Thailand. It’s one of the top choices among the digital nomad community, and for a good reason!
Living in Thailand is affordable, fun, and very easy for travelers. Plus, there is a smorgasbord of coworking spaces you can head to accomplish your following projects, whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or entrepreneur.
Read on as I show you the digital nomadβs ultimate guide to Thailand!
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Contents
Why is Thailand Popular Among Digital Nomads?
Why Thailand? Well, why NOT Thailand? There are so many things that this wonderful country has to offer.
It’s not difficult to see why there are so many new and experienced digital nomads heading there (and even going back). Here are just some of the reasons why Thailand is so famous among digital nomads, remote workers, expats, and travelers alike.
Beautiful Nature and Weather
Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, forests, parks, and the like. You will be surrounded by sandy beaches, clear waters or take in views from the mountaintops smelling fresh air all around you. And because it’s a tropical country, you won’t have to worry about frost!
Affordable Cost of Living
Living in Thailand is quite affordable if you know where to go and spend your money well. One bowl of Pad Thai is only 40 THB ($1.30), and a two-hour train journey is only 100 THB ($3.30)!
Expect to shell out between $800 to $1,500 a month, including food, transportation, accommodation, and the like.
Matured Tourism and Convenience
Thailand is an established country with a lot of tourists, expats, and digital nomads. You get a mix of city life and traditional culture here, so expect convenience and safety.
Youβve got fast Internet speed, 24/7 convenience stores, fast food joints, malls, markets, and various food of different cuisines, from local to Western.
Delicious Food and Drinks
You will LOVE the many different dishes Thai cuisine has to offer! Itβs all colored in spices and vegetables, ranging from all-meat to vegan options.
Thereβs the Pad Thai, Khao Pad, Tom Yum Goong, Thai curries, and so much more. And donβt forget the aromatic locally brewed coffee that will surely perk you up.
Amazing Thai Culture & Heritage
The rich culture in Thailand is something you can learn a lot from. Visit the temples and historical attractions, immerse yourself in the beauty of Thailand that goes beyond its beaches and city life. You come to a new country to explore their life, so delve deeper into their culture!
Friendly Locals
Thai locals are very friendly, with many people smiling at you as you walk by the street (as long as you smile first). Be nice and maybe try to greet in Thai, and theyβll be more than accommodating and hospitable when you need help!
Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in Thailand
There are so many beautiful places worth visiting in Thailand, but which places in Thailand are best for digital nomads? Iβll narrow it down to the top destinations that have everything any traveler and digital nomad wants to experience:
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads and backpackers from across the world. Today, itβs known as a digital nomad hotspot with a lot of coworking spaces and digital nomad communities, along with educational courses on making money as a digital nomad!
This lovely city is located in the north of Thailand, a bit smaller than Bangkok, but still a busy area. It’s affordable and easy to find accommodation, with a lot of bazaars, restaurants, and nightlife for fun and exploring.
Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
Koh Phangan used to be a hipster island with stellar beaches. Now, it is known for its party scene and yoga retreats! So you can enjoy a relaxing day as you destress and feel free, then head on to the clubs at night. It’s a perfect destination for any digital nomad!
Koh Samui is another favorite destination among tourists, and you can find a few hidden gems on the island to avoid the crowds. Both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are home to both luxurious resorts and cozy huts where you can work and explore nearby, depending on your lifestyle and budget.
Phuket and Koh Lanta
Phuket is the most touristic location in Thailand, with many beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts. It is a modern city for travelers who love the hustle and bustle. There are a lot of coworking spaces, tourist attractions, markets, and yummy food to discover.
You can also head to Koh Lanta, which is famous for its majestic beach and nature. This is where Ko Hub is, a coworking and coliving space that made Koh Lanta popular among digital nomads. After all, a coworking and coliving space by the beach⦠Who would say no to that?
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it’s precisely what you’d expect: Big. Boisterous. Traffic. And a whole lot of fun! Though the most expensive city in Thailand, itβs great for digital nomads whoβd like to stay in the city for a few months.
Bangkok is becoming the digital nomad hub of the country thanks to the enormous city life with comfortable condos, ease of public transportation, and convenience, along with the up-and-coming neighborhoods like Thong Lor and Ekkamai. Plus, you get the city life without having to spend tons of money compared to Western countries.
Digital Nomad Visa to Thailand
Thailand offers a variety of visa options to accommodate the diverse needs of international visitors, including digital nomads, tourists, and retirees. These visa options are designed to suit different durations and purposes of stay, providing flexibility and convenience for those looking to explore or reside in Thailand. Let’s break them down into simple terms:
Single Entry Tourist Visa
This visa is ideal for digital nomads or travelers in Thailand for a one-time visit. It is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, allowing for a stay of up to 60 days. The visa supports a single entry, which can be via air, land, or sea. Remember, this visa allows just one entry into the country, perfect for a focused trip.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
This visa suits those who need the flexibility to enter and exit Thailand several times. It’s valid for 6 months, and each time you enter, you can stay for up to 60 days. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs to travel in and out of Thailand for short-term engagements or leisure.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa (a.k.a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa)
This is a new visa program initiated in 2022, is often referred to as the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa. It’s a 10-year renewable visa option, granting permission for an initial stay of up to five years in Thailand. This period can be extended for another five years, provided all qualifications are met. However, it’s important to note that not every digital nomad may find this option accessible, due to its high financial requirements.
