Living in Asia with Kids: 13 Countries Compared for Nomad Families

Why Asia Keeps Pulling Us Back 🌏

Before Louie and Leo came along, Marty and I travelled overland from Thailand through Cambodia to Vietnam. We rode through Saigon on the back of a local’s scooter. On our two-year trip around the world, we also spent a few days eating our way around Kuala Lumpur’s markets.

This year, we came back as a family of four. We’re writing this from Vietnam, where Louie (9) practises Vietnamese on Duolingo in the evenings, and we’ll spend Christmas in Chiang Mai. It’s a very different trip with a toddler. Shade, footpaths and nap times matter a lot more than cheap beers now. 😅

One thing surprised us: we’re living on one salary in Vietnam and still saving more than we did at home. Our guide to becoming a digital nomad family explains how.

This guide covers 13 Asian countries. We’ve been to five of them, and each country section tells you whether we’ve been there or researched it. It focuses on the questions that decide whether Asia works for your family: who can stay, for how long, what school looks like, what it costs, and how to handle the heat, air and traffic. For inspiration first, start with Fall in Love with Asia, then come back here for the practical side.

Nomad Visas and Long-Stay Options by Country

Unlike in Europe, our Dutch passports give us no special rights in Asia. We follow the same rules as everyone else. This table was checked against official government sources on 25-09-2026. Rules change often, so check current details before you apply.

Being allowed to enter a country isn’t the same as being allowed to work, study or live there. See our guide to nomad visas for families and how nomad visas have changed since 2020.

What Asia Really Costs a Family

Rent decides most of your budget, and school fees can double it. The figures below come from our cost comparison of 50+ nomad family destinations, updated in September 2026. They assume a family of four, a 3-bedroom rental outside the priciest centre and a modest but comfortable lifestyle.

Our real numbers: in Da Nang, we spent around €2,265 a month. That’s more than the €1,900 estimate, mainly because we chose accommodation with breakfast and housekeeping, which made life with a toddler much easier. Our Da Nang guide has the full breakdown.

Not included: flights, visas, health insurance, school fees and costs back home. Our guide to what it really costs to live abroad with kids helps you build your own budget.

Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Laos, India and Nepal aren’t in our comparison yet, so we haven’t given them a figure. Check current rental listings and Numbeo before you set a budget.

Schools, Homeschooling and Visas

In Asia, your visa often decides your school options:

• Thailand: a child going to a Thai school needs a Non-ED visa, not a DTV.
• Malaysia: school pupils need a Student Pass, but homeschooled dependants don’t.
• Sri Lanka: its nomad visa lets dependants enrol in international or private schools.

International schools cluster in capitals and big hubs, and fees vary hugely, so check them directly. Rules on homeschooling for foreign families are rarely spelled out: our worldschooling legal guide covers what we know.

We homeschool on the road. Marty works through Louie’s Dutch schoolbooks with him for about one and a half to two hours while Leo naps. Homeschooling on the Move shares how our days work, and our international schooling guide compares the school options.

Heat, Air, Traffic and Health

These are the everyday things that shape family life in Asia far more than crime does.

• Heat: plan outdoor time for mornings and late afternoons. Midday is for pools, naps and air-conditioned malls.
• Air quality: northern Thailand’s burning season runs roughly February to April, and Kathmandu’s air is worst in the dry months. Some years bring regional haze. Check a live air quality app before planning outdoor days.
• Mosquitoes: dengue is found across tropical Asia, so repellent and screens matter. Ask a travel doctor about vaccines: our travel vaccinations guide covers the planning.
• Water: don’t drink tap water in most of Southeast and South Asia. Singapore is the main exception.
• Traffic: scooters, busy roads and uneven footpaths make prams hard work. In Da Nang, we always take a Grab car rather than a scooter when Leo is with us. Car seats aren’t standard in most taxis, so some families bring a lightweight travel seat.
• Healthcare: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo have strong private hospitals. Healthcare is far more limited in Laos, rural Cambodia and much of Nepal, so health insurance with evacuation cover matters.

