Phuket according to Nat & Rob
Phuket is the perfect spot for nomads that want to be close to nature. The island encompasses a diverse range of landscapes from lush rainforests and mountainous terrain to beautiful beaches. The summer season is perfect for diving, snorkeling, or going on boat trips to small islands nearby. During the rainy season, you can surf on the west coast of Phuket at the stunning Kata Beach, Surin Beach, and Kamala. Our favorite areas to live in are Wichit or Kathu. Just a short walk from Phuket old town, with access to supermarkets, shops, and a huge variety of restaurants. Even from there, you can easily reach several beaches in less than 25 mins by car. Phuket has all the amenities of a medium-to-large city combined with a relaxed island vibe. You’re never too far from the island’s lush, tropical rainforests with diverse flora and fauna.
Phuket is overflowing with great cuisine. We really love the food here! Our fave Thai dishes are Penang Curry, Kua Kling (a very spicy dish), prawns with tamarind sauce, and fish in red curry sauce. Everything we tried at No. 6 Restaurant was delicious. For international options, check out Juicy Lucy Burger for the best burger in town. Kopitiam by Wilai serves delicious Hokkien noodles. We highly suggest trying local thai food from street vendors - you can’t find them on Google Maps, but you’ll discover amazing spots if you go to the night markets.
Apart from surfing, hiking and exploring the island, the island is great for different sports. This includes several well-equipped gyms, Muay Thai training, yoga studios and more. Check out the area around Rawai beach where many of these activities are located. They also have a good selection of coworking spaces with a good internet connection - freelancers can go straight from your work meeting to surfing or a yoga session. In general, coworking is very popular here and will help you find your community. Some of our other favorite spots to work in Phuket are HOMA Coliving, Campus Coffee Roasters, Comfee Phuket, and RestDay Cycling & Cafe.
Phuket is a great destination for remote workers and digital nomads. There are several condos here with great facilities, plenty of places to work comfortably, and an international airport. It also feels quite safe here. Phone coverage is really good across the whole island, and most of the coffee shops have great Wifi. The digital nomad community and Facebook groups in the area are active and growing, with different events organized throughout the week. It’s easy to get to know the locals here. As a general rule of thumb, this interaction often depends on how much the digital nomads are willing to learn about local culture, if they make an effort to learn the language, and if they’re friendly with the locals. The older generations in Phuket don’t speak English, but are welcoming if you know at least a few words and greetings. With many parties happening daily and most locals and expats hanging out at the beach, it’s easy to meet people and join activities.
"Amenities of a large city combined with a relaxed island vibe"
Thailand really offers great value for travelers. With that said, your cost of living will depend on your lifestyle. On the lower end, you can find accommodation options for around $200 USD, which is more affordable than most digital nomad destinations. Street food is very affordable, at about $1.50 per meal, and a local bus ticket costs just over a dollar. A small but modern and comfortable with fast internet 1-bed apartment can be found for about $425-450 per month. A meal in a dine-in restaurant is about $6, and gym membership costs about $60. With many options for nightlife, most drinks will cost you around $10. We rent scooters in Phuket because it’s the best way to beat the traffic. If you want to rent a motorbike, the rental prices range from about $90-200. Keep in mind that you’ll need an international driver’s license here. You’ll be fined if you’re caught without it, especially in cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. The same goes for drivers not wearing helmets! Public transportation exists but is rather limited. Taxis are pretty notorious for scams, so GrabTaxi, Bolt, and inDrive are the best alternatives.
There are a lot of options for long-term stay and nomadic families. There are several international schools on the island. Laguna Phuket is very popular with families, along with the private communities in the Chalong/Rawai area. While they don’t have a digital nomad visa, they offer an LTR (Long Term Residency) visa that is valid for 10 years. For most nomads, a tourist visa will be enough. Another option for longer stays is the area around Surin beach. With a relaxed vibe and great hotels, hostels and well-equipped Airbnbs, it’s just a short ride away from Boat Avenue/Laguna Phuket where you’ll find great restaurants and shopping areas. Overall, Phuket's combination of natural beauty and modern infrastructure offers a high quality of life for an affordable cost of living.
City guide
