Explore Thailand: Top 10 Cities for Digital Nomads

Nestled among graceful fog-shrouded mountains, Thailand's northernmost city is a haven of tranquility and a playground for hikers.

This quiet region has a rich history and culture expressed through exquisite temple designs, traditional market handicrafts, and unique Lanna cuisine. If you find Southern Thai food too fiery to stomach, Lanna meals are easier on the tastebuds!

Chiang Rai is a very inexpensive city, even for Thailand, and is an ideal spot for nomads to relax, hike trails, meet isolated village tribes, or take a spiritual journey in nature.

Best time to go: October-February

Average Monthly Costs: $850 USD

Length of stay: Best for short-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Riverside Area; Clock Tower; North Sanambin Road

Working Cafes: Kalae Cafe Nangnon Coffee; Coffeenergy Chiang Rai; Yoddoi Coffee & Tea; Raicholadacoffee&Bistro; BaanChivitMai Bakery.
Attractions: Wat Rong Khun; Blue Temple; Wat Huai Pla Kung; Choui Fong Tea Plantation; Night Bazaar.

Just a 3-hour journey from Bangkok, this peaceful agricultural hub offers an authentic experience of Thai life.

Usually a stopover on the road to more exciting destinations, Nakhon Ratchasima is ideal for nomads who avoid touristy kitsch in favour of rugged cultural immersion.

Get off the beaten track and navigate Khmer ruins, wander untouched jungle in Thailand's oldest national park, eat like a local at Ban Koh Night Bazaar, shop the silk markets, or join in the many regional festivals. There's a little bit of everything here for the curious traveller.

Best time to go: November-March
Average Monthly Costs: $930 USD

Length of stay: Best for short-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Nai Muaeng

Working Cafes: Is Crepe Cafe; Yellow Pumpkin; Grandma House; Dripping Hill; Blue Brew Coffee Bar.
Attractions: Khao Yai National Park; Korat Zoo Lagoon and Water Park; Phimai Historical Park; Wat Dhammachakra Sema Ram.

Infamous for go-go dancers, 24-hour bars, and cabaret shows, 'sin city' combines idyllic Thai beaches with the risqué side of Bangkok nightlife.

Nomads hoping to witness the city's colourful side can venture through the neon lights and racy bars of Walking Street or attend a glamorous Tiffany Cabaret performance.

But it's not all alcohol and street performers. Pattaya has a less well-known family-friendly side. Travellers can visit the ornate Sanctuary of Truth museum, cool down at Ramayana Water Park, or walk off a hangover strolling the serene Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.

When you're ready to hunker down and work, Pattaya features plenty of cafes with free wifi and a cozy atmosphere.

Best time to go: November-March
Average Monthly Costs: $1295 USD

Length of stay: Best for short-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Jomtien; North Pattaya; Naklua District

Working Cafes: rPod Coworking Space; Co&Caffè; The Coffee Club; Backstreet House Pattaya; Bake n' Brew.
Attractions: Walking Street; Jomtien Beach; Ramayana Water Park; Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden; Sanctuary of Truth.

Travel photographers, instagram influencers, and Hollywood films can't get enough of this seaside paradise. Let Krabi's crystal clear waters, magnificent karst peaks, and jewel-toned sunsets be the background of your office, not just your desktop!

Krabi provides nomads with plenty of comfortable cafes to sip on a cold brew and type in peace. Internet speeds are fast enough for most tasks, and the region is home to a friendly community of expats, backpackers, and rock-climbing junkies.

Indulge your extravagant side with a pampering spa, scale limestone cliffs like an action hero, bathe with gentle giants at Krabi Elephant Sanctuary, or lie back in the sand and work on your tan.

Best time to go: November-March
Average Monthly Costs: $1230 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Ao Nang; Ko Phi Phi; Railay Beach

Working Cafes: KoHub; Lekker Cafe; Easy Cafe by Relax Coffee; 89 Cafe; The Coffee Club.
Attractions: Tiger Cave Temple; Railay Beach; Emerald Pool; Bamboo Island; Krabi Elephant Sanctuary.

Cosmopolitan and calm, life in this beach city feels like one big vacation.

Far from the raunchy antics of Phatthaya, or the all-night raves of Ko Pha-Ngan, Hua Hin is a quiet location suited to families, couples, and travellers who prefer life at a slower pace.

Nomads here enjoy relaxing cafe culture, modern amenities, and beaches without the crowds. Art lovers will be impressed by the handcrafted goods and paintings sold at Cicada Night Market, while nature lovers can enjoy watching the cheeky macaques at Monkey Mountain.

Best time to go: November-February
Average Monthly Costs: $1605 USD

Length of stay: Best for short-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Central Hua Hin; Pranburi; Cha-am

Working Cafes: Gallery Drip Coffee Hua Hin; Black Monster Hua-Hin; Osot Place; I Do Cafe'; Patty's Corner Cafe'.
Attractions: Maruekhathaiyawan Palace; Hua Hin Beach; For Art's Sake; Black Mountain Water Park; Kaeng Drachan National Park.