Timing helps too. Our month-by-month guide to the best time to travel shows when each region is at its best, and how nomad families stay healthy on the road shares our everyday routines.

🇹🇭 Thailand

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple, years before the boys. We’re back in Chiang Mai this Christmas.

Same Country, Very Different Trip

Our first Thailand was all about beaches and backpacks. This time, the plan revolves around night markets, playgrounds and finding shade for a two-year-old. Thailand is still one of the easiest places in Asia to build a family routine, but it’s no longer the cheapest, and the visa rules have tightened. Our Thailand visa guide shows how we’re planning our own stay.

Where Families Settle

Chiang Mai is the classic family base, with international schools, cafés and a big nomad community. Bangkok suits families who want big-city healthcare and schools. On the islands, Koh Lanta has a small worldschooling scene that suits younger kids, while Koh Samui has more infrastructure. We compare the options in Chiang Mai vs Bali and Thailand vs Vietnam.

Visa Route

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows up to 180 days per entry, plus one 180-day extension, and is valid for five years. You need THB 500,000 in the bank rather than a set income. Apply from outside Thailand, from your country of residence. Visa-free entry is now 30 days, for tourism only. Details are on the official Thai e-Visa site.

Schools and Budget

International schools are concentrated in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. A child enrolling in a Thai school needs a Non-ED visa, not a DTV. Our estimate for a family of four in Chiang Mai is about €2,350 a month, before flights, insurance and school fees.

The Honest Downsides

Northern Thailand’s burning season (roughly February to April) can make the air unhealthy, so many families head south or leave for those months. Popular areas have become pricier, and the 30-day visa-free rule makes quick trial stays harder.

🇻🇳 Vietnam

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple on our two-year world trip, and as a family of four in 2026.

Where We’re Living Right Now

Twelve years ago, Saigon meant scooter rides and some of the best vegetarian food of our whole trip. This year, we spent a month in Da Nang near the beach, and we’ve also spent time in Ninh Binh. Homeschooling on the Move shares how Louie’s learning fits into those days. For families wanting good value and good food, Vietnam is hard to beat. You just need to plan around the visa.

Where Families Settle

Da Nang is the easiest start for most families. It has beach neighbourhoods like My An and An Thuong, walkable streets by Vietnamese standards, and Hoi An half an hour away. In Saigon, most expat families live in Thao Dien. Hanoi suits families who want four seasons and a strong cultural scene.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. Most families use the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. Each family member needs their own, and it’s reported you can’t extend it inside Vietnam. UK passport holders get 45 days visa-free. Apply only on the official e-visa portal.

Schools and Budget

Saigon and Hanoi have the widest choice of international schools, and Da Nang’s is growing. Our estimates are about €1,900 a month for a family of four in Da Nang and €2,100 in Saigon. We actually spent around €2,265 in Da Nang, because we chose accommodation with breakfast and housekeeping.

The Honest Downsides

Traffic is intense, and footpaths are often blocked by parked scooters, which is hard going with a pram. We take Grab cars everywhere with Leo. Central Vietnam gets heavy rain and storms from around September to December. The 90-day limit means regular border runs if you want to stay longer.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

📍 We’ve been here: Kuala Lumpur, as a couple on our two-year world trip.

Markets, Hawker Stalls and a Family Story

We only had a few days in Kuala Lumpur, and we spent most of them eating our way through the markets and food stalls. Malaysia runs in the family too: during my mum’s time in Penang, locals loved her blond curly hair. For families, Malaysia’s big strengths are widely spoken English, good healthcare and one of the clearest nomad visas in Asia.

Where Families Settle

Penang is the favourite for many families: George Town for culture and food, or Tanjung Tokong and Pulau Tikus for condos near the sea. Kuala Lumpur suits families who want big-city schools and hospitals, with Mont Kiara a long-standing expat area.

