How does life in Bangkok differ from other cities in Asia?

Diversity of Asia

Asia is a vast and multifaceted continent, rich in cultural, economic and social aspects that differ significantly not only from region to region, but also between neighboring countries. For example, states like Thailand and Vietnam provide completely different living conditions, and a visit to countries like Cambodia or Myanmar only reinforces these differences. Therefore, the adjustment of foreigners in different Asian countries does not lend itself to a one-size-fits-all approach; each requires individualized consideration. In this article, we focus on the unique characteristics of living in Bangkok.

Why does Bangkok inspire admiration?

This is a question that I often get asked by acquaintances after spending a few days in this city, especially if their journey took them through the world-famous tourist street - Khao San Road. The first impressions of most of them are not always positive: noise, dirt, and crowds of tourists. While there is some truth to this, many overlook much more important aspects – the diversity and variety of Bangkok.

Differences between the districts of Bangkok

Each district of the capital can be perceived as a small mini-universe. Even within neighboring business and tourist areas, there is a completely different atmosphere — unique architecture, distinct rhythms of life, and a variety of people. For example, in the old parts of the city, establishments close around 5-6 PM, while in the business center near the Victory Monument, life buzzes until late at night. This is just one of many examples highlighting the unimaginable diversity of Bangkok.

Cultural contrasts

The city is known for its dense buildings and narrow streets, where you can practically see slums next to modern skyscrapers, which creates a sharp contrast with the golden domes of temples. What I particularly like about Bangkok is its sincerity and constant dynamism. At any time of day, the streets are full of people and the roads are jammed with cars and motorcycle cabs.

The atmosphere of night markets

Night markets, operating in various corners of the city, create an atmosphere of an eternal celebration. At the same time, there is none of the aggressive hustle and bustle typical of cities like Moscow. Instead, in this rhythm of life, one can sense a slight tension, which makes it quite energetic and captivating.

Who lives in Bangkok?

Due to this, you will rarely encounter typical hipsters in Bangkok or those who spend six months on the beach dreaming of relaxing under palm trees. This city is the perfect place for those who not only want to relax but also actively work and grow.

How do you get to the sea?

If you dream of the sea, just take the metro to the end of the green line, and you'll find yourself surrounded by delicious seafood, stunning views, and the historic Old Siam Park, which is worth exploring for a long time. If you feel like swimming, you can reach Samui by train, bus, or even plane, making Bangkok an ideal place for true life enthusiasts.

Life in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is filled with a sense of security, despite its reputation as a popular tourist destination. I prefer to live in areas where locals reside rather than in crowded places frequented by tourists. This allows for a deeper understanding of Thai culture and everyday life. My evening walks, even at night, go without any incidents; instead of aggressive behavior, I often encounter locals offering to call a taxi or giving directions.

Experience of visiting Bangkok during the rainy season

My trip to Bangkok during the rainy season turned out to be interesting and unexpected. Locals on motorbikes often stop to warn me about the approaching rain and offer to give me a ride home so I don't get wet. I understand that in this big city there are troubled areas, just like in any other metropolis, but I try to avoid them, and fortunately, I haven't encountered any dishonest people.

Climate and time to visit

When it comes to the climate, many travelers are wary of the rainy season and consider it very inconvenient for visiting. However, I have been to Bangkok at different times of the year and can say that winter is indeed more comfortable here — both in terms of temperature and humidity levels. At the same time, keep in mind that during the winter period, the number of tourists significantly increases, and accommodation prices go up. Additionally, local fruits are not fully ripe during this time, although you can still enjoy delicious mangoes, bananas, and mandarins.

Summer season in Thailand

The summer season in Thailand lasts from April to May, when temperatures and humidity reach their peak. Despite the intense sunlight, I actually enjoy this period for the lower number of tourists and more affordable rental options, not to mention the deals on fresh fruits. However, for those who are not used to such heat, staying outside from noon to six in the evening can be very challenging. That's why I prefer to wake up early to enjoy morning walks.

