For the past decade, if you were working online and wanted to live somewhere cheap, sunny, and filled with smoothie bowls, there were two obvious choices: Bali and Chiang Mai.
As someone who lived in Chiang Mai for a while and spent time in Bali, I get the appeal. Fast Wi-Fi, friendly locals, low cost of living, and a built-in community of entrepreneurs, YouTubers, crypto bros, and freelancers—it was the dream.
But here’s the thing: that dream is changing. And fast.
More and more digital nomads are quietly leaving these hotspots behind. They’re skipping the Instagram-famous cafés in Canggu and the co-working hubs of Nimman. Instead, they’re settling down in cities and towns you probably wouldn’t expect.
So, what’s going on?
And where are they going?
Let’s break it down.
Why people are leaving Bali and Chiang Mai
Both Bali and Chiang Mai had their moment—actually, their decade. But several things have started to push people away:
1. Overcrowding
What made these places special is now what’s driving people out.
Chiang Mai used to feel peaceful and spacious. Now, especially during high season, traffic clogs the Old City, apartments are harder to find, and tourist foot traffic has returned in full force.
Bali? Multiply that by ten. Canggu has become so overdeveloped that even getting to the beach can feel like you’re stuck in Bangkok traffic.
2. Rising costs
Let’s be honest: Bali and Chiang Mai are no longer as cheap as they used to be.
Inflation, tourism-driven price hikes, and a flood of newcomers have all pushed prices up. You’ll still pay less than in Sydney or San Francisco, but $12 smoothie bowls and $1,000/month shared villas are now the norm in some areas.
3. Visa headaches
Thailand and Indonesia both tinker with their visa rules constantly. Long-term stays often mean expensive visa runs, unpredictable renewals, and visits to immigration offices that eat up your time.
Nomads want simplicity—and they’re finding it elsewhere.
So where are they going?
Here are five unexpected places where digital nomads are now setting up shop—quietly, affordably, and happily.
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
I’ve spent a lot of time in Vietnam lately, and Da Nang is buzzing under the radar.
It’s got a beach that rivals Bali, affordable apartments, great Wi-Fi, and much less chaos than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
The vibe is super chill. You can grab a local meal for $2, rent a modern apartment for $400/month, and go for a surf before your Zoom call.
Plus, Vietnam is slowly rolling out better visa options for remote workers. It’s not perfect, but it’s improving.
What seals the deal? The combination of natural beauty, reliable infrastructure, and still being cheap.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) has become a bit of a dark horse in the digital nomad world.
Tbilisi, the capital, is artsy, walkable, and packed with old-world charm and edgy cafés. You can get a 1-year visa on arrival for many nationalities, with the option to stay tax-free under certain thresholds.
The food is incredible, the people are friendly, and you’ll pay half (or less) of what you would in Europe.
There’s also a growing tech and startup scene. It feels like what Chiang Mai was ten years ago—but with wine that’s way better.
3. Medellín, Colombia
Yes, it used to have a dangerous reputation. But Medellín has reinvented itself.
It’s a city of eternal spring, with year-round perfect weather, fast internet, and a low cost of living.
Digital nomads love neighborhoods like El Poblado, which is full of co-working spaces, rooftop cafés, and lively nightlife. Rent can be $500/month for a furnished apartment, and meals out cost next to nothing.
It’s not for everyone—safety can still be a concern in some areas—but Medellín is one of the most dynamic and affordable cities in South America right now.
4. Penang, Malaysia
Most people overlook Malaysia when thinking about digital nomad destinations. That’s slowly changing.
While Kuala Lumpur is a solid option, Penang is emerging as a more relaxed, cultural alternative.
It’s a foodie paradise, with some of the best street food in Asia. The infrastructure is solid, English is widely spoken, and healthcare is top-notch.
Rents are reasonable, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa is becoming more flexible for long-term stays.
For people who want somewhere more liveable than exciting, Penang is gold.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
This is the priciest option on the list, but if you’re a nomad with a bit of money to spend, Lisbon is hard to beat.
It offers a European lifestyle with sunshine, a relaxed pace, and amazing food. There’s a huge international community, tons of co-working spaces, and a real startup energy.
Portugal also offers one of the best digital nomad visas in the world. And while rents are climbing, it’s still cheaper than London, Paris, or Berlin.
The only downside? The secret’s out. Lisbon’s no longer a hidden gem—but it still makes the list for its quality of life.
Final thoughts
Bali and Chiang Mai were perfect for a time. They helped launch the global digital nomad movement.
But things change. What worked in 2015 doesn’t always work in 2025.
If you’re someone looking for the next great place to live and work remotely, don’t follow the crowd. Look where the trendsetters are going, not where the crowd is already.
You don’t need to be in the most famous place to live your best life. You just need decent Wi-Fi, a good view, and a few locals who know how to make a proper coffee.
The digital nomad world is growing up—and it’s moving to new places.
