Our guide covers information on both Ko Pha-Ngan vs Ko Samui, two top Thailand digital nomads hotspots.

Thailand’s southern islands are a paradise for digital nomads! Imagine waking up to the sound of crystal-clear waves lapping against the shore and soaking up the warm sunshine on your skin. That kind of life awaits you in Thailand’s southern islands.

Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Samui are two islands that offer everything a digital nomad could dream of: high-speed internet, affordable accommodation, delicious food, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. 

Thailand is a connected, forward-thinking nation. They have invested in the vital infrastructure to encourage remote workers and digital nomads to relocate here in the future. 

This article will focus on why Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Samui are excellent choices for digital nomads in Thailand.

Digital Nomad in Thailand – Ko Pha-Ngan 

Ko Pha-Ngan ticks all the boxes for a digital nomad in Thailand.

Fast internet, affordable long-term living, diverse natural landscape, excellent coworking spaces, and cosy cafes, a focus on wellness, and what we loved most about Ko Pha-Ngan was the sense of community. 

If you’re considering making this island your home base for a while, having a network of friends and like-minded individuals is key to living a balanced life.

Lifestyle in Ko Pha-Ngan

In addition to beautiful beaches, jungle hikes, and waterfalls to explore in your downtime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easy in Ko Pha-Ngan, with the right mindset. 

The island has wellness spaces, yoga centres, and gyms. There’s a laid-back atmosphere on this island and plenty of positive vibes.

So, if a good work-life balance is important to you, Ko Pha-Ngan could be your ideal place.

Best Area to Live for Digital Nomads

Ko Pha-Ngan has several areas where digital nomads can choose to live, depending on their preferences and requirements. Each area offers a unique atmosphere and a range of accommodation and coworking space options to suit different budgets and needs.

Some of the popular areas include:

Thong Sala: Thong Sala is the main town on Ko Pha-Ngan and the transportation hub of the island. It has many restaurants, bars, and shops and is home to the island’s main pier. Thong Sala also has several coworking spaces and affordable accommodation options, making it a popular choice for digital nomads in Thailand. It also has a great night market and is the island’s commercial hub. 

Haad Yao: Haad Yao is a beach on the west coast of Ko Pha-Ngan. It’s a beautiful sandy beach with several beachfront bungalows, resorts, and villas. In addition, Haad Yao has a few coworking cafes (we loved Bubba’s Roastery), making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle.

Baan Tai: Baan Tai is a coastal village located between Thong Sala and Haad Rin. It’s known for its long stretch of white sand beach and several beach bars and restaurants. Baan Tai also has several accommodation options and coworking spaces (La Casa & Summer Stone Cage), making it a popular choice for digital nomads. 

Sri Thanu and Hin Kong: Renowned for their pretty beaches and the wide choice of wellness spaces. These areas are very laid-back, with great cafes and positive vibes. 

Haad Rin: Haad Rin is the party capital of Ko Pha-Ngan, known for its monthly Full Moon Party. It isn’t big on coworking spaces, but you can work at any restaurant or cafe for a few hours, or even on the beach. This is really only suited for those who are looking for the backpacking vibes and don’t mind the party.

Chaloklum: Chaloklum is a fishing village located on the northern coast of Ko Pha-Ngan. It’s a quieter area with several beachfront bungalows, excellent dive spots, restaurants, and bars. Chaloklum also has a few coworking spaces, making it a good option for those who prefer a more peaceful lifestyle.

