8 Best Places in Asia for Digital Nomads

A few years ago, I put my career as a dentist on hold, grabbed my laptop, and started working remotely as a digital nomad.

Out of all the places I’ve lived, Asia has been the one that really stuck with me. It’s cheap enough to live well, packed with digital nomad communities, and the culture and nature are just... Unreal.

This isn’t a random Google list. It’s my real take on the best (and not-so-best) places I’ve actually worked from. Let's dive in!

My Experience in Asia as a Digital Nomad

I spent about 5+ months living across Asia, and it honestly changed the way I look at the nomad lifestyle. What felt like luxuries back home quickly became normal here. I could rent a nice apartment without stressing about money, grab a meal for just a few dollars, and get around on a scooter that cost less than my daily coffee back in Europe. Life just felt easier.

What I loved most, though, was the community. Wherever I landed, there always seemed to be other nomads around, working from cafés, setting up in coworking spaces, or just hanging out at meetups. It made finding connections feel effortless, even if it was just for a few weeks at a time. And the rhythm of life in Asia is something that really stuck with me. Even in busy cities, there’s this slower, more mindful pace that pulls you in and makes you live in the moment without even realizing it.

That said, it wasn’t always perfect. The Wi-Fi wasn’t always reliable once you stepped out of the main hubs, and sometimes the constant goodbyes wore me down. It’s easy to meet people, but it’s harder to keep them in your life when everyone’s on the move. And I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of food poisoning and days when the chaos of travel felt heavier than the freedom.

But despite all that, Asia completely won me over. The nature is unreal: beaches, rice fields, temples, volcanoes, coral reefs... Everywhere you go, there’s something that makes you stop and think, wow, I get to live here, even if just for a while. For me, the good far outweighed the bad, and it’s a part of the world I know I’ll keep coming back to.

8 Best Digital Nomad Places in Asia

1. Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta doesn’t get as much hype as Phuket or Koh Samui, and that’s exactly what makes it special. This long, laid-back island is all about endless beaches, movie-worthy sunsets, and a slower pace that makes it easy to get work done.

The nomad scene here is strong, thanks in part to KoHub, one of Thailand’s most popular coworking spaces. When you’re not working, it’s all about scooter rides along the coast, afternoons on Long Beach or Klong Nin, and a mix of snorkeling, yoga, or just watching the sun drop into the sea.

Tourist crowds are minimal, but you’ll find a warm, international community of fellow nomads and expats who make settling in feel effortless.

2. Amed, Bali (Indonesia)

On Bali’s north coast, Amed feels like a different world compared to busy Canggu or Ubud. Life moves slower here. It’s a place where you wake up to ocean views, see Mount Agung glowing at sunset, and spend your afternoons diving or just hanging out by the beach.

You won’t find coworking spaces on every corner, but most cafés and guesthouses have good Wi-Fi. I still kept a portable hotspot around just in case. This isn’t the place for endless networking events, and it’s better suited if you want quiet time for your own projects or just a break from the chaos.

Stay in central Amed if you want to be close to the action, or check out Melasti for good food and a bit more comfort.

3. Lombok, Indonesia

Just an hour by ferry from Bali, Lombok feels like Bali’s quieter sibling, the kind of place people say Bali used to be 20 years ago. Think untouched beaches, empty roads, and way fewer tourists.

Most nomads base themselves in the south around Kuta, Lombok. You’ll find cafés with good Wi-Fi, a few solid coworking spaces, and plenty of surf and yoga spots. On your days off, you can hop between beaches like Tanjung Aan or Selong Belanak, or, if you’re up for a challenge, trek Mount Rinjani.

Accommodation is easy to find around central Kuta, and honestly, nothing is ever too far, everything’s a short scooter ride away!

4. George Town, Penang (Malaysia)

George Town is one of those places that wins people over fast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s packed with colorful shophouses, street art, and hands down one of the best food scenes in Asia. Thanks to the city’s mix of Indian and Chinese influences, every meal feels like a new discovery (don’t miss the hawker stalls at Gurney Drive!)