Party animals will find plenty of reasons to get excited about lively Ko Pha-Ngan. Home of the infamous Full Moon Party, the island is also popular for jungle raves, psy-trance clubs, and laid-back beach bars.

The culture of Ko Pha-Ngan has a strong focus on health and spirituality. If too much partying is getting to your waistline or your mental wellbeing, take some time out in nature and get active.

Travellers can hike jungle trails on Khao Ra, take Muay Thai classes, unwind on yoga or meditation retreats, and fuel their bodies at nutritious vegan restaurants.

Best time to go: January-August
Average Monthly Costs: $1125 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Thong Sala; Baan Tai; Srithanu

Working Cafes: Inner Space Coworking; Beachub; Dots Coffee; Indigo Specialty Coffee and Bakery; What's Cup!
Attractions: Full Moon Party; Bottle Beach; Thong Nai Pan Beach; Than Sadet National Park; Wat Pho.

Turquoise lagoons, curious monkeys, unforgettable sunsets, and many more tropical delights await travellers to Phuket.

Thailands largest island is a popular haunt for remote workers. Outfitted with numerous co-working locations, a diverse range of leisure activities, lightning-fast internet, and specialty coffee shops, it's easy to see why a growing community of expats and nomads choose to call Phuket home.

Test out your swing at a world-class golf course, kayak through sea caves, party it up on Bangla Road, or snorkel with colourful fish and corals.

Wherever you go in Phuket, be sure to snap plenty of photos. This island is one for the 'gram!

Best time to go: November-April
Average Monthly Costs: $1455 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Phuket Town; Nai Harn; Rawai

Co-working Spaces: BAYACO Coworking Space; Grind Time Coworking Space; Let's Work-Phuket; Garage Society; TrueSphere.
Attractions: Phang Nag Bay; Pattong Beach; Monkey Hill; Andamanda Phuket Waterpark; Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.

Ko Samui has it all. Whether you're looking for postcard-perfect views, wild parties, mouthwatering food, or likeminded company, this island idyll has you covered.

Join an active community of nomads making the most of Ko Samui's affordable living, cafe culture, and laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Free WIFI is available at most coffee-shops, but it's still wise to invest in a data plan if you need reliable connection.

In your leisure time tour the secluded islands of of Ang Thong Marine Park, witness the towering Big Buddha, take a jungle jeep safari, learn to paddle-board, or dance through the night at Chaweng beach.

Best time to go: December-April
Average Monthly Costs: $1880 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Lamai; Chaweng; Lipa Noi

Co-working Spaces: Khan Space; Horizon Café; Hustle Club; Remote&Digital Coworking @ The District; Coworking at Sunset Hill Resort.
Attractions: Chaweng Beach; Big Buddha Temple; Mummified Monk; Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park; Secret Buddha Garden.

This cosmopolitan giant is the most visited city in the world, and for good reason! Renowned for naughty nightlife, towering malls, Muay Thai fights, and a dizzying selection of food, Bangkok is a fast paced destination that keeps its residents at the heart of the action.

Nomads who like to work and play hard will find themselves right at home in Bangkok. Co-working spaces and hipster cafes are plentiful, internet is lightning quick, English is widely spoken, and the nomad community is thriving.

Inexpensive living costs and a dynamic networking environment make this city particularly friendly to start-ups.

Best time to go: November-May
Average Monthly Costs: $1675 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Sukhumvit; Thong Lo; Siam

Co-working Spaces: The Great Room Gaysorn Tower; The Hive Thonglor; The Company; The Urban Office; Common Ground Central World.
Attractions: Grand Palace; Reclining Buddha; Chatuchak Market; Siam Paragon; Wat Arun.

For most nomads, Chiang Mai needs no introduction. This friendly sprawling city, with its eclectic cafes, and throngs of enchanting temples, frequently ranks as the best location worldwide to work remotely.

Chiang Mai is an easy place for nomads to get established, jump right into a work routine, and make some friends! The city offers a range of choices for co-working spaces; free WIFI at cafes, co-living accommodation; and a bustling community of ex-pats and fellow nomads.

If you're looking for a location with great social opportunities, a balance of busy city and quiet areas, and a variety of quality working spaces and leisure activities Chiang Mai is hard to beat.

Best time to go: October-April
Average Monthly Costs: $1260 USD

Length of stay: Suitable for long-term
Best Neighbourhoods: Nimmanhaemin; Old City; Night Bazaar Area

Co-working Spaces: Yellow Coworking Space; Punspace Wiang Kaew; Alt_ChiangMai; The Brick Startup Space; One Workspace.
Attractions: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; Doi Inthanon; Elephant Nature Park; Sunday Walking Street Markets; Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls.