Asia
If you’re picturing: cheap and safe, with sturdy infrastructure and even friendlier people… Asia’s your spot.
The nature, architecture and history should be more than enough but if you’re looking for more the food next level as well.
It’s worth checking out what’s arguably the OG digital nomad continent.
Cambodia’s a solid choice to get your digital nomad journey going in Asia.
Siem Reap steals top spot in the country as a nomad hotspot with its availability to strong wifi, amazing food and ruins to explore.
Accommodations, scooter rentals, and the like also won’t burn your wallets with some nightly rates at hostels going for as low as $2.
A month here will cost you just under $700 USD/mo so book your trip to explore the world famous ruins and meet other nomads along the way.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Image by James Wheeler from Pixabay
If you’ve spent any time at all researching the digital nomad lifestyle then Bali definitely came up somewhere along the way.
It’s THE spot where you’re bound to find other nomads strapped with their laptop working from a coffee shop or co-working space.
Surfing, food, nature, diverse expat crowd, and Asian architecture make Bali what it is.
Expect to spend up to $1,100/mo in Canggu but be sure to travel to other towns on the island to see where suits your vibe most.
Start your digital nomad journey here as many others have and find yourself supported by a digital nomad community larger than most cities can boast.
Canggu, bali, indonesia
Image by confused_me from Pixabay
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The perfect combination of modern technology and vibrant culture makes Kuala Lumpur a lead contender as a nomad location.
Being a melting pot of countless backgrounds means you’ll get to try cuisines from all over–from cheeseburgers to bratwursts to Chinese takeaway you can find it all here.
Despite its size (1.3 million people) you have the option to live in more quaint neighborhoods or have hustle and bustle if you want it; while still paying relatively cheaply for everything.
Full meals will run you less than $3 and rent matches other southeastern Asian countries at roughly $450/mo (~$750 overall). Get swept into this underrated digital nomad hotspot.
Image by Diego Marquez from Pixabay
Seoul, South Korea
No other city on this list can boast having the FASTEST internet in the world.
As well as one of the best metro and bus systems in the world, abundance of food and coffee shops to work from, while still being somewhat affordable (roughly $1,500/mo).
Something to note is that many of the coffee shops are open 24/7 so if you’re a night owl or working western hours you can work in a space with others around.
The nightlife, K-Pop scene, and temples are assumably unique to anything you’ve experienced.
Overall Seoul is an ideal digital nomad spot if you want to experience culture like no other.
Image by dae jeung kim from Pixabay
Taipei, taiwan
Distinct contrast between its cultural roots and modern industrial helps you constantly find new things to explore in Taipei.
On one side you have giant markets with foods, goods, and crafts and on the other you’ll find traditional Chinese temples, sprawling hills and boundless nature.
Interesting to note, Taiwan is part of the Republic of China but many people refer to themselves as Taiwanese.
Consider price when looking to move here since it’s an average of $1,500/mo.
Don’t let that discourage you though, the city’s vibrant culture and countless areas to explore, as well as a growing digital nomad scene make Taipei worth the stay.
Image by Jan McNally-Trainor from Pixabay
Chiang mai, thailand
You’ll find Chiang Mai high on a lot of digital nomad lists, and it’s easy to see why.
Rent for as little as $300/mo, overall costs just under $600/mo, co-working spaces out the wazoo, and a food scene that’s tough to beat means you’ll be living well in a place that meets most nomad standards.
Spend your afternoon playing with elephants and exploring nature, then take a night out on the town to meet other digital nomads–it’s tough to top this one on the list.
Image by Richard Mcall from Pixabay
koh phangan, thailand
Equally a party destination as it is a digital nomad hotspot, Koh Phangan earns its spot because it’s perfectly balanced (as all things should be).
Whether you go for the full moon parties or the abundance of places to work from, you’re bound to find your clique.
There’s a bit of something for everyone here and that’s what makes Koh Phangan special.
The low costs of living here (~$675/mo) make it easy to lose yourself here with nightly rates going for as little as a few bucks and monthly rates at a few hundred dollars
Pack your laptop, swimsuit, and flip flops while this oasis awaits.
Image by mxmplatonov from Pixabay
phuket, thailand
Being the largest of all the Thai islands means having things to do won’t be a problem for you here.
Mountainous terrain, sprawling beaches, vast jungles and getting other islands by boat is just the tip of the iceberg on what makes Phuket… Phuket.
With other nomads from all over calling this place home you’ll make friends and connections with minimal effort (and costs).
Cost of living here is among the cheapest in the world sitting just over $680/mo.
If cheap food and accommodations, unmatched nature, solid wifi, and a booming digital nomad scene wont get you here then nothing will.
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
Ho chi minh city, vietnam
7 million people call this bustling city in quaint Vietnam home. Street food filling its expansive streets, with a multicultural population, so you’re bound to find the best of the best foods.
To beat traffic you’d best get a motorbike here and join the numbers, as Ho Chi Minh City boasts the highest number of motorbike owners in one city.
Despite being a major metropolitan, costs are kept relatively low at under $750/mo.
It’s easy to find yourself here as it’s at the southern tip of Vietnam, making it most travelers last Asian destination along their trek.
Join the hustle and bustle here in this ever-growing Vietnamese city.
Image by Thể Phạm Khắc from Pixabay
hoi an, vietnam
Scootering around town to the local eats and nearby locations is exactly what to expect out of this central Vietnamese town.
It’s quickly becoming more and more digital nomads’ home bases.
What you can’t get to on scooter you can explore by foot because the town itself is fairly small and easy to get around.
Check out the unique homes over water in this city while taking your stroll, and for under $250 USD/mo you can have all of the food, adventures, and local culture you can imagine.
Make Hoi An a must see stop on your nomad journey, you’ll be happy you did.