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ThailandThailandVisited Feb 2024 · 1 month

Bangkok

An intoxicating blur of motorbikes, vitamin D and rice.

Top ratedRemote work hubGreat valueGreat for a holidayWould return
Average8.8
Accommodation8.9
Coworking8.5
Value8.9
Excitement9.1
Living costs, excl. rent~$1,172
Nomad visaAvailable
Population10.9 Million
Fly into

BKK & DMK

Thailand's capital offers a mix of traditional culture competing with waves of modernity.

Over 400 Buddhist temples contrast against numerous towering skyscrapers, with the iconic Sky Train dominating landscape.

Strongly recommend

As long as you can tolerate the heat, Bangkok offers something for everyone. Worth traveling to the region for, especially.

At a glance

Accommodation

Great · #3 of 62

8.9/10

Not many cities can compete with the quantity, quality and price of the accommodation on offer in Bangkok. An over-supply of condo complexes across the city mean that even via Airbnb, you can expect to find a premium quality flat in a central area for under £800 a month. Given the quantity in supply, aim for a recently finished building which hasn't suffered 20 years of short term rental use. Google Maps is useful for checking the overall state of the building the apartment may be based in.

Unlike other warm weather locations where a pool is a nice to have, I'd mark it as an essential item to have on site. Combined with access to a gym, it can make your mornings off work incredibly stress free. Some of the more modern condo buildings offer on site coworking which may be something to consider if working late.

I would whole heartedly recommend the area around the T77 Community, just off Sukhumvit Road.

How it compares

Coworking

Great · #10 of 62

8.5/10

With most specialty coffee shops closing by 4:00 pm and even Starbucks shutting down by 8:00 pm, consider using a dedicated coworking space if you maintain European work hours. However, 24-hour access isn't offered by all coworking spaces, so plan ahead and choose accommodation near your preferred workspace. The Hive locations, for example, offer 24/7 access with monthly memberships.

How it comparesWhere to work

Value

Great · #3 of 62

8.9/10

Even in 2024, Thailand remains incredibly affordable for visitors with Western salaries. Local street food stalls and markets are particularly inexpensive, while international cuisine, though pricier, is still good value compared to European standards.

Transportation within Bangkok and to other national destinations is inexpensive and convenient. Alcohol is a noticeable outlier where prices in more sophisticated venues can be comparable or even exceed their equivalents in Europe.

How it comparesCosts breakdown

Excitement

Great · #1 of 62

9.1/10

In terms of excitement, very few places globally can match Bangkok. Whatever you’re looking for, it will be there in immense abundance. The depth and variety of food options, spanning all cuisines, are unparalleled.

The intensity isn’t confined to specific areas of the city either—you can practically pick any two points on the map, walk between them, and you’re likely to encounter something remarkable along the way, with great food available at any time of day.

It would be my first recommendation to anyone seeking a memorable, intense, and immersive month.

How it compares

Plan

Summary

Ever since visiting Bangkok on holiday in 2018, I'd been eyeing up a return to Thailand. I'd put it off the last couple of years due to a reluctance in shifting my work day into the evening. Traditionally, being a morning person, the idea of starting work at 14:00 felt intrinsically wrong and in conflict with my entire approach to a work day.

With that being said, after a particularly overwhelming craving for Thai food one day at the end of 2023, I thought I'd challenge this apprehension and booked a flight to Bangkok from Kigali.

China Town is one of the most hectic areas in the entire city and a constant assault on the senses.
China Town is one of the most hectic areas in the entire city and a constant assault on the senses.

Cost of living

$1,172a month, before rent

Basic living costs, rent not included

Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.

Moderate
  • Meal in a casual restaurant$8.33
  • Speciality coffee$4.69
  • Pint of local beer$3.64
  • Cocktail$23
  • Taxi for 2 miles$6.25
  • Men's haircut$12
  • Women's haircut$36
  • Gym membership, monthly$59
  • Coworking, monthly$134

Prices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: medium (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, hivelife.com, superagent.co. Always check locally before planning around them.

Duration & season

Whilst February was hot, it was by no means unbearable. Temperatures are routinely in the mid-30s during the day, dropping by 10 degrees overnight. With only one day of notable rain, it felt an ideal time to be based in the city, with the noticeable smell of blooming plant life in the evenings.

