🇹🇭 Bangkok: Your Gateway to Southeast Asia

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🗺 The Vibe

Hey there nomad! Kevin from Nomad for Less here, writing to you live from Montréal. For this week’s edition of the newsletter, I’m taking you to our first stop in Southeast Asia: Bangkok.

You step out of the air-conditioned taxi and into the hot, busy streets of Bangkok. The sounds of tuk-tuks, street vendors, and chatter fill your ears as you navigate through the crowds. Despite the chaos, there's an undeniable energy and excitement that comes with living in this fast-paced city as a digital nomad.

As you unpack in your apartment, your first stop is to scope out the city’s coworking spaces. From upscale offices to more relaxed spaces, Bangkok has a workspace to suit everyone’s tastes. You find yourself drawn to the coworking locations that are filled with other like-minded remote workers, all dialed in on their laptops and taking short breaks to share stories of their travels.

But Bangkok certainly isn't all work and no play. When the day is done, you explore the city's street food scene, indulging in delicious dishes like pad thai and green curry. Your chats with locals and fellow travelers immerse you in the city's unique culture.

Weekends are reserved for exploring Bangkok's many temples, parks, and museums. You observe the splendor of the Grand Palace and the serenity of Lumphini Park. And when it’s time for a break from the city, you take a short trip to nearby islands or indulge in a spa day at one of Bangkok's many luxurious spas.

Living in Bangkok as a digital nomad is an adventure, filled with new experiences and opportunities for personal growth. You're never bored in this upbeat environment, and you're constantly inspired by the energy of those around you.

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🎟 To Do

With streets teeming with life, a rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine, Bangkok is the perfect destination for the intrepid traveler. From exploring ancient temples to partaking in some retail therapy at the city's crowded markets, there's a lot of fun activities in this amazing city. Here are 5 things you can't miss during your time there:

1. Visit the Grand Palace - This stunning complex of buildings and temples was once the home of the Thai King and is a must-see for anyone interested in Thai culture and history.

2. Explore the temples - Bangkok is home to some of the most beautiful temples in the world, including Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun. These ancient structures are not only breathtaking to look at but also offer a fascinating insight into Thai spirituality.

3. Shop at Chatuchak Market - At one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, you'll find everything from handmade crafts to designer clothing, all at bargain prices.

4. Indulge in Thai cuisine - From spicy curries to sweet sticky rice, there's something to suit every taste in Bangkok.

5. Take a canal tour - This will give you a unique perspective on the city and its people, as well as a chance to see some of the more hidden corners of Bangkok.

🎢 Top Attractions

1. Jim Thompson House - This beautiful teakwood house is a museum that was once owned by the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson. The house is a stunning example of traditional Thai architecture and features a collection of rare antiques and artwork.

2. Wat Pho - Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. The temple is famous for its enormous statue of the reclining Buddha, which measures over 46 meters long and is covered in gold leaf.

3. Khao San Road - Known as the backpacker's hub of Bangkok, Khao San Road is a lively street lined with bars, restaurants, and street vendors selling everything from clothing to souvenirs.

4. Chinatown - This colorful neighborhood is filled with markets, shops, and restaurants. Here you can sample some of the city's best street food and shop for souvenirs to take home.

5. Asiatique - This sprawling night market and entertainment complex is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Here you'll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including live music, theater shows, and a Ferris wheel with stunning views of the city.

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🍽 To Eat & Drink

One of the best things about traveling is getting to experience new flavors and culinary traditions, and Bangkok is no exception. The city is famous for its delicious street food and unique drinks, so be sure to come hungry and ready to explore. From spicy curries to sweet treats, here are five must-try dishes and drinks in Bangkok:

1. Tom Yum Goong - This iconic Thai soup is made with fragrant herbs and spices, shrimp, and sometimes mushrooms or other vegetables. It's spicy, sour, and savory all at once, and will warm you up on a cool evening.

2. Pad Thai - This classic Thai dish is a staple of street food stalls throughout Bangkok. Made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, egg, and often chicken or shrimp, it's a filling and delicious meal.

3. Mango Sticky Rice - If you're in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try mango sticky rice. This dessert is made with sweet sticky rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk, and is a refreshing and tasty way to end a meal.

4. Thai Iced Tea - This creamy and sweet iced tea is a popular drink in Bangkok, and it's easy to see why. Made with black tea, condensed milk, and sugar, it's a refreshing treat.

5. Chang Beer - When it comes to beer in Bangkok, Chang is the name you need to know. This popular Thai beer is light and refreshing, and pairs perfectly with spicy Thai food.

🎉 Where to dine, wine, and party

Whether you're in the mood for a fancy dinner, a laid-back night out, or a wild party, Bangkok has you covered. Here are five of the best restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots in the city:

1. Vertigo - This rooftop restaurant and bar offers stunning views of Bangkok's skyline, along with a menu of international cuisine and creative cocktails.

2. Maggie Choo's - This speakeasy-style, underground bar has a vintage vibe, is located in a former bank vault, and features live music and performances.

3. Thonglor - Located in the upscale Sukhumvit neighborhood, Thonglor is a trendy area known for its chic bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

4. Sing Sing Theater - This unique bar and nightclub is housed in a converted Chinese opera house and features live performances, DJs, and a dance floor.

5. Issaya Siamese Club - Set in a 100-year-old Thai villa, Issaya Siamese Club offers a lush garden setting with elegant decor making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

🏡 To Stay

Whether you're looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, you'll find plenty of options in the city. Here are some of our top picks on Airbnb:

🏘 Links to best stays in the area

• Luxury one bedroom for $1,365/month

• Luxury one bedroom condo for $599/month

• Luxury one bedroom condo with infinity pool for $1,054/month

• One bedroom condo with pool for $763/month

• Large one bedroom condo for $707/month

✈️ To Fly

If you're planning a trip to Bangkok, the most affordable time to fly is generally during the low season, which runs from May to October. During this time, flights and accommodations tend to be less expensive, but keep in mind that it is also the rainy season.

Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), is well-connected to the city by various modes of transportation including taxis, airport shuttles, and the Airport Rail Link, which is a fast and affordable way to get to the city center.

The lowest cost flights are flying out of New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. You can find your city here and see when it’s cheapest to fly there for you.

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