Thailand has become an attractive destination for digital nomads, especially for those involved in the web3 or crypto development space. The country boasts a low cost of living, a vibrant culture, and a growing tech scene. Many digital nomads find that Thailand offers the perfect balance of work and play, with plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
In terms of web3 and crypto development, Thailand has seen a surge in interest and investment in recent years. The country has a solid infrastructure and a supportive government, which has helped to nurture a thriving tech startup ecosystem. There are also a number of co-working spaces and innovation hubs in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, which offer a range of resources and networking opportunities for digital nomads.
Additionally, Thailand’s relaxed visa policies make it easy for digital nomads to stay and work in the country for extended periods of time.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant and bustling city known for its stunning temples, delicious street food, and exciting nightlife. It’s a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads alike, with a range of co-working spaces, cultural attractions, and affordable living options.
Digital nomads are increasingly drawn to Bangkok for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the cost of living in Bangkok is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an affordable destination for those on a budget. Additionally, Bangkok has a thriving tech scene, with a range of co-working spaces, networking events, and startup incubators catering to digital nomads in the city. The city is also home to a vibrant culture, with stunning temples, delicious street food, and exciting nightlife. Finally, Bangkok’s central location in Southeast Asia makes it a convenient base for exploring the region and traveling to nearby destinations.
Where we stayed at:
Citadines Sukhumvit 8. It is a centrally located hotel in Bangkok offering spacious rooms with kitchen facilities. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center and swimming pool. With a double room priced at just HKD350 per night, it provides excellent value for money. The hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travelers, providing convenience and affordability.
Where we ate at:
1) Korean BBQ buffet. In the Sukhumvit area, we stumbled upon a vibrant Korean Food Town, often referred to as “Little Korea.” This lively district houses numerous restaurants offering a diverse selection of Korean cuisine. One standout option is the BBQ buffet, which provides exceptional value at just 379 THB per person (excluding alcohol). The buffet boasts an extensive range of over 10 meat options for BBQ, accompanied by a delightful array of mouthwatering Korean dishes.
2) Central World Food Market. Located downstairs in the renowned Central World shopping mall, the food market offers a diverse selection of Thai street food. However, it should be noted that the prices at this market are higher, approximately double that of local markets. While we have a fondness for Thai street food, we couldn’t help but notice that Bangkok didn’t quite match up to the exceptional quality found in Chiang Mai. Despite this, the food market at Central World remains a convenient option for those craving a taste of Thai street cuisine within the mall’s bustling atmosphere.
Where we worked (coffee shops and co-working spaces):
1) The Hive, with two central Bangkok locations in Prakanong and Thonglor, offers free trial days every Tuesday. To participate, simply register in advance via email at contact@thehive.co.th. For pricing details, visit their websites at https://thehiveprakanong.com/.
2) SCB DistrictX, a blockchain-themed space operated by SCB, one of Thailand’s largest and oldest banks, currently incubates approximately 10 start-ups. To express your interest in visiting, send an email to visit.districtx@scb10x.com. We attended a Fireblocks event there and enjoyed a half-day visit at no charge. For longer stays or more information, reach out to the team directly.
Other co-working spaces you might consider: JustCo, Union Space…
Networking events attended:
Bangkok has a few expat & web3 related meetups that you can easily find on Facebook or Meetups. Here are a few we attended or found.
1) Bangkok Expats & Digital Nomads & Thai People Meetup. Held every Sunday, this meetup is quite popular among expats in Bangkok. Last time we went there, there were 30+ attendees from different countries. https://www.meetup.com/bangkok-digital-nomads-meetup/
2) Satoshi Square Monday. Satoshi Square is the oldest cryptocurrency meetup in Thailand, running since 2014. The meetup is held every Monday, in different venues. You can find the latest meetup info here: https://www.meetup.com/bangkok-satoshi-square/
3) Cosmos and Co BKK. https://www.meetup.com/cosmos-co-bkk/
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a popular destination for digital nomads seeking a laid-back and affordable lifestyle. With its beautiful temples, night markets, and natural scenery, Chiang Mai offers a unique blend of culture and nature, and has a growing community of co-working spaces and networking events.
