11 Best Destinations in Southeast Asia for Digital Nomads

Working from exotic locales, sipping coconuts by day and coding away by night. If you're itching to embark on a Southeast Asian adventure while keeping your laptop humming, I’ve got you covered.

Brace yourself for a whirlwind tour of the best destinations in the region where digital nomads can thrive. Get ready to soak up the sun, munch on delicious street food, and plug into the vibrant nomad community.

Let's dive in.

This is what being a digital nomad in Southeast Asia is all about

1. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is more than just immaculate white sand beaches and turquoise waters. With its laid-back vibe and a growing number of coworking spaces, this island paradise offers a perfect blend of work and play. Spend your mornings hacking away at a beachside café, and reward yourself with an afternoon of snorkelling or exploring nearby islands. Plus, the pow-pow-pow nightlife scene provides ample opportunities for networking and unwinding with fellow digital nomads.

Co-working spaces: Coco Ville, Garage Society, Let’s Work, Nai Harn Space

Nomadlist score: 3.37 out of 5

Long boat in Phuket

Plenty of affordable day-trip options from Phuket

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Known as the digital nomad capital of Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai has become a magnet for remote workers from around the globe. This rapidly growing city offers a low cost of living, a welcoming community, and a plethora of affordable coworking spaces. With its gorgeous Buddhist temples, night markets, and delectable street food, Chiang Mai is the gold standard for work-life balance. Oh, and did I mention the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival? It's a sight to behold!

Co-working spaces: Alt_ChiangMai, Hub 53, Punspace, StarWork  

Nomadlist score: 3.67 out of 5

Chiang Mai Night Market

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Embrace your inner Eat, Pray, Love and head to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. This lush, serene town is a digital nomad's paradise, surrounded by rice terraces, tranquil temples, and an oversupply of yoga studios. Set up shop in one of the many coworking spaces nestled between the rice paddies. After work, treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage or take a mindful stroll through the famous Monkey Forest. Ubud truly embodies the perfect blend of work, relaxation, and spiritual awakening.

Co-working spaces: Outpost, Hubud

Nomadlist score: 3.6 out of 5

4. Penang, Malaysia

A fusion of cultures and flavours, Penang is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking a diverse and vibrant environment. Known as a food lover's paradise, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers an array of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. With its well-developed infrastructure and affordable cost of living, Penang is a melting pot for creative minds. Explore the colourful streets of Georgetown during breaks and marvel at the street art adorning the walls.

Co-working spaces: Common Ground, Settlements, Masco

Nomadlist score: 3.57 out of 5

5. Koh Phangan, Thailand

While Koh Phangan may be synonymous with its legendary Full Moon Party, this tropical island has more to offer than raw hedonism. Digital nomads seeking a quieter escape will find their slice of paradise around the Srithanu district. With its postcard-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters, and mellow atmosphere, Koh Phangan provides the perfect setting to focus on work projects during the day and rejuvenate with sunset yoga sessions by the beach.

Co-working spaces: BeacHub, Remote and Digital, Koh Space, Secret Place

Nomadlist score: 3.56 out of 5

Palm tree by the sea in Koh Phangan

Digital nomad-friendly accommodation by the sea

6. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Surf's up! If you're craving a bohemian beach town with a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Canggu is your spot. This hipster haven attracts a creative crowd with its surf breaks, trendy cafes, and buzzing coworking scene. Picture yourself riding waves in the morning and brainstorming ideas over an artisanal coffee in the afternoon. With its relaxed vibes and Instagram-worthy sunsets, Canggu is where work and leisure seamlessly intertwine.

Co-working spaces: Outpost, BWork, Tropical Nomad, Tribal, Zin Café, Mantra

Nomadlist score: 4.14 out of 5

Healthy food is easy to find in Canggu

7. Langkawi, Malaysia

Escape to the idyllic island of Langkawi, where sandy shores meet lush rainforests. As a duty-free paradise, Langkawi offers an affordable lifestyle for digital nomads… especially those that enjoy beer, wine or cocktails. Imagine waking up to drop-dead gorgeous ocean views, working remotely from charming beachside cafes, and treating yourself to duty-free shopping breaks. When you're ready for a break from work, explore the island's natural wonders, such as the legendary Pregnant Maiden Lake and Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Co-working spaces: Jetpack

Nomadlist score: 3.02 out of 5

8. Da Nang, Vietnam

Nestled along Vietnam's stunning central coast, Da Nang combines beachside bliss with a dynamic urban environment. This emerging digital nomad hotspot boasts a modern infrastructure, a growing startup scene, and a thriving expat community. Experience the best of both worlds as you work from sleek coworking spaces by day and savour delectable Vietnamese cuisine by night. Don't miss the iconic Dragon Bridge, which comes alive with a mesmerising display of lights at night.

