Best places for Aussies to holiday and work remotely in 2024

You can get a prime steak and beer for just $18, a hotel for $20 – and it’s stunning. This is the place to go right now.

They say change is like a vacation, but what about a working holiday?

If you’re eager to spice up your work routine with some travel but hesitant to fully commit to a digital nomad lifestyle, working overseas remotely could be just what you need. It means you can effortlessly relocate for a short period of time, without a long-term commitment.

So, if you’re tired of paying exorbitant prices for a night out, or perhaps you are yearning for a well-overdue break, these are three of my favourite place to live and work.

Laos

Where to start with Laos? I believe Laos is the best country to visit in the world right now!

In my view, it’s one of the world’s best-value destinations that offers diverse experiences without breaking the bank — especially in comparison to living in Australia.

The newly built train station in Vang Vieng, Laos.

All three big cities — Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane — are highly walkable and Laos stands out as a budget-friendly haven where one can comfortably live and work for less than $50 a day. Accommodation in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are priced at an unbelievable $20 per night.

You can enjoy a lavish meal at a Vientiane French restaurant — soup, steak with blue cheese, mash, a head-sized chocolate souffle, and a 500ml Beer Lao — for a mere $18 — almost the price you pay for a pint in Melbourne or Sydney these days.

Phousi Hill in Laos, my favourite country to visit in the world.

In Vang Vieng, I found myself twice at a family-run establishment for lunch where the homemade charm extended to a standout chicken sandwich, 10 succulent skewers, a crisp cucumber salad, and a freshly squeezed lemon and mint juice, and a Pepsi, all for $12 — a testament to the town’s culinary allure and affordability.

But you are probably reading this thinking there must be a downside. Perhaps the travel between the cities?

Well, the Chinese and Laos governments recently built a brand new ultra efficient high-speed train network that can get you from city to city in just over an hour.

Enjoy a swim in your hotel pool beneath the hot air balloons – not bad for just $20 per night.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

In the heart of Cambodia lies Siem Reap, a city that blends French influence with historical charm. It’s also evolving into a robust sanctuary for remote workers.

Similar to the cities of Laos, Siem Reap is another budget-friendly destination with everything within arm’s reach.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which opened last October.

Navigating Siem Reap is a breeze thanks to its clean green streets, providing a refreshing contrast to the bustling chaos often associated with larger cities in neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. The city invites a leisurely stroll, allowing travellers to absorb its unique atmosphere.

It’s also home to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Other notable sites, such as Ta Prohm Temple (famously featured in Tomb Raider) and the captivating Bayon Temple, offer a rich tapestry of cultural exploration. Zipping around with a driver will only set you back $30 (excluding entry tickets).

Cambodia’s Ta Prohm Temple, as seen in Tomb Raider. 

Accommodation in a lavish place is priced at around $50 per night. This normally includes not only a buffet breakfast but also access to a refreshing pool and a well-equipped gym, making it a retreat for both relaxation and rejuvenation.

Once you have clocked off for the day, ‘Pub Street’ in Siem Reap is a vibrant and bustling epicentre of night-life and entertainment.

The street is lined with an array of bars and pubs, each with its own unique theme and ambience — meals can range anywhere from $5-15. If you’re looking to wet your whistle, Angkor beer goes down an absolute treat, and you won’t be paying more than $2 for a 500ml beer.

Pub Street is lined with an array of bars and pubs, each with its own unique theme.

The only downside of Siem Reap is the location of the new airport, which is great but more than an hour away by car, so don’t make my mistake of getting a tuktuk, because it will take you nearly two hours to travel into town.

Patong, Phuket, Thailand

Patong might be your run-of-the-mill tourist hot spot, but it’s the ultimate remote work setup. Think textbook-perfect beaches with an overflow of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Patong’s main beach and the notorious Bangla Road are within walking distance, eliminating the need for constant transportation.

You can stick to Patong Beach or try the lesser known ones.

Patong offers the ultimate remote work setup.

Accommodation in Patong spans a wide range of choices, averaging around $70 per night with breakfast included, rooftop pools and on-site gyms — they set the stage for a lavish remote work lifestyle.

If you’re looking to take the edge off after a tough day in the office, treat yourself to an hour massage ranging anywhere between $8-12 or, if you really want to let off some steam, Muay Thai 1-on-1 training is only $40 for an hour.

Hotel roof infinity pool in Phuket.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle, head over to one of the many nearby beaches such as Nui Beach (labelled one of the most beautiful secret beaches) or Freedom beach, and if you really want to get away, head over to Phi Phi Island for a day trip.

From dining options to various tours, Patong manages to maintain a favourable balance in terms of overall value for money. The major benefit would be the seamless transition from Australia to Phuket, with weekly direct flights allowing you to travel on the weekend and begin the grind the following day.

Anthony Bolzonello is a freelance travel journalist who has travelled to 107 countries and is one of 16 Australians in the Travelers’ Century Club. You can follow him on Instagram.