March-June is classed as the summer and can see daytime temperatures reaching 40, with the rainy season running from July to October. If you can be flexible with your timings, the window between November and February seems an ideal balance.

There is more than enough within the city for a one month stay, with the rest of the country easily accessible for weekend trips to islands or more remote settings.

By month

Typical temperatures and rainfall by month
MonthLow °CHigh °CRain mmNotes
January23337peak season
February253439peak season
March263564
April273747
May2634263wet month
June2634182
July2632274wet month
August2534173
September2532279wet month
October2432204
November2333114peak season
December24339peak season
Wettest months Peak season

Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.

Visitors a year
30M2025
Crowds
Very High
Peak season
Nov–Feb
Low season
Apr–Sep

Remote work visa

Digital nomad visa available

Thailand's Digital Travel Visa (DTV) is a 5-year programme aimed at remote workers, requiring proof of income (500,000 THB annually) and evidence of remote work status.

The visa operates on a multiple-entry basis, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry throughout the 5-year validity period. A 6-month extension is possible. At £300, it's considerably more affordable than other long-term visa options.

To apply, you'll need to provide either an employment contract or professional portfolio that demonstrates your remote work status. The income requirement stands at 500,000 THB annually, and you'll need to submit proof of this alongside standard immigration requirements like a valid passport and clean criminal record. The application fee is £300.

Read more about the visa

Working hours

Based in Indochina time, during the winter months, Thailand is 6 hours ahead of Central European, dropping to 5 during the summer.

While this is a significant time difference, adapting your daily schedule can make it manageable, especially if you have some flexibility with your working hours.

Safety

On the whole, a safe and secure city.

Bangkok feels walkable at all hours of the day, with street traders busy until the early hours of the morning. There may be some occasional reports of petty crime but nothing that should deter you from visiting.

Download ride hailing apps to get around.

Both Bolt and Grab are widely available across the city. Late at night you may get offered rides from unlicensed private operators which for obvious reasons are best avoided. You'd be best advised to avoid any motorbike rides at the end of a night out where the combination of faster open roads, alcohol and a loosely enforced helmet policy feel potentially problematic.

Live & work

Where to stay

Bangkok is an enormous metropolis, and you should plan accordingly. I would suggest choosing an area within a 10-minute walk of Sukhumvit Road, one of the major arterial roads which can offer strong transport connections and easy access to coworking spaces.

Whilst proximity to nightlife hotspots might be alluring when on holiday, I would prioritize making your commute as hassle-free and immune to Bangkok's travel congestion as possible.

On Nut

Recommended

Where I spent a month in February 2024, is an ideal location if you want to be around Sukhumvit but enjoy a slightly more sedate and local feel, which might be missing further up the line. There's a good mix of locals and expats, with no shortage of great places to eat, and both On Nut and Phra Khanong BTS stations are within easy reach. Ideal for a longer stay, I would recommend the area surrounding the 'T77 Community' and Bangkok Prep International School.

Ari

Recommended

A decent alternative to staying along Sukhumvit, Ari offers something of a more residential neighbourhood feel and plenty of coworking options. Known for its vibrant cafe scene and trendy eateries, the area has kept its local character despite growing popularity. You'll find a mix of modern coffee shops, traditional shophouses, and leafy streets throughout. The BTS Green Line connects you easily to Sukhumvit, while the neighbourhood itself stays relatively peaceful. Will consider it on a future return to the city.

Thong Lor

Situated a few stops further up Sukhumvit from On Nut, Thong Lo has historically been one of the most popular areas for both expats and remote workers in the city. It has one of the more concentrated selections of international dining and drinking options, with higher prices to match. I recently stayed here in January 2025 to be close to the WeWork. It's no doubt a great area, but unless you need to be in the vicinity, I'm not convinced it's worth the premium you'll pay for accommodation.

Where to work

With most specialty coffee shops closing by 4:00 pm and even Starbucks shutting down by 8:00 pm, consider using a dedicated coworking space if you maintain European work hours. However, 24-hour access isn't offered by all coworking spaces, so plan ahead and choose accommodation near your preferred workspace. The Hive locations, for example, offer 24/7 access with monthly memberships.

