As digital nomads, the choice of where to live and work can significantly impact our lifestyle and finances. In this article, we dive into the benefits and differences of being a digital nomad in Thailand versus Vietnam in 2025. Both countries have long been iconic destinations for digital nomads, but they offer unique vibes, lifestyles, and practicalities that can influence your decision. So, whether you're deciding between the two or just curious about the current scene, let's explore these two incredible countries for remote work.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is often the most important factor for digital nomads. After all, if you're traveling long-term or building a sustainable nomadic lifestyle, your budget matters a lot. Thailand has a reputation for being affordable, especially in places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket. In 2025, the cost of living in Thailand remains budget-friendly, particularly if you choose to live outside the touristy areas.
- Accommodation: In Chiang Mai or nomadic hubs like Pai, you can find decent one-bedroom apartments or co-living spaces starting from around $300 to $500 per month. In Bangkok or Phuket, expect to pay between $500 to $1,000 depending on the area.
- Food: Street food is a highlight in Thailand, with delicious meals costing about $1 to $2 at local food stalls. Dining at upscale restaurants will range between $5 to $10 per meal.
Now, let's compare this to Vietnam. Generally, Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand in most areas, especially food and daily expenses.
- Accommodation: You can find affordable apartments or shared housing in cities like Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, or Hanoi for around $250 to $450 a month, with more modern options costing $500 to $700.
- Food: Street food in Vietnam is incredibly cheap, with meals often costing as little as $1 to $2. Dining at mid-range restaurants is around $3 to $6.
In short, daily living expenses in Vietnam tend to be lower, while Thailand offers a variety of accommodations across different price brackets, especially in larger cities.
Internet & Connectivity
For digital nomads, having fast and reliable internet is essential for productivity. In Thailand, the internet infrastructure is solid, especially in big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where you can access fast fiber optic internet in most co-working spaces and cafes, typically around 100 megabytes per second. However, in more rural areas like Pai or smaller islands, you might experience slower connections.
On the other hand, Vietnam has been improving its internet infrastructure, particularly in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. You can expect similar speeds of around 100 megabytes per second in co-working spaces and cafes. However, Vietnam stands out for its affordable mobile data packages, making it a great option if you rely on mobile hotspots for flexibility.
Both Thailand and Vietnam are strong contenders for internet reliability, but Vietnam may have the edge if you're looking for cheaper mobile data plans or if you plan to spend time in remote areas.
Lifestyle & Community
The lifestyle and community aspects are crucial when considering where to live as a digital nomad. Thailand's digital nomad scene is well-established, particularly in Chiang Mai, which has been a hub for years. Here, you'll find a thriving community of nomads and freelancers working together in cafes or co-working spaces.
Chiang Mai is perfect for those seeking a low-key environment surrounded by beautiful nature. Bangkok offers a cosmopolitan vibe, while Phuket is ideal for those wanting a mix of work and beach life.
In comparison, Vietnam's digital nomad community is growing rapidly, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. These cities are vibrant and bustling with energy. Ho Chi Minh City is a massive urban hub with a fast-paced entrepreneurial vibe, while Da Nang offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a coastal lifestyle.
While Thailand's community is more established, Vietnam's scene is quickly catching up. Both countries offer numerous co-working spaces, but Thailand generally has more established amenities. Lifestyle-wise, Thailand's beaches, tropical weather, and wellness culture are hard to beat, whereas Vietnam has a dynamic feel with younger locals embracing the digital nomad culture.
Visa & Legalities
Visa options are a crucial consideration for digital nomads. In Thailand, the government has recently launched a digital nomad visa (DTV Visa) that allows you to stay in the country for up to five years, provided you meet certain income requirements and prove that you're working remotely. However, the income thresholds may be higher compared to Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the situation is a bit more complicated. As of 2025, Vietnam does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Many nomads rely on tourist visas, which can be extended, or business visas if they run a local entity. While the visa process isn't as straightforward as Thailand's, Vietnam still offers affordable visas and the ability to stay longer, especially for those hopping around Southeast Asia.
Travel & Exploration
Both Thailand and Vietnam offer incredible travel opportunities, but the experiences differ. Thailand is renowned for its stunning beaches, islands, and mountain towns, such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, and Ko Lanta. The country's well-developed infrastructure makes traveling easy and affordable.
In Vietnam, the travel experience is more off the beaten path. Northern areas like Hanoi and Sapa are known for lush landscapes, while Ha Long Bay is famous for its stunning scenery. The Central Coast has hidden gems like Hoi An and the Mekong Delta offers a completely different experience compared to Thailand.
In summary, both Thailand and Vietnam provide amazing opportunities for digital nomads in 2025 and beyond, but your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences.
Final Thought
Choosing between Thailand and Vietnam as a digital nomad in 2025 can be a tough decision. Both countries offer unique advantages and challenges. We personally settled in Thailand because we love the people, food, culture, and overall-vibe. However, Vietnam will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we may return one day.
Ultimately, whether you choose Thailand or Vietnam, both destinations have something incredible to offer. So, grab your laptop, explore your options, and enjoy the nomadic lifestyle!
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Visit our YouTube channel Lloyd and Mandy to find more about our travels.