LTR visa is specifically catering to high-income digital nomads and foreign retirees, that offers a pathway to long-term residence in Thailand. To qualify, you need to show that you are financially secure, which can be done through having health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 or showing proof of savings of at least USD 100,000. Income criteria are also in place: you need a minimum annual income of USD 80,000 in the past 2 years. If you have a Master’s degree or above, or own intellectual property or receive series A funding, you can still apply if your personal income is over USD 40,000. This visa aims to accommodate digital nomads who wish to set up a longer-term residence in Thailand, highlighting its purpose for sustained living arrangements.
Need Assistance in Obtaining Your Thailand Nomad Visa?
The process of applying for a digital nomad visa can be daunting. There are consulting services and platforms that can help you with the visa applications, such as Nomadic Butler.
Nomadic Butler simplifies the Thailand visa process for digital nomads by focusing on Single, Multiple Entry Tourist Visas, and the LTR Visa. The platform offers quick, 1-2 minute applications, providing a seamless experience. Each visa comes with free travel insurance, offering peace of mind from the moment you arrive in Thailand.
The Best Coworking Spaces in Thailand
As more and more digital nomads head to Thailand, more and more coworking spaces are popping up. Not only do these coworking spaces cater to digital nomads, but local freelancers, remote workers, and students as well.
You can find coworking spaces in popular digital nomad destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, among others. Some of these coworking spaces are situated in the heart of the city, while others are by beaches or tourist attractions so you can explore after a dayβs work. You can even find coworking spaces with accommodation options in some beach locations, so you have everything in one place!
Most, if not all, the coworking spaces in Thailand offer fast and reliable WiFi connections, comfortable desks, and private offices for teams, along with other valuable services, from printing down to unlimited coffee and break rooms. On average, a 1-day pass in a coworking space would cost THB 200, which is $6!
Digital Nomad Youtube Videos About Thailand
Before you head to Thailand, you obviously want to prepare yourself. What better way to prepare than listening to what experienced digital nomads have to say about Thailand? Not only can you learn travel and safety tips, but you can also get recommendations on where to go and what to do.
Here are insightful YouTube vlogs about digital nomading in Thailand.
1. Brett Dev
Brett Dev is an experienced digital nomad who works as a freelance web developer in Chiang Mai. His vlogs aim to guide people who want to work online and travel around Thailand. Expect informative videos about his vlogs about his life in Chiang Mai and how to build online businesses.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgicP9xbky0geQV7xLH_QA
2. Digital Nomad Ventures
Behind Digital Nomad Ventures is Mike Holp, an entrepreneur and photographer. Mike’s transformative journey started with a one-way ticket to Bali shortly before the world-changing pandemic. He arrived in Thailand a few months before the travel restrictions and decided to remain in the kingdom. Just over 3 years later and Mike is still living the dream on a paradise island called Koh Samui.
Holp Photography’s digital nomad guide to Thailand
https://www.youtube.com/c/DigitalNomadVentures
3. Chris the Freelancer
Chris the Freelancer is a YouTube channel documenting the digital nomad movement, sharing what it’s like to be a digital nomad. Not only can you learn about traveling to other countries, but what to expect when you make a move to remote work and more.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxtV_oVIXBtLRmyPfcLKVg
4. The Thaiger
The Thaiger is a popular vlog that touches the base of everything about Thailand. It’s the most popular news source that features daily news and updates of the country. You’ve got everything you need to know for your future travels, from the national news to entertainment, lifestyle to food, and festivals.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfyWB_cTvCBWau8mFcMnJkQ
5. Amanda Kolbye
Amanda Kolbye is a business coach that loves to talk about her travels and freedom lifestyle. You won’t only find her life as a digital nomad in Thailand, but vlogs about her travels worldwide and how to begin your digital nomad journey in social media.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMDB7DYhskoqBha8Z3BV9Bw
Facebook Groups for Digital Nomads in Thailand
It’s always helpful to ask a friend who’s traveled to a particular destination for advice. You’ll be surprised with the growing communities of digital nomads who have visited Thailand and are ready to share their tips and recommendations!
Here are some of the best Facebook groups you should join and follow. You can even start networking and create professional relationships along the way:
Thailand Digital Experts
Thailand Expats and Digital Nomads are made for expats and digital nomads in the country. From here, you can make new friends, network and collaborate, or find insightful advice and posts about traveling around the area.
Digital Nomad Ventures
Digital Nomad Ventures is a fast-growing and active community filled with digital nomads of all walks of life. The group welcomes digital-nomads worldwide, and it is especially strong in in-depth information on Thailand. Whether youβre new to the field or have been a digital nomad for years, youβll get the support you need.
Thailand Digital Nomads
This is a small group that is geared towards digital nomads in Thailand. Itβs a place where you can get news and updates about the country, find coworking packages, and even network with fellow professionals.
Koh Phangan Nomads Community
Koh Phangan Nomads Community is made for those heading to the area. The group is a meetup ground for digital nomads who want to co-work and hang out together in Koh Phangan. If youβre looking for people to meet in the area, this group is for you.
Phuket Nomads
Phuket Digital nomads are a positive group where digital nomads and remote workers can find and share insight about their experiences in Phuket. Whether you want to ask for tips on where to go or find someone to co-work with, you can find buddies here.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it! You learned why Thailand is a digital nomad destination, where to go, how to prepare, and the resources you can look into. The only thing thatβs missing is you and your travel plans.
I hope this ultimate guide helped you out and encouraged you to head to Thailand. Start planning now and explore the beauty of Thailand soon! Happy traveling.