While numerous cafes and coworking spaces can be found across the city, researching options in advance near your desired work and living areas can minimise reliance on public transport or taxis.

the Hive Prakanong coworking space

the Hive Prakanong

Top rated
Good coffeeTop locationQuality fit-out

The Hive, a small chain of coworking spaces with locations across Asia and Bangkok, offers a mix of dedicated desks, flexible hot desks, and private offices at both Phra Khanong and Thong Lo.

While 24-hour workspaces aren't as common in Bangkok as you might expect, The Hive provides monthly members with around-the-clock access and complimentary espresso of reasonable quality. There's a good mix of locals, expats, and travellers, with regular hosted events if you're looking to build a community in the city. The interior of the space is well styled - minimal, modern and well maintained, aside from a couple of slightly rickety tables.

The quiet and peaceful environment features dedicated phone booths for private calls and strong air conditioning throughout the day and into the evening. Numerous restaurants are within a 5-minute walk, and a Sukhumvit Street Coffee branch is conveniently located at the building's base.

By 19:00, the space becomes practically deserted, ideal for focused work late into the night.

WeWork options in Bangkok:

WeWork T-One Building - Situated within a 5-minute walk of the Thong Lo BTS station, this is probably the best of the three sites across the city in terms of convenience, location and quality. The All Access seating is positioned on the 20th floor, which has a good ambience without being overly crowded. An in-house barista from neighbouring coffee shop Sarnies provides coffees until 15:00. I can't imagine there are many better views from coworking spaces in the city, with the neighbouring competing towers of Watthana providing a great backdrop for your workday. Whilst it technically closes at 18:00 when the air conditioning stops, you can stay later into the evening; however, your key card will stop working, meaning you'll rely on other people to open the doors. Ensure you bring ID to the front desk to get a building card for the lifts - a mild inconvenience.

WeWork Spring Tower - Quieter than the T-1 site, my main issue with this building is just how annoying it is to get in and out of the building. Each time coming in and out of the building, you will need to provide ID to be given a temporary card which is valid for only one use. Assuming you are coming in and out of the building a few times a day for coffees, it's unwanted friction. A nice space, but if you are staying in Sukhumvit, I would look elsewhere.

5th Floor, Chavanich Building, 38 Sukhumvit Soi 69 Prakanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

DirectionsWebsite

Food & drink

Coffee

PAGA Microroastery

Top rated

Futuristic looking store with a selection of small batch roasted single origin filter coffees.

KIMMIK Pattanakarn

Impressive selection of beans from across the world. Another outlet is available closer to the city close to Trinity Mall.

Karo Coffee

Cripsy, buttery sourdough toasties served from an open kitchen with top quality espresso also available.

Huan Roastery

Top quality espresso with a number of bean varieties roasted in-house. The 'routine' Colombian one was excellent.

Food

Sago Tree Dish and Spoon Café

Small family ran restaurant serving a range of regional Thai dishes. Around a 10 minute walk from the Hive coworking space.

The Old Siam Plaza

Brand new air conditioned food market on the top floor, with a cash-less key card system (top up when you enter). Great place to sample a number of different dishes.

Drinks

Mutual Bar

Cocktails in a dimly lit intimate bar with imported craft lagers and live music on the weekends.

Tamnan Kon E-San

Top rated

If you are looking for a traditional Thai night out, look no further. Lively dance themed restuaruant/bar where rum is served generously by the bottle.

P.J O'Brien's

Irish bar popular with locals and expats showing all live sport with a range of thai dishes served all day.

Off the clock

Off work

Explore China Town

Explore China Town

One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, it is a particularly busy and immersive part of the city home to a bewildering number of restaurants and markets. An ideal place to spend a couple of hours on foot during the weekend.

Explore Bang Kachao by bike

Explore Bang Kachao by bike

Given the enormity of its urban landscape, Bangkok doesn't excel in its availability of city parks. If you are seeking a break from the intensity of the city, Bang Kacha is an ideal place to spend an afternoon cycling on quiet waterways, with plenty of options for food and drink along the way. M-BIKE offers reliable bikes at low prices.

Take a weekend break

Take a weekend break

The rest of Thailand is easily accessible from Bangkok via all transport methods. If you don't fancy the hassle of going through the airport, Koh Samet can be reached by bus in 3 hours making it a perfect option for a weekend away. 12Go Asia is a reliable option for booking bus and ferry tickets.

