When I first decided to move to Asia, I expected to have a rest in Bangkok and then move on to Singapore or perhaps Hong Kong. That’s where I would work for 2 years, and I’d then jump from country to country every few years. And, so was the plan, after 10 years would pick one of those countries and settle there permanently. Isn’t it great, how things never work out as planned?
I never made it to Singapore. Of course I’ve been and I actually have a business there, but I never left Bangkok. I’m still here and I’m still loving it.
Bangkok is a great city to live. I’ve considered moving to another country, but every time I did I would struggle considering where I’d have a better life. And the fact of the matter is, it’s hard to beat life in Bangkok. Sure, it’s not a place for everyone. And I guess it really depends on what you’re looking for. But for me, Bangkok provides a lot of the things that I look.
Bangkok is in a great location on this planet. It’s very close to the equator and so the climate is very comfortable. It’s never cold here and although the heat can be tiring from time to time, living in ‘summer’ year-round has yet to get boring to me. It’s in the heart of Asia and flying anywhere within the region is quick and relatively affordable. Getting around the city is so easy, with a taxi or any of the other transportation options getting around town is a breeze. Traffic can be horrible, but this becomes a part of life and so rarely aggravates me anymore. Having a home in Bangkok really depends on your means and your desires. I’ve lived in a tiny little 1 bedroom on the outskirts of the city, and now live in a massive 150sqm condominium in the heart of town. I’ve never really been big on building a ‘home’ anywhere, and I think that works well in Bangkok. It’s easy to move from place to place and there is a vibrant renters market out here. Really creating a ‘home’ that you live in for a great many years is also possible, I have a number of friends who have. Food, of course, is great in Bangkok. There is a wide variety of foods available, ranging from $1 meals to extravagant dining experiences. The $1 meals tend to taste better. Cooking at home is not something I do very often, short of perhaps a bowl of pasta or eggs on the weekend. The city provides every level of convenience imagineable to mankind. The one requirement is money. As long as you have money (and it does not have to be a ridiculous amount), you’re okay in Bangkok. If you do not, it is a harsh place.
Bangkok has downsides as well. Of course there have been times where the city has exhausted me, or the difficulties of living in a culture different from my own for that matter. But generally speaking, I’d say Bangkok is a great location to live.
The plan originally was to be here for a few months and leave. I’ve been here for 4 years and a few months now and do not see myself leaving anytime soon. I consider this place my home (hah!) and would not want to be anywhere else.