The diversity, openness and vibrancy of Thailand's capital are just some of the few reasons remote worker life in Bangkok is such an attractive prospect for so many people. On the whole, the remote worker life in Bangkok offers endless surprises and is one where you will never find yourself without something to do. Thailand’s rich culture is also palpable here and you are likely to find yourself visiting ancient temples and witnessing colorful rituals as part of your day-to-day here. Of course, the city is complex, large and often intimidating, but Bangkok is certainly a place like no other for remote workers looking for a dynamic home-base amid the beauties of the southeast Asian region.
One of the most attractive things about the remote worker life in Bangkok is certainly the affordability of the city. You can get a great studio in the heart of the city for less than 400USD and a modern, central 1-bedroom will cost around 705USD. If you decide to share or find different forms of accommodation, you can save even more! The city also has an excellent transport network which, even though not as cheap as one might expect, is reliable enough to count on instead of more expensive taxis. Beyond all this, the city has countless free things to do and visit all the time -- you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thai Art and Culture Center, see many of the city’s temples and parks for absolutely no cost at all!
It is true that food in Bangkok is also affordable, with a wide range of markets providing great value for money of green and fresh good. Yet it is the quality of the city’s street food in particular which is one of the main highlights of remote worker life in Bangkok. Guided food tours and visits to some of the city’s famous restaurants may be useful during your first few days in the city, but getting lost among the food stalls of the Victoria Monument area or in Chinatown will prove to be one of the most exciting and delicious experiences you can have living in the city!
Without a doubt, Bangkok’s nightlife is also one of its highlights. With thousands of incredible bars and nightclubs and a few dedicated red-light districts, you can expect the remote worker life in Bangkok to be vibrant and fun. Royal City Avenue is perhaps the most popular party area in the city, with locals and foreigners alike descending on this road for nights of hip-hop, EDM and even traditional Thai music. Khao San Road is renowned in the region as a heaven for backpacker parties, whereas Sukhumvit Soi 11 caters to a more relaxed and rooftop bar-type of crowd and Thong Lor 10 to the wealthy, young professionals of the city.
As with any large metropolis, however, it is perhaps expected that the remote worker life in Bangkok can also be chaotic and fast-paced. It is no secret that the city moves quickly, and its traffic and pollution can feel overwhelming to those not used to the downsides of living in a large capital. Bangkok regularly reports a high number of road accidents involving pedestrians, meaning all visitors should be extra careful. Thankfully, Bangkok’s public transport system is not as crowded as in other major capitals and feels safe and accessible. An important tip for remote workers looking to deal with the city’s pollution and low air quality should download the AirVisual app on the phones to keep track of alerts and news.
Despite these imperfections, the large numbers of long-term visitors in the city prove that life as remote worker in Bangkok can also be safe and convenient. With hundreds of great cafés to choose around the city, fast internet connections and beautiful coworking spaces, Bangkok is highly recommended to those looking for comfort and adventure.
For more information about living in Bangkok as a remote worker, check out our complete Bangkok guide.