BEYOND THAILAND’S BEACHES: ERAWAN’S HIDDEN OASIS
It’s no big secret that Thailand has become a magnet for digital nomads. Travelers can expect to spend time on stunning beaches, immerse themselves in rich culture, and feast on delicious food. It’s pretty hard to imagine better working and living conditions than this - but believe it or not, it gets even better.
There’s more to Thailand than the beach and the bustle. While these are well worth taking in, be sure to set aside enough time to witness a truly wonderful spectacle: Erawan Falls, in Erawan National Park. It’s the ideal place for those seeking unique outdoor activities, or to simply get some work done in an incredibly tranquil setting.
You won’t want to miss these idyllic falls! Here are a few reasons why you should venture beyond the beach while you’re in Thailand:
Natural Beauty
Erawan Falls offers a unique work setting far from the usual office environment. Here, you can immerse yourself in tranquility, with the soothing backdrop of waterfalls and verdant forests. It's a great spot for digital nomads seeking inspiration and calm. The area is quieter than many other places in Thailand, providing a peaceful retreat. Download your work, or get a reliable hotspot figured out before you go. A visit to the falls could be just the reset you need!
Outdoor Activities
If the falls are more than just visual stimuli, there are some great options. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and nature exploration.
For digital nomads, these activities can be a nice opportunity to get some exercise and also to meet some people outside of your immediate work circle.
See if you can connect with a group that’s going to explore some nearby caves, like Phra That Cave, which is about 5 miles from Erawan Falls. Or, bring along your binoculars and look for some of the unique wildlife in the park, like crab-eating macaques and wild boars.
You can camp, and you can take in the sights from the Khao Hin Lan Pee Nature Trail.
Any of these activities will be a wonderful way to enjoy some well-earned leisure time, and you can come back to your work completely refreshed and recharged.
Cost of Living
Thailand, in general, is known for its relatively affordable cost of living. It’s always been an alluring place for digital nomads for this very reason. This factor also applies for those who want to focus their trip around Erawan Falls.
Even if you’re living in one of the more popular cities in Thailand, like Bangkok (which is only a 3-hour drive from Erawan Falls), the cost of living is anywhere between $650 and $3000 per month, depending on your budget. This is considerably lower than what a person living in the US would spend, so you stand to save money if you’re headed to Thailand. Utilities are cheaper, eating at restaurants is more affordable… you’ll worry less about money in general, so you’ll be able to focus more on your work and exploring the country.
Internet Connectivity
There are plenty of options these days for connecting to the Internet. It’s likely that you can find a good option near Erawan National Park itself. It’ll be important for you to verify connectivity nearby/in the park so that you can work.
The nearby town of Kanchanaburi boasts nearly a 12mbps mobile upload speed and a 37.11mbps mobile download speed. It’s good to know the town is nearby, but you may find that the most satisfying option is to actually bring your work to the park with you. See if you can download what you need before going, or try to hotspot while you’re in the park. It’s worth a bit of research and planning beforehand, and if you do it, it’s likely possible to get your work done from the heart of the tranquil paradise that is Erawan.
Cultural Experience
Since Erawan National Park is such a hotspot for tourists, opportunities present themselves to digital nomads that spend time there: connecting with people, and immersing in new cultural experiences.
Thailand is rich in culture and traditions. Get out and explore the area, sample new food, and interact with locals! All of this will enhance your overall experience as a digital nomad.
Proximity to Amenities
The falls themselves at Erawan National Park are so wild and natural that it’s hard to imagine them as being close to amenities. While you’re certainly removed from civilization while in the park, you’re actually only a short drive away from Kanchanaburi. Buses and taxis often run directly between the park and the town. Stock up on whatever you need in Kanchanaburi, and you’ll be all set for a fabulous day at the park.
Visa Options
Thailand has a few visa categories that may apply to digital nomads. Although there is a Long-Stay Visa, this seems mostly relevant to those who are making a ton of money, and you have to declare this on your application.
The majority of digital nomads opt for standard tourism visas valid for anything from 30 to 90 days. Be sure to do some research; there is likely to be a particular visa option that is perfect for you!
Final Word
Erawan Falls is a tourist location inside a national park, so it’s not necessarily going to be the swanky co-working space that some digital nomads are used to. However, for those looking to reset their energy or looking for a more wild work environment, Erawan National Park might be just the location for you.
Do some further research and plan it out, and you’ll certainly benefit from pushing beyond the beaches of Thailand!
