Koh Phangan has been named the best location for a workation, which is an increasingly common method to squeeze in a vacation while carrying on with work. It trumped Gran Canaria, Spain, as the most popular workation destination. Out of 16 options compiled and examined by William Russell, a leading health, life, and income insurer, the popular tourist island in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani came out on top.
William Russell is an online resource for expats needing medical, life, and financial security protection products. Expats, individuals, professionals, families, remote workers, digital nomads, frequent travellers, startups, SMBs, MNCs, NGOs, and GOs, are all among the website's user base.
The list was compiled after considering four critical aspects for a vacationer needing to get some work done: cost, internet speed, safety, and enjoyment. To maximize the benefits to you and the host community, consider combining work and vacation time. More and more communities are creating co-working spaces, improving their internet, and enacting new laws in an effort to entice remote workers.
A workation isn't a regular vacation because you don't take time off. A workation doesn't demand a block of time; you only need internet access. You can meet deadlines, answer emails from your second home, and save your vacation days for when you really need them.
What is a Workation?
Workation (work + vacation) is a novel phenomenon that emerged due to the widespread adoption of remote work during the COVID-19 epidemic. A workation is a situation in which a person works full-time but is not based out of any particular location.
People take workations so that they may get some work done and see the world at the same time. Workacations in exotic locales or bustling metropolises are most popular among vacationers. However, while a workation can take place anywhere in the world, having access to WiFi is essential.
Commonly, there are two ways that people manage a workations. The first is to put in their typical 9-5 hours of work and then spend the rest of the day exploring their new surroundings. The second involves making a long list of tasks to accomplish and then relaxing and having fun for the remainder of the time. Both are viable options for a successful workation; the deciding factor rests on the flexibility of one's work arrangement.
Your career and personal life will benefit from your ability to strike a healthy work-life balance at home and away from home.
Can You Take a Workation?
It can be scary to start if you've never travelled while working. Mistakes can be costly. Here's a checklist to help you decide if you can take a workation:
- You have too few vacation days.
- Someone can cover your work locally if necessary.
- Your workload and work conditions are flexible.
- The destination in mind has good, reliable internet.
- You can perform your job from this location.
If your situation matches all these factors, a workation could help you travel more!
Why is Koh Phangan a top Workation Destination?
Koh Phangan is a beautiful island. It draws its name from the Thai word "ngan," which translates to "sand bar." It is most famous for its new age spiritualistic and hippie-esque northern coasts and its world-famous wild and drunken Full Moon Party on the southern coast. This contrast of calm and crazy makes it a unique place to stay.
It's estimated that people have been living on the island for at least 2,000 years, but the population has boomed in the last century. While tourism is the primary economic driver, other important industries include coconut farming and fishing.
The beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan are a significant attraction for tourists. In addition, you may find a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the rare pink dolphin. Furthermore, half of the island is a national park, and there are numerous retreats and Buddhist temples to explore.
Koh Phangan is home to several co-working spaces in Ban Tai and Haad Chao Phao. In addition, there are plenty of places to get online in the region, such as restaurants and cafés; and while connection speeds may be sluggish compared to those in the Western world, they are more than adequate for remote work. The island is the perfect workation location because of its inexpensive cost of living and relaxed pace of life.
Articles With Additional Information About Living and Working on Koh Phangan
Click on the links below for details regarding visas, lifestyle, accomodation, and more.
Koh Phangan Business and Work Visa Guide
Elite Visa Versus Thai Permanent Residence, What You Need to Know
Coworking spaces on Koh Phangan
House Rental Guide for Koh Phangan
Digital Nomad Guide for Koh Phangan
The ULTIMATE GUIDE to LIVING on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan Life
What it’s REALLY like to live on Koh Phangan - Part One ‘The Fun Stuff’
What it’s REALLY like to live on Koh Phangan - Part Two ‘Sustaining Yourself and Your Life’
What’s the Least Money you can Survive with on Koh Phangan?