Bangkok is perfect for digital nomads. The city has fast wifi, cheap living costs, modern infrastructure and incredible food. There's also a massive active digital nomad community in the city so settling in is easy, even if staying for just a few weeks.
Public transport is brilliant. The BTS Skytrain and metro make getting around the city incredibly easy. And ride hailing apps like Grab are really cheap as well (especially if hailing a bike). There's also tons of stuff to do. Whether trying streetfood like Pad Kaprao or hitting the rooftop bars with instagrammable views of the city. You won't be bored easily.
Popular areas like Silom, Thonglor, and Phrom Phong each have their own distinct feel. So it could be worth visiting them if possible and settling on an area that suits you best. And when you do need a break from the city, the islands and beaches are just a short flight away.
Bangkok is also really affordable. You can live really well here without spending lots. Add in the friendly locals and the fact it's a great base for exploring Southeast Asia, and it's no wonder so many people choose to call this place home.
The Good
- ๐ Excellent nightlife
- ๐คค Great food options
- ๐ Streetfood
- โ Coffee
- ๐ผ Plenty of places to work
- ๐ฆ Strong nomad community
- ๐ด Strong ex-pat community
- โ๏ธ Fantastic weather
- ๐ฎ Safe
- ๐ก Strong wifi coverage
- ๐ Fast wifi
- ๐ Good public transport
- ๐๏ธ Architecture
- ๐๏ธ Shopping
- ๐๏ธ Amazing hotels
The Bad
- ๐ Traffic
- ๐๏ธ Pollution
- ๐ฅต Very humid
- ๐คผ Crowded
Living costs
- Bangkok is the 4th most expensive place (out of 11) to live in Thailand
- The average salary in Bangkok is
- It's about 204% cheaper to live in Bangkok than it is London
- You can expect to spend around $1,518.01 per month living here
Work
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 26th Jul 2026
Safety
Generally safe for tourists and digital nomads, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Where to stay
1. Thonglor
- Nightlife
- Hip & Trendy
- Foodies
- Students
Thonglor is a popular neighbourhood among young locals and expats. It's home to loads of restaurants, cool bars, and shops. Most of Bangkok's coolest venues can be found around here.
2. Silom
- Luxury & Upscale
- Business & Financial
- Foodies
- Touristy
- Shopping
Silom is a busy business and commercial district in Bangkok and offers a mix of accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments.
3. Phrom Phong
- Luxury & Upscale
- Hip & Trendy
- Chilled & Residential
- Foodies
Phrom Phong is known for its shopping, food, and a lively atmosphere. With easy access to the BTS Skytrain and close proximity to Benchasiri Park, making it popular with expats and nomads.
4. Phaya Thai
- Up & Coming
- Chilled & Residential
- Gentrified
- Students
Phaya Thai is a little quieter and cheaper but still well connected by the BTS and is just a few stops to the main shopping areas of Siam and Sukhumvit.
Where to eat
Krua Khun Puk
155 Sukhumvit 11/1 Alley, Bangkok 10110One of our favourite local hangs when in Bangkok. Super cheap and always busy so you may need to wait to be seated. It's well worth it though. The crispy pork belly is unreal.
Nightlife
Thanon Ram Buttri
Thanon Ram Buttri, Bangkok 10200Running parallel to the infamous Khao San Road, Ram Buttri offers a mix of cool bars and restaurants with a less manic feel.
Where to work
Fitness
Hotels & Condos
BangkokMost hotels and condos in the city have well equipped gyms. So it's super easy to stay active while in the city.
Outdoors
Benjakitti Park
Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok 10110Great open space in the heart of Bangkok. Has a running track around the lake so popular with joggers and runners in the mornings and after sunset.
Transport
BTS
Taking the BTS is one of the easiest ways to get around Bangkok. The overhead metro system runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport, along Sukhumvit Road and on to many other popular areas.
Rabbit Card
You can buy a ticket for the BTS at any BTS station (via the manned ticket booths or self service ticket machines) but we recommend grabbing a Rabbit Card.
You can pick these up from any BTS ticket office (you'll need to show ID) and top them up with however much you like (with a minimum of 100 baht).
Simply tap the card to pass through the barriers as you use the BTS, It's super quick, easy and convienient. Rabbit cards can be topped at any BTS station, McDonalds, Tesco Lotus or any store where Rabbit pay is accepted.
Grab
The ride hailing app Grab is our next recommendation for getting about. It makes ordering a cab or motorbike taxi easy and is a must have in Bangkok.
You can add your bank card to the app ensuring you never need spare change or cash for trips. You can also order food as well as a ton of other things but the ride hailing is definitely one of our favourite features.
Bolt
Bolt is another ride hailing app popular in Thailand and lets you hail "normal" taxis with a much reduced fare.
Booking a cab using Bolt has saved us up to 40% of the price it would have cost had we simply hailed a cab in the street.
The app isn't as popular as Grab but it's definitely worth downloading and having as back up.
Motorbike Taxi
You will find motorbike taxi ranks outside many condos and intersections throughout Bangkok (especially the popular areas of Sukhumvit) and it's a super convienient way to get about.
You can easily spot the riders in their distinct orange bibs.
Pricing is fixed and most ranks will display the price list for many popular destinations throughout the city. Just make sure you agree on the price with you rider before you leave.
They also only accept cash so make sure you have spare change to hand. Depending on distance you are probably looking at around 40 to 80 baht for most journeys.
Internet speed
The internet is generally super fast and extremely reliable in Bangkok
Time difference
๐คซ Pro tip
Many ATMs will charge you a flat 220 baht fee for withdrawals - regardless of the amount. So if you must withdraw cash try and do larger amounts to offset the cost.When to visit
Nov to Feb
Jun to Oct
Average temperatures
Who it suits
Guides
-
BangkokHow To Extend Your 60-Day Stay In Bangkok
18th January 2024 A step-by-step guide to extending your 60 day visa in Bangkok, Thailand
Places near Bangkok
Pattaya
Sunshine, beach vibes, and nightlife to boot
Siem Reap
Historical, affordable and chilled
Koh Tao
Scuba, bare feet, and tropical island vibes.
Ko Pha-Ngan
Full Moon parties, stunning beaches, and backpackers galore
Koh Samui
Tropical paradise, palm-fringed beaches, and lively nightlife.