- Download our Moving to Bangkok Guide (PDF)
The lifestyle in Bangkok is a feast of sights and sounds. A weekend in Bangkok can fly by in a blur, and whether you take the tourist route through the city’s countless side streets or prefer to settle in and rub shoulders with the locals, there’s never a dull moment.
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping malls, open markets, golf courses, temples, parks, and an array of exotic scents all combine to create an exciting urban experience. New and established expats will find plenty to see and do.
Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok ranges from searching for trinkets at the city’s famous floating markets to browsing high-end fashion in sprawling mega malls. Expats can trawl street stalls for the perfect bargain or head to sprawling complexes that house everything from cinemas to bowling alleys and even the odd aquarium.
For fans of shopping malls, an entire weekend can be spent at Siam Paragon, easily accessible by the BTS Sky Train. Other major malls include Iconsiam, CentralWorld and CentralPlaza WestGate.
Those after a more authentic shopping experience can explore Bangkok’s ever-popular open markets. Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest flea markets with over 15,000 stalls, provides excellent value for everything unusual and unique that the country has to offer. Floating markets like Amphawa and Taling Chan offer a glimpse into traditional Thai commerce, though they are increasingly catering to tourists.
Nightlife in Bangkok
Bangkok comes alive after dark, and new arrivals will have no trouble finding vibrant entertainment venues. Whether you want to let your hair down and dance the night away or prefer to sip on cocktails at sophisticated rooftop bars with skyline views, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok. Sukhumvit is popular with expats and tourists alike, while Royal City Avenue tends to attract a younger, more local crowd.
Eating out in Bangkok
Locals in Bangkok are passionate about food. It won’t be long before expats begin to understand what food means to the locals and to appreciate the amazing variety in Bangkok. Whether a streetside noodle dish with homemade broth or a local vendor concocting spicy somtam, the options are both tasty and reasonably priced.
Naturally, every expat experiences a yearning for something that tastes like home, and Bangkok obliges with international dining options in areas like Thong Lo and Phrom Phong, although at much higher prices.
Sports and outdoor activities in Bangkok
Sports and outdoor activities in Bangkok take place at a handful of green parks where residents can enjoy a picnic, paddle around the pond, walk the dog, play with their children, or simply take a break from the rushed pace of city living. Benjakitti Forest Park and Lumpini Park are the city’s main green spaces.
Outdoor activities are seasonal in Bangkok. Between December and March, PM2.5 pollution often reaches unhealthy levels, and health authorities advise checking air-quality apps before outdoor exercise.
Bangkok is the perfect place to try Muay Thai, a form of Thai boxing. Those wanting to escape the soaring outdoor temperatures will find several reputable gyms and yoga studios throughout Bangkok. There are also plenty of cycling and running routes in and around the city, particularly around Benjakitti Forest Park.
Alternatively, those looking for something a bit different always have the option of heading out to a golf course. There are plenty of quality courses situated around Bangkok which offer excellent value for money.
Meeting people and making friends in Bangkok
One of the most daunting parts of moving to a new city is making connections and building relationships with new people. Some of the best ways to meet people and make friends in Bangkok include shared interests like sports or hobbies, volunteering, expat clubs, and online platforms like Meetup. Below are a few suggestions for expats looking to meet new people in Bangkok.