Exercise

Walk

River Walk

The volume of traffic on the roads can make walking taxing after a while, for a more peaceful journey, the urban waterways offer a more secluded route across the city reminiscent of London's grand union canal. The route from Charn Issara Pier to Hua Chang is relatively uninterrupted and shady throughout.

Cycle

Bang Kachao Cycle

If you are looking to escape the hustle of the city centre, take the short ferry from Wat Khlong Toei Nok Pier to Bang Krachao Pier. Good quality bicycles can be hired for £2 per day, where you can explore the quiet roads and waterways.

Walk

Benchakitti Forest Park

Substantial park just off of Sukhumvit Road, with a lake and amphitheatre. Great for a walk near sunset.

People

Even for a country that has been saturated with tourists for the past 30 years, Thai people remain warm, friendly, and approachable. English is widely spoken, albeit with varying levels of proficiency.

As one of the world's most popular cities for international tourists, there is a constant stream of people entering and departing the country, with many passing through Bangkok to reach more exotic locations within the country.

If you are looking to meet fellow remote workers, you won't have to try very hard. Brits and Germans appeared to be some of the most notable groups, alongside remote workers from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

Avoid the rainy season (July - October) to minimise the likelihood of scenes like this.
Avoid the rainy season (July - October) to minimise the likelihood of scenes like this.

Notes

Positives

If you enjoy Asian food, there is arguably no better city in the world.

The endless selection of Thai food is complemented by a glut of options from all across the region, with Japanese and Chinese options particularly prominent and inexpensive.

A world class city for coffee.

Since I last visited in 2018, there appears to have been an explosion in the number of specialty outlets dotted across the city. Expect to find espresso blends featuring beans from the north of Thailand, Laos and Burma, as well as options from across the world.

A glut of affordable accommodation options.

I can't think of anywhere else in the world where Airbnb availability and quality is so high. Even with short notice, you'll be spoilt for choice on affordable, attractive options.

It's unlikely you will ever be bored.

There's so much constantly going on in the city, it's hard to imagine there would be a day where you wouldn't know how to spend it.

A large community of remote workers and expats across the city.

Perhaps the late working hours and more candid evening setting played a contributing role in speaking to people, but I found Bangkok to be the most natural place to meet people in a similar position.

There's benefits to working later in the day.

Starting work in the afternoon means you have the mornings to spend in whichever way you see fit, whether that be a in the gym, getting a haircut, going out for brunch or getting a £7 Thai massage.

Negatives

Hot, busy and hectic.

If it sounds like the sort of urban environment you would hate to be working in, then you should probably stick with your gut instincts.

Poor air quality.

Air pollution is an issue throughout the country which is often bemoaned by locals. I didn't feel particularly affected by it, but it's something which may put you off a prolonged stay in the city if you are particularly susceptible to such conditions. When I returned in January 2025, during a particularly severe week it had the third-worst air quality levels in the world, with an AQI of 198, placing it just behind Mumbai and Lahore.

Working hours have the potential to be problematic.

If you have to adhere to a strict 18:00 finishing time in the UK, then a 01:00 finish may not sound too appetising. If you are able to work a schedule which allows you to have wrapped up by 23:00, you can maintain a relatively normal schedule.

Tips

Extending a tourist visa in Thailand is relatively straightforward.

If you have less than 45 days remaining on your 60-day visa, you can extend it for another month's stay for a fee of 2,000 THB. Rather than risking any queues on the day, you can use the recently released e-Extension service, which means you only need to visit to collect the stamp. Plan for seven days from submission to arriving at the centre for stamp collection. The main immigration building is located quite far outside the city centre, so you may need to set aside a morning.

Take big chunks of cash out - you will need it.

Outside of big international chains, card availability is still patchy at best and non existent with street vendors. ATM fees are extortionately high (up to £6 per transaction), if you are near Centralworld AEON bank fees are the lowest in the country at around £3 however as of April 2024 they appear to be discontinuing this service.

Get a BTS card.

Remember to take your passport to the BTS office to initially register for a card. The metro service is ran by a different operator and will require different cards.

Grab a local sim at the airport.

Unlimited monthly 5G data plans can be got for around £25, I was more than happy with Tru Mobile.

Hailing rides via Taxi apps can take a long time.

Expect waits of up to 15 minutes for a car throughout the day and evening. Motorbikes offer a quicker (and exhilarating) alternative.

Planning a trip to Bangkok?

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