Coworking Spaces & Best Cafes to Work 

1. Beachub at Sri Thanu Beach– This is one of the most well-known coworking spaces in Ko Pha-Ngan, located near Sri Thanu Beach. Beachub offers both indoor and outdoor workspaces, fast internet, and a community of digital nomads.
2. Secret Place at Haad Yao  – Not so secret for any digital nomad in Thailand, this is where you can stay as it offers accommodation as well as a cute restaurant. Have your breakfast & lunch here while you work.
3. La Casa Co-Working Space by Remote & Digital in Baan Tai – This is a gorgeous mixture of a cafe/restaurant and air-conditioned coworking space. The daily pass is 250 THB, but you can get a monthly pass for 2500 THB. Also, you get a free beer at the end of your work day and there are events to bring people together. There is also great food and coffee at the restaurants on site. What we loved the most was the desk and ergonomic chair set-up, something other coworking spaces often overlook. 
4. Dots Cafe in Thong Sala – Ok, this is a popular coffee place as it is near the main ferry port, but there is more to it than just the cafe. It has a dedicated space on the second level for coworking. But if the downstairs cafe isn’t busy, you can have your breakfast/lunch while you work here as well. And the coffee is great.
5. Bubba’s Coffee Roastery – A great cafe with delicious food and strong coffee. They roast it right here. While they have a restriction of the morning for working on laptops, it is a great place to come during the quiet times in the afternoon.
6. Signature Remote Digital Coworking Space in Thong Sala – Another Coworking space by the same guys who run La Casa. Here is the perfect location downtown and everything you need as a digital nomad in Thailand.
7. Hustle Club – The newest coworking space in Ko Pha Ngan. It offers desks, ergonomic chairs, a restaurant and cafe on site, and a swimming pool. Of course, the most important thing for any digital nomad in Thailand is super-fast fibre wifi. Day pass starts at 250 THB, monthly pass 3900 THB—a short drive up from Thong Sala. 
8. Inner Space Coworking near Sri Thanu – Cosy and charming coworking place near Sri Thanu. One coffee or tea free per day, free printing and coding. fast wifi and a community. And you also have access to the swimming pool at Zama Resort and 10% off their menu. Daily pass 390 THB, monthly 4,900 THB.
9. Karma Cafe in Thong Sala – Karma Cafe is a popular work cafe with fast internet, comfortable seating, and a relaxed vibe. They serve delicious food and drinks; you can work here for as long as you like.

Cost of Living in Ko Pha-Ngan

The cost of living for a digital nomad in Ko Pha-Ngan can vary depending on various factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal preferences.

Here’s an estimate of the average cost of living for a digital nomad in Ko Pha-Ngan:

• Accommodation: Renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment can range from 8,000 THB to 20,000 THB per month, depending on the location, amenities, and season. We recommend searching Facebook Groups for Digital Nomads in Thailand and it’s recommended to book some affordable accommodation for your first few days in Ko Pha-Ngan, then rent a scooter and simply drive around and look for signs for Rooms/House for Rent or call the local numbers/landlords listed on signs to see what’s available.
• Food and drinks: Eating at local Thai restaurants can cost around 60-100 THB per meal, while dining at Western-style restaurants can cost between 200-500 THB per meal. A monthly grocery bill can range from 4,000 to 8,000 THB.
• Transportation: Scooter rental costs around 150-250 THB daily or 2,500-4,000 THB monthly. Taxis and songthaews (shared taxis) cost around 100-300 THB per ride.
• Internet: High-speed internet can be found in most areas of Ko Pha-Ngan. To get connected, either buy a local SIM card or a 15-day Thailand eSIM for $19.95, including UNLIMITED data.
• Entertainment and activities: There are plenty of free things to do in Ko Pha-Ngan, such as visiting beaches, waterfalls, and temples. Activities like yoga classes, gym memberships, and scuba diving are available on the island.  

Considering all of these factors, the average cost of living for a digital nomad in Ko Pha-Ngan is estimated to be around 28,000-45,000 THB per month.

That’s equivalent to AUD 1,200 – 1,900 OR USD 800 – 1,300 monthly.

However, remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual costs may vary based on your lifestyle and spending habits.

And let’s not forget about the mouth-watering cuisine! Thai food is renowned worldwide for its explosive flavours and mouth-watering aromas. From fragrant curries to spicy soups, you can indulge in some of the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted.

Digital Nomad in Thailand – Ko Samui

Ko Samui is one of Thailand’s largest islands and is easily accessible by flight or ferry. The island has a large concentration of digital nomads, due to its excellent value for the quality of life and affordable accommodation. 

Ko Samui is a great island for digital nomads and remote workers for a few reasons. First, it is larger than Ko Pha-Ngan, which provides more choices of where to live, stay, and play.

The international airport makes Ko Samui desirable for many digital nomads in Thailand, with direct flights to Singapore, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

RELATED POST – Where to Stay in Chiang Mai – Best Hotels & Accommodation Guide

Lifestyle in Ko Samui

Ko Samui has a well-developed infrastructure (hospitals, schools, shopping centres), high-speed internet, a growing community of digital nomads and remote workers, and many things to do on the island during your leisure time.

There are world-class gyms, Muay Thai gyms, and wellness to stay fit and healthy – plus a range of night markets to explore delicious Thai cuisine during the evenings. Great for any digital nomad in Thailand wanting to combine staying fit, and living near the beach.