The first step after arrival

As soon as you step out of the airport, you'll realize that you're not in cool air, but in a real steam room, as the humidity level is very high. However, it's worth insisting on enriching your experience — over time, you get used to the local climate conditions, and after a couple of weeks, you won't feel the need to use the air conditioner as much. Additionally, the scorching daylight offers great opportunities for work.

Life of the locals

Local residents live by the river in tidy but simple houses, and they are not shy about showcasing their everyday life. I happily observe their habits:

• The laundry is drying outside on the hangers.
• Clothing varies in a multitude of styles, creating an interesting visual appearance.

The rainy season and its impact

From the beginning of the rainy season in late May or early June through October (sometimes rainy weather continues even into November), the climate changes:

• The heat is taking a back seat.
• High humidity

However, the rains, contrary to expectations, do not cause much discomfort. I have found my place in this city, which I believe offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and natural beauty.

The climatic conditions of Thailand

In the capital of Thailand, you can usually observe two main types of rain: either an intense downpour that lasts from ten to twenty minutes, providing a brief relief from the heat, or a barely noticeable drizzle that doesn't change the surrounding atmosphere. However, there are exceptions, such as in October 2018, when Bangkok experienced severe flooding.

It is important to note that the sky above the city is almost always covered with clouds, which excludes access to sunlight, and walks in such weather become much more pleasant. In the daytime, the heat becomes less perceptible, and the evenings sometimes delight with a cozy coolness.

Investments and migration

When it comes to options for investment, migration, or purchasing real estate abroad, it's important to carefully familiarize yourself with the local conditions and culture.

Friendly locals

The locals make a surprisingly good impression: they are friendly, responsive, and always ready to help, as long as they can understand your request. Once, during a visit to Chinatown, my friend encountered an unpleasant situation — the strap on her sandal broke.

It’s remarkable that a local resident passing by immediately noticed this, approached us, asked her to take off her shoe, quickly found some glue, and pressed her shoe for a short time. We didn’t even have time to realize how quickly everything happened.

As a thank you, my friend gave him a magnet featuring an image of Minsk, but before that, it took us about five minutes to explain what Belarus is.

Language barrier

As far as language learning is concerned, fitting into Thai society and building friendships with locals can be quite a challenge. One of the first obstacles is the language barrier, as the Thai language has many complex features and is often difficult for Europeans to understand.

It often happened that locals tried to strike up a conversation with me and asked questions, but despite my eagerness, it was difficult to keep the conversation going: although I had been to the country several times, I only knew a couple of phrases. Even the few words I managed to say brought good-natured laughter from the Thais.

Culinary suggestions

Culinary offerings on the streets of the city are astonishing in their variety. Here, you can enjoy not only different types of rice and pasta but also various side dishes with spicy sauces.

Live communication

A lot of Thais have a limited command of English, so be prepared to communicate with gestures in normal everyday situations such as:

• shopping in stores
• market visits
• using public transport

Moreover, there is practically no actively functioning Russian-speaking community in Bangkok, and if you have difficulties with English, it can create a sense of lacking meaningful communication.

Cultural differences

An equally important aspect is culture. Social life in Thailand is remarkably different from ours, starting with family traditions and extending to religion, hierarchy, and general outlooks on life.

Therefore, even if a foreigner has lived in this country for a long time, for Thais, he will still remain a foreigner.“foreigner”— a term that locals use to refer to incoming Europeans. Notably, Buddhism is the dominant religion in the country, which in turn reflects on the lifestyle of the Thai people and their perception of reality.

Religious diversity in Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its incredible religious diversity. For example, you can see hanging flower garlands in cars, which are refreshed daily in honor of the spirits. In residential interiors, Buddha statues are often present, highlighting the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture.

The lifestyle of the Thai people

The lifestyle of the locals is significantly different from what we are used to. To understand this, it’s enough to take a walk through the streets of Bangkok. The city resembles a huge market where literally everything imaginable is for sale, and many goods are located in the most unexpected places. Moreover, there is no clear classification here: in the same row, you can find bicycles, food, and clothing.

