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In the upper echelon of the main destination for digital nomads is Thailand highly sought after by many remote workers.
Since there are currently no direct flights to Southeast Asia’s most famous country…yetSometimes that dream seems more far-fetched than it actually is.
Getting here is often as easy as booking a one-way flight and once you arrive you’ll discover a mystical mansion that welcomes locals and thriving expat communities. You will immediately feel at home in many of the destinations in Thailand.
One such city has undergone a much-needed transformation in a movement supported by locals and government agencies to change its image from a dark tourist destination to an affordable, family-friendly getaway.
Bangkok has long been Thailand’s favorite urban sprawl for travelers of all types, especially those turning to the new craze of digital nomadism, but Pattaya may have the edge with beautiful beaches, an insanely cheap cost of living and its own range of city delights.
Become part of Pattaya’s overhaul
In a sense, Pattaya is a new destination, as the beach city is in the midst of a renovation.
In another sense, there is already a thriving community of expats and nomads ready to welcome you to this cheap cultural city, breaking away from its former reputation as a 24/7 party town where things get a little out of hand. we just say.
According to Pattaya MailIn an effort to make it more attractive to all types of travelers, one of the next steps is to entice more digital nomads to visit the estimated community of 50,000 to 60,000 current expats.
Not every digital nomad would have been attracted to late-night ragers and lonely old men trying to relive their Woodstock days.
With a renewed focus on becoming a family-friendly destination, this should also entice more digital nomads to feel as comfortable here as they do in Bangkok, except Pattaya has beautiful beaches and direct access to beautiful islands for day trips.
Pattaya is about as nomad-friendly as it gets. Expect dirt-cheap living costs like $500 high-rise apartments, delicious street food for less than what you’d pay for a Starbucks coffee, tuk tuk journeys and easy to obtain visas for long-term stays, which of course applies to the whole of Thailand.
What is Pattaya like now?
Don’t get it twisted. Pattaya is still a major nightlife destination, but it is no longer the main attraction. Known as ‘Walking Street’, it is always packed, and there is never a dull moment for people watching.
But there is no obligation to spend most of your time here. In the same way that you can visit Amsterdam and witness many of the activities that put tourists on Santa’s naughty list – it’s just part of the culture, but there are so many more aspects to the city.
Pattaya is no longer primarily a magnet for late-night shenanigans; plenty of new attractions and former hidden gems are being brought to light.
Pattaya is home to traditional floating markets, bustling night markets and rumors of the city’s very first casino.
But what gets lost in Pattaya’s developing reputation is that it is truly a beautiful beach city, as it is as relaxing as it is energetic, especially with fast ferries to islands like Koh Larn and Koh Samet.
The most striking beach is of course the easiest to remember: Pattaya Beach. Home to the city’s most photo-worthy attraction, the unfinished wonder, the Shrine of Truth.
While digital nomads don’t often spend much of their time in resorts, if there was ever a place to do so, it has to be Pattaya, with many as low as $30, such as Cholchan Pattaya beach resort.
How long can digital nomads stay in Pattaya?
Thailand’s most notable names are well equipped to welcome digital nomads, and Pattaya is no different.
There are plenty of foreigner-friendly cafes and modern co-working spaces, such as the top-rated ones Meal throughout the city.
But how long can you stay? Americans can actually stay in Thailand for two months visa-free with the option to extend this for another 30 days, but those who want to stay longer will have to look into the Thai Digital Nomad Visa.
If approved, you can stay for six months. However, the income requirements are a bit high, with a minimum of $80,000, but you would be living like absolute royalty if you reach the goal.
In addition, Thailand now requires a (free) travel authorization from all US visitors.
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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.
