The New Popular Place for Nomads

According to a website called Nomad list.io the popular place where nomads go these days is Bangkok. However, a few months back, Canggu was on top of the list. It is definitely interesting to see the shift because once, Canggu was the dream place of many. Any nomads with decent income and even bootstrapping can go there and live relatively cheaper. These days, after Indonesia reopens their border, prices have gone up so much and many problems are existing within the island. It is no longer the place where you can live sustainably because some places are even as expensive as Europe. There have also been problems in the island recently with certain tourists from a certain country because of their behavior. It is certainly an interesting phenomenon to see a place that used to be on top for a while but now seems to be in decline. But really, what makes Bangkok on the rise and even Thailand once again in general?

It has been something that intrigued me. The digital nomads that I met in Thailand said that enjoyed the country. And I remember that the last time I was in Bali, a driver told me that Thailand is competing with Bali. But are they even in the same league these days? after coming to Thailand, I understand why it's a serious competition between the two.

Let me put some little fun trivia. Of course not many are like that but many I met share this same sentiment about the digital nomads. First of all, I think that a digital nomad doesn’t travel that often compared to the typical “tourist”. Many of them like to go out once in a while and spend the week working and the weekend going out if they choose to do so. Second of all, nomads with a bootstrap budget need to live cheaply instead of paying a higher amount of living expenses. It is truly easier if you have the currency advantage compared to the country that you’re living in/choosing. Third, I know that some bootstrapped entrepreneurj ust need basic things to live such as a place to stay, the internet and that’s about it. However, there are some who definitely need more especially if they’re already quite established. But what’s more important is that the basics are met. I have not visited any co-working spaces in Bangkok but it seems like the scene is just as lively as in Canggu. Except now, my favorite place in Canggu is closed down and I just haven't really found the place that I could actually vibe with.

Also, this is my evaluation based on living here for about three weeks now.

When it comes to accommodation, there are a variety of options from expensive condos to hostels. Even the hostels here aren't that bad. There are many to choose from depending on how you want it to be. For me, as long as it’s clean and doesn’t have bed bugs, I am really okay with that. So, you can either stay $50/day or $7/day. In comparison to Bali, you can certainly find it in some areas but certainly not in Canggu or most places where things are happening. In terms of quality, I have to say that I find Bangkok is a bit nicer, especially when it’s a hostel. In the past, Canggu was also nice- the hostel and airbnb were much more reasonable. However now, it's bit on the pricier side.

When it comes to the Internet, according to Business Mirror, Thailand is ranked above Indonesia which I definitely can tell a bit of the difference. I have yet to compare the prices but so far, I just top-up 100 baths which is equivalent to $4 and I have internet access for about a week. There are also many wifi spots that you can get for free if you use either AIS or True H in many spots, especially at the shopping mall. This is something that I didn’t find back home, especially in Bali. However, on that nomadlist, the internet speed in Canggu is faster than Bali, which is strange and perhaps that’s the right measure? But so far it’s pretty good and decent.

The freedom of doing things in Thailand is definitely a bit more free than, say, Bali. That is in terms of now, after covid you have to be vaccinated to enter the country but in thailand, they welcome people regardless of vaccination status. Their visa is also much longer than what Indonesia would give, which is 45 days with Indonesia only giving 30 days.

If you are a regular weed consumer, Thailand is definitely a paradise for you. Compared to other neighboring countries, Thailand is the oasis in the middle of drug wars and strictest drug laws on earth. However, if you wish to visit other countries, just make sure that you remember that cannabis stays in Thailand.

Now when it comes to food, it is a bit tricky. If you enjoy eating beef, it's going to be challenging and that is more expensive than pork and chicken which can be found in abundance.

I think that Canggu is most suited if you already have established business these days. If you are crypto folks, they are one of the best places to go but if you are not, maybe try to reconsider. I have to stay because I see differences but to me, maybe it’s the novelty of Bangkok that really captivated me and because it’s also a gateway to visit many countries in Indochina. However, I find many conveniences living here and it's on my rose colored glasses.

There are also people who comes from a more develop countries that finds Bangkok chaotic and are not pedestrian friendly. According to some of them, getting around is also difficult. The thing is, many of them that said like that haven't been to places like Jakarta. I heard Manila is even SEA hardcore mode. This is why, for me and other people from region of SEA thinks it's a little paradise.