When you choose to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in Asia, you are opening yourself up to a multitude of opportunities. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a bustling city or the tranquility of a beach town, there is a suitable destination for every preference and work style. If you are drawn to vibrant urban settings, cities like Bangkok in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam are ideal choices, as they offer a combination of contemporary amenities, affordable living costs, and a thriving expat community. These energetic hubs provide numerous options for coworking spaces, trendy cafes, and networking events, which can greatly enhance your professional endeavors.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand is well-known among digital nomads due to its favorable factors. The city offers a low cost of living, excellent quality of life, and remarkably fast internet at competitive prices, making it the top preference for many individuals to begin their digital nomad journey.
With plentiful coworking spaces or cafes to choose from, along with regular nomad meetups and a constant stream of organized day trips or weekend events, it is an ideal location for remote work and excellent networking opportunities.
Thailand offers some of the best food in the world at amazing prices, making it a great choice for food lovers. Whether you opt for a scrumptious meal that costs less than $1 USD or indulge in a fancy brunch priced around $6, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking for an incredible city with a fantastic support system at amazingly affordable prices, Chiang Mai should be your number one choice!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
When I first arrived in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), I was told by many backpackers that there was nothing interesting to see here. Luckily, I ignored their advice and discovered that HCMC is actually an ideal destination for digital nomads.
In Vietnam, the city boasts a thriving coffee culture, offering numerous captivating coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Wi-Fi connection is both stable and speedy. Living expenses are very affordable, a crucial factor for all digital nomads.
However, there are also a few challenges. To begin with, the language is extremely difficult, and the number of English speakers is limited. Nonetheless, the society is eager to enhance their language skills, which is why finding employment as an English teacher is relatively easy and allows you to earn additional income. Another challenge lies in maneuvering a scooter within the city. Saigon’s traffic is chaotic and vibrant, yet riding your own scooter grants you a sense of liberation.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island, famous for its volcanic formation and lava tubes, is situated 130 km away from the Korean Peninsula’s coast and is often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Asia.’
Jeju Island offers an exceptional experience for digital nomads due to its remarkable internet speed (I once downloaded multiple series in under 10 minutes!), stunning scenery (including three UNESCO Heritage Sites and a vibrant canola flower field!), and vibrant coffee culture.
In addition, Korean skincare products are affordable and there are numerous dining options for enjoying kimchi and other traditional dishes. Despite English not being widely spoken in Jeju City, which serves as the province’s capital, many restaurants provide menus in English and the locals are incredibly accommodating.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
When considering popular locations for digital nomads, there are numerous excellent choices available throughout South-East Asia. After spending approximately a year intermittently in Kuala Lumpur, it gradually became one of my preferred cities in Asia.
Kuala Lumpur is a hidden gem often ignored by digital nomads, but it is waiting to be discovered. This lively city offers a modern and tidy setting, making it an ideal choice for remote workers looking for a rewarding experience. With a multitude of captivating attractions, Kuala Lumpur guarantees a thrilling and adventurous time outside of work.
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu, located in Bali, Indonesia, is a well-liked destination amongst foreigners and digital nomads. Contrasting Ubud, it appeals to a distinct group of travelers due to its vibrant and party-centric atmosphere.
This is an ideal starting point for nomads or anyone seeking a vibrant community, excellent work options like co-working spaces and cafés, and the opportunity to live with similar-minded individuals or online entrepreneurs in a coliving space or villa.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai offers a thriving ex-pat scene, numerous choices of western food, and a remarkable nightlife, making it an excellent place to live for digital nomads.
Shanghai is an enormous city with a large number of expatriates, many of whom work as teachers or digital nomads. The internet connections are of good quality, and there are numerous co-working spaces available, including Naked Hub, Link Place, and Regus Jinmao, all of which operate round the clock.
Regrettably, the expenses in Shanghai are significantly higher compared to those in the smaller cities nearby. Nevertheless, with the higher cost, you can enjoy a wide range of Western luxuries that are hard to find (with equivalent options) in other parts of China. Additionally, there are numerous day trips available from Shanghai, providing opportunities for relaxation, including visits to nearby water towns or picturesque cities like Hangzhou.
Manila, Philippines
The capital city of Manila, Philippines, known for its bustling atmosphere, is recognized for being one of the most friendly metropolitan destinations, as well as one of the most affordable places to live in.
The cost of living is relatively inexpensive, averaging around $1,200 per month for a nomad, or potentially as low as $500 per month based on your daily lifestyle.
Airbnb provides an excellent choice in Manila as the prices typically average $25 per night for a whole condominium located in either the city of Manila or nearby Quezon City.
Living near Greenbelt Mall in Metro Manila is considered one of the most desirable locations. Greenbelt Mall is renowned for being an excellent shopping destination and a place where one can easily make new acquaintances and go on dates.
Manila provides a wide range of open network spots, including malls, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, schools, hotels, and more, making it very convenient to access WiFi. Additionally, the city offers the fastest internet connection in the Philippines.
When considering your options, it is advisable to buy a Smart SIM card from SM Malls. Certain cafes, like those found in Manila’s SM Malls, provide only limited WiFi or browsing time.
Makati City, the financial hub of Manila, has the best WiFi in Manila. In addition to its beautiful and warm year-round weather, you will also encounter hospitable Filipino neighbors and co-workers.
If you have concerns about language barriers, it’s important to note that English is widely spoken in the Philippines due to their strong Western cultural influence.
With the memory kept in mind, the Philippines were colonized by the United States for approximately fifty years during the first half of the twentieth century. In order to make the most of residing in Manila, make use of the affordable flights going to and coming from the city to explore other cities in the Philippines and throughout Asia.
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