For nomads, George Town checks a lot of boxes: fast internet, plenty of modern cafés, and a growing number of creative spaces to work from. Malaysia also makes it easy to stay longer, with 90-day entry for many nationalities.

The cost of living is affordable, but the lifestyle is high quality. If you base yourself in the city center, you’ll save on transport since most things are within walking distance.

5. Weligama, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is often called the “tear of India,” and once you get here, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with it. The south coast is where most nomads end up, and Weligama is right at the heart of it. You’ll find beach cafés with good Wi-Fi, coworking spaces that look straight out at the ocean, and a fun mix of surfers and remote workers.

One of the best things here is the coliving scene. There are plenty of places where you get your own space but also have a built-in community, way less isolating than an Airbnb.

Day-to-day life is simple and slow. Mornings might start with yoga or a surf, then work by the beach, and evenings hanging out with locals and nomads. On weekends, most people rent scooters and head off to explore more of the coast.

6. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of those cities that somehow feels futuristic and deeply traditional at the same time. You’ll be walking past neon-lit skyscrapers one minute, and quiet old temples the next.

The internet here is honestly ridiculous. Every time I ran a speed test, I just laughed: it’s that fast. Probably the most connected city you could work from, which makes it a digital nomad’s dream.

Most nomads hang around Yeonnam-dong, a laid-back neighborhood with plenty of cafés to work from. When you need a change of pace, you can hop over to Gangnam for a totally different vibe. If you’re sticking around longer, there are plenty of coliving options built for nomads.

Seoul is beautiful year-round, but spring is extra special when the cherry blossoms bloom (though you’ll be sharing the view with lots of tourists). Getting around is easy: public transport is spotless, fast, and takes you literally anywhere.

7. Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan first caught my attention when I heard about their digital nomad visa, and after spending time in Taipei, I totally get the hype. The city strikes this great balance between modern energy, easy access to nature, and a deep sense of culture.

As a nomad, it’s easy to settle in here. The internet is lightning-fast, cafés and coworking spaces stay open late, and the city has a constant buzz without ever feeling too overwhelming. Food is a huge part of life: don’t miss the Shilin Night Market, even if some of the dishes might push you out of your comfort zone. For views, hiking up Elephant Mountain is a classic, and absolutely worth it.

Getting around couldn’t be easier. The metro is spotless, safe, and straightforward, and traveling around the rest of Taiwan is just as smooth.

8. Phuket, Thailand

Most people think of Phuket as a party island, but it’s so much more than nightlife. For nomads, it’s this great mix of reliable internet, amazing beaches, and a comfortable, easygoing lifestyle.

One of Phuket’s big perks is its international airport. You can fly almost anywhere in Asia, plus Europe and Oceania, without a hassle. It makes a great base if you like to travel often.

Day-to-day life is smooth: plenty of cafés with fast Wi-Fi, gyms, and beaches just minutes away. Phuket is a big island, but my favorite area is Bang Tao. It’s quiet, community-focused, and full of great restaurants and beach clubs where you can literally work with your feet in the sand.

If you want more action, Patong is only about 20 minutes away by scooter, but you don’t have to deal with its chaos every day. Other spots worth checking out: Banana Beach for total peace and turquoise water, Kata and Karon for surfing and nightlife, and Old Phuket Town for its colorful colonial buildings and artsy cafés.

Where Should You Go First?

There isn’t one “best” place in Asia, and it really depends on what you’re after.

If you want to land somewhere with a ready-made nomad community, Koh Lanta is a solid pick.

If you’d rather slow down and be closer to nature, you’ll probably fall for Amed or Lombok. And if a mix of city life, history, and amazing food sounds more like you, George Town is tough to beat.

The great thing about Asia is how easy it is to move around. Flights are relatively cheap, the distances aren’t huge, and every place feels completely different. Start somewhere, see how it feels, and don’t be afraid to move on!

Ready to Live in Asia as a Digital Nomad?

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