Bangkok is a quickly advancing metropolis that has become a prime destination for digital nomads. This metropolis, boasting an estimated population of nine million persons, is one of the most exhilarating cities in the world. Bangkok is renowned for its yummy cuisine, lively nighttime activities, sweltering heat and plentiful Buddhist sanctuaries.
This metropolis is the most popular tourist destination around the globe, and its 20 million visitors in 2019 earned it the reputation of being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
The cost of living in Bangkok
One of the most appealing features of Bangkok is how inexpensive it is to live there. Living in the city can be inexpensive, yet you can still have the convenience of a western lifestyle.
In general, Bangkok is still very cheap. The Thai Baht is displaying enhanced strength when measured against other western currencies, yet it still remains a reasonably-priced and attractive option for digital nomads. It is possible to have an enjoyable life in Bangkok with an income of $1500 per month.
Accommodation Expenses
As a digital nomad, you typically stay in numerous styles of housing. Bangkok offers a wide variety of places to stay, such as apartments for rental, plus Airbnb rentals, hotels, and hostels. You can have fantastic online connectivity in any of the available lodging options that enable you to carry out work remotely.
Airbnb is a well-known choice of lodging for digital nomads. Airbnb gives the advantage of the chance to stay somewhere for an extended period of time, without having to take the trouble to sign a lease for a flat.
The cost of an Airbnb can range greatly, but you can pay $60 in a night and get a first-rate flat located centrally with fast internet access. That is a great chance for digital nomads and it means they do not need to stress over entering into agreements.
It is possible to locate decent accommodations in Bangkok for around forty dollars per night. You can inquire about monthly discounts inside the hotels. You can find excellent discounts at hotels every month that can help you save money.
If you plan to stay in Bangkok for a long time, you would be able to save some money by leasing a flat. It’s possible to locate an apartment for rent that requires a term of less than 6 months, but you should be able to find one that’s affordable at $500 per month.
Food Expenses
The low cost of dining options in Bangkok is one of the primary reasons that many digital nomads find it so appealing. You can get a bite to eat from a street vendor for a very affordable price of $2 (60 THB). The most popular item on the menu is usually Pad Thai and this will usually not surpass $2 per plate.
You can discover an extensive range of dishes from different countries in Bangkok. You can find various Asian-style foods scattered throughout the city, such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes.
Western food is very prevalent in Bangkok. Western food tends to be more expensive than local fare, and a burger and fries meal is approximately six dollars (190 Thai Baht). You will pay approximately $4.50 (140 Thai baht) for a Big Mac combo.
Drink Expenses
Alcohol in Bangkok is relatively cheap. You can acquire beer economically for 100 Thai Baht ($3) from local shops, but alcoholic beverages will be up to 180 Thai Baht ($5) when purchased from bars and nightclubs.
The renowned Koh San Road offers alcoholic drinks for a price of only sixty Thai Baht, which is equivalent to two U.S. dollars. The price of alcohol in Thailand has gone up in the past 10 years because of the growth of tourism, but it is still much cheaper than what you would find in a country located in the West.
Chiang beer is a favorite amongst Thai people and is available at most places for about 100 baht or $3 per bottle. European beer can be obtained, although it may cost a bit more.
Transport Expenses
Transport in Bangkok can be very cheap. The Grab app is an excellent way of going around town; you can determine a flat fare before you set off, so there’s no need to squabble over prices or risk being duped.
Bangkok is quickly progressing and its infrastructure is undergoing rapid enhancement. Therefore the BTS sky train is a great option. You can travel across the city at a low cost using the BTS Skytrain. It would be wise not to exceed a budget of $10 a day for utilize public transportation in Bangkok.
Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad Bangkok
Location
Bangkok is an ideal spot for travelers due to its prime location in the center of Southeast Asia. It is possible to explore amazing areas in Asia from Bangkok at a very low cost. It is possible to find flights to countries nearby that are priced at less than fifty dollars through budget airlines.
