Bali vs Chiang Mai for remote tech workers
The two longest-running Southeast Asian remote work hubs compared.
Option A
Bali
Option B
Chiang Mai
## Lifestyle
Bali: beach plus jungle, larger and louder community, more partying. Chiang Mai: smaller city, mountains, slower pace, more long-term residents.
## Cost
Chiang Mai is roughly 30 percent cheaper than Bali on like-for-like accommodations and food.
## Visa
Indonesia: B211a visit visa, Second Home Visa for longer. Thailand: DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) since 2024, valid 5 years multi-entry.
## Internet
Bali Canggu: 100 to 300 Mbps depending on neighborhood. Chiang Mai: consistent 150 to 200 Mbps citywide.
## Community
Bali has more nomad coliving infrastructure. Chiang Mai has a longer-established and more stable community.
## Choice
Younger or shorter-term: Bali. Longer-term or quieter: Chiang Mai.