A month ago, I packed my bags and left Bangkok. Don’t get me wrong—there’s a lot to love about the city. The food, the energy, the endless things to do. But after three months, I realized it just wasn’t the right fit for me. If you’re thinking about moving to Bangkok, here’s a breakdown of what I loved, what I struggled with, and why I ultimately decided to leave.
Why I Chose Bangkok in the First Place
Thailand has always felt like a second home to me. I spent a few months in Chiang Mai last year, and while I loved the slower pace, I wanted to experience something different. Bangkok seemed like the perfect place—big city vibes, incredible food, and a ton of cultural sites to explore. Plus, as a digital nomad, I figured it would be a great place to build connections and meet other remote workers.
So, I made the move and settled into a condo in the Asok area. The convenience was unbeatable—cafés, malls, gyms, and restaurants were all within walking distance. But after a while, I started to feel a little… stuck.
The Downsides of Living in Bangkok
- Traffic is a Nightmare
Bangkok traffic is infamous for a reason. If you need to get anywhere by car, be prepared to sit in traffic for what feels like forever. Sure, there’s the BTS and MRT, which are great, but they don’t cover the entire city. And while you can take a motorbike taxi, I personally never felt comfortable enough to try driving one myself in the chaos. - Not a Walkable City
Unlike other cities where you can just step outside and wander, Bangkok isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks are often crowded (or non-existent), and with the heat and pollution, walking long distances isn’t always enjoyable. - It’s Easy to Get Stuck in a Bubble
This was a big one for me. Many condos in Bangkok are designed to be super convenient—you have everything you need right there. Gym? Check. Co-working space? Check. Restaurants and convenience stores? Check. While this is great in theory, it made me realize I wasn’t actually exploring as much as I thought I would.
What I Did Love About Bangkok
Okay, enough complaining—there are a lot of amazing things about Bangkok too.
- The Food Scene is Unreal
If you love food, Bangkok is heaven. From street food to high-end restaurants, the options are endless. You can eat incredibly well without spending a fortune, and there’s always something new to try. - It’s Easy to Meet People
Bangkok has a huge expat and digital nomad community. Whether you’re into networking, nightlife, or just casual meetups, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with people. - So Many Things to Do
Shopping malls, rooftop bars, temples, markets, weekend trips—Bangkok never gets boring. Even after three months, I felt like I had barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.
Why I Moved to Chiang Mai
After a few months, I found myself craving a slower pace, more nature, and a more relaxed vibe. Chiang Mai offers all of that while still having a great digital nomad scene. Plus, I love that I can ride a motorbike here without the stress of crazy traffic.
For me, Bangkok is an amazing place to visit and even live for a short period, but for a long-term home base? It just wasn’t quite right. If you love city life, fast-paced energy, and endless entertainment, it might be perfect for you. But if you’re looking for something more laid-back, you might want to consider other options in Thailand.
Thinking of Moving to Thailand?
If you’re planning a trip or even considering moving to Thailand, I offer one-on-one travel consultations where we can chat about your ideal experience and plan accordingly. Check out the link in my description if you’re interested! That’s it for now—see you in the next one!