Asia, City Guides, Food & Drinks, Travel

Shit You Probably Haven’t Thought Of… But Should Know: Bangkok

27 March

After three months back in the States, grappling with financial stress and the relentless struggle of surviving in an extremely flawed system, I finally touched down in Bangkok: the Land of Smiles. It’s been almost six weeks since I arrived, and while that’s barely enough time to scratch the surface of this sprawling metropolis, I’ve already enjoyed a myriad of experiences that have begun to reshape my understanding of what it means to live a full life.

Perhaps it’s the gradual unwinding from the cortisol-fueled frenzy I left behind, or maybe it’s Bangkok’s unique blend of chaos and serenity, but I’ve started to feel an unexpected sense of peace here. The vibrant street life, the rich cultural tapestry, and the ever-present aroma of sizzling street food have a way of grounding you in the present moment. Yea… Bangkok might just become my home base for the next year or two.

Now, before we dive in, here’s a quick reminder: this series isn’t your typical travel guide filled with the top ten attractions or must-see landmarks. Instead, it’s a collection of day-to-day nuances and observations that create a daily life and routine… the little, yet important things I hadn’t anticipated before embarking on this journey. Consider this a candid companion to your Bangkok adventure, highlighting the shit you probably haven’t thought of… but should know… as you navigate this captivating city.

featured gear

FCK THE ALGORITHM GYM TEE

In a world where algorithms dictate what we see and how we live, this tee offers a bold declaration of resistance. Stand out, think freely, and live authentically… because your life isn’t a curated feed. It’s raw, real, and entirely your own. Don’t engage in the bullshit or fall victim to clickbait. We can and will live in the world we create on our terms.

FCK THE ALGORITHM | Oversized Gym Tee
$32.00

Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Finances:

Cash v. Card: Whether your preference is to use cash or card, you’ll have no issue exploring Bangkok. That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind if you only plan on using one or the other:

Apple/Samsung Pay doesn’t really exist. The only place that I’ve been able to use Tap to Pay with my Apple Wallet on my phone has been at Starbucks. Tap to Pay with the physical card is a thing pretty much throughout, however.
There is 200 Baht minimum (roughly $6) to use credit/debit cards in places like 7/11.
There are SO MANY street stalls, and food trucks, and markets peppered everywhere in the city. In my experience, the majority take Baht or QR payment (typically only available to those with a Thai bank account or phone number), and if you don’t have either, you’ll be missing out on some AMAZING finds.
If you’re taking public transportation and don’t have a Thai phone number to download local apps and QR/Prompt Pay, you’ll more often than not need Baht. That being said, you can use your credit/debits cards to swipe in and out of the Metro and BTS stations.
99% of the Starbucks ONLY take card, QR code or the Starbucks Thailand app (no cash/Baht), and with the latter two you’ll need a Thai phone number to access. And yes, while I know Starbucks and/or other chains can be taboo for many reasons, I only offer this insight for my digital nomads who like using SB as an office, and for all the Basic Starbies Bishes like myself, who just like the cold brew or shaken espresso and aren’t coffee aficionados.

My first day actually adventuring in Bangkok.

Views from the Bang Son Purple Line Metro Station.

Transportation:

Google Maps: When I lived in South Korea, I made the mistake of assuming Google Maps would have my back… it most certainly did not. Thankfully, it’s actually super reliable in Bangkok, providing accurate routes and schedules for all modes of transportation, whether you’re driving, biking, walking, busing, or taking the BTS or Metro (metro-ing? Yea, we’ll go with that).

Easiest Way to Get Around: If you want to move efficiently and stay cool, the Metro (MRT) and BTS Skytrain are your best bets. Just be warned: during peak hours, expect to be packed in tighter than the Lexington Ave Line in NYC. And if you’re outside the city center? No matter what mode of transport you choose, it’ll probably take forty-five minutes to an hour to get where you’re going. Plan accordingly.

