What Are The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok? part 3 - pros and cons of living in Bangkok | Expats Community Blog - Living and Working Overseas as an Expatriate

What Are The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok? part 3 – Here can be found Part 1 and Part 2.

Overview of the Pros of Living in Bangkok as an Expat

Living in Bangkok as an expat can be a huge challenge. Sure, the weather is great, and the food is delicious, but there are so many other things to consider before you pack your bags. Here are five of the pros of living in Bangkok as an expat.

The Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bangkok is relatively low, especially when compared to other major cities worldwide. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle and where you live, but you can definitely live comfortably in Bangkok on a budget. In fact, if you’re looking for an affordable place to live, Bangkok is a great option.

The Culture

Bangkok is a city that never stops moving. There’s always something going on, and there are always new things to explore. The culture here is incredibly diverse, and there’s something for everyone. From a huge expat community to plenty of opportunities to appreciate Thai culture, you can’t get bored here.

The People

The people of Bangkok are some of the most friendly and kind I’ve ever met. Everyone is always willing to give you advice or go out of their way to help you when you need it. Not only is that, but the expat community in Bangkok incredibly welcoming and supportive. If you’re looking for a city with a great community, Bangkok is definitely it.

The Public Transport

Bangkok’s public transport is some of the best in the world. The Skytrain and subway are both extremely efficient and affordable, and they both go to most places in the city. Taxis are also cheap and plentiful, so you’ll never have to walk too far. Also, tuk-tuks are a lot of fun – just be prepared to haggle!

The Convenience

Bangkok is known for being a convenient city, and that’s true! Everything is just so close together, especially since it all started with the Skytrain. A lot of people buy convenience stores because they’re so easy to access – you can get pretty much everything you need delivered to your door within one hour. Also, the 24-hour Tesco Lotus is a huge convenience for expats who want to grab things late at night.

Cons

Impossible To Make Thai Friends

Thailand is one of the most foreigner-friendly places on Earth, but when it comes to making local friends, they can be tough nuts to crack. Despite their reputation for friendliness and hospitality, Thais are generally quite reserved when they meet someone new.

In fact, many won’t even give you their name in order to protect their privacy. This can make it difficult to form lasting friendships with locals, especially if you don’t speak Thai.

Chaotic Streets

Bangkok is notorious for its chaotic streets and constant traffic congestion. If you’re not used to living in a big city, the constant noise and pollution can be quite overwhelming. The upside is that there’s always something to do in Bangkok; the downside is that it can be quite difficult to get around.

Weather Extremes

Bangkok has a tropical climate, which means it experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer, it’s hot and humid, while in the winter, it can be cold and windy. In addition, the city is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding during the rainy season. If you’re not used to this kind of weather, it can be quite tiresome if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors in Bangkok.

Disposable People

Thailand is a very transient country; many people come here for a few years to make money before returning home. This means it’s always filled with ‘expats’ rather than locals, which can be quite frustrating at times. If you’re looking for a long-term cultural immersion experience, this isn’t the place for you because most foreigners here are only temporary residents.

Touts & Scams

Most major cities worldwide have their share of touts and scammers, and Bangkok is no exception. Be prepared to be constantly bombarded with offers for massage, tours, hotels, etc., most of which are scams. Learning how to say ‘no thank you in Thai can help, but it’s best to be aware of these scams before you arrive in Bangkok.

Best Areas to Live In Bangkok as an Expat

Sukhumvit

This is one of the most popular places to live for foreigners in Bangkok, likely because it has easy access to many different amenities and conveniences. This is one of the most expensive districts in Bangkok but also one of the most comfortable and convenient. You’ll find everything here, from international schools to hospitals, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife venues.

Silom

This district is home to the embassies of many different countries, so it’s unsurprisingly popular with foreigners. It also has a wide range of restaurants and nightlife venues, as well as a large expat community. It has high levels of air pollution compared to other areas in Bangkok, but the lack of traffic jams somewhat mitigates this.

Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong is a popular choice for expats who work in the Central Business District – commonly referred to as “CBD” – with many cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to foreigners in the area. The BTS SkyTrain station of the same name is also a popular spot for expats, with a large number of malls and supermarkets in the vicinity. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional Bangkok experience, this might not be the best area for you.

Thong Lor

Thong Lor is a popular area for expatriates, who enjoy its proximity to larger shopping centers such as EmQuartier and Thong Lo BTS SkyTrain station, where they can stock up on Western groceries and alcohol. There’s also a diverse range of restaurants along Sukhumvit.

Also, for nature lovers, Benjasiri Park is located in the area. But the most popular reason expats choose Thong Lor as an area to live in is its safety and low crime, which makes it a very comfortable place to settle down.

Wong Wian Yai

Wong Wian Yai is popular among those who work around Taling Chan and Thonburi, as it provides easy access to these areas without having to commute too long. There’s also a large selection of restaurants and cafes as well as decent nightlife options for those who like to party. Besides, it’s a very convenient neighborhood to live in with plenty of things going on, and it’s also one of the more affordable areas in Bangkok.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Bangkok

What is the cost of living in Bangkok?

Living in Bangkok can be expensive, depending on your lifestyle. Expect to pay a lot for rent, food, and transportation. However, many affordable options are available if you know where to look. Also, Bangkok is a city of opportunity, with many jobs and internships available to foreigners.

Where do I find accommodation?

Finding decent and affordable accommodation in Bangkok can be very difficult. There are some good options for short-term rentals, but if possible, try to go for an apartment or house rather than a hostel/hotel. Try the website www. Bangkok.com for good leads on apartments and houses for rent.

How do I get around Bangkok?

Bangkok is a huge city, and getting around can be difficult. The best way to get around is by taxi or motorbike taxi (known as tuk-tuks). For short distances, the Bangkok metro (BTS) is a great option. A single journey on the metro costs around 15-30 baht, depending on the distance traveled.

What is the food like in Bangkok?

The food in Bangkok is amazing! There are all sorts of different cuisines on offer, from Thai to Indian to Italian. You’ll never be far from some great food in Bangkok. It can be cheap too; for around 80 baht, you can get a fantastic meal that will fill you up for hours.