Travel Guide
Cheap Living & Beautiful Beaches: Thailand’s New Digital Nomad Hotspot Unveiled
Jan
Last Updated
In the upper echelon of the premiere digital nomad destination sits Thailand, which is highly sought-after among many remote workers.
Since there are currently no nonstop flights to Southeast Asia’s most renowned country…yet, sometimes that dream seems more far-fetched than it really is.
Getting here is often as easy as booking a flight with one connection and once you arrive, you’ll discover a mystical country home to welcoming locals and thriving expat communities, you’ll feel right at home in many of Thailand’s destinations.
One such city has undergone a much-needed transformation in a movement backed by locals and government agencies to alter its image from a dark tourism destination to an affordable, family-friendly getaway.
Bangkok has long been Thailand’s go-to urban sprawl for all types of travelers especially catering to the new craze of digital nomadism, but Pattaya may have a leg up with beautiful beaches, insanely cheap costs of living, and its own array of city delights.
Become Part Of Pattaya’s Overhaul
In one sense, Pattaya is a new destination as the beach city finds itself in the midst of a remodel.
In another sense, there is already a booming community of expats and nomads ready to welcome you to this cheap cultural city, removing itself from its past reputation as a 24/7 party town where things get a little out of hand, shall we say?
According to Pattaya Mail, in an attempt to become more palatable for 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 present expatriates.
Not every digital nomad would’ve been drawn to all-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 lure in more digital nomads to feel just as comfortable here as they would in Bangkok, except Pattaya has beautiful beaches and immediate access to stunning islands for day trips.
Pattaya is about as nomad-friendly as it gets. Expect dirt-cheap living costs such as $500 high-rise apartments, delicious street food for less than what you’d pay for a Starbucks coffee, tuk-tuk rides, and easy-to-obtain visas for long-term stays, which obviously applies for all of Thailand.
What’s Pattaya Like Now?
Don’t get it twisted. Pattaya is still a major nightlife destination, but it’s no longer the main attraction. Known as “Walking Street,” it’s full at all hours, and there’s never a dull moment for people-watching.
But there’s no obligation to spend the majority of your time here. The same way you may visit Amsterdam and may witness many activities putting tourists on Santa’s naughty list – it’s simply 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; there are plenty of new attractions and former hidden gems being brought to light.
Pattaya is home to traditional floating markets, buzzing night markets, and rumors of the city’s first-ever casino.
But what gets lost in Pattaya’s developing reputation is it’s truly a gorgeous beach city, as it’s equally relaxing and energetic, especially with quick ferries to islands such as Koh Larn and Koh Samet.
Of course, the most notable beach is easiest to remember – Pattaya Beach. Home to the city’s most photo-worthy attraction, the unfinished marvel, the Sanctuary of Truth.
While digital nomads don’t often spend a lot of their time at resorts, if there were ever a place to do it, it’s gotta be Pattaya, with many as low as the $30s like Cholchan Pattaya Beach Resort.
How Long Can Digital Nomads Stay In Pattaya?
Most notable names in Thailand are well-equipped to welcome digital nomads, and Pattaya is no different.
There are numerous foreigner-friendly cafes and modern co-working spaces like top-rated Grind Time throughout the city.
But how long can you stay? Americans can actually stay in Thailand for two months visa-free with an option to extend it to another 30 days, but those seeking to stay longer will need to dive into Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa.
If approved, you can stay for six months. However, income requirements are a bit steep at $80,000 minimum, but you would live like absolute royalty if you hit the mark.
Furthermore, Thailand now requires travel authorization (free of charge) from all American visitors.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.