Buses, Grabs and Tuk Tuks: So far, I’ve walked, taken Grab (Uber but cheaper), hopped on the bus, flagged down a Tuk Tuk and used the Metro. The only thing I haven’t tried yet? A Grab Bike. (Stay tuned for that adventure…)

Buses are your cheapest option, with older, non-AC buses running 10–20 Baht, while AC buses cost a bit more. But here’s a pro tip: just sitting at the bus stop won’t cut it. You have to flag it down, or it’ll keep rolling like you don’t exist. Trust me, it took me waaayy to long to catch on to that little nuance, LOL.
Grabs & Taxis are convenient, with Grab being the Southeast Asia equivalent of Uber (and Uber Eats). But Bangkok is huge, and heavily populated so always factor in extra time to get wherever you need to go… traffic here has no mercy.
Tuk-Tuks are iconic, loud, and a fun way to weave through traffic, but they’re not the cheapest. I’ve also heard they can be dangerous/a scam, but I’ve honestly not had that experience yet. The best approach IMO? Negotiate the price before getting in if you’re paying in Baht or use the MuvMi app to book one without the hassle of haggling. Just keep in mind, unlike Grab, they only pick up and drop off in specific locations.

As for me? Especially as I currently live in the burbs and won’t be moving into town for another two weeks or so, I’m all about the MRT/walking combo. It’s efficient, relatively comfortable, and lets me explore the city at my own pace.

When it comes to value for money, Thailand wins hands down. I spend about $16 a day on food, which includes eating out, plus my daily fix of coffee or Thai tea. Quite simply, the access to high-quality food here is unmatched.

Food:

When it comes to value for money, Thailand wins hands down. I spend about $16 a day on food, which includes eating out at least once (if not twice), plus my daily fix of coffee or Thai tea (or both!). The access to high-quality food here is unmatched: markets, fully stocked convenience stores, high-end restaurants and food vendors are literally on every corner.

While standard menus tend to be meat-heavy, there’s no shortage of vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options. No matter your dietary needs or restrictions, you’ll find something mouth-watering. And don’t sleep on the fruit and produce! Street vendors sell fresh, pre-cut fruit for less than $1, and trust me… the fruit here is fresher, sweeter, and lasts longer than anything you’ll find in the States.

Of course, I’ll add more later, but so far my favorite restaurant has been Veganerie Concept in Sukhumvit, and fave place for rooftop/sunset 2-for-1 cocktails is Cooling Tower in Watthana.

Tasty bites from Veganerie Concept…

…followed by 2-for-1 drinks at Cooling Tower.

People & Safety:

This is the Land of Smiles for a reason.

Kindness: I felt it the moment I got off the plane. Almost everyone here smiles, says “Good Morning,” or offers a friendly greeting and bow. Every interaction I’ve had has been kind, helpful, and positive. Like in South Korea, I’ve had no issues leaving my personal items while working in. public or taking a call at Starbucks. Obviously, I’m not suggesting you leave your things unattended for hours, but so far, I’ve never felt unsafe or had anything stolen.

Safety: When it comes to general safety, Bangkok is incredibly safe compared to many large cities worldwide. Violent crime rates are relatively low, and petty theft is uncommon. People generally respect boundaries, and most locals are quick to help or give directions when asked.

Of course, like in any big city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded areas like the train stations in the more tourist-central parts of the city. But overall, the city has a low crime rate, and you’ll find that both locals and visitors feel at ease walking around, even after dark.

Tech:

In terms of power, Thailand uses a combination of U.S. and European-style plugs, and the outlets are designed to accommodate both prongs. However, the voltage here is 230V, so most basic U.S.-based electronics will need a transformer to work properly. If you have devices that are internationally compatible, like most Apple products, you won’t need a transformer, just plug in and go.

People, Technology and Food are all safe in Bangkok…

Gyms & Wellness:

As seen on many an Instagram-influencer video, many higher-end rentals and condos in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, and Sathorn come with expansive in-building gyms. My cute little budget condo in Bang Sue, however, did not. And while I’ll be moving to Sukhumvit in the coming weeks, waiting two whole months to get back into a proper workout routine? Absolutely not.

In Thailand, fitness and wellness are just as important for social well-being as they are for physical health. Whether you’re into lifting, yoga, Muay Thai, or swimming, there are plenty of options to stay active, both in traditional gyms and through community-based activities. That being said, Jett’s and ASC have become my go-to’s since landing here.

Jett’s 24-Hour Fitness: A solid chain of fully equipped gyms open 24/7, perfect for weight training, cardio, and group classes. After doing some research, I signed up for a membership and have been using their locations ever since. They have multiple gyms all over the country, and the best part? One membership gives you access to every single location. It’s been super convenient for getting in workouts no matter where I am in Bangkok and costs less than $50 a month.

