What are the best locations for digital nomads to code?

Hello! That's an excellent question. I just got back from three months in Chiang Mai, so I'm quite experienced in this topic.

Honestly, there's no single "best" answer to this question, just like asking "which car is best?" It really depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. However, for us programmers and digital nomads, there are a few common key points that I'll break down to help you clarify your thoughts.

First, you need to figure out what you value most. I've divided it into several aspects:

1. Internet, Internet, and more Internet! This is absolutely paramount, our "lifeline." You can write code locally, but pushing code, video conferencing, and researching—none of these can be done without the internet. So, the speed and stability of the internet in a place are the absolute basics. Before you go, be sure to check the average internet speed in the area and see if anyone complains about internet issues in hotel, apartment, or cafe reviews. Some incredibly scenic islands might have internet signals that make you want to cry.

2. Cost of Living: How long can your money "burn"? This is one of the great appeals of the digital nomad lifestyle. Simply put, earning a first-tier city income and living in a low-cost area can bring immense happiness.

Top Value Picks: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia), Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic), Latin America (Colombia, Mexico). In these places, you might live a very comfortable life on a budget comparable to a second or third-tier city in China. Rent might only be one or two thousand RMB a month, and food, drinks, and entertainment are also very cheap.
Mid-range Options: Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain). Beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, much cheaper than Western and Northern Europe, but more expensive than Southeast Asia.
For the Wealthy: If money is no object, then of course you can go wherever you like, such as Switzerland, Northern Europe, or Japan.

3. Time Zone: "Daytime" work or "Nighttime" cultivation? This is extremely important! If your team or clients are mainly in China, it's best to choose a place with a time difference of 2-3 hours, such as Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali. This way, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, start work, and finish early in the afternoon, perfectly synchronized. If you go to Europe, there's a 6-7 hour time difference with China. You'd essentially start work in the afternoon when it's morning for them, and have to work until late at night in China. Going to the Americas is even worse, completely flipping your day and night, which can be a huge strain on your body in the long run.

4. Community and Atmosphere: Alone or with a group? At first, you might feel free and independent alone, but over time, loneliness can set in. A good community atmosphere makes it easier to make friends and feel a sense of belonging.

Chiang Mai (Thailand): It's called the "Digital Nomad Sanctuary" for a reason. There are countless cafes and co-working spaces filled with programmers, designers, and entrepreneurs from all over the world. You can easily find a group, participate in various activities, and exchange information.
Bali (Indonesia): Especially the Canggu area, has a younger, more "vibrant" vibe, full of surfing, yoga, and healthy living.
Lisbon (Portugal): The digital nomad hub of Europe, with a very mature community and many activities.

5. Visa and Legal Issues This is a practical matter. Most of us travel on tourist visas, which usually allow stays of 1-3 months. Some countries are strict about this, while others are more lenient. Many countries now offer "digital nomad visas," such as Portugal, Spain, and Estonia, which allow you to legally live and work long-term, but usually have income requirements.

Considering the above points, I recommend a few "styles" and specific locations:

【Entry-level & Budget-friendly】

Chiang Mai, Thailand: My top recommendation. Extremely low cost of living, abundant delicious food, stable internet, and an incredibly mature community. You can treat it as your "starter village" to adapt to the digital nomad lifestyle with almost no pitfalls.
Da Nang, Vietnam: Like Chiang Mai a few years ago, it has beautiful beaches, an even lower cost of living than Chiang Mai, a rich coffee culture, and good internet speed. It's becoming a new hot spot.
Bali, Indonesia: If you love islands, surfing, and yoga, this is paradise. It's divided into the spiritual, mountainous vibe of Ubud and the beach party vibe of Canggu; there's always something for you.

【European Charm & Balanced】

Lisbon, Portugal: If you want to experience Europe without breaking the bank, Lisbon is one of the best choices. A city with history, delicious custard tarts, a pleasant climate, and a large nomad community. The downside is that it's become increasingly popular in recent years, and prices and rent are rising.
Budapest, Hungary: The pearl of Eastern Europe, with incredibly low prices and fairytale-like architecture. If you love history and a sense of gravitas, this place will be wonderful.

【Latin American Wild & Exploratory】

Medellín, Colombia: The "City of Eternal Spring," Medellín has an unbeatable climate, consistently in the 20s Celsius. The city's transformation has been very successful; it's now safe and has a good community atmosphere. Low cost of living, and friendly people.
Mexico City, Mexico: If your clients are in the US, the time zone here is incredibly convenient. A massive city with deep cultural heritage and food that could keep you trying new things for a month.

My final piece of advice for you:

Don't overthink it, just take action!

You can pick a place you're most interested in, get a tourist visa, and stay for a month to test the waters. Treat it as a "coding trip" to see if this lifestyle truly suits you.

The "best" place is fluid. Maybe you'll get tired of Chiang Mai and want to feel the sea breeze in Lisbon; maybe after a long time in the city, you'll want to clear your mind in the mountains of Bali. That's the beauty of being a digital nomad—your office can be anywhere in the world.

I wish you find your "Walden Pond" soon!