Where we stayed at:
Buri Siri Hotel. The hotel offers a refreshing swimming pool at affordable rates of 1500 THB per night for a double room. In addition to its comfortable accommodations, the hotel also provides a convenient co-working space within its restaurant.
Where we ate at:
1) Night markets. Night markets are best the best places to have authentic and affordable local food, some of the must-eat include Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Mango Sticky Rice, etc. We visited a market every day during our stay. Here is a list of Chiangmai night markets for your reference: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/chiang-mai-night-markets/
2)Anchan noodle. Anchan noodle is a type of noodle dish made with fresh rice noodles, pork or chicken, and a colorful broth made with the butterfly pea flower (also known as Anchan flower), which gives the dish its distinctive blue-purple color. The restaurant is recommended by Michelin Guide, but the dishes are quite cheap – at 120 THB for a set of noodle and drink.
Where we worked (coffee shops and co-working spaces):
1) Colab coworking & cafe. This co-working space is located in the Nimmanhaemin area of Chiang Mai, and offers a free trial day on Fridays for new users. In addition to co-working space, they also have a cafe and serve food and drinks. You can find more information about their services and events on their Facebook Page.
2) The social club. This is a new co-working space that offers a spacious room and a decent work environment, you can also work in the small garden if you prefer to be closer to the nature. They have a handmade coffee machine that can be a bit time-consuming.
3) The Brick. This co-working space is a government incubator that charges 250THB per person for a day pass. They offer a basic co-working environment with desks and chairs but do not seem to have many additional amenities or services.
4) Yellow. This co-working space has a web3 theme and hosts blockchain discussion nights every Tuesday. They offer a unique and specialized co-working environment, and may be a good fit for those working in the blockchain or cryptocurrency space.
5) Mueang Chiangmai. This co-working space is popular and reportedly fills up quickly, it may be worth arriving early in the morning to secure a seat.
Networking events attended:
1) Weekly Bitcoin Mixer. This event is held every Thursday at a restaurant called Sababa for crypto enthusiasts to meet up. There were about 10 attendees when we went there on June 15th 2023.
2) Yellow co-working weekly meetup. The event takes place every Tuesday at Yellow Co-working space. Unlike the casual meetups we have attended in the past, this one is more structured and formal, with all attendees participating in a discussion focused on specific topics and exchanging ideas.
Other Reference Websites: 1)
Phuket, a southern Thai island, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads who want to combine work and play, with a range of co-working spaces and networking opportunities, as well as plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
Phuket is an attractive destination for digital nomads, particularly those seeking a mix of work and play. The island boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it an ideal location for relaxation and adventure. Additionally, Phuket has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of co-working spaces, networking events, and affordable living options catering to remote workers and entrepreneurs. The island’s central location in Southeast Asiaalso makes it a convenient base for exploring the region. Overall, Phuket offers digital nomads a unique and exciting opportunity to work, live, and play in a beautiful tropical paradise.
Where we stayed at:
Hotel Clover Patong Phuket. Located in the heart of the tourist area of Patong Beach, the hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a magnificent rooftop swimming pool and bar, perfect for enjoying the sunset. Guests can also indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet. The price for a double room is approximately 500HKD.
Where we ate at:
517 Fisherman Seafood Restaurant Patong. A variety of seafood and Thai specialties to choose from. Great environment and timely service. The average price per person is around 500THB.
Where we worked (coffee shops and co-working spaces):
Crypto Coff. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the world of cryptocurrency. This three-level space features a coffee shop, co-working rooms, and a VR gaming site. The space is decorated in a modern, cyberpunk style with many elements related to cryptocurrency. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to meet the founder of Crypto Coff, who informed us that the space recently opened in May 2023. Additionally, they are currently building a crypto hotel that is set to open next year.
Networking events attended:
Phuket Crypto. It is a regular event held on every Wednesday for crypto enthusiasts. They also have an active Telegram group dedicated to exchanging information and ideas.
Other Reference Websites: 1)
Thailand offers digital nomads in the web3 and crypto development space a unique and exciting opportunity to work and live in a vibrant and supportive environment. With its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and growing startup ecosystem, it’s no wonder that Thailand has become a top destination for digital nomads from around the world.
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