Many Thais combine living space and commercial activity in one place: often, there is an apartment on the top and a shop below. Therefore, while passing by such establishments, one can witness family meals taking place among the displays or see children playing in the next room. It's not surprising that people might settle on the shelves with goods and watch TV. The appearance of the buildings can sometimes seem chaotic, but inside, you can find modern technology and stylish furniture.

The park as an oasis of calm

If you find yourself missing the bustling city life and endless markets, you should visit one of the local parks. Although such places are not as common as shops, there is a green space in every neighborhood. I love spending time in parks not only for their peaceful atmosphere and greenery but also for the diverse ambiance they offer.

The parks in Bangkok impress with their amazing trees and a sense of tranquility. They are great places for meeting friends, picnics, singing songs, and engaging in sports activities.

• Jogging
• Training
• Wushu
• Fitness

Every morning and evening, group dance aerobics classes are held here, attracting between 50 to 100 people. In Lumpini Park, you can also encounter monitor lizards, which, although they are a local attraction, prefer to keep their distance from people.

Buddhist temples

Buddhist temples are also great for resting during walks. The vast areas of temple complexes are often open to visitors for free, although a small donation is sometimes expected. Strolling through such sanctuaries, enjoying solitude and the beauty of the surrounding space, provides excellent opportunities for relaxation and meditation.

Although many travel guides recommend visiting paid temples like the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, I would suggest paying attention to Wat Saket — the "Golden Mount," not only for its stunning architecture but also to enjoy the amazing views of Bangkok from its summit. Other temples often look very similar to each other, so you probably won't miss anything significant if you decide to visit a free temple located away from the tourist routes.

Panorama of Bangkok from Wat Saket

From the top of Wat Saket, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the historic city center. Despite the small size of the temple, there is plenty of greenery and statues to create a pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, many people still associate Thailand with life in a developing country, but this is a deep misconception, because in fact this place concentrates history, culture and dynamism of modernity.

The standard of living in Thailand

Comparing the standard of living of Thais with their neighbors, it should be noted that people in Thailand live quite comfortably. This is partly due to the climate, which allows residents to manage without significant insulation in their homes. Most Thais live in primitive houses, which can often be simply described as sheds. Many locals engage in agriculture, making food products available at reasonable prices.

• Shoes - from 10 dollars
• Jeans - about 5 dollars
• T-shirts are $1.
• Shorts - 2 dollars

Support for agriculture

During the king's reign, agricultural taxes were abolished, and farmers were offered favorable conditions for purchasing equipment on credit. Therefore, one should not pay attention to the simple appearance of Thai homes – inside, you can often find modern and expensive equipment. This lifestyle has become normal for them; even those who beg on the streets do not suffer from want, as locals regularly bring them food and water. It is important to note that many of them do not even seek employment.

A trip to Bangkok

If you decide to visit Bangkok, be sure to enjoy boat rides on the local canals. It's a great way to experience the daily life of the locals. Although I prefer to get around on foot, Bangkok is quite a large city and given the high temperature and humidity, it can take a long time to get to some areas.

Public transport in Bangkok

That's why I often use public transport, which is well-developed here. Bangkok has several subway lines, a total of four. One of the lines connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport with the city center. It's the most expensive, but also the fastest way to get around. Since most of the stations are above ground, you can enjoy stunning views of the city during your journey.

The cost of travel depends on the distance; for example, a ticket on the Airport Rail Link from one station to another costs about $1.40.

Transportation system

The fare system has special tokens: at the entrance you put the token to the turnstile, and at the exit you insert it into a special hole, which allows you to control your route.

Delivery by boats

Boats, on the contrary, remain one of my favorite modes of transportation. They operate on two routes: along the Chao Phraya River and through the Sam Sap Canal, heading towards the international airport. A boat ride turns into a real little adventure, during which you can see different neighborhoods of the capital and feel the atmosphere of local life. Moreover, such a short voyage is especially enjoyable on a hot day.

