I spent my first month as a digital nomad in Bali, typing away on my balcony with views of volcanoes in the distance and the hum of cicadas as my soundtrack. A year later, I was working from cafés in Chiang Mai that smelled like fresh mango sticky rice while scooters zipped past outside. Southeast Asia has this rare blend of affordability, fast Wi-Fi, and culture that makes it addictive for remote workers.
But here’s the thing: the hotspots keep shifting. What was buzzing five years ago might feel overrun today, while new beach towns and underrated cities are quietly turning into nomad havens. In 2025, I’ve noticed a different energy pulsing through the region…some places are refining their coworking culture, others are just starting to pop onto the map. If you’re chasing sunshine, community, and inspiration, these are the spots you’ll want on your radar right now.
Best Digital Nomad Hotspots in Southeast Asia
Are you ready to discover the best digital nomad hotspots in Southeast Asia? This ultimate guide is your first step to finding the perfect places to live and work in this dynamic part of the world. From the temple-dotted Chiang Mai to the bustling hub of Singapore, here’s my list of the exciting spots for digital nomads in Southeast Asia.
1. Ubud
Ubud is still the poster child for digital nomad life, and honestly, I get why every time I visit. The rice terrace views from coworking spaces like Hubud are genuinely incredible – you’re literally working with Instagram-worthy scenery right outside your window. Indonesia finally launched their E33G Remote Worker Visa in 2024, but most nomads are still using the B211A visa, which gets you 60 days initially and can be extended twice for a total of 180 days.
When I was there last, I found decent places in Ubud for around $400-800 per month now (prices have definitely crept up). Hubud is still the go-to coworking space – day passes are about $12 and monthly memberships around $65. The community vibe is unreal, and you’ll meet people from literally everywhere. What I love about Ubud is how it balances work and wellness perfectly. You can knock out your morning meetings, then hit a yoga class or explore temples in the afternoon. The food scene has exploded too – way more variety than just nasi goreng these days. Just know that it gets pretty touristy during peak season, and the internet can be spotty during heavy rains.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Bali That Feel Unreal
2. Bangkok
Bangkok hits different every time I visit – it’s this perfect mix of chaotic energy and digital nomad infrastructure that somehow just works. Thailand’s new DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) launched in 2024 is a game-changer for nomads. You get 5 years validity with 180-day stays that are extendable for another 180 days, and you just need to show 500,000 THB in savings (about $14,000).
Living costs have gone up a bit – expect $500-900 per month for decent places in areas like Sukhumvit or Silom. The Hive and Hubba are still killing it in the coworking scene, with day passes around $10 and monthly memberships from $80. What I really appreciate about Bangkok is the 24/7 energy – you can grab street food at 2 AM, find a late-night coworking session, or hit up rooftop bars when you need a break. The BTS makes getting around super easy, and honestly, the food scene is unmatched. Just avoid the rainy season (July-October) if you can – the flooding can be pretty intense and mess with your productivity.
3. Ho Chi Minh City
Every time I’m in Ho Chi Minh City, the energy is absolutely electric. This place is moving fast – new startups, tons of coworking spaces, and a tech scene that’s really taking off. Vietnam’s still working on their proposed Golden Visa (10 years!), but for now, the e-visa gets you 90 days with multiple entries, which is way better than the old system.
I’ve seen apartments in District 1 and District 3 ranging from $400-700 per month for nice spots. Dreamplex and The Hive Saigon are my go-to coworking spaces – The Hive costs about $9 per day or $108 monthly. What’s cool is that these spaces have a good mix of locals and expats, so you’re really plugged into the startup ecosystem. The coffee culture here is insane – Vietnamese coffee is obviously amazing, and you can work from cafes all day. Traffic is absolutely mental though, so factor in extra travel time. The food scene is incredible and cheap – you can eat well for $3-5 per meal if you’re hitting up street vendors.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam to Visit
4. Hanoi
Hanoi has this completely different vibe from Ho Chi Minh City – way more chill and cultural. Every time I walk through the Old Quarter, I’m blown away by how they’ve balanced preserving history with becoming super nomad-friendly. The visa situation is the same as HCMC, and living costs are actually a bit lower.