Co-working spaces: Enouvo, DNC, Top Coworking Space, The Embassy

Nomadlist score: 3.37 out of 5

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The fast-paced capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a melting pot of cultures and a thriving hub for digital nomads. This cosmopolitan city offers a wealth of coworking spaces, networking opportunities, and a vast range of culinary delights. Explore the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, climb Batu Caves, dive into the lantern-lined street markets of Chinatown, and immerse yourself in the city's music and nightlife scene. Kuala Lumpur is where tradition meets modernity, making it an exciting base for remote work adventures.

Co-working spaces: WeWork, Colony, Sandbox, Common Ground

Nomadlist score: 3.54 out of 5

Batu Caves

10. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a city on the rise, attracting adventurous digital nomads seeking a unique experience. Dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of this humming metropolis while enjoying the affordable cost of living. From modern coworking spaces to riverside cafes, Phnom Penh offers a blend of productivity and exploration. Take a stroll along the scenic riverfront, visit the Royal Palace, and sample the flavours of Khmer cuisine during your downtime.

Co-working spaces: Factory, The Desk

Nomadlist score: 3.19 out of 5

11. Cebu, Philippines

Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is a tropical paradise that lures digital nomads with its famous beaches and warm hospitality. With a burgeoning startup ecosystem, Cebu provides ample opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Dive into the azure waters for a refreshing break or explore the boisterous local markets for a zesty taste of Filipino culture. Cebu effortlessly blends island life with urban conveniences, making it an ideal short-term destination for work and leisure.

Co-working spaces: Nomads Hub, KMC, The Company, Workplace Cafe

Nomadlist score: 3.39 out of 5

Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, embarking on thrilling adventures and exploring new horizons is an integral part of the lifestyle. However, amid the excitement, you must recognise the importance of safeguarding against unforeseen circumstances. That's where travel insurance comes in, my friend.

Believe me when I say it's a lifesaver.

For over a decade, travel insurance rescued me from unimaginable medical bills in foreign countries when disaster struck and provided understanding support in the moments when I needed it the most.

I now use SafetyWing and recommend their travel medical insurance to digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world. It’s easy to get a quote in seconds, and you only pay month-to-month for maximum flexibility.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

I can sleep easy knowing I’m covered for emergencies

How to Find Digital Nomad Accommodation

When it comes to digital nomad accommodation, opting for monthly rentals is the way to go. Not only do you get better pricing, but you also have the chance to settle in and truly experience a place. To find the perfect home away from home, I rely on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, and Coliving.

Digital nomad-friendly apartment in Thailand

Apartment with rooftop pool in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to Find a Coworking Space

The coworking scene has experienced some ups and downs during the pandemic, with many spaces, unfortunately, closing their doors. To find the latest and greatest coworking spots in your next Asian destination, do a fresh Google search. Web articles from a couple of years back might have outdated information. 3 reliable resources I turn to for coworking recommendations are Coworker, NomadList and Safety Wing's new hand-picked Coworking Collection.

Online Security for Digital Nomads

A reliable internet connection reigns supreme for digital nomads. But a hidden danger lurks in cafes, co-working spaces, hotels, airports and restaurants: unsecured public WiFi networks. Protect yourself from prying eyes and potential cyber threats with a reputable VPN. I recommend NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Don’t be a monkey. Use a VPN.

Banking for Digital Nomads

Access your funds anytime, anywhere with neobanks like Wise. Their user-friendly mobile app and competitive transaction fees make managing your finances a breeze. Take advantage of their "jars" feature to organise your money and effortlessly track your travel budget.

The Bottom Line

There you have it, fellow digital nomads, a tantalizing glimpse into some of the best destinations in Southeast Asia for remote work adventures. From the sandy shores of Phuket to the cultural oasis of Ubud, these enchanting places offer the perfect balance between work and exploration. 

So, grab your laptop, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to embark on a journey that will redefine the way you work and live.