Advantages of boat transportation

Boats operate along the Samsap canals and the Chao Phraya River. One of the significant advantages of this mode of transport is its affordability. For example, a trip from the Bagkapi mall (almost the last stop) to the central Phanfa bridge, located near the famous Wat Saket temple, better known as the "Golden Mount," costs only $0.60.

Travel planning

If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that it will take about 80 minutes. Pay attention to a few important points if you're not put off by this duration.

Rush hour

Rush hours are the morning hours from 7 to 9 and the evening hours from 5 to 7, when many people are heading to work or returning home. The boats that operate on the canal come every 10-15 minutes, so be prepared to possibly miss one or two before you can board yours.

Communication with the conductor

When talking to a "conductor", be sure to specify the name of your stop, as phrases like "downtown" or "central world" can be misunderstood. Even if you specify the station accurately, it does not guarantee understanding if the accent is misplaced. The correct accents on the last syllables sound like:

• phanfa
• bangapi
• we are working

On the Sam-Sap channel, there will likely be a need to transfer at the business center station.we are working. If you want to continue your trip, take care to purchase a ticket to your final destination and save it - this will allow you to transfer to the next boat for free.

Splash protection

All the boats are equipped with transparent curtains, and you will notice that the locals prefer to avoid splashes of river water by raising these curtains. I also recommend doing the same, as the river is indeed polluted. Living nearby, I often observed how residents of the riverside houses throw garbage and waste into the river, which significantly increases the level of pollution.

Traveling by bus

Speaking of buses, they cover all areas of the city and run quite regularly. Depending on the route, the buses can be either modern, with air conditioning, or old ones where the windows open instead of cooling. I get on some of these buses with caution, considering their condition and the speed at which they move. Nevertheless, the conductor usually tries to find me a seat, but I don't know if this is considered normal or just a result of my frightened appearance.

Bus stop

To stop a bus, you simply have to raise your hand. Be prepared for the fact that during rare periods without traffic jams, transport can accelerate to quite a decent speed. Fares are low, but travel time can be significant, especially if you are traveling in the evening on major routes. Traffic delays are common, and while your route may take 40-45 minutes, don't be surprised if it takes you about an hour and a half to two hours to get there.

Examples of travel time

It all depends on the direction and the time of day. For example, my route fromBangkapi Mallto the bus stationMo ChitAt 5:00 PM, it took almost two hours, while in the same direction at 7:30 AM, I made it in just 45 minutes. The ticket fromVictory Monumentto the airportDon MueangIt will cost you $0.6.

Information about routes

The most popular bus routes are usually marked in both Thai and English, but for local destinations, you are likely to see only the names in Thai. It's best to keep all these details in mind before starting your journey around the city to avoid misunderstandings and unexpected delays.

Tuk-tuks in Bangkok

Bangkok is an amazing city where tuk-tuks are not just a means of transportation, but a whole attraction that opens up new horizons for visitors. If you are in the capital of Thailand for the first time, you should definitely try this unusual transportation. It is important to remember that tuk-tuks move only in the central part of the city, and they are not allowed in large transportation corridors. Prices for rides are negotiated with the driver, so it is best to travel in a company to share the cost.

Other modes of transportation

Tuk-tuks in Bangkok can be seen not only as a means of transportation but also as a kind of entertainment.

Exploring Thai Street Food

In Thailand, food producers hardly use English on their packaging, and street vendors usually cannot explain in detail what exactly you are about to taste. This creates certain difficulties for Europeans who are not familiar with the local cuisine, as it often remains unclear whether the dish you choose will be spicy, sweet, or even tolerable for a stomach not used to spiciness.