Visa Route

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass lasts 3 to 12 months and can be renewed once, up to 24 months in total. It needs US$24,000 a year for tech roles, or US$60,000 for other listed roles. Spouses, children and even parents can join. Homeschooled children don’t need a Student Pass. Details are in MDEC’s official FAQ.

Schools and Budget

Kuala Lumpur and Penang both have plenty of international schools with British, IB and other curricula. Our estimates are about €2,150 a month in Penang and €2,300 in Kuala Lumpur for a family of four.

The Honest Downsides

It’s hot and humid all year, and many areas are built for cars rather than walking. MDEC says remote workers become taxable after 60 days, so get tax advice. The pass doesn’t cover Sabah and Sarawak, and some years bring haze from regional fires.

🇵🇭 Philippines

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

English Everywhere, Islands Everywhere

English is an official language in the Philippines, which makes daily life, doctors and schools far easier than in most of Asia. The trade-off is logistics: this is a country of more than 7,000 islands, and getting between them takes planning.

Where Families Settle

Cebu is a popular base, with IT Park and Mactan offering condos, malls and quick access to beaches. In Manila, families tend to live in Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which are more walkable than most of the capital.

Visa Route

A Digital Nomad Visa was created in April 2025, but as of 25-09-2026 we couldn’t find an official way to apply. It’s also reciprocal, so Australian, UK, US, Canadian and New Zealand passports likely won’t qualify. Check the official announcement and ask a Philippine embassy for the latest.

Schools and Budget

There are many English-medium private and international schools, especially in Manila and Cebu. Our estimate for Manila is about €2,500 a month for a family of four.

The Honest Downsides

Typhoon season runs from around June to November. Manila’s traffic is some of the worst in Asia, internet can be patchy outside the cities, and vegetarian food takes more searching than in Vietnam or Taiwan.

🇸🇬 Singapore

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

The Easy, Expensive Option

Singapore is safe, spotless and efficient. The tap water is drinkable and the public transport is excellent. For many families, it works best as a soft landing or a stopover rather than a long-term base, because it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Where Families Settle

Expat families often live around Holland Village, Bukit Timah, Novena or the East Coast, where condos come with pools and playgrounds.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. The Tech.Pass for senior tech professionals closes to new applications on 27-01-2027 and is being replaced by the ONE Pass (AI and Tech). Most families visit on short stays. Details are on the Singapore EDB website.

Schools and Budget

International schools are excellent, but fees are high and places can be competitive. Singapore isn’t in our cost comparison yet. Rent and school fees are the costs to price first.

The Honest Downsides

Cost is the big one. It’s also hot and humid all year, and daily life is more rule-bound than in neighbouring countries. The upside is hawker centres, where a family can eat well for very little.

🇰🇭 Cambodia

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple, travelling overland from Thailand to Vietnam.

A Treehouse, a Temple and a Hungry Lizard

We crossed Cambodia on our way from Thailand to Vietnam, with time in Siem Reap and on the island of Koh Rong. On Koh Rong we slept in a treehouse over the beach, and a lizard ate Marty’s backpack. Yes, really. 🦎 Cambodia is one of the most affordable places in Asia, with a slower pace and a lot of history for curious kids.

Where Families Settle

Siem Reap is compact and easy, with Angkor on the doorstep and family homes around Wat Bo and Sala Kamreuk. Phnom Penh has more schools and hospitals, and BKK1 is a popular expat area. Kampot suits families wanting a quieter riverside town.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. The tourist (T) visa gives 30 days, with one one-month extension. The ordinary (E) visa can be extended at the Immigration Department, and some sources report up to 12 months. All foreigners must register on the FPCS app to renew. See the Royal Embassy of Cambodia.

Schools and Budget

Phnom Penh has the most international schools, and Siem Reap has a smaller choice. Our estimates are about €1,800 a month in Siem Reap and €1,950 in Phnom Penh for a family of four.

The Honest Downsides

Healthcare outside Phnom Penh is limited, so good insurance with evacuation cover matters. March to May is very hot. Internet is patchy on the islands, and visa renewals take more admin than in neighbouring countries.

