Southeast Asia has become one of the premier places for digital nomads thanks to the surge of remote working. Bali, Chiang Mai, and Da Nang, however, are becoming a more crowded place, and the price of rentals are also on the rise. This has led to a shift in where more and more professionals are choosing to live, as well as work, to enjoy a more peaceful and tranquil life, with greater work-life balance and affordable housing, while enjoying a reliable internet connection.
Luckily, Vietnam and Malaysia have several lesser known towns that offer a modern digital infrastructure without the hustle and bustle. From beacheside homes out to a quiet town with a heritage feel, or a true coastal city, these new places are worthy of your radar.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc has slowly and steadily transformed itself from a destination to relax and unwind to a convenient spot for remote workers. Now well known for its beaches and fishing villages, it is becoming more popular for extended visits as the telecommunications have been improved.
Video meetings, cloud-based work, or streaming or loading videos is simple at most apartments, hotels and cafés as they offer fiber internet speeds from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps. Though it is becoming more popular, the island is not quite so filled with visitors as other famous beach getaways in Southeast Asia.
Total expenses are usually from $600 to $1,200 per month, and typically cover housing, food, travel, and personal expenses. Air-conditioned private rooms are still available at very reasonable prices and swimming pool access is available in rooms too; one of the biggest draws on the island, fresh seafood, is still there for people to enjoy.
Several independent cafés and a few large chain stores scattered throughout the dining and coffee scene in Long Beach have attracted the business community for their comfortable seating areas, reliable Wi-Fi and laid-back vibe.
Taiping, Malaysia
Taiping is an alternative destination from Kuala Lumpur & Penang in the Malaysian state of Perak. The town is nestled among the trees, old buildings and the famous Taiping Lake Garden, thus offering the perfect location for professionals looking for a more quiet lifestyle.
It is understandable that fiber broadband has been the greatest investment in Malaysia to bring Internet connectivity to the nation’s villages and lesser towns, which Taiping is. Apartments, homestays and cafés are among the best wired alternatives to the big cities in Malaysia, with webspeeds of 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps.
The monthly living costs typically range from $700 to $1,100, depending on living choices. Rent is still fairly cheap compared with bigger cities in Malaysia and local street food is very cheap.
There are also a number of cafes near the lake with sleek desks and power points that are great for laptops, and a handful of cafés by Lake Road, ready and waiting for anyone who prefers a different type of coffee to enjoy while working on their laptop.
Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Those who are a bit weary of the commercial hustle and bustle of Da Nang or Nha Trang may have an alternative attraction to Quy Nhon. This seaside metropolis offers not only beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs, and authentic Vietnamese life, but without the resultant tourist crush of some other places.
Quy Nhon is a new university and technology center, where the investment in the digital infrastructure is significant. Widespread cafés and lodging have internet connections that vary from 60 Mbps to 100 Mbps, providing smooth video conferring and distant work.
The economy of the City is also a prime plus. The average home in Quy Nhon costs $550 to $900 per month, which is among the most affordable coastal cities in Southeast Asia.
Hot spots that are good for working are Surf Bar, which overlooks the beach, and Marina Cafe, which provides stable Wi-Fi, good coffee and a comfortable working environment.
Attracting digital nomads to Vietnam, Quy Nhon is open for visitors for extended stays via the Vietnamese government’s 90-day e-visa program, with digital nomad travel relatively easy to plan.
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FAQs
Which Town is Best For Remote Workers?
On average, Taiping, Malaysia, has the quickest broadband connection with residents of many homes having fiber connections from 100 mbps to 500 mbps.
What is the cheapest location?
Generally the cheapest place to live in Vietnam, Quyon might be able to feed you, shelter you, and provide you with a monthly cost of about $550.
Can you work in Phu Quoc remotely for the long-term?
Yes. Today Phu Quoc has dependable fibre broadband networks, modern cafés, comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation and visa approvals, which makes it perfect for both short and longer term stays away for remote working purposes.
