In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of employees who worked full-time chose to work remotely from their homes.
After COVID-19, it was discovered that a large number of workers, amounting to millions, embraced the concept of working from any location and at any time. Furthermore, the study revealed that half of the workers surveyed would refuse to go back to workplaces that do not provide the option of remote work.
The appeal is evident when thinking logically. Who wouldn’t desire to work from a white sandy beach?
Southeast Asia, known for its turquoise waters, is a popular destination for remote workers. In the region’s beautiful beaches and delightful cafes, numerous digital nomads can be found.
Who is a “digital nomad”?
Comprising a population of 15.5 million individuals exclusively from the United States, “digital nomads” fully exploit the advantages of remote work. These individuals primarily engage in online work in order to maintain a nomadic lifestyle, transforming any place with Wi-Fi into their workplace. They consistently migrate to areas with pleasant weather and affordable beer.
Due to this reason, Southeast Asia is favored among digital nomads.
What do digital nomads look for in a destination?
Digital nomads, in contrast to tourists, seek more than just sandy beaches and entertainment options.
These are the fundamental criteria needed for a destination desired by a digital nomad.
Wi-Fi Accessibility
Internet connectivity is crucial for digital nomads and not everyone can manage with slow network speeds. Therefore, if you are a digital nomad or aspire to be one, it may not be wise to opt for serene locations with weak or no Wi-Fi.
Coworking/networking availability
While traveling, you may feel lonely, but finding people who share similar interests can alleviate this. In Southeast Asia, you can easily find coworking spaces that are plentiful and inviting. Moreover, these spaces offer an excellent opportunity to build a network and establish valuable business relationships.
Visas
Visa applications in Southeast Asia can be complicated and have a significant impact on your decision-making. It is important to conduct thorough research and submit your application well in advance. Additionally, be aware of the increasing availability of digital nomad visas.
Healthcare amenities
Living and working on a remote island in Cambodia is perfect for some individuals. However, if the nearest hospital requires a 3-hour ferry ride, it may be worth reconsidering. It is crucial to choose a favorable location that provides ample healthcare facilities to handle any unforeseen emergencies.
Our list
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is considered as the primary attraction for digital nomads in Thailand and potentially throughout Southeast Asia. The city’s streets, particularly in the old town and around Nimmanhaemin Road, are filled with air-conditioned cafes that provide fast WIFI and robust coffee for nomadic workers.
The city has been a venue for numerous conferences in the field of digital marketing, SEO, and also has a thriving cryptocurrency community. For individuals who are new to being digital nomads, it is an ideal location for networking and connecting with a diverse range of remote workers from various countries.
In Chiang Mai, the accommodation is extraordinarily affordable. (You can easily rent an apartment for as low as $300 USD per month). Additionally, the restaurant scene in the area offers a wide range of options and delivers excellent quality.
Hoi An, Vietnam
In recent years, the city of Hoi An in Central Vietnam has gained popularity as a favored destination for digital nomads. The city’s affordable long-term accommodation options, with rentals starting at $200 USD per month, along with its picturesque environment of rivers and rice fields, and excellent street food, attract numerous international travelers. Additionally, Hub Hoi An, the sole recognized co-working space in Hoi An, organizes frequent events for digital nomads residing in the locality.
Although Hoi An old town is unquestionably stunning, it is heavily crowded with tourists. However, one can easily escape the hustle and bustle by utilizing a bicycle or motorbike and quickly discover peaceful and picturesque countryside. Additionally, the nearby An Bang beach is an added advantage.
In addition to Hub Hoi An, some of the cafés and restaurants in the town also function as co-working spaces for nomads, like Dingo Deli and Rosie’s Café. Moreover, there is a wide array of excellent dining options, ranging from affordable Vietnamese street food to delicious Mexican and Indian cuisine.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta, one of the more relaxed Thai islands, is a digital nomad hotspot that I particularly enjoy. In the northern part of the island, there is a spacious co-working space called KoHub which is popular among remote online workers worldwide. Upon joining KoHub, you will become a member of a welcoming community. Additionally, if you’re interested, you have the option to join their pub quiz team, which competes weekly at the nearby Irish Bar.
The island possesses stunning sandy beaches, waterfalls, caves, excellent restaurants, bars, and abundant opportunities for adventure, making it extraordinarily beautiful. My suggestion would be to rent a scooter for approximately $100 US per month in order to easily navigate the island.
If you enjoy partying, there is a nightlife scene on the island, although it is not as lively as Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Canggu, Bali
If you had to choose only one place, the town of Canggu would be considered the ultimate digital nomad hotspot. It resembles more of Byron Bay than Indonesia, with its pricey coffee shops, yoga studios, and trendy stores.
Accommodation here is still affordable, especially if you’re renting on a monthly basis, making it attractive for long-term travelers and digital nomads who choose to reside here temporarily. It serves as a convenient starting point to venture out and discover the other attractions present on Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands.
In Canggu, there are multiple co-working spaces available, including Outpost Canggu and Dojo, which are the most popular ones. Additionally, Finn’s Recreation Club, a fitness club and water park, also offers its own co-working space. One can attend various digital nomad events at Dojo, which are excellent opportunities for networking, socializing, and gaining insights into the lifestyle of being location-independent.
Bangkok, Thailand
Although Bangkok may be a bustling capital city with various attractions, it is imperative to include it in the list of digital nomad hotspots. If you prefer city life over the tranquility of Southeast Asia’s rural areas and islands, Bangkok offers a plethora of energizing experiences and possibilities.
Accommodation, street food, Thai massage (and more) are easily affordable and accessible. Additionally, there is a plethora of exceptional networking events catering to digital nomads from various industries, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals.
There are numerous co-working spaces and trendy cafés available that offer a vibrant atmosphere to work efficiently while enjoying a delicious coffee. Additionally, Bangkok airport serves as a central hub for travel in Southeast Asia, allowing you to utilize the city as a starting point for exploring other parts of the region.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, the most popular place in Cambodia among digital nomads, is known for being home to the world-renowned archaeological site of Angkor. Within this city, AngkorHUB, a co-working space, offers a sense of community and accommodation for traveling workers. Unfortunately, it is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The compact city, if we may call it so, is abundant with cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and backpacker hostels, providing ample options to socialize with excellent food and reliable WIFI.
After completing your work, Siem Reap offers the perfect opportunity to discover by bicycle or motorbike. Although the central area attracts many tourists, it is effortless to escape the crowds and venture into less explored areas.
Leave a Reply