🇹🇼 Taiwan

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple, on a stopover in Taipei on the way back from Australia.

A Stopover That Left Us Wanting More

We’ve only seen Taiwan on a stopover in Taipei, flying back from Australia. We squeezed in a city tour, went up Taipei 101 for the view and finished at the night markets. It was a short visit, but it put Taiwan firmly on our list. For families, it’s one of the safest places in Asia, with excellent public transport, clean cities and hiking trails just outside Taipei. It’s also great for vegetarian families, thanks to its many Buddhist vegetarian restaurants.

Where Families Settle

In Taipei, families often choose Da’an for parks and schools, or Tianmu for its international community. Taichung and Kaohsiung are calmer and cheaper, and both have good transport links.

Visa Route

Taiwan’s Digital Nomad Visitor Visa needs US$40,000 a year (if you’re 30 or over) or US$20,000 (if you’re 20 to 29), plus average savings of US$10,000. It started at six months, and a longer stay is reported but not officially confirmed. The Gold Card gives qualified professionals one to three years, and families can join. Check the official BOCA page.

Schools and Budget

Taipei has several international schools, and Mandarin immersion is a big draw for families. Our estimate for Taipei is about €3,150 a month for a family of four, with rent the biggest cost.

The Honest Downsides

Summers are hot and humid, and typhoons can hit from around July to October. English is less widely spoken outside Taipei, and there are fewer nomad families than in Thailand or Bali.

🇯🇵 Japan

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Safe, Structured and Built for Short Stays

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for kids, with spotless public transport and a culture that respects children’s independence. For nomad families, though, it’s a place for a well-planned six months rather than a long-term base.

Where Families Settle

Fukuoka is a favourite with nomads: smaller and calmer than Tokyo, with beaches nearby. Tokyo and Osaka have the most international schools and English-speaking services. Kyoto suits families who want history and a slower pace.

Visa Route

Japan’s digital nomad visa allows six months, with no extension. You need at least JPY 10 million a year in income, and each family member needs medical insurance with at least JPY 10 million of cover. Your spouse and children apply for their own matching visas. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for full details.

Schools and Budget

International schools are mainly in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, and fees are high. Japan isn’t in our cost comparison yet. Rent and schooling will shape your budget most.

The Honest Downsides

It’s expensive, apartments are compact, and summers are hot and humid. Outside the big cities, English is limited. The six-month limit means you’ll need a plan for what comes next.

🇰🇷 South Korea

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Fast, Safe and Very Organised

South Korea offers fast internet, efficient transport and very safe cities. It’s a strong option for higher-earning families who want structure, four seasons and big-city convenience.

Where Families Settle

In Seoul, expat families often live in Hannam, Itaewon or Gangnam, near international schools and parks along the Han River. Busan offers beaches and a slightly slower pace.

Visa Route

The Workation visa (F-1-D) lasts a year and can be extended up to three years in total. Families need at least KRW 104.83 million a year to live in the Seoul capital region, or KRW 78.62 million elsewhere. You also need private health insurance with at least KRW 100 million of cover. See the official consulate guidance.

Schools and Budget

Seoul and Busan have international schools, but fees are high and places can be limited. South Korea isn’t in our cost comparison yet.

The Honest Downsides

Winters are cold, summers are hot with monsoon rains in July, and some spring days bring poor air quality. The income bar for families is one of the highest in Asia.

🇮🇩 Indonesia (Bali)

🔎 Researched: we looked hard at Bali, then chose Chiang Mai

The One We Almost Chose

When we looked at Bali, the accommodation stood out straight away: beautiful places at good prices. In the end, we decided against it because Leo was still in a pram, and most of Bali isn’t built for walking. Our Chiang Mai vs Bali comparison explains the decision. For families with walking-age kids, Bali’s nature, outdoor learning and big worldschooling scene are a strong draw.

