My Routine as a Digital Nomad in Low Season Thailand

Hi, I’m Ben from Berlin. Since 2021 I’m working remotely from countries such as Spain, Thailand, Mexico and Brazil to escape the European winter and discover new places and cultures.

Thailand has been my home for nearly two years in total now, and it’s where I’ve learned to balance the demands of work with the joys of living in paradise. From navigating through rainy seasons to building the perfect routine, my time as a digital nomad here has been transformative. Want to know what it’s like to live and work on your own terms in Thailand? Keep reading to find out how I made it all work—and why I plan to return in 2025 for another six months.

Life Before and After Fully Remote: My Transition in 2024

Spending nearly two years in Thailand has shaped my perspective on what it means to live and work as a digital nomad. Before transitioning to full-time digital nomad life in November 2024, I worked as an employee, which already allowed for some flexibility. However, being tied to German working hours and frequent calls didn’t give me the complete freedom I longed for.

My last stint in Thailand was different. I chose to focus more on creating a routine, rather than constantly exploring new places. For me, that meant finding a balance between work and well-being—access to reliable Wi-Fi, a comfortable living space, gyms, spa facilities, and, of course, the beach. It was important to me to be close to the beach, but also have the option to escape the overly touristy spots. I wanted to meet locals and fellow digital nomads while still enjoying the quiet and comfort of a less crowded area.

Digital Nomad Setup in Koh Samui: Villa, Wi-Fi & Costs

Along with a friend, I flew from Dubai to Bangkok and met a close friend who has been living in Thailand for over 8 years. After a few hours in Bangkok, we hopped on a flight to Koh Samui, one of the most charming airports I’ve ever seen—it really set the stage for a paradise experience. We were greeted by our scooters at the airport and made our way to our villa, which had two bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living area, an open kitchen, and a terrace with a panoramic pool view. Since it was low season, we paid only €70 per night for the villa, which was an absolute steal.

My Ideal Remote Work Routine in Thailand

Once settled, I immersed myself in my daily routine. I joined Bamm Fitness, a nearby gym I highly recommend. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a maximum of five people working out at a time, especially in the mornings. The gym was well-equipped with machines and weights, perfect for my training sessions between 9 and 11 AM. Post-workout, I would head to a nearby Thai restaurant for a delicious meal. One of my favorites became “Khao Man Gai,” a traditional Thai breakfast dish with steamed chicken, rice, sauce, cucumber, and a side of chicken soup.

After lunch, I would visit my go-to spa and co-working space, Health Lab. This place is a must for anyone who enjoys saunas or ice baths. It also offers a quiet place to work, eat, or relax. The Wi-Fi, service, food, and drinks were top-notch. Health Lab became my second home, where I would spend hours working and taking time to rejuvenate in the sauna or ice bath. It’s also a fantastic place to connect with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. I met so many amazing people here, some of whom I now consider close friends.

For dinner, I would pre-order a meal from a fitness restaurant nearby. The cashew nut chicken became my go-to dish. I’d then head back to the villa, where I’d continue working with my European clients for a few more hours. What I really appreciate about this routine is the flexibility. I have the morning and midday to enjoy the beach, work out, relax at the spa, or simply have a slow, leisurely morning in the sun. It’s such a game changer compared to working from bed, which I used to do.

The Impact of My Daily Rituals on My Health and Well-Being

This routine not only reduced my stress but also had a profound impact on my health. The daily workouts, sauna and ice bath sessions, healthy meals, and exposure to sunlight kept me feeling more energized, healthy, and focused. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning, or dealing with long commutes—everything was within a short distance.

Koh Samui is perfect for this kind of routine, with plenty of gyms, spas, and co-working spaces. The island is relatively peaceful during the low season, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowded tourist spots.

What about Koh Phangan?

Other islands, like Koh Phangan, also provide excellent options for a balanced digital nomad lifestyle. The Xantiva gym on Koh Phangan, for instance, has a great ice bath setup where they make their own ice blocks—an interesting process to witness. The island’s vibe is more laid-back, though during high season, the place can get crowded with tourists and influencers. It’s not the hidden gem it once was.

For me, Koh Phangan has become too crowded, with rising villa prices and an influx of partygoers. While it used to be my favorite place to live and work, the changes have made it less appealing. Still, it remains an excellent destination for beaches and parties, though I tend to avoid the infamous Full Moon Party.

Digital Nomad life in Bangkok

By the end of my two months in Thailand, I spent some time back in Bangkok. Having lived there before, I already had a strong local network. Bangkok is a vibrant city, full of endless food options, entertainment, and cultural experiences. There’s always something new to discover, especially when local friends take you to their favorite spots. One of my favorite places is The Muscle Factory, Thailand’s largest gym, which caters to serious bodybuilders but has equipment for everyone. For a more local experience, there’s a sauna I love that’s exclusively for men. It’s a hidden gem where you can relax, enjoy free drinks and fruit, and unwind in the sauna or take a plunge in the hot and cold baths.

My time in Thailand as a digital nomad has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a place where I’ve been able to build a strong routine that prioritizes health, well-being, and flexibility, while still connecting with a global community. Whether it’s Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Bangkok, Thailand has everything a digital nomad needs to thrive while also offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, Thailand is definitely worth putting on your list.

Will I be back?

Absolutely. My plan is to return to Thailand in October 2025 and spend around six months there. Last year, I already spent six months in Thailand, and I plan to continue living and working this way for the next few years. I truly love the people, the culture, and the overall lifestyle. After all, I haven’t yet found a place that offers such a perfect blend of routine, wellness, and a welcoming community. Thailand is my base, and it feels like home.

What about the rainy season?

A lot of people always warn about the rainy season in Thailand, which is why many avoid traveling there between June and December. Personally, I’ve spent time in Thailand during the rainy season multiple times and have had both very sunny and rainy periods. Usually, it rains for a few hours, but then the sun comes out again. Of course, if you’re unlucky, the weather can sometimes be cloudy or rainy for several days or even weeks. But what’s important to me is that it remains warm, regardless of the rain.

In fact, the high season of 2025 saw unexpected heavy rainfall, even flooding large parts of Koh Phangan, a reminder of how climate change is making the weather more unpredictable. But even during the rainiest periods, the weather in Thailand is still better than in most parts of Europe. For me, the warmth and the overall tropical vibe make it all worth it, no matter the occasional downpour.

If you have any questions regarding locations, prices, visas, or anything else related to living and working in Thailand, feel free to reach out to me. I’d be happy to share more insights and help you plan your own digital nomad adventure!