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Cost of Living for Digital Nomads in Koh Chang, Thailand: 2025

Over Bali’s crowds? Koh Chang’s your Thai escape—affordable, chill, and off the radar. Here’s why it’s a 2025 hidden gem for nomads

Koh Chang

Over Bali’s crowds? Koh Chang’s your Thai escape—affordable, chill, and still flying under the radar as we roll into 2025. This island’s got that sweet mix of jungle vibes and turquoise waves, minus the tourist hordes clogging Chiang Mai or Phuket. I’ve crashed here myself, and it’s a hidden gem for digital nomads who want cheap living without skimping on Wi-Fi or community. Think $800-$1,200 a month to live like a local—bungalow, mango smoothies, and all. The remote work scene’s small but tight, with nomads swapping tips over $2 beers. Plus, you’re a quick ferry hop from Koh Kood’s postcard beaches—check ferry times on 12Go Asia. Thailand’s new Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) is here—$270, six-month stay, multiple entry, 5 years—making Koh Chang a no-brainer for longer hauls. If 🏝️ hunting for the best affordable digital nomad locations in 2025, Koh Chang’s begging for a pin. Here’s the juiced-up scoop:

Pin It: Koh Chang, Thailand 🇹🇭

  • Cost of Living 💰: $800-$1,200/month—solo nomad dream, snag a bamboo bungalow for $300-$500 or splurge on a sea-view pad

  • Wi-Fi 💻: 30-50 Mbps—blazing for Zoom calls, even at a $1 coffee shack on White Sand Beach

  • Why It’s Paradise🏝️: Jungle trails crash into turquoise bays, plus a laid-back nomad crew (hit up “Koh Chang Nomads” on FB or beachside meetups)

  • Food Vibes 🍜: $2 chicken basil rice i from night markets, or grill fresh fish with locals for $5—eat like a king, not a tourist

  • Scenic Fix ☀️: Kayak through mangroves or dive at Koh Rang—untouched Thai magic beats Bali’s bustle

  • Pro Tip ⛴️: Ferry to Koh Kood or Koh Mak for $10-$15—Southeast Asia’s secret stunners, no crowds

  • Fun Fact: Chang isn’t just the beer everyone drinks here, it also means Elephant in Thai

  • Coworking: Growing remote work community with places like UnionSpace and Oasis

  • Vroom Vroom: Koh Chang is super hilly so only rent a scooter if you’re a seasoned driver. Always take a full video of your bike upon rental to cover you in case of damage

Best Route from Bangkok:

Bangkok to Koh Chang is actually really easy—here’s the play: You don’t need to book the bus, taxi, and ferry separately. Go to 12go.asia or go to any travel website like booking.com (or even your hotel/hostel can do it for you). Book your all-in-one ticket which will include your bus ticket (4-6 hours from Bangkok to Trat) bringing you directly to the pier. From there you are given your ferry ticket which is only another hour to get to Koh Chang. Once you arrive at the pier in Koh Chang, you will be flooded with taxi drivers trying to take you to your hotel. Save yourself the headache, contact your hotel/hostel/host beforehand to accommodate transportation. This will be much less of a headache. Koh Chang is a massive island in terms of size.

Koh Chang

Want more inside tips on digital nomad destinations for 2025? We send affordable hidden gems every week along with handpicked remote job postings, exclusive interviews and more every week!