Where Families Settle

Canggu is the busy surf and café hub. Ubud, inland, is greener and slower, with a strong alternative education community. Sanur, on the east coast, is calmer, with a long, flat beachfront path.

Visa Route

The E33G Remote Worker visa needs US$60,000 a year from an employer outside Indonesia, plus US$2,000 in the bank. The length is widely reported as a year, but renewal and family rules weren’t confirmed officially as of 25-09-2026. Check the official Indonesian eVisa website.

Schools and Budget

Bali has a wide mix of international and alternative schools. Our estimates are about €2,200 a month in Ubud and €2,500 in Canggu for a family of four.

The Honest Downsides

Traffic in the south can turn a short trip into an hour, and prices in the busiest areas keep climbing. Dengue is present, so mosquito protection matters. Our post on the downsides of living in Bali with kids covers the rest honestly.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Beaches, Wildlife and a New Nomad Visa

Sri Lanka packs beaches, tea country, elephants and whales into one small island. With a new nomad visa that includes families, it’s become a more realistic option for longer stays.

Where Families Settle

On the south coast, Galle and Weligama are popular for their beaches, cafés and surf. Colombo has the most schools and hospitals. Kandy, in the hills, is cooler.

Visa Route

The Digital Nomad Visa, launched in February 2026, lasts a year and can be renewed. You must bring at least US$2,000 a month into Sri Lanka, plus US$500 for each dependant beyond the first two. That means US$2,500 a month for a family of four. The fee is US$500 per person per year. See the official visa document.

Schools and Budget

Most international schools are in Colombo, with a few smaller options around Galle. Dependent children on the nomad visa can enrol. Sri Lanka isn’t in our cost comparison yet.

The Honest Downsides

The monsoons hit different coasts at different times: the southwest from around May to September, the east from around October to January. Healthcare is limited outside Colombo, and roads are slow.

🇱🇦 Laos

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

The Slowest Pace on This List

Laos is quiet, green and gentle, with river towns, waterfalls and Buddhist temples. It suits families who value slow days over convenience, and who don’t need much infrastructure.

Where Families Settle

Vientiane has the most services, schools and healthcare. Luang Prabang is smaller and beautiful, but has fewer options for long stays.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. The e-visa allows 30 days, and the Immigration Department lists one 30-day extension. Check the official e-visa FAQ before you go.

Schools and Budget

International schools are few and mostly in Vientiane, so many travelling families homeschool. Laos isn’t in our cost comparison yet.

The Honest Downsides

Healthcare is basic, so serious treatment may mean crossing into Thailand. Internet is unreliable outside the towns, and short visa stays make it better for a slow visit than a base. Our Laos guide covers Vientiane and Luang Prabang in detail.

🇮🇳 India

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Huge, Varied and Easy for Vegetarians

India is several countries’ worth of food, languages and landscapes. For vegetarian families like ours, it’s one of the easiest places in the world to eat well. The long e-Tourist visa also makes extended visits simpler than in many places.

Where Families Settle

Goa is the most popular base with nomad families: North Goa is livelier, South Goa quieter. In Kerala, Varkala offers cliffs, beaches and a slower pace.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. The e-Tourist visa comes in 30-day, one-year and five-year versions. Each visit can last up to 90 days for Australian and New Zealand passports, or 180 days for UK, US and Canadian ones. A tourist visa doesn’t allow local work. Apply only on the official Indian visa website.

Schools and Budget

Big cities have many international and alternative schools. India isn’t in our cost comparison yet.

The Honest Downsides

The monsoon runs from around June to September, and northern cities have serious air pollution in winter. Stomach bugs are common, and crowds and noise can overwhelm young kids.

🇳🇵 Nepal

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Mountains and a Slower Rhythm

Nepal offers mountain views, lakeside towns and a gentle pace. It suits outdoorsy families who don’t mind basic infrastructure.

Where Families Settle

Pokhara’s Lakeside area is calm and walkable, with the mountains in view on clear days. Near Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur) is quieter than the city centre.

