A growing number of people are traveling the world while continuing to work jobs remotely. It’s an opportunity to satisfy one’s wanderlust, while continuing to progress one’s career and earn an income.
Asia’s buzzing cities are often at the top of people’s travel bucket lists, and many of these cities are well-suited to the digital nomad lifestyle – offering fast internet connections, cheap accommodation and an array of co-working spaces. Below are 10 of the best Asian cities to consider as a digital nomad.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why travel here:
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a charming mix of ancient temples and vibrant night markets. It also has a lot of nature on its doorstep (including the opportunity to see waterfalls and Asian elephants!).
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Chiang Mai has a slower pace than Bangkok that is more suitable for remote working, while also being more affordable. It has a particularly good selection of cafes and co-working spaces, which has helped it become a well-known hub for digital nomads.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Why travel here:
Malaysia’s capital is a melting pot of cultures – which results in an exciting range of festivals and some fantastic cuisine. It’s home to modern architectural wonders like the 1,483 ft Petronas Towers, as well as historic religious pilgrimage sites like the Batu Caves.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
English is widely spoken throughout Kuala Lumpur and the infrastructure is very modern making it easy to get from A to B. It has a thriving cafe culture too, and its short-stay apartments are good value for money.
Seoul, South Korea
Why travel here:
Seoul is a perfect example of old-meets-new – a contrast of futuristic districts and hanok villages. Explore centuries-old royal buildings like Gyeongbokgung Palace by day and soak up the party atmosphere in Hongdae and Gangnam at night.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Sporting ultra-fast internet and an array of late night cafes, the South Korean capital is well catered to digital nomads. By taking advantage of luggage storage Seoul, you can get to work as soon as you arrive and explore the cafes.
Taipei, Taiwan
Why travel here:
An often overlooked destination, Taipei is home to unique attractions such as the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101. You’ll also find some of the best street food in Asia here, as well as the option to enjoy mountain hikes and hot springs nearby.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
There are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes to choose from in Taipei – especially in the built-up Da’an district – and the internet is reliable. It’s a very modern city that is safe and easy to get around.
Canggu, Indonesia
Why travel here:
Located in Bali, this bohemian beach town attracts an interesting mix of tourists from yoga enthusiasts to surfers. Enjoy rice-field sunsets, trendy beach bars, Balinese cooking classes and the chance to temple-hop around Bali.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Canggu offers the opportunity to work from cafes overlooking the sea, while being able to explore a range of accommodation options from private rentals to hostels. It’s a well-trodden nomad destination where you’ll find many fellow creatives and professionals.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Why travel here:
Da Nang offers beautiful sandy beaches and an exciting food scene. Popular attractions include the caves and Buddhist temples of the Marble Mountains and the impressive Dragon Bridge fire show (which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be more popular for Vietnamese city breaks, Da Nang has a calmer vibe that is more suitable for remote working. It also has a growing eco-system of cafes and co-working spaces with spectacular coffee.
Osaka, Japan
Why travel here:
Osaka is renowned as the ‘kitchen of Japan’ for its incredible cuisine, while also sporting historic sites like Osaka Castle and some of the best nightlife in Japan. It’s also well-positioned for day trips to Nara and Kyoto.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Many digital nomads are drawn to the abundance of cafes in Osaka – which includes traditional coffee shops and cute kawaii-themed cafes. The city is also mildly less expensive than Tokyo, while also being less hectic.
Shanghai, China
Why travel here:
Shanghai’s skyline feels straight out of a sci-fi movie, and yet the Chinese metropolis also has a historic side that includes attractions like The Bund and Yuyuan Garden. It’s also an adventure for the tastebuds, boasting modern Michelin-star restaurants and traditional teahouses.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Being a business capital, Shanghai is a popular destination for networking. It has many cafes that you can work from with reliable internet (although it’s worth noting that some online services are restricted throughout China, which is something to plan for before you go).
Anjuna, India
Why travel here:
Located in the touristy Goa region of India, Anjuna offers a blend of beautiful beaches and wild nightlife (which includes clubs, bars and night markets). Its architecture and cuisine is an unusual mixture of Indian and Portuguese influences.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Anjuna has become a popular retreat for digital nomads of the last couple decades, and you can now find many fiber-connected cafes and co-working spaces throughout the city. It’s not as noisy and chaotic as some other Indian cities, making it easier to get around and concentrate on work while out and about.
Dubai, UAE
Why travel here:
Finally, it’s worth noting Dubai. This glamorous desert city has become renowned for its jaw-dropping architecture – including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab – as well as its expansive mall which contains 1200 shops, an aquarium and an ice rink.
Why it’s good for digital nomads:
Although the cost of living here is high, Dubai makes up for this with top-tier infrastructure – including ample co-working spaces and cafes with wi-fi. It’s also an excellent city for networking due to hosting many international business events.
