Are you a newbie solo traveler or digital nomad looking for a place that offers everything, close to the beach, with a routine and stability for a month?
In this blog, I will share my experience living in Phuket for a month, balancing work, nomad life, and enjoyment.
When I first landed in Phuket, Thailand, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was my first time in Southeast Asia, and I was about to spend a whole month exploring the island as a solo female traveler and digital nomad. What followed was an unforgettable adventure full of stunning landscapes, challenging hikes, and incredible experiences.
Here’s What I Will Be Covering:
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Where Do Digital Nomads Live in Phuket?
I decided to live in different parts of Phuket to get a feel for the island's diverse vibes. From the lively streets of Patong with its buzzing nightlife to the peaceful beaches of Nai Harn, each area had something unique to offer. Staying in local apartments helped me experience Phuket like a local and made each day feel like a new adventure. However, after spending one week in Rawai and one week in Kata Beach, I can see myself coming back to Phuket and living only in these two neighborhoods. They were so peaceful and quiet, and the majority of digital nomads indeed live in both areas, but mostly in Rawai. I highly recommend Rawai if you want nice cafes, good gyms, and beautiful beaches!!
Cost of Living in Phuket
Digital nomads and traveling freelancers will be thrilled to hear that the cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in most Western countries. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the main reasons why Thailand is such a popular destination for digital nomads. Nowadays, $1000 CAD a month is enough to cover basic accommodation, food, and other essential utilities. However, note that this does not include insurance, visa fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. If you would like to live more comfortably, you can do so for about $1,500 CAD a month. With a budget of up to $2,000 CAD, you can live well, covering most expenses with a bit extra for yourself.
Is Phuket Good for Digital Nomads?
The huge island of Phuket is home to many digital nomads, and for good reason. It’s the largest island in Thailand with a population of almost half a million. This island is perfect for those who want to move to a new country alone to work as a digital nomad. There are many digital nomads and world travelers in this part of the world, so you’ll be able to meet new people. This affordable island is the chosen destination for many digital nomads for several reasons. There is also an array of reasons why someone may not want to move to this island. We will outline both!
Phuket is one of the most popular options for digital nomads to move to and work from. The island has a lot of perks, beautiful beaches, and rich history. The cost of living is affordable, and you’ll never run out of things to do.
Co-Working Spots in Phuket
I only used one co-working space during my month in Phuket, spending the rest of the time exploring various cafes that fit my preferences. I sought out places with excellent coffee, beautiful views, vibrant crowds, and a cool atmosphere with engaging people.
As for the co-working space, I visited Let's Work for just one day using a day pass. It was super affordable at only 500 BAHT, which is about $18 CAD—a great deal, honestly.
Let's Work
Pros:
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Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand
For a detailed explanation of the visa process for digital nomads in Thailand, check out this helpful blog which explains it much better than I do.
EXTRA!!! My Top 3 Favorite Things I enjoyed doing as a Solo Traveler
Here are some activities I enjoyed as a solo traveler and digital nomad. These experiences allowed me to savor the freedom and joy of being on my own, making each moment even more special.
1. Hiking: One of my favorite activities was hiking through Phuket’s beautiful trails. The hike up to the Big Buddha was especially rewarding, offering stunning views of the island. Another great hike was to Khao Rang Hill, where I enjoyed panoramic views of Phuket Town. Each trail was a bit challenging, but the solitude and natural beauty made it all worth it.
2. Phi Phi Islands : Spending a weekend in Phi Phi Islands was incredibly thrilling. Seeing the clear waters of Maya Bay was simply stunning, and diving into the colorful coral reefs felt like entering another world. The islands' beauty and tranquility provided the perfect escape from Phuket’s busy streets. It was the ideal getaway for me, allowing time to reflect, enjoy, and be present. I felt grateful for the experiences and proud of the person I am becoming.
3. Old Town Café Hopping while working: Phuket’s Old Town is full of charming cafés where you can work and relax. Hopping from one café to another allowed me to experience the local culture while staying productive. Each café had its own unique vibe, making work feel less like a chore and more like a delightful exploration.
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