I’ve found great places in the Old Quarter and French Quarter for $300-600 per month. Toong and UP Co-working are solid choices – Toong runs about $8 per day or $110 monthly. What I love about Hanoi is the lake scene – Hoan Kiem Lake is perfect for morning walks before work, and there are tons of lakeside cafes. The street food here is legendary, and it’s way cheaper than the south. Winter can be pretty grim though – it gets cold and rainy, which surprised me the first time. The internet is reliable, but the language barrier is a bit more challenging than in HCMC if you’re dealing with landlords or admin stuff.
- Read next: Unique Restaurants in Hanoi
5. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur keeps surprising me with how modern and efficient everything is. The Petronas Towers never get old, but beyond the Instagram shots, this city has serious digital nomad infrastructure. Malaysia’s De Rantau digital nomad visa is in the works, but the MM2H visa and tourist visas work fine for now.
Living costs are reasonable – I’ve seen nice apartments in Bukit Bintang or KLCC for $500-800 per month. Common Ground and WORQ are my favorite coworking spaces – Common Ground charges about $15 per day or $150 monthly. The diversity here is incredible – Malay, Chinese, Indian influences everywhere, which means the food scene is absolutely mental. The public transport (LRT/MRT) actually works really well, which is refreshing compared to some other SEA cities. The only downside is the weather – it’s hot and humid year-round, and the afternoon thunderstorms can be intense.
- Read next: Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2025
- You may also like: Beautiful Places in Malaysia to Visit
6. Phuket
Phuket is where I go when I want the beach lifestyle without sacrificing work productivity. Thailand’s new DTV visa works here too, and the island has really stepped up its nomad game in the last few years. It’s pricier than mainland Thailand, but the quality of life is worth it.
Expect to pay $600-1,200 per month for decent places near the beach or in Patong/Kata. BeachHub and Garage Society are solid coworking options – Garage Society runs about $20 per day or $200 monthly. What’s amazing is finishing work and being on the beach within minutes. The sunset scenes are unreal, and there’s a good mix of party vibes and chill spots depending on what you’re after. The digital nomad community here is pretty established, with regular meetups and events. Downside is it can get really touristy and expensive during peak season, and monsoon season (May-October) can limit beach time.
- Read next: Best Places for Young Adults to Live
7. Penang
Penang, especially George Town, is one of those places that just feels right for long-term nomad life. The UNESCO heritage vibe is real, but it’s also got solid modern infrastructure. Malaysia’s visa options work the same as KL, and it’s way more affordable.
I’ve found great spots in George Town for $400-700 per month. @CAT is the main coworking space in town, and they’ve got a good community going. What makes Penang special is the food – seriously, some of the best hawker centers in Southeast Asia. The Duck Blood Curry Mee sounds gross but it’s incredible (trust me on this one). The island is small enough that you can explore everything on weekends, and it’s way less chaotic than KL or Bangkok. The challenge is that it can feel a bit small after a while, and options for coworking spaces are more limited than bigger cities.
8. Siem Reap
Siem Reap is where ancient history meets surprisingly good WiFi. Having Angkor Wat as your weekend office view never gets old. Cambodia’s e-visa system is straightforward, and business visas work for longer stays.
Living here is super affordable – I’ve seen nice places for $250-500 per month. The coworking scene is smaller but growing, with spaces like AngkorHub serving the community. What’s incredible about Siem Reap is how you can work normally during the day, then explore 800-year-old temples in the evening. The Apsara dance performances are genuinely beautiful and a perfect way to unwind after work. The expat community is tight-knit, which means you get to know people quickly. The downside is limited coworking options, and it can feel quiet compared to bigger cities – plus the hot season is brutal.