An amazing gastronomic adventure

Observing the appearance of street food courts, you can truly feel the atmosphere of adventure: a multitude of culinary offerings unfolds before you, and you can't always precisely understand what exactly is being served and what it tastes like. I've highlighted a few key recommendations that will help you enjoy this culinary odyssey:

• Most unfamiliar dishes are either unexpectedly sweet or have a pronounced spiciness.
• You can use translation apps, but there is no guarantee that the seller will understand your request even in their native language.

Exotic snacks

It's interesting that Thais consider fried insects, such as larvae and beetles, to be a common snack, which reminds us of how we enjoy sunflower seeds. These exotic delicacies have a taste similar to a well-cooked omelet.

Snacks like kebabs, pastries, or stews usually cost between $0.30 and $1.00 per serving, so feel free to try everything new and unfamiliar.

Evening snacks at food courts

When evening comes in Thailand, street food courts become especially appealing, offering a chance to enjoy a variety of treats:

• “Balls” with fried larvae for just $0.60.
• Octopus skewers for 1 dollar.
• Freshly brewed sushi for 2 dollars.
• Fluffy Chinese buns with fillings priced from $0.60 to $0.70.
• A large fish, baked in salt, for the price of 2 dollars.
• Fresh seafood from $1.50 to $3 per kilogram.

Comparison with supermarkets

Almost every large supermarket, such as Big C or Tesco Lotus, has food courts offering a similar range of products at slightly higher prices. However, this is suitable for those who prefer to enjoy their meals in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment rather than being under the hot sun eating hot soup.

Gastronomic experiments

Open food courts and markets can be the perfect place for gastronomic experiments. Here, almost everything costs between 1 to 3 dollars and can surprise you with its taste.

Payment and dish selection

At the food courts, you will find special information centers where you can get cards that can be topped up with various amounts. The payment process is quite simple: you just need to show your card, and the required amount will be deducted.

Prices range from $1.50 for traditional Thai soup, chicken with rice, or small portions of pad thai, to $3.50-$4 for seafood dishes. For example, my favorite noodle soup, which includes vermicelli (with a choice of eight types), fresh vegetables, three chicken drumsticks, a boiled egg, and a fragrant broth with soy sauce, costs only $2.

Variety of street food

Street food usually consists of a variety of soups, as well as rice or noodles with meat and vegetables. If you can't handle spicy food, it's better to inform the vendor in advance, as pepper is often added by default.

When it comes to buying fresh vegetables and fruits, it's best to do so at open markets or in specialized stores, of which there are plenty in the country.

Prices for fruits and vegetables

Throughout the entire agricultural season, you can access various fruits and vegetables at prices ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per kilogram. However, if you are in popular tourist locations, be prepared to pay double or even triple that amount.

The last time I visited the market at the end of April 2019, I was able to buy mangoes for $0.4-0.6 per kilogram. Tomatoes and cucumbers were priced at $0.5 to $0.7 per kilogram, while watermelons and grapes could be found for $0.5 per kilogram. Local fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, and longan were priced at around $0.6 per kilogram.

Durian

As for durian, I didn't really like it, even though I've tried it several times. However, this is quite understandable, as the price for this "king of fruits" is about $2.5-3.0 per 100 grams. If you want to try durian, try to avoid plastic packaging. Fresh durian has a mild smell, but after being stored in packaging or the refrigerator for a few days, its aroma becomes extremely unpleasant.

Dairy products

The situation with dairy products in Thailand is somewhat different. Milk generally contains a lot of powdered milk, with its share reaching up to 50%. This is quite noticeable in its taste. It's better not to use skim milk, as its flavor is too specific. Cheeses are mostly imported from abroad, and even local varieties can be quite expensive. Most of them can only be found in large supermarkets.

Yogurts often contain sugar. Even if the packaging states "original flavor," it only guarantees the absence of flavorings, while sugar is still present. However, there are various yogurts on the market labeled "0% fat."

Buying yogurt

In large stores, you can come across yogurts without added sugar, and the ingredient information is often duplicated in English. However, such a purchase doesn't come cheap: around 4-5 dollars for 500 grams. The taste is different from what you might be used to, although it works quite well as a dressing for salads. Local ice cream made from coconut milk is very popular.

