Find Your Next Digital Nomad Basecamp

Explore handpicked destinations for remote work and adventure — from Bali to Bangkok. Stay productive, connected, and inspired.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a dynamic basecamp for digital nomads, offering ultra-modern coworking spaces, reliable WiFi, and a low cost of living. From bustling street markets to rooftop bars, the city blends productivity with vibrant urban energy. Its central location makes it a perfect travel hub for Southeast Asia, with easy access to neighboring countries.

Bali

Bali is a digital nomad paradise combining affordable living, stunning beaches, and vibrant coworking spaces. Whether you prefer the surf-friendly vibes of Canggu or the tranquil jungles of Ubud, Bali offers fast WiFi, a thriving remote work community, and endless opportunities for adventure and wellness.

Dubai

Dubai offers digital nomads a sleek blend of innovation, luxury, and global connectivity. With world-class coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and a vibrant expat community, it’s an ideal base for remote work. Enjoy everything from desert adventures to sky-high workspaces in iconic skyscrapers.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a digital nomad paradise combining modern city living, diverse culture, and vibrant coworking spaces. Whether you prefer the upscale energy of KLCC or the laid-back charm of Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur offers fast WiFi, a thriving remote work community, and endless opportunities for exploration, food, and convenience.

🌏 4 Countries I Don’t Recommend for Digital Nomads (2025 Edition)

Most people online will tell you about the cheapest countries for digital nomads. And while low cost of living is tempting, the truth is that cheap doesn’t always mean good for remote work.

Today, I’ll share four countries I don’t recommend as digital nomad bases in 2025. They’re amazing for short trips, but if you rely on your laptop for income, these destinations can cause stress, extra costs, and lost productivity.

Laos – Slow Internet & Limited Coworking

💻 Internet & Work – Internet speeds are slow and unreliable, especially outside Vientiane. Most cafes and guesthouses don’t support video calls or large uploads.
🏢 Coworking Spaces – Almost non-existent. Finding a dedicated workspace can be tricky.
🌿 Lifestyle – Perfect for a digital detox or backpacking, with waterfalls, slow-paced towns like Luang Prabang, and lush scenery.
❌ Why I Don’t Recommend – Great for travel, but unreliable infrastructure makes serious remote work frustrating.

Vietnam – Unstable Visas & Pollution

🌆 Cities & Culture – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang are vibrant, with amazing street food and culture.
🛂 Visa Challenges – The system changes frequently; long-term planning is difficult.
🌫️ Environment – Pollution in major cities can be tough for long stays.
⚡ Internet Issues – Government firewalls can block certain websites and apps unexpectedly.
❌ Why I Don’t Recommend – Fantastic for short visits, but unstable for long-term digital nomads.

Cambodia – Limited Infrastructure & Healthcare

🏯 Cultural Highlights – Siem Reap and Phnom Penh offer incredible history and friendly locals.
⚡ Infrastructure – Internet is inconsistent and power cuts are common.
🏥 Healthcare – Limited access; serious issues require travel abroad.
🔒 Safety – Scams and petty theft target foreigners in some areas.
❌ Why I Don’t Recommend – Cheap rent doesn’t make up for stress and lost productivity.

Philippines – Gorgeous But Unpredictable

🏝️ Natural Beauty – White sand beaches, islands, and vibrant culture make it a travel paradise.
💻 Internet & Work – Outside Manila and Cebu, connections are painfully slow and unstable.
⚡ Infrastructure – Frequent brownouts, unreliable transport, and natural disaster risk (typhoons, earthquakes).
❌ Why I Don’t Recommend – Amazing for holidays, but frustrating for consistent remote work.

✅ Conclusion – Choose Wisely for Remote Work

So while Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines are visually stunning and affordable, they come with major drawbacks for digital nomads:

• Unreliable internet 🌐

• Unstable visas 🛂

• Limited healthcare 🏥

• Infrastructure challenges ⚡

For long-term remote work, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and Dubai offer stable internet, thriving nomad communities, and smooth logistics — making your work-life balance much easier.

🌴Why Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai stand out in 2025:

Bali (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak)

• Reliable infrastructure for nomads: Plenty of coworking spaces ($150–$250/month) and cafés with fast Wi-Fi.

• Affordable cost of living: $1,200–$1,900 AUD/month for comfortable lifestyle.

• Nomad community: Large expat and remote worker networks, making networking and social life easy.

• Lifestyle & environment: Beaches, yoga, surf, wellness culture, and tropical climate.

• Easy travel around Asia: Flight hub to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond.

Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui)

• Stable internet & coworking: Bangkok and Chiang Mai are digital nomad hubs with hundreds of coworking spaces and cafes.

• Affordable lifestyle: $1,250–$1,850 AUD/month, with cheap street food and convenient transport.

• Visa flexibility: Long-stay visas for freelancers and remote workers available.

• Community & amenities: Active nomad meetups, gyms, wellness, and vibrant city life.

• Transport & connectivity: Easy internal travel and international flights.

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi)

• Great infrastructure: Fast internet, modern apartments, and efficient public transport.

• Affordable urban lifestyle: $1,300–$1,800 AUD/month for central living.

• Diverse culture & language: English widely spoken, making integration easy.

• Healthcare & safety: High-quality hospitals and relatively low crime.

• Gateway for Asia: Short flights to Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Dubai, UAE

• Top-notch infrastructure: Extremely reliable internet, coworking, and tech-friendly lifestyle.

• Safety & stability: Secure environment, strong law enforcement, and excellent healthcare.

• Global business hub: Great for networking, international clients, and scaling freelance or remote businesses.

• Lifestyle perks: Luxury experiences, malls, desert adventures, beaches.

• Visa & tax advantages: Nomad visa and zero income tax on personal earnings (depending on residency status).

✅ Key Takeaways

1. Reliable internet & coworking — critical for nomads.

2. Cost vs lifestyle balance — affordable enough to save, comfortable enough to enjoy.

3. Community & networking — meet other remote workers and build social life.

4. Safety & healthcare — reduces stress, especially for long-term stays.

5. Accessibility — flight hubs for easy regional travel.

Amazing travel guides! Helped me plan my trip to Bali perfectly. Highly recommend their services!

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