Visa Route

There’s no nomad visa. The tourist visa allows up to 150 days per calendar year through extensions. Children under 10 get free visas, except US citizens. Check with a Nepali embassy.

Schools and Budget

There are a few international schools in Kathmandu, and many travelling families homeschool. Nepal isn’t in our cost comparison yet.

The Honest Downsides

Kathmandu’s air is poor in the dry months. The monsoon (June to September) disrupts roads and treks, and healthcare is limited outside the capital. Go slowly at altitude with kids.

How to Choose Your First Base in Asia

1. Start with how long you want to stay. For three months, Vietnam’s e-visa works. For six months or more, look at Thailand’s DTV, Malaysia’s DE Rantau or Sri Lanka’s nomad visa.
2. Match it to your kids’ ages. Toddlers need walkable streets, shade and good healthcare. School-age kids may need a school, a worldschooling community or both.
3. Check the season. Burning season, monsoons and typhoons can change a place completely.
4. Price rent and school first. They make the biggest difference to your budget.
5. Make the first month easy. In Da Nang, paying a bit more for breakfast and housekeeping gave us time to settle in. It was worth it.

FAQs

Which Asian country is best for a nomad family?

It depends on your income, your kids’ ages and how long you want to stay. Malaysia has one of the clearest nomad visas for families. Thailand makes daily life easy, and Vietnam offers great value on shorter stays. Japan, South Korea and Singapore suit higher earners. Our Thailand vs Vietnam guide compares two of the most popular options.

Which Asian countries have nomad visas that families can use?

As of 25-09-2026, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea all have routes that include family members. Indonesia’s family rules aren’t confirmed yet, and the Philippines’ visa isn’t open for applications.

Can our kids go to school on a nomad visa?

Sometimes, but the rules differ. In Thailand, children attending school need an education visa. In Malaysia, school pupils need a Student Pass, while homeschooled children don’t. Sri Lanka allows dependants to enrol in international or private schools.

What’s the most affordable Asian country for families?

In our comparison, Siem Reap, Da Nang and Phnom Penh come out cheapest, and Laos, Nepal and India are usually low-cost too. Housing and schooling can change the picture completely, though. Our guide to affordable countries is a good place to start.

Is Asia safe for young children?

For most families, the bigger everyday risks are traffic, heat, stomach bugs and air quality rather than crime. Our heat, air, traffic and health section covers how to manage them. Australians can check Smartraveller before booking.

What vaccinations and insurance do we need?

Talk to a travel doctor well before you go, as recommendations vary by country and activity. Some visas, including Japan’s and South Korea’s, set minimum insurance amounts, so check those before you buy a policy.

How good is the internet for remote work?

Big cities in most of these countries are fine for video calls. Islands, mountains and rural areas are less predictable, so keep a local SIM with data as a backup. Our internet speed guide compares 50 cities.

How do we find other families in Asia?

Worldschooling hubs, coworking spaces with kids’ programmes and local Facebook groups are the usual starting points. Our worldschooling hubs directory lists communities across Asia, and our community guide shares how to find your people.

Our Takeaways

The Asia we travelled as a couple and the Asia we’re travelling now feel like two different trips. Back then, a treehouse and a backpack-eating lizard made a great story. With a two-year-old, we look for footpaths, shade, playgrounds and the nearest good hospital first.

Here’s what we’d tell a family starting to plan:

• Start with the visa, not the beach. Visa rules decide how long you can stay, whether you can work and whether the kids can go to school.
• Choose a base for ordinary days. Think about where you’ll buy groceries, where the kids will play and how you’ll get around in the heat.
• Budget from your own life. Rent and schooling make the biggest difference, so price those first.
• Try a month before you commit. A month shows you the real rhythm of a place, including the parts you won’t love.

We’ll keep updating this guide as we go, starting with Chiang Mai this Christmas. 🌏

Comparing regions? Our guide to living in Europe with kids covers the other side of our life, and you can browse every guide on our destinations page.