Seafood

Markets are the best places to buy seafood. If getting to them is difficult, you can check out the supermarket – the price difference will be minimal. For example, a large fish can cost between $1 and $3, and it will be cleaned and gutted right in front of you. If the store has ovens, they might even help you with cooking at no extra charge. Often, before closing, delis will display unsold fish or chicken, sometimes at reduced prices.

Fish markets in Bangkok

The fish markets in Bangkok are truly abundant with fresh seafood at quite reasonable prices, and most often, the fish is cleaned and gutted on-site for customers.

Coffee

When it comes to natural coffee, the selection leaves much to be desired. On the huge shelves filled with various packages of this drink, I was able to find only about four brands of natural coffee. The rest of the assortment consists of Nescafé in different variations, creamers, and cocktails.

Even in cafes with professional equipment, the drink often turns out too bitter because the beans are heavily roasted. This highlights the importance of being able to choose quality products in the market.

In food establishments like Amazon Café, the price for a standard Americano ranges from $2.00, while in other well-known chain cafes it can be between $1.30 and $1.50. For example, if you decide to try a cappuccino from the machine at McDonald's, be prepared to pay $2.00. Additionally, if you prefer iced drinks, you'll need to add another $0.30 to your bill. Therefore, over time, it becomes clear that it's much more cost-effective to buy a 250-gram pack of coffee, which costs between $4 and $5, and brew it yourself outside of cafes.

Convenient stores

In Thailand, there is a widespread network of 7/11 stores that can be found at every turn, as well as the rapidly growing mini big-c. These stores are a great place to buy water, ready-made meals like chilled rice or noodles with meat and egg, which cost only $1-2 and can be heated on the spot, as well as eggs, instant noodles, a variety of spices, sauces, and yogurts. You can also find sections with household goods, cosmetics, and even medical products in these stores. Interestingly, they also sell effective anti-nausea tablets, always packaged in pairs.

Food courts and food choices

To simplify food selection, food courts often display food replicas of dishes offered by various establishments, which allows customers to quickly navigate the menu and make a choice.

Housing rental

When it comes to housing, despite Bangkok's relative affordability, rental prices for apartments are not low. During the low-demand season, you can find a relatively comfortable apartment with a stove (at least one burner and a microwave) close to the subway or boat station for around $14 to $16 per day, and you won't have to worry about utilities.

Features of the infrastructure

You will immediately notice that Bangkok is filled with wires and cables. If you plan to rent an apartment in Thailand for a longer period and want to live in a modern complex with a variety of additional services such as security, a gym, an elevator, a pool, and a sauna, you should prepare for a higher level of expenses. Special attention should be paid to electricity costs, as air conditioners and fans usually run almost continuously.

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Bangkok. In this city, there are important details that should not be overlooked: the first feature is the high humidity, which, while positively affecting the condition of the skin and hair, negatively impacts textiles and electronic equipment. Sometimes, due to the humidity, expensive shoes have to be thrown away as they start to develop mold. In Bangkok, this problem occurs less frequently than on the islands, but it should not be ignored nonetheless.

Wildlife

When it comes to wildlife, you can encounter many local animals in northern Thailand, but even in Bangkok itself, you'll see quite a few representatives of the fauna. Despite ongoing efforts to control insects, modern residential complexes sometimes have geckos—small and cute, but rather noisy creatures—as well as ants and occasionally even mice. Every year, there are migrations of "flying" ants. It's important to note that the lack of mosquito nets makes sleeping at night difficult, as there are a lot of mosquitoes here.

Problems with wildlife

When it comes to private houses, the problem with frogs, scorpions, snakes, and even rats is quite common.