- Read next: Amazing Things to Do in Cambodia
9. Canggu
Canggu is where Bali’s surf culture meets laptop culture, and it works surprisingly well. The visa situation is the same as Ubud – B211A or the new E33G Remote Worker Visa. This place has exploded in popularity, so prices have definitely gone up.
Expect to pay $700-1,500 per month for places within walking distance of the beach. Dojo Bali is still the king of coworking spaces here – day passes are about $20, monthly memberships around $180. Nirvana is incredible if you want to combine work with wellness – they’ve got coworking space plus sauna, cold plunge, and yoga studios. The surf scene is obviously amazing, and you can literally work beachside at tons of cafes. The community is super international and entrepreneurial. Downside is it’s become pretty expensive and crowded, especially during peak season. Traffic between Canggu and Denpasar can be absolutely horrendous.
10. Singapore
Singapore is where you go when you want first-world everything but in Southeast Asia. It’s definitely the priciest option on this list, but the efficiency and quality of life are unmatched. Getting a work visa or long-term stay requires more planning, but tourist visas give you 90 days.
Living costs are serious – expect $1,800+ per month for decent places in areas like Marina Bay or Tiong Bahru. The Hive, JustCo, and WeWork are everywhere, with day passes around $25-35. What’s incredible about Singapore is that everything just works – public transport, internet, healthcare, everything. Gardens by the Bay is genuinely mind-blowing, and the food scene spans every cuisine you can imagine. It’s also perfectly positioned for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia. The challenge is obviously the cost – you can burn through money fast here, and it can feel a bit sterile compared to other SEA cities.
11. Da Nang
Da Nang has become one of my favorite hidden gems in Vietnam. It’s got this perfect balance of city amenities and beach life, without the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. The Golden Hands Bridge photos are everywhere for a reason – it’s genuinely stunning. Visa situation is the same as other Vietnam cities.
Living costs are great – I’ve found nice places with ocean views for $500-700 per month. Enouvo Space and DNES are solid coworking options, with monthly memberships starting around $60. What’s amazing is being able to work with mountain views, then hit the beach or explore the Marble Mountains after work. The expat community is growing but still feels intimate. The food scene is incredible and way less touristy than other Vietnamese cities. The challenge is fewer flight connections compared to Hanoi or HCMC, and it can feel quiet if you’re used to big city energy.
12. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai remains the OG digital nomad destination, and there’s a reason it’s maintained that reputation. The mountain setting is beautiful, the cost of living is unbeatable, and the community is incredibly established. Thailand’s DTV visa makes long-term stays much easier now.
I’ve seen great places in Nimmanhaemin (the main nomad area) for $400-600 per month. Punspace is the classic choice – day passes are about $12, monthly memberships around $100. Camp is another solid option with a good community vibe. What makes Chiang Mai special is the community – there are nomad meetups constantly, co-living spaces, and people who’ve been there for years. The old city with its temples and markets is genuinely charming, and the food scene is outstanding. Cool season (November-February) is perfect, but hot season can be brutal, and burning season (March-April) makes air quality pretty rough.
13. Langkawi
Langkawi is the wildcard option – an actual tropical island where you can work with your feet in the sand. Malaysia’s visa situation works the same as KL and Penang, and the duty-free status keeps costs reasonable.
You can find beachfront places for $500-900 per month, which is pretty incredible value for the location. Coworking options are limited – mostly working from cafes or shared spaces in hotels. What’s incredible about Langkawi is the natural beauty – you’re literally living on a tropical island with beaches, mangroves, and mountains. It’s super relaxed and perfect if you want to escape the city hustle. Renting a scooter and exploring hidden beaches is the best way to spend weekends. The challenge is limited coworking infrastructure, fewer direct flights, and it can feel isolating if you need constant social interaction. Internet can also be spotty compared to mainland options.
