11.01.2024 | As part of our anniversary, we treated ourselves to something special: each team member is entitled to a two‑week workation. This means everyone has the opportunity to work for two weeks from any place in the world.
Manuel was the first to make use of this offer. He summarised his experiences in a diary.
As it happens, I’m the first one to take advantage of this opportunity, and I can already say: I’m absolutely thrilled.
My plan was to split the two weeks between two different “digital nomad hotspots” in Asia and to align this with the weekend to test the time difference — first +5 hours (Chiang Mai) and then +7 hours (Canggu, Bali).
But now, onto my experiences:
Saturday, 21.10
Arrival in Chiang Mai after an overnight flight, only 1.5 hours delayed. For the hotel, I chose a place in the trendy Niammen area, which also offered a coworking space as a backup. My favourite coworking spot would have been in the old town. First impression of the hotel – okay – but calling it a coworking space felt like a bit of a stretch (luckily I had a plan C, which I would soon need…).
Still exhausted, I spent the rest of the day exploring the area and the old town, enjoyed a good Korean dinner, and then went to catch up on sleep.
Sunday, 22.10
I planned to visit the coworking space today – a very good idea…
On-site, I found out that it was temporarily closed for two months, with no information on the website. So, out came plan C: I visited another professional space in the old town, completed the registration, and started the rest of my Sunday with peace of mind. What stands out in a positive way is how app based mobility has transformed local transport in Asia. I decided against renting a scooter and instead downloaded three apps (Grab, Gojek, and Bluebird). Gone are the days of bargaining and searching…
Simply enter your destination, and within minutes, a scooter or car will take you there at a ridiculous price (CHF 1–2 for a 15 minute ride), payment including tip directly via the app.
How many times would I still book a quick ride to grab a sunset beer by the river or sea…
Today’s sightseeing included a visit to Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Night Market.
Monday, 23.10
The big day. Monday is our meeting day, which means 4 meetings for me, starting at 14:30 local time and ending around 22:00 (next week 16:30–24:00).
After a “midday swim” in the pool, I arrived at the workspace around 13:00 and got started without any issues…
What stands out: very busy and completely silent – so much so that I felt intimidated and moved my call outside to the garden… also very nice…
Tuesday, 24.10
Routine kicks in: obligatory midday swim, scooter ride to the workspace, nodding to the now familiar silent faces, and starting the daily business.
Today was a bit lighter, as Marc – who kindly supported me with scanning new documents in Switzerland – had his day off. But I came prepared with a list of long pending tasks. Amazing how efficiently you can work when you’re uninterrupted.
The next sightseeing event in the evening: the Chiang Mai Night Safari, an impressive zoo where you are taken by train through an open wildlife enclosure.
Wednesday, 25.10
In the morning, a visit to the large Maya Mall — curry paste supplies for home needed restocking…
The surroundings and neighbours in the coworking space are now familiar, though still very little interaction. A colourful mix of people from all over the Western world: some working as teams, others on workation (but longer), and others typical “digital nomads” doing mysterious projects…
I’m curious whether the “community aspect” will be different next week in Bali — that’s part of the goal: being able to compare.
Sightseeing today: the 3D Museum. Cool pictures that interact with visitors — perfect for fun photos… too bad you can’t get far with selfies, a photographer would have been helpful… my mistake, didn’t think that through.
Thursday, 26.10
And suddenly it’s the last midday swim, the last coworking session. Just when everything starts to settle in and become efficient, it’s already over.
Downside of a workation: you move a bit slower and the team at home sometimes has to compromise or help out.
Upside: the level of focus is incredible, and your thoughts become noticeably freer and more creative… you have to experience it.
Final sightseeing stop: a sunset trip to Wat Phra That with a view over the city. A beautiful atmospheric moment.
A quick visit to the bars in Niammen — but tomorrow the second part of the journey begins early.
Friday 27.10 / Saturday 28.10
Part of the Screenimage workation arrangement includes 2 half days for cultural activities. I combined them on Friday to fit in a visit to Pai on Friday & Saturday — a 3 hour and 762 curve journey away.
Pai was a drug town in the 60s and 70s, later cleared by the DEA, then taken over by hippies and dropouts, and is now an alternative destination in the mountains of the Golden Triangle. Reason enough to take a look.
In short: the 30 hours were not enough to fully absorb its unique vibe and sights.
Highlights: Pai Canyon, the Bamboo Bridge, and the evening Walking Street.
Definitely on my bucket list for another time.
Sunday, 29.10
Big travel day! Goodbye, Thailand.
First a budget flight to Don Muang Bangkok, then a 4 hour flight to Bali.
I arrived in my hotel in Canggu around 23:00 — completely exhausted.
Monday, 30.10
Luckily the time difference is now 7 hours. That means I only need to be online for the team meeting by 17:30 at the latest. Plenty of time to settle in, prepare, and even do some laundry…
Conclusion: being in calls until shortly before midnight is still tough, but manageable once a week.
Tuesday, 31.10
Really interesting — the vibe here is totally different. The communication that was somewhat missing among coworkers in Chiang Mai is definitely present here.
The different types of people are fascinating…
The true “dropouts” living off gig economy work seem a bit desperate at times, very money focused.
The best exchanges happen with other people on workation or with project teams.
Daily remote work is now going smoothly.
This evening I had my first after work beer on the beach.
Wednesday, 1.11
Holiday in Switzerland. Not here.
But time for a trip to the active Batur volcano — sunrise over the lava fields. Incredible!
Wake up at 03:00, return at 12:00 — and another day of productive work. That’s what I call making full use of the schedule (though it can’t be like this every day).
More interesting conversations with people from Belgium, Australia, and the UK.
If Thai food is great, Balinese food is another level above.
Thursday, 2.11
I try a different café for breakfast every morning… and I’m constantly surprised by the creations (avocado with poached egg…). Endless options.
Before work, I test my unfortunately modest surfing skills.
Work is really fun. The 13th month salary is prepared for payout…
One necessary external call for an optimisation project — I decide to postpone it until after returning home; no rush.
Friday, 3.11
Definitely the last workday. A bit of melancholy.
One more good exchange and one last dip in the coworking space’s own pool (yes, I’ve kept that quiet until now).
In the evening it’s time to pack — starting Saturday, a holiday week begins with a boat trip to the highly recommended island of Nusa Penida.
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