Voyages to awesome places close to home include Bali, Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Digital nomads can experience the joy of visiting these locations without spending a lot of money all year round.
Areas like Bali and Malaysia are great for digital nomads due to the budget-friendly accommodation and travel costs, as well as the fantastic coworking spaces available. If you’re looking for an escape from Bangkok with the opportunity to do some work away from home, it can be easy to arrange.
Weather
The temperature in Bangkok is typically warm and humid due to its tropical climate. That is an excellent benefit for digital nomads. Bangkok’s climate is amazing, making life much easier.
There are different seasons in Bangkok. The ideal time to go is during the period of the year from January to May when it is the driest. Temperatures are regularly around 35 Celsius and sunny.
The period of rain that takes place between May and October is known as the wet season, and it can be quite intense. At this season, moisture levels are extraordinarily high and often lead to strong thunderstorms, causing a great deal of sweat.
Nevertheless, this kind of atmosphere may not be perfect for everybody. If you don’t enjoy temperatures that are overly warm, it might be a good idea to bypass Bangkok as there are scarcely places on the planet that are more sweltering at times.
Nightlife
Those that are lifestyle nomads will relish the spectacular nightlife of the city. Koh San Road, the well-known traveler area, is a stylish gathering region loaded up with astonishing bars and clubs. On noteworthy events, for example, New Year’s Eve, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll observe a more wild gathering in your life.
This area is definitely the premier locale for nightlife, while there may be other nightlife options located across the city.
Shopping
The city has fantastic shopping malls and markets. Located in the center of the Thai capital, Central World shopping mall offers amazing deals for shoppers.
Digital Nomads who enjoy bargain hunting should put Bangkok’s markets on their bucket list; Chatuchak Market is one of the largest in the world and a definite must-see.
Where to Stay for Everything: Thong Lor/Ekamai
This district has taken its name from Thonglor Street, which is full of high-end pubs, discos, eateries, and fashionable emporiums. This is the ideal spot to have a good time and enjoy some food and drinks. Through the passage of time, it has become the trendiest part of town. There are numerous accommodations available, an abundance of jazz clubs, and beer gardens. Additionally, due to the sizable Japanese population, delightful sushi restaurants, ramen eateries, and izakaya establishments are all accessible.
Best Places to Stay in Thong Lor/Ekamai
- BUDGET: Hostel at Thonglor– This is one of Bangkok’s newer hostels. It’s a European-style hostel with snug bunk beds and privacy curtains. There is a female-only floor too. Breakfast is included, and there is free shower gel and shampoo.
- MID-RANGE: THA City Loft– THA is a modern, industrial-chic boutique hotel in the heart of Ekamai. The stylish rooms all have different hand-painted designs on the walls, and feature amenities like AC, free coffee/tea, and desks.
- LUXURY: Metropole Bangkok– The Metropole Bangkok is a five-star hotel on a three-star price. Each room has luxury bedding, deep bathtubs, and air conditioning. Some even have a nice balcony. There is a fitness room and a fair-sized outdoor swimming pool, as well as a sauna and cold onsen (Japanese bath).
Where to Stay for Partying: Sathorn/Silom
Sathorn is a bustling business zone in the heart of Bangkok, where businesspeople rush around and skyscrapers tower overhead. The area surrounds Lumpini Park and the Chao Phraya River and consists of upscale resorts and rooftop watering holes with spectacular panoramas of the city. The southernmost portion of Sathorn Street is the original spot for backpackers, boasting a number of inexpensive lodging options and trendy bars catering to the foreign community. The majority of the neighborhood is typically pretty peaceful once all of the people who work there go home for the night.
Silom, which is situated immediately north of Sathorn, has an abundance of offerings – from the riotous, nocturnal entertainment of Patpong to chic and sophisticated eateries. This place is quite quiet during the day, but come night time, it becomes the most happening area in the city with plenty of bars and attractions which draw in lots of different people with their unique habits and tastes.
