Thailand, one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia, attracts countless digital nomads from around the world with its rich culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and friendly people. For digital nomads, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are undoubtedly the two most popular destinations. Both cities offer distinct differences in lifestyle, work environment, community atmosphere, and cost of living. In this article, we will compare the digital nomad co-living experience in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, providing a guide to help you choose the city that best suits your needs as a digital nomad.
Oltchangai
The co-working spaces in Chiang Mai are not only equipped with efficient office facilities but also place a strong emphasis on comfort and community. These spaces are designed to blend with the natural environment, offering spacious outdoor work areas and relaxation zones, making them ideal for digital nomads who need creative inspiration and flexible working hours. Here are some highlights from Ben & Eloise’s video “Alt Chiang Mai Review with Coliving and Coworking Space Tour!”:
“We’re now at Oltchangai, a place that combines co-living and co-working spaces. First, let me introduce you to B Goose Cafe, where they offer coffee and snacks. I tried the smoothies there, and they were great, plus residents get a discount.
There are various work areas to choose from, including quiet work zones. Building A has a communal kitchen, accessible with a fingerprint system. The breakfast area offers a wide variety of toast, pastries, and fruit every morning. They also have an oven, which is rare in Thailand, making it very convenient if you enjoy baking. My friend Bill baked here, and although finding the necessary ingredients was a bit challenging, he still managed to do it.
The rooftop area is equipped with yoga mats and some fitness equipment like TRX, and they offer yoga classes and other activities. Every Monday, they hold a family meeting where everyone living here comes together to suggest and plan activities for the week, creating a very friendly and social atmosphere.”
In The Coliving Insider’s video “The BEST COLIVING Space in Asia? Alt Chiang Mai Review,” it is mentioned:
“If you’re considering staying in a co-living space, you don’t necessarily have to be extroverted. In fact, many people living here are quite introverted. There’s a rich schedule of activities every day, like morning yoga and family meetings, so you can participate in two or three activities daily without the pressure to socialize—activities themselves facilitate interaction, which is one of the reasons I like it here.”
About Costs
“Overall, we paid £653, which is approximately 29,300 THB. Although it slightly exceeded our budget, the price is reasonable if you’re working here. Additionally, they offer discounts based on the length of your stay, with discounts for stays longer than two weeks and over 30 days.”
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its tranquil pace of life and charming natural scenery. Compared to Bangkok, life in Chiang Mai is more relaxed and comfortable. The co-living spaces here are often nestled in lush mountains or near the ancient city, providing an ideal living environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
According to The Coliving Insider’s video “The BEST COLIVING Space in Asia? Alt Chiang Mai Review“:
“In summary, I highly recommend this place. Whether you’re single, a couple, or traveling alone, it’s a great fit. It’s especially suitable for solo travelers because it’s easy to make new friends here. If you don’t enjoy staying in hostels or engaging in social activities daily, this place is definitely an ideal choice. During the day, you can focus on work, and in the evening, you can participate in social activities, achieving a perfect balance between work and life.”
Reasons for Recommendation:
“ALT’s community is excellently managed by its owner John and his team. They hold a family meeting every Monday, where everyone gathers to get to know each other, plan the week’s activities, and suggest participation. This makes it very easy to build relationships and get to know locals, allowing you to spend time in an environment full of exceptional people.”
About the Family Stay Experience:
“I stayed at ALT with my family—my parents and sister—and it worked out very well. We found a balanced lifestyle where we could enjoy family time together, integrate into the community, and still have our own activities and independent lives. Whether working, walking, or exploring, ALT is an ideal co-living space for many digital nomads.”
About the Work Environment:
“This place is not only beautiful, clean, and comfortable but also excellently located, with a great co-working space. It’s a perfect place to get into a productive working state. What impressed me the most was the community atmosphere. From day one, I felt very welcomed and included. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with other residents of the co-living space or those using the co-working space. ALT and the residents organize a variety of activities, and there’s always something happening. During Christmas, for instance, there was a Secret Santa event, which was unforgettable. I highly recommend ALT to anyone looking for a great workspace with a strong community. My experience here left me with wonderful memories, and I made many friends whom I know I’ll stay in touch with and might even meet again elsewhere in the world.”
Conclusion
When choosing between Bangkok or Chiang Mai as your digital nomad base, you need to weigh your lifestyle, work needs, and budget. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, rich social activities, and diverse cultures, Bangkok is undoubtedly your best choice. Conversely, if you prefer a tranquil natural environment and seek inner peace and close-knit community relationships, Chiang Mai will be an ideal destination.
No matter which city you choose, Thailand will offer you a unique digital nomad experience, helping you find the perfect balance between work and life.
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