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The land of smiles, ancient pagodas dating back centuries, breathtaking nature and of course high affordability, Asia seems to be on every digital nomad’s radar at the moment as life there is mostly a lot cheaper than in the Western world.
As incredible as it may be, not all of Asia is open to expats, with many suffering from the lack of expat services in some cities, or finding it literally too hot to live in certain places despite lower prices, or even being hit by strict visa requirements.
If you plan to work remotely from the Far East, planning ahead is essential: no matter how popular, not every metropolis will be friendly to foreigners, and no matter how cheap it may be, there is no point in working elsewhere the social scene is dead, or the cultural offering is limited.
With that in mind we brought you along 5 Asian destinations which are not only very affordable, but also actually want to to live in:
Ubud, Indonesia
The nomadic hotspot of Bali, Ubud is one relaxed village located amidst the world-famous rice fields, with restaurant-lined ‘Monkey Street’, as it is known among foreigners, catering to international audiences, co-working spaces and nature reserves galore.
It is Bali’s premier destination for enjoying local culture and beating the seaside crowds, as it is located inland, in a hilly location, and despite the growing number of expats, it remains one of the most traditional and scenic communities on the island .
As Nomad List respondents noted, Ubud and its historic temples, vast plantations and hiking trails are perfect for nomads over 35 years old who are ‘over’ the party scene, and the best part is you can have all this peace and quiet for $1,860 a month, including accommodation.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s national capital, Hanoi, features eclectic architecture that combines elements of indigenous Indochina, French colonial and socialist brutalism, countless Western-style cafes, and vast green parks that provide some relief from (sometimes) oppressive urban conditions. landscape.
It is a vibrant city where more than 5 million people live, and that is what it is one of those metropolises that never sleep: Day and night, you’re sure to encounter tourists in the winding streets of the Old Quarter, bars spilling out onto the busy sidewalks, and rows upon rows of food stalls lining the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.
It would take you several weeks to explore Hanoi in depth, and even then you might feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface; Fortunately, you can now stay in Vietnam as a tourist for three months, and if you live in the capital, you will spend $1,040 monthly.
Penang, Malaysia
Third on the list, George Town is the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang and possibly the country’s best-kept secret: it has beautiful centuries-old buildings and modern high-rises, not to mention the fact that it straddles a warm, azure sea. ocean and all that incredibly multicultural:
It’s British-era forts, ornate Chinese temples, Muslim-built mosques and beachside resorts all in one, the sun shines all year round, beautiful viewpoints and nature reserves are always a short walk away, and the food scene is truly second to none, reflecting the island’s diverse heritage.
In total, nomads will spend an average of $960 on living in George Town, with modest central apartments renting for $326, fully furnished Airbnbs from $20 per night, and the price of a full meal at a mid-range restaurant averaging $13.49. on Numbeo estimates.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In second place is Chiang Mai, nestled in the hinterland of northern Thailand and a UNESCO-listed city over 700 years old, easily distinguished by the whopping 300 temples (or more) dotted around around the walled old town.
It’s becoming increasingly popular as a nomadic center lately thanks to its off-the-trail appeal: it’s neither on the coast nor bordered by blue-green water, so you’re unlikely to find the Koh Phi Phi Instagram wonders here: hospitable locals residents and irrevocable status as a cultural capital.
In addition to its historic charm, Chiang Mai also belongs to the cheapest cities to live in Thailand: Unlike the dollar-based islands, you can live here for a cheap $965 per month, with rent, utilities, groceries, and food costs covered.
Bangkok, Thailand
The digital nomad capital of Asia, Bangkok, is where a majority of nomads are heading this year: it’s currently number one on the Nomad List, gets rave reviews and is undisputedly Thailand’s most vibrant and exciting city break by far.
If you’re a culture vulture, there are beautiful Buddhist temples and imperial palaces along the Chao Phraya to tick off; Are you a dedicated foodie?
Take the BTS Skytrain straight to Chinatown, literally street food heaven, for the best pork and shrimp noodles you’ll ever try.
Do you go out at night? Some of the most debauched nightlife scenes take place in expat-frequented Sukhumvit Soi 11, where there are plenty of clubs selling cheap beer for less than a dollar and welcoming locals looking for a good time: you’ll soon realize that it living in Bangkok is an eternity. weekend.
When it comes to nomad infrastructure, there’s also no shortage of work-friendly cafes and coworking centers to choose from, and it’s quite easy to get around once you’ve mastered the art of navigating the subway (or not) . it’s bad to spend just a few dollars more on a Grab taxi).
General, Remote workers spend $1,313 per month in Bangkok, making it one of the most affordable national capitals in Asia and the entire world, and a nomadic center of the first order.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