Best Places to Stay in Sathorn
- BUDGET: Tropical Summer Hostel– Tropical Summer is the kind of place that’s a home away from home, with the owner, Francis, going out of his way to make you feel welcome. There’s a cool rooftop and coffee bar downstairs for hanging out at. The hostel is sleek and modern, with bunks that almost feel more like individual pods.
- MID-RANGE: House of Phraya Jasaen– This hotel is built inside a collection of seven old antique shop houses, and the rooms were remodeled to keep the building’s character. It’s a comfortable place to stay. The small spa has good rates for Thai massages and foot rubs, and the Koffie House makes a great iced coffee.
- LUXURY: Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok– Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok has a large outdoor swimming pool, buffet dining, a sauna and spa area, a full fitness center, limousine service, and a concierge that will plan out every last detail of your day.
Where to Stay for Sightseeing: Banglamphu
Banglamphu is packed with ancient temples and landmarks, just a short distance away from the impressive Palace, and also nearby Wat Arun, Wat Saket and its Golden Mount, with a steep set of steps to ascend for one of the most breathtaking vistas of Bangkok. Khao San Road is the epicenter of this region, and is widely recognized as a traveler’s haven, packed with great hostels, bars, clubs and shops. Nearby you’ll also find Soi Rambuttri. The once tranquil alternative to Khao San has now become quite hectic as well. If you want to remain in this vicinity but need a tranquil and calm atmosphere, settle closer to the river or to the north side of Khao San.
Best Places to Stay in Banglamphu
- BUDGET: Mad Monkey Hostel– A backpacker institution near Khao San Road, Mad Monkey Hostel is one of the more European-style hostels in the city with comfy beds, curtains, and your own outlets and lamps! All the rooms have air-conditioning units. They also have a tour desk that has really competitive prices.
- MID-RANGE: D&D Inn– D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road (it’s been around forever!) and perfect for those with last-minute travel plans as there are always rooms available and reception is open 24 hours.
- LUXURY: Nouvo City Hotel– The rooms at Nouvo City Hotel are bright and spacious, with a work area, rainfall showers, a minibar, bathrobes, slippers, satellite TV, and 24-hour room service.
Where to Stay for Peace and Quiet: Ari
This locality, which is far from all the major attractions, is not of much interest to sightseers as it is essentially a residential area. There are plenty of pleasant, fresh coffee shops, al fresco eateries, and restaurants in this area. A great number of Thais in their youth are fond of the area north of Victory Monument that is surrounded by trees. Ari may not be the most important area, yet the cost of public transport in Bangkok is reasonable and simple to figure out. Be certain to visit the impressive Chatuchak Weekend Market if you are in this area; it has over 8,000 merchants. Food lovers will find an excellent evening bazaar along the primary street.
Best Places to Stay in Ari
- BUDGET: The Yard Hostel– This ecological hostel is small. The rooms are made from old shipping containers, and the walls are insulated with recycled paper. They don’t sell plastic bottles of water, but they offer clean water bottle refills. There’s a big backyard with BBQs where people often cook together, and you can use the hostel’s bicycles free of charge! The beds are comfy, with privacy curtains in the dorms.
- MID-RANGE: LAF Hotel Aree– LAF Hotel is a pod hotel with cheap private pods (there are dorm pods too). Although the pods are small, their design makes the most of limited space, and they don’t feel cramped. There’s a bar on-site that sells nitro coffee and craft beer, and sometimes has live music.
- LUXURY: Craftsman– The Craftsman is clean, modern, and quiet. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom offer lots of light, and the bathrooms come with walk-in showers and deep bathtubs. There’s a small but nice swimming pool area outside and a well-equipped fitness center. This clean design of the hotel doesn’t give it a lot of personality, but it’s perfect for when you want some downtime. The full suites come with a kitchen area.
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