Ban on pets

In a number of residential complexes, there are strict bans on keeping pets, even if you own your own condominium. These restrictions remain in place despite the widespread practice in the country of feeding stray animals, such as dogs and cats. Sometimes they are even dressed in special collars to avoid being caught. As a result, large dogs are most often found only in private homes, while small breeds are commonly found in apartment buildings. Owners of small dogs love to dress their pets in stylish clothes and carry them in special bags that resemble kangaroo pouches.

Sanitary facilities: features

As for the toilets, they often have very limited space. In some cases, you can only take a shower while sitting on the toilet, as the size of the bathroom does not exceed one square meter. In newer and more expensive units, you are more likely to find more spacious bathrooms where the shower is separated from the rest of the area. However, it is worth noting that the availability of hot water may depend on the time of day, so you need to be prepared for that.

Rules of residence

It's important to consider that each residential building has its own characteristics and rules for living. For example:

• In some places, smoking on balconies is strictly prohibited.
• In some places, there may be restrictions even on the presence of indoor plants.

It is recommended to study such nuances in advance to avoid unexpected situations.

Environmental situation

The environmental situation continues to be a pressing issue not only in Bangkok but also in most neighboring countries of Southeast Asia. However, in recent years, Thailand has seen some progress regarding ecology compared to countries like India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Large parks have started to feature containers for separate waste collection, and cleaning of the areas is happening more regularly. Nevertheless, the problem with rodents is still relevant, and they can be encountered even in the city center, although such a situation was quite common in the past.

Issues with cleanliness

In some areas of the city, unpleasant odors can arise from garbage left out in the heat while waiting to be collected. People in Thailand have started to discuss environmental issues more actively, but not everyone takes them seriously. For example:

• Farmers often do not take care of proper disposal of food waste.
• Street vendors and small shop owners throw their waste directly on the ground.

Product packaging

In supermarkets, fruits are usually packaged in several plastic bags — each type separately. If you decide to buy sliced fruits on the street, be prepared to receive a few extra bags as a gift — just in case. And if you refuse the bags or bring your own, you might be looked at with surprise.

Local markets and noise

You can find almost anything at local markets. Thus, although there are some improvements in Bangkok, cleanliness issues still persist, and the roads are often congested with traffic, adding extra noise. Don't be surprised if you see locals wearing respirators – this has become a common sight for many.

Conclusion about life in Bangkok

Finally, summarizing my thoughts on life in Bangkok, I want to note that this city is truly unique and largely contrary to the traditional image that tourists have. I understand that many, when they find themselves on world-famous tourist routes like Khao San Road, may leave Bangkok feeling disappointed or even scared. However, if you step off the beaten path and delve deeper into the life of this metropolis, you can discover an amazing diversity that is truly astonishing.

The uniqueness of Bangkok

Bangkok is not just a city; it's a whole universe filled with different moods, people, and cultures. Each of its districts offers something special:

• Vibrant nightlife on the streets;
• Friendly locals;
• A relaxing atmosphere of parks, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I have often observed how the city's residents, despite their busy lives, are always ready to lend a hand, offer support, or even just engage in a friendly conversation.

Climate and adaptation

ClimateIt may seem unusual and even harsh to some, but these are just temporary inconveniences that aren't worth much. I've learned to enjoy every moment, despite the humidity and high temperatures, because it's part of the real life in Bangkok. The secret lies in the ability to adapt: getting up early, checking the weather, and moving to the rhythm of the city.

The energy of the city

Life here is filled with energy. It doesn't require you to relax and contemplate; rather, it calls you to take action and discover new things. Opportunities for work and leisure intertwine, fostering a love for an active life in this magical place. Many may see Bangkok as just a stopover on the way to a paradisiacal beach, but for me, it has become home.

Why is it worth visiting Bangkok?

Thus, if you are looking for a place that challenges your usual perceptions of life abroad, if you want to understand what it means to live in a large, never-sleeping city while immersing yourself in its culture and atmosphere — welcome to Bangkok. This city, with its unique spirit of life and open people, is waiting for you. I hope to return here many more times to experience all its nuances and colors again and again.