Like moths to a flame, it’s practically a given digital nomads will be flocking to Thailand at some point:
Be it the lush nature, the higher quality of life (at cheaper prices), or the vibrant expat community, it’s the textbook definition of a workcation paradise: as a matter of fact, it is the top destination for remote workers in Asia.
It is one of the continent’s most diverse countries, with a striking contrast between a mountainous, verdant north and a typically tropical, island-dotted south––but which ‘side’ of Thailand has been drawing in the most long-term visitors lately?
Thanks to Nomads, the top platform for tracking digital nomad trends in every country, with crowdsourced data, we now have an idea.
Here are this year’s top 5 destinations for location-independent workers in the Land of a Thousand Smiles, ranked by their current popularity:
Ko Lanta
An offbeat island bordered by corals, with paradisiacal beaches interspersed with tall palm trees and mangroves, Ko Lanta may not be an obvious pick for nomads relocating to Thailand, but it’s rising fast in popularity on Nomads, already ranking in the top 5.
The Facebook group Digital Nomads on Koh Lanta already amasses 4,4k members, and the island’s peaceful atmosphere, year-round pleasant weather, absence of crowds, and low prices seem to be some of its biggest draws.
Regarding the latter, it is one of the cheapest places to be based in off the Thai mainland, as monthly expenses average an acceptable $1,776: meals in local restaurants cost roughly $2.77, and booking a traditional, bamboo-built bungalow for a month will set you back by $409.
Ko Pha Ngan
A backpacker favorite, Ko Pha Ngan may be best known for its Full Moon Party, which attracts crowds of hippy Westerners every full moon, but beyond the alternative late-night hostel parties, there’s an entire unspoiled nature preserve to discover.
If you’re wary of crowds, then steer clear of villa-dominated Sunrise Beach and head instead to Hat Khuat, a fishing village in the north lining a much quieter white-sand beach, or Thong Sala, the main and best-equipped town (dare we say, it has the best selection of restaurants on the island).
In terms of affordability, Ko Pha Ngan is not the most budget-friendly island: food is still remarkably inexpensive (a restaurant meal costs $3.54), yet on the other hand, the cheapest Airbnb rentals start from $777––in total, nomads need $2,107-a-month to live here.
Phuket
The third most popular digital nomad hub, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, as well as its most-visited, owing it to those sun-kissed shores, unruffled white sands, crystal-clear waters, and all that lush jungle (dotted with centuries-old temples and monumental Buddha statues).
The colorful Phuket City, with its 19th-century, European-style facades, concentrates most of the nomad activity, thanks to a plethora of laptop-friendly eateries and coworking spots. The coastal Kata tends to be favored by beach bums and nature enthusiasts.
Due to its status as a resort island, Phuket is one of the priciest destinations in Thailand to call home, but if you’re used to North American or Western European prices, it’s unlikely to break the bank: in sum, as long as you set aside $2,046 a month you’ll get by just fine.
Chiang Mai
The cultural capital of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is wooing tourists and nomads alike thanks to its historical allure––it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, with its 300+ temples and walled Old Town dating back to the 15th century––and low cost of living.
The numerous cafes serving brunch day-round and the incredibly ornate Buddhist shrines, most notably a serpent-adorned Wat Chedi Luang and a gold-clad Wat Phra Singh, are reason enough to go, but you might be thrilled to learn you’ll be spending an average of $1,070-a-month here.
Thailand is a steal of a deal in general, even at its priciest, but if you’re truly attempting to stretch your hard-earned dollars to the max, Chiang Mai is your spot, with monthly Airbnbs from a mere $391, and meals in local restaurants costing only $1.78.
Bangkok
As for the number one digital nomad destination in Thailand, if not Asia as a whole, Bangkok rightfully claims that title: it is a sprawling metropolis sitting on the banks of a busy fluvial course, the Chao Phraya, bordered by towering skyscrapers and monumental royal palaces.
It’s a city of endless possibilities, and whether you’re a culture buff, a devoted foodie, or a social butterfly, you’ll never exhaust your options, from exploring centuries-old temples to sampling the hundreds of food stalls in Chinatown to mingling with locals in week-round parties down by Sukhumvit Soi 11.
As it pertains to affordability, rent won’t break your bank despite Bangkok’s status as a major financial hub in Asia: fully-furnished apartments are available from as low as $408-a-month, and treating yourself (and your better half) to dinner in one of the most expensive restaurants will cost $29.66.
Overall, as per Nomads.com estimates, you should budget around $1,489/mo living in Bangkok as a foreigner.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
