Top Countries in Southeast Asia for Long-Term Nomadic Athletes

Nomad Selection

Choosing the best countries for long-term nomadic athletes isn’t just about nices beaches or cheap hostels. Here are the key factors I used to evaluate each destination:

• Quality of training options: Gyms, martial arts schools, calisthenics parks.
• Mobility: How easy it is to move between cities or do border runs.
• Food and nutrition: Local food, quality and freshness, protein availability.
• Accommodations: Budget hostels with decent lockers, non-flimsy bunks and workspace.
• Community and vibe: Local culture, expat scene, training environment.
• Cost: Daily living costs and visa renewals.
• Workability: Visa policies, basic safety, and ease of getting things done.
• Internet: Stable enough for uploads, calls, and remote work.

Here’s how each country stacks up — and where it falls short.

Thailand – The All-Rounder

Best for: Muay Thai training, gym access, resets, and digital nomad life.
Chiang Mai is calm and productive. Bangkok delivers top-tier striking. Islands are decent for breaks between hard training phases.

Drawbacks: Very hot year-round. Many urban areas smell due to sewage issues. Some tourist zones are overrun.

Vietnam – Cheap, Raw, and Fast

Best for: Stretching your budget, quick travel, and maintaining functional strength on the move.
Gyms are everywhere but basic. Cities are fast-paced. Da Lat is underrated — high altitude, cool air, easy runs. Be ready to improvise your training if you move often.

Drawbacks: Infrastructure is basic - well below Thailand or Malaysia levels. Constant indoor smoking, endless honking for no reason, and most hostels have low-quality or no lockers — keep your gear close. Vietnamese food is not the most satiating - expect to be hungry a couple hours after eating.

Malaysia – Underrated and Useful

Best for: Quiet gains, English-friendly logistics, and great Wi-Fi.
Penang has calm energy and great street food. KL has solid gyms and infrastructure. Malaysia offers a generous 90-day visa-free entry to many nationals.

Drawbacks: Mandatory 3 MYR tourist tax per night. Some sketchy hostels try to charge 10 MYR extra. Less fitness culture than Thailand or Vietnam.

Indonesia (Mostly Bali) – Train, Then Bounce

Best for: Fitness retreats, short-term sprints, networking.
Bali is gym-rich and social. Canggu is peak influencer zone. Great for bursts of progress or business collaborations.

Drawbacks: Cops often target foreigners for fines. Prices have spiked. Bali now charges a 500,000 IDR for a 30 day entry permit. Traffic kills your time. Outside Bali, training resources drop fast.

Philippines – Friendly but Frustrating

Best for: Adventure breaks and beach resets.
Some islands like Siargao are decent for slow, low-maintenance routines. Locals are kind and speak English well.

Drawbacks: Food options are weak for nutrition-focused athletes. Infrastructure and logistics are messy. Training culture is limited.

Laos – The Most Chill

Best for: Recovery phases, slow pace, and mental reset.
Great for unplugging. Few distractions, scenic spots for light training, and peaceful energy.

Drawbacks: Visa-on-arrival required for many nationalities (paid $51 USD on last visit for 30 days). Very limited gym infrastructure. Internet is slow. Not great for serious training cycles.

Cambodia – Cheap but Challenging

Best for: Budget nomads in need of downtime.
Relaxed entry culture. Some decent gyms in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Affordable across the board.

Drawbacks: Litter is everywhere. Visa-on-arrival is $30 but immigration often charges $35. Gym quality and nutrition options are hit or miss.

Singapore – Polished but Pricey

Best for: Short stopovers, stability, and clean city living.
Best English fluency in the region, efficient transport, top-tier gyms and food.

Drawbacks: Overly expensive. Lacks Southeast Asia’s raw charm. Feels more corporate than adventurous.

Top Cities by Country

• Thailand: Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh Phagnan, Hat Yai
• Vietnam: Da Lat, Hue
• Malaysia: Georgetown
• Indonesia: Bali (Canggu, Ubud)
• Laos: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng
• Cambodia: Kampot

Nomad Score

🧭 Which I have yet to travel to

• Brunei: Haven’t been. Strict and expensive. Not a nomad hotspot.
• Myanmar: Ongoing political instability. Visa only good for 28 days. Not practical for travel right now.

🏆 Country Highlights

• 🛂 Best Visa Policy: Malaysia – 3 months visa-free with simple online registration
• 🥊 Best for Hardcore Training: Thailand
• 🛌 Best for Recovery: Laos
• 🌐 Best Infrastructure: Singapore
• 💰 Cheapest Overall: Vietnam
• 🚆 Best Trains: Malaysia

• 🚌 Best Buses: Vietnam

• 🍲 Best Food: Tie between Thailand and Malaysia

• 🎉 Most Fun: Thailand (bars, beaches, and legal weed)

Personal Travel Story: The Thailand–Malaysia Train Border

I took the train from Thailand to Malaysia through Padang Besar in early 2025, I ran into an unexpected hassle at immigration. They required an online form to be filled out before crossing—but the immigration office didn’t have Wi-Fi. Since I don’t use local SIM cards to avoid extra expenses, I had no internet access on me.

I had to ask a local Malay to share his hotspot just to complete the form. A paper form would’ve been much simpler in this case. This was relatively minor inconvenience, however a real example of how technology can often make things more difficult.

They expect everyone to have smartphones with data now. Requiring online-only forms without providing Wi-Fi creates an unnecessary barrier for nomads and tourists.

I eventually arrived in Arau, in northern Malaysia with no issues.

Final Word

Southeast Asia isn’t just beaches and coconuts. For mobile athletes, it’s about consistent training, adaptable routines, and mental sharpness. My picks: Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia — for balance, access, and cost. Others are worth short visits, but may not support long-term growth. Use each country for what it offers, and move on when it stops serving your momentum.