Ko Samui is an excellent option for those looking to combine work and travel.

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Best Area To Live for Digital Nomads

Ko Samui has several areas where digital nomads can choose to live, depending on their preferences and requirements. 

Some of the popular areas include:

Chaweng: Chaweng is one of the most popular areas in Ko Samui, known for its vibrant nightlife, beachfront bars, and restaurants. Chaweng also has several coworking spaces and affordable accommodation options, making it a popular choice for digital nomads to build a network of friends.

Lamai: Lamai is quieter than Chaweng but still has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The beach is the island’s second largest and more peaceful than Chaweng Beach, which draws most international vacationers on package deals. It also has a few coworking spaces (The Hub Samui Cafe was our favourite), affordable accommodation options, and a central Tesco and a Makro supermarket where you can buy International foods. This a good option for digital nomads who prefer a quieter lifestyle.

Bophut: Bophut is a charming fishing village located on the northern coast of Ko Samui. It has several beachfront restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Bophut also has a few cafes to work at and affordable accommodation options, making it a great option for digital nomads who enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle.

Maenam: Maenam is a quieter area located on the north coast of Ko Samui. It has a beautiful beach and a few beachfront restaurants and bars. This area is perfect for digital nomads wishing for a peaceful area to live in.

Coworking Spaces & Best Cafes to Work 

1. WYSIWYG Coworking Space & Cafe – Located inside the COSI Hotel. WYSIWYG Coworking Space and Cafe has two storeys where you can work while in Chaweng, Samui. Coffee and food are available from the cafe, right in the heart of Chaweng, just behind the Central Mall.
2. The Hub Samui Cafe – Located on the end of Lamai beach and across from a gym, this is a great cafe to come and work from. Nice brunch/lunch menu and it seemed popular with other digital nomads when we visited. 
3. Khan Space – Brand new coworking space that open in March 2023. The Internet is lightning-fast, and everything is new and clean. Free tea and coffee. Perfect for any digital nomads staying near Chawang as it is a short ride from there or 10 minute’s walk. 
4. Kathy’s Coffee – If you are staying in the island’s northern part at Baan Tai or Mae Nam Beach, come here for a delicious breakfast or lunch. This place offers comfortable seating, friendly service, and high-quality food. 

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Cost of Living in Ko Samui

The cost of living for a digital nomad in Ko Samui can vary depending on various factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal preferences.

Here’s an estimate of the average cost of living for a digital nomad in Ko Samui:

• Accommodation: Renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment can range from 8,000 THB to 25,000 THB per month, depending on the location, amenities, and season.
• Food and drinks: Eating at local Thai restaurants can cost around 60-100 THB per meal, while dining at Western-style restaurants can cost between 200-500 THB per meal. A monthly grocery bill can range from 5,000 to 7,000 THB.
• Transportation: Scooter rental costs around 150-250 THB daily or 2,500-4,000 THB monthly. Taxis and songthaews (shared taxis) cost around 100-500 THB per ride.
• Internet: High-speed internet can be found in most areas of Ko Samui. To get connected, either buy a local SIM card or a 15-day Thailand eSIM for $19.95, including UNLIMITED data.
• Entertainment and activities: There are plenty of things to do in Ko Samui, such as visiting beaches, temples, waterfalls, and many more. 

Considering all factors, the average cost of living for a digital nomad in Thailand in Ko Samui is estimated to be around 28,000-55,000 THB per month.

That’s equivalent to AUD 1,200 – 2,400 OR USD 800 – 1,600 monthly.

However, remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual costs may vary based on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Digital Nomad in Thailand Visa Options 

Australian passport holders, US citizens, Europeans, and many other nationalities can enter Thailand for up to 45 days on a tourist visa. However, the Smart Visa may work for you if you plan to stay long-term. Smart Visa holders will be granted a maximum of 4-year permission to stay, exemption from the work permit requirement, and entitled to additional privileges.

There is also a Long-Term Residents Visa which offers ten years of residency and a range of other benefits for digital nomads in Thailand.

View the complete list of Thailand Visas here.

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Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

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For more information about being a Digital Nomad in Thailand or learning about your prospective new home in paradise – head to the Tourism Authority Thailand.

So, if you’re a digital nomad looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Samui are both good choices.

Their stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and unbeatable lifestyle make them the perfect destination for anyone looking to work and play in paradise.

For more inspiration for travelling in the Land of Smiles, check out our Thailand Page.