A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Work-friendly Spaces in Samui

If you’re a digital nomad keen on making Samui your next destination, here’re some points to take note of:

• Samui offers a good variety of work-friendly cafes and restaurant
• Internet is relatively speedy (3-5 MBPS)
• There’s a trusty 3G reception islandwide
• Power outages may occur frequently, particularly when bad weather strikes the island

Already on the island, and hunting for a work spot? Check out our selection of work-friendly places in Samui:

Son F Beach, Bo Phut

Compact and cosy, Son F Beach is a two-storey bar-cum-coworking space popular among Russian expats and travellers. The bar is set on the first floor, while a coworking section occupies the second level. Daily rates are 200 THB (inclusive of a drink).

Address: 15, Bo Phut, Moo 1, Ko Samui 84320, Thailand

Phone: +66 91 820 7540

The Islander , Chaweng

Set right smack in the middle of Chaweng, The Islander offers a convenient location for travellers keen on knocking back a couple of work hours in the central areas of the town. The internet is pretty decent, but the restaurant’s busy location and lively atmosphere means that you’ll need a set of noise-cancelling headphones. A wide selection of international fare listed on the menu provides plentiful options for a filling meal. If you’re staying till the early evening, celebrate the completion of your work tasks with a well-deserved beer (or two).

Address: 166/79 Chaweng Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Phone: +66 87 280 3605

Hours:  08:00 – 02:00

Karma Sutra, Bo Phut

The quirky decor, chunky wooden furniture and cheerful hues of Karma Sutra creates a vibrant setting for an afternoon of work – just perfect for days when you need a change of scenery and a good cup of coffee to perk up your motivation and productivity. A great Wi-Fi connection means that you can work on with minimal interruptions. When it’s time for a quick break, glance up from the screen, and take in the stunning view of the pier and sea. Most of the seating here are sofas with low coffee tables, which may not be a comfortable option for nomads keen on working more than a couple of hours.

Address: 25 moo 1 tambon Bophut, Fisherman s Village, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Phone: +66 77 425 198

Hours: 7:00 – 1:30

Art Cafe by June, Bo Phut

Can’t start your work day without a tasty breakfast? You’ll have plenty of reasons to make Art Cafe by June your regular work spot. Take your pick from a delicious selection of homemade breads, organic dishes, fresh juices and decadent pastries. Feeling hungrier than usual? Go for the satisfying breakfast combos made up of a coffee, fresh juice, fruit bowl, wheat toast and scrambled eggs. Mmmm. The Wi-Fi connection here isn’t amazing – which means you can’t expect to power your way through intensive web design work – but is sufficient for checking through your emails and completing administrative tasks.

Address: Thailand, 4169, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Phone: +66 77 425 587

Hours: 9:30 – 18:30 (closed on Sundays)

Coffee Club, Chaweng

Don’t turn up your nose at coffee house chains! The Coffee Club outlets on the island offer a reliable and comfortable spot for digital nomads to catch up on work. One outlet is located at Central Festival Mall, while the other is set along Chaweng Beach Road. The latter is the larger outlet of the two, occupying two levels. You’ll get Wi-Fi access upon making a purchase at the counter.

Address: Central Festival Samui & Chaweng Beach Road

Phone: +66 (0) 7741 0505 (Central Festival Samui) / +66 (0) 77 414 617 (Chaweng Beach)

Coffee Cup, Bang Rak

Coffee Cup’s the perfect spot for digital nomads in search of a strong cuppa. Catch up on your emails over coffee, letting the bitter flavours and aroma awaken your mind. By the time you’ve emptied your cup, you’ll be wide awake and alert, ready to power through your tasks for the day. Do note that air-conditioning is not available at this cafe.

Address: Bangrak Beach, Bophut, Ko Samui 84320, Thailand

Phone: 819707607

Sunset Café, Bang Rak

An excellent ocean view and plenty of sea breeze – could there be a more perfect place to work at? Sunset Café offers nomads with a relaxing and airy spot to catch up on work while enjoying panoramic vistas of the island’s coastal scenery. Snag a prime spot at one of the ocean-facing seats; you’ll be kept cool under the shade and enjoy gusts of breeze while you tap away at your keyboard.

Address: Located close to the Big Buddha Temple at Bo Phut

Billabong Surf Club, Bo Phut

Just like Sunset Café, Billabong Surf Club offers spectacular views of the coast. Make your way here on Friday afternoons, when you need a change of scenery to provide a burst of inspiration and motivation to power you through your final tasks of the week. Rejuvenate your soul with the salty sea breeze, gorgeous sea views and delicious burgers, and work your way through that last couple of hours. When you’re done with work, celebrate the start of the weekend with a couple of beers, live music and a stiking sunset view.

Address: 79/2, Moo 1 Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Phone: +66 77 430 145

Hours: 10:00 – late

See our villas in Samui. Selected and inspected by Villa-Finder.com