Spending a month in Bangkok has been an eye-opening experience. From the fast-paced city life to the hidden gems tucked away in quiet alleys, I’ve learned a lot about the city, its people, and myself. Here’s a reflection on my time here and what I’ve taken away from it.
City Life & First Impressions
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. Whether it’s the vibrant street markets, the buzzing nightlife, or the endless cafes and workspaces, there’s always something happening.
The affordability compared to the U.S. is a major plus. Daily expenses, including food, transport, and rent, are significantly lower. I stayed in a studio flat right outside the Wutthakat BTS, which offered the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
Networking & Meeting People
One of my key takeaways from this month is the importance of networking. I attended meetups, including one at The Deck [Soi 20], where I met people from various backgrounds.
Work & Productivity
I found that I was able to focus in the apartment, especially with a monitor. I even transcribed a song with a Yamaha keyboard that I bought at Icon Siam [10% more expensive than my local mall 🤣].
Somewhere in that haze I also made a lo-fi remix of I Remember by deadmau5 in like an hour—kind of a sleepy, textured take on it.
My productivity increased when I went for a run at night or a swim in the morning as being active releases endorphins + dopamine, which increase my mood. Meditating for 15’ in the morning also ironically helped me manage my thoughts and moods better, although sometimes it felt like I was just sitting there wishing the AC was on if it was off.
I made good progress on my Slimefall game, released an Unreal FPS game for Mac, and even started setting up a focus companion mobile app.
Lifestyle & Living Costs
Living in Bangkok is incredibly cost-effective. Here’s a rough breakdown of my monthly expenses:
- Rent (Studio Flat): $500 [LTR] / $800 [STR]
- Food (Street Food & Restaurants): $300
- Transport (BTS, Grab, Scooters): $100
- Gym & Miscellaneous: $100
For around $1,000 a month, I could live comfortably.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering spending time in Bangkok, I’d highly recommend it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, digital nomad, or just looking for a change of pace, the city offers something for everyone.
It’s also easy to take e.g. week trips to Phuket or Chiang Mai1 for an island or mountain/temple getaway.*
- I spent 3 days in CM, rented a Honda CBR 150, went to several Wats, and made friends with an elephant. ↩︎
Leave a Reply