The #1 Digital Nomad Country (And It’s Not Even Close)

This Should Be Your First Digital Nomad Destination: Thailand 🇹🇭

I get asked this all the time:
“Where should I start my digital nomad journey?”

The answer hasn’t changed in 7 years—and probably won’t anytime soon.

Thailand. Every time.

After travelling to 30+ countries, I still find myself comparing every new destination to Thailand. It’s got the rare balance of affordability, beauty, infrastructure, and community. Here's why it should be your first (or next) DN base..

But I’m going to tell you exactly why Thailand truly should be your next destination. And no, it’s not for the 7- 11s or the cheap beer.

✈️ Fresh News: Easier Access from the US

The FAA recently upgraded Thailand to Category 1, which means direct flights from the US to Bangkok are returning. Huge win.
👉 Check flights on Skyscanner

Why Thailand Works So Well for Digital Nomads

Thailand is dynamic and diverse. Whether you want to hustle in a high-rise coworking space or chill beachside with your laptop, the options span every budget. There are very few places in the world that offer this at so many different price points. There truly is something for everyone.

You’ll find:

• Fast Wi-Fi

• Excellent healthcare

• A thriving DN community

• Condos with pools and coworking spaces under $1000/month

• Island villas with ocean views for under $1,500/month

• Flights for $20

🛂 A Quick Visa Note

Starting May 1, 2025, you’ll need a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) to enter.
Want long-term flexibility? Look into the DTV (Digital Travel Visa) — it gives you 5 years of multi-entry access.

Where to Go: The 3 Zones of Thailand

📍 Chiang Mai (The North)

Perfect if you want peace, nature, and a tight-knit DN scene.
Easy to meet people, tons of cafes, and some of the best value in Southeast Asia. Plenty of hikes, temples, and nature here.

💸 Budget: $1,000/month (frugal) to $1,400/month (comfortable)
👥 Best for: Solo travelers, first-timers, long stays

Suggested hostel: Green Sleep Hostel (really cute)
Suggested Airbnb
Suggested Coliving/Coworking

📍 Bangkok (The Capital)

A 24/7 mega-city evolving fast. Yes, it’s bustling—but also incredibly modern.
Think: Street food, private hospitals, sleek malls, Muay Thai gyms, and rooftop bars. It truly is a 24-hour city that grows on you. Jump on the back of a taxi bike (use Grab) and take it all in. There is so much to see and do here while maximizing productivity and being your healthiest self. Note: Avoid Khao San Road area, Bangkok is so much more than just this street.

💸 Budget: $1,200–$1,800/month
🏙️ Best for: Urban energy, healthcare access, airport hub

Suggested hostel: Ti Thong (rooftop)
Suggested Airbnb

📍 The Islands

Want sunsets > Slack notifications? Try Koh Lanta or Koh Chang for a chill work/life balance. There is a couple co-livings here too. I would only suggest the islands if you’re work load is light. If you’re in client calls all day, I would opt for Bangkok and then zip to the islands on for a break. But if you can make it work, your days will be filled with scooter rides as you beach hop, sipping coconut smoothies, getting a tan, breathing in saltwater air.
If you're more unplugged, Koh Tao, Koh Kood, or Koh Lipe are magical. (Skip Koh Samui—too busy for most.)

💸 Budget: $1,800–$2,200/month
🏝️ Best for: Slower pace, creative work, wellness

Suggested hostel: Koh Tao Silver Na’s Hostel
Suggested Airbnb (loft style)
Suggested Coliving/Coworking

✅ 10 Quick Reasons to Go to Thailand

1. Walking 10k steps a day feels natural here

2. Eating healthy = easy + cheap

3. Safer than most Western cities

4. Affordable, fast, high-quality healthcare (and dental trips)

5. Cafés everywhere = built-in productivity

6. Great transport: bikes, cars, trains, buses, flights - all affordable

7. Massive, friendly global DN community

8. Mountains, beaches, cities — all close by

9. The Land of Smiles is real—locals are kind

10. Cost of living: ~50–70% less than US/UK/CAD

Have any more questions? Reach out!

Today in Staying Frosty: 

• Frosted Tips ❄️: cool DN app, Philippines DN Visa, Job Hunting hack

• Level Up: Build Your Portfolio with Lovable

• Remote roles of the week 💻: 6 roles that caught my eye

• Jam of the week 🎧: Baby Baby
  

Frosted Tips of the Week:

• 📱 No more hunting down a good spot to work with Workfrom: Tired of hunting for the perfect café with Wi-Fi and outlets? Enter Workfrom — the app built by digital nomads, for digital nomads. It lets you find and share the best laptop-friendly cafés, coworking spaces, and hidden gems in cities around the world. You can filter by wifi speed, noise level, and even coffee quality.

  👉 Check it out for free here: https://www.workfrom.co
  

•  🇵🇭 New Visa Alert: The Philippines Is Going All-In on Digital Nomads: Looks like SE Asia became even more lucrative for Digital Nomads with the Philippines joining the party. The requirements are pretty vague so far but here they are:
  ✅ Requirements include:

  • Proof of sufficient foreign income

  • Valid health insurance

  • Clean criminal record

  With 7,000+ islands, fast-growing coworking hubs, and affordable cost of living, this visa could open the door for Southeast Asia’s next big DN hotspot.
  

• 💼 Pro Tip: Don’t Wait for a Job Posting —If there’s a company you’d love to work for but don’t see the perfect role listed, don’t move on — move in.
  Here’s the play:

  1. Make a short list of 5 companies whose mission or product excites you.

  2. If the role isn’t posted, send a general application through their careers page.

  3. Find the hiring manager or team lead on LinkedIn — send a quick, genuine DM.

  4. Go the extra step: record a 60–90 second video introducing yourself, what you can do, and why you’d be an asset to that company.

🎯 Level Up: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Your resume talks. But your portfolio shouts.

Whether you're a marketer, strategist, or creator, having a live portfolio that shows how you think is one of the fastest ways to stand out. This week’s level-up move? Use Notion to build a sleek, one-pager portfolio—even if you’ve never built one before.

Here’s a free resource to guide you on how to build a stunning website with Lovable.

Tip: Add 2-3 mini case studies, a short video intro, and a “Let’s Work Together” button. Suddenly, you're not just applying for jobs—you’re attracting them.