Asoke Sports Club: If you’re looking for something beyond just a gym, Asoke Sports Club has it all, mini-golf, pickleball courts, and even sand volleyball courts, which I personally take full advantage of a few days a week. They also have a super affordable drop-in fee of just 200 baht (less than $6), making it a great option if you don’t want to commit to a full membership but still want access to quality facilities.

Toilet Paper, Trash/Recycling & Plastic:

Toilet Paper: Okay, it’s official… I’m the cringey, spoiled American. Here in Bangkok, like many other countries, toilet paper must go in the bin, not down the toilet. And honestly? I hate it. But I get it… the plumbing systems aren’t built for paper, and flushing it could cause serious issues. It’s not what I’m used to, but it’s also not the end of the world. So, just remember: wipe and toss, never flush.

Trash, Recycling & Plastic: When it comes to plastic use, Bangkok is right up there with the U.S., if not worse. I try to reduce and recycle as much as possible, bringing my tote bag to the grocery store and repurposing heavier-duty plastic containers as makeshift Tupperware (shoutout to the Betty Crocker/Rubbermaid era of our childhoods).

That said, recycling is also widely practiced here, with separate bins for plastic, glass, and other waste in many places. Some apartments, convenience stores and supermarkets even have dedicated recycling stations, making it easy to dispose of items properly.

Finally, a lot of places serve drinks like Thai tea and boba in sturdier plastic cups, which I also try to reuse. Bonus: Many vendors actually offer a discount if you bring your own cup, so if you’re looking to save a few baht while cutting down on waste, it’s a win-win.

Gym Selfies at Jett’s…

When life hands you falling watermelon… grab a stick to catch it 🙂

Fashion & Beauty:

If you’re a fashion girlie like me, do not make the mistakes I did. I absolutely LOVE clothes, shoes, and all the other things (for reference, my storage/closet situation back in the States is in the video below). But after spending time in more low-key places like Pyeongtaek and Barbados, where I wasn’t really going out or prioritizing social experiences, I just assumed dressing up wouldn’t be a big deal when I got to Bangkok.

I was soooo wrong.

While I never thought Bangkok was rural or small, I also didn’t fully grasp that it’s on the same level as NYC, Hong Kong, or London when it comes to fashion, nightlife, and overall energy. And now that I’ve decided to stay longer, there are about a million outfits, accessories, and shoes I wish I had packed.

And let’s talk self-care… because the beauty industry here? Top-tier. We’re talking Seoul-level treatments, products, and procedures, so expect plenty of updates as I dive into all things beauty in Bangkok.

So far, I’ve only tackled regular nail maintenance (I haven’t even gotten a massage yet… *le sigh*), but let me tell you… gone are the days of dropping $150 on a much-needed mani/pedi. My last appointment? A deluxe pedicure and regular manicure, with stronger gel polish on both my hands and feet plus a special finish, all for under $60 with tip.

Attractions:

Just being honest, I have nothing to report in this area yet. While I do plan to explore as much of this beautiful and diverse country as possible, this first six weeks for me has been focused on finding a rhythm, setting a schedule, and getting back on a consistent workout routine.

My first stop on my next stateside layover will be my closet 🙂

Reclaiming my angel number… IYKYK

Environment:

Weather: Yes, it’s warm. Yes, it’s humid. But for a girlie like me who hates being cold, I have zero complaints. That said, between the towering buildings, constant cloud/smog cover, and the occasional rainy days, actually seeing the sun is rarer than I expected. So, to say I’m losing my very hard-earned Bajan tan is an understatement. But I’ll be fixing that ASAP… just as soon as I make my way to one of Thailand’s many sun-soaked beaches and islands.

Air Pollution: Bangkok’s energy is unmatched, but so is its air pollution, especially during the dry season (December to April). Some days, the smog is noticeable, and air quality can dip into unhealthy levels, so if you have respiratory issues, a good mask (like an N95) is a must. Checking the Air Quality Index before heading out is also a smart move, and many locals and expats invest in air purifiers for their apartments. Thankfully, after a good rain, the air tends to clear up, offering a much-needed breather… literally.