I chose a cheap apartment in Chiang Mai over a beach hut in Bali for my first month

Last year, I had to pick between a $300 a month studio in the city or a $500 spot right on the sand. I went with Chiang Mai for the reliable internet and coworking spaces. It worked out great for getting my client work done on time, but I missed the ocean every single morning. For those who started out, did you go for comfort or the dream view?

2 comments

2 Comments

grayw3217h ago

I did the same thing last year, picking a place in Bangkok over an island. The reliable power and fast wifi just made it easier to actually work, which had to come first. I still wonder about the beach life sometimes, but getting my projects done on time was the right call. Starting out, that stability is worth more than the view, even if it's a bit boring.

victor_carr5415h ago

That trade-off is real. One thing people forget is how the choice changes your daily habits. In a city spot, you end up walking to markets and cafes, meeting other remote workers by accident. On the beach, your whole routine revolves around that one view, and it can get lonely fast. The city forces a kind of structure that actually helps new projects take off.