I was thinking about this today and trying to narrow down what I consider the best things about living in The City of Angels.

Of course, everyone will have a different list.

Some people’s top three might be Nana, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong, although admittedly that does rather limit the discussion a bit.

My first instinct was to say the abundance of Mary Jane, the impressive selection of African women around Sukhumvit, and the humble 7-Eleven toastie.

A combination which probably tells you everything you need to know about my priorities and why I am unlikely to be hired as an advisor to any tourism board.

But joking aside, when I think about it properly, I keep coming back to the same few things.

First is the sheer convenience of the place. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, there is usually a way to get it. Food delivered at midnight. A pharmacy open when it should not logically be open. A replacement phone charger at two in the morning. Bangkok often feels like a city of abundance designed by people who dislike waiting.

Second is the relatively low crime. That does not mean crime does not exist, because obviously it does. But compared with many large Western cities, Bangkok still feels remarkably safe and comfortable to move around in. I think most of us might take that for granted after a while.

Third is the climate. Yes, it is hot. Yes, it is humid. Yes, occasionally walking outside feels like entering a giant air fryer. But I will still take that any time over scraping ice off a windscreen in the dark while questioning my sanity.

And if I had to add a bonus category, it would probably be the cost of living. Not because Bangkok is as cheap as it once was, because it is not. But compared with many Western countries, it is still possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle here without needing the income of a hedge fund manager.

I deliberately left out the friendliness of Thai people because that almost feels too obvious. If Thailand were full of unpleasant people, I suspect many of us would never have stayed long enough to discover all the other positive things we like about it.

So what makes your top three?

And if your answer contains 3 red light districts in it then at least have the decency to be honest about it.

Food - an extremely wide range of cuisines at a great cost vs quality.

Transport - Its so easy to get around anywhere - yes traffic is bad - but BOLT & Grab at good costs is great

Expressways - allow us to circumnavigate the city without having to pass through the congestion.

Bars - Huge range of nighlightlife options - from a simple bar in a market to numerous sky / rooftop bars.

Food Delivery - want 'anything' (any cuisine) and its with you within 30mins.

7-11 App - Forget something - order on the 7-11 app and its with you in 15 mins.

Thai-Western interaction - This one will be contested - but in BKK we are just more 'normal' so the interaction between myself and Thai's is simply normal, everyday life, no stigma, nothing special, just normal life.

I used to dislike Bangkok and avoided it for almost 15 years, but lately it has grown on me as a regular visitor more than any other city in Thailand. So my list is not based on living there.

One of the things that changed my mind was Grab. It made getting around much easier. The old taxis were a pain in the ass.

The wide choice of restaurants, decent hotels with good facilities, fair prices and quiet rooms, and also shopping for clothes. Dentists are better in Bangkok than anywhere else I have been, thanks to a forum member who pointed me in the right direction. Proper Irish bars that actually manage to pour a decent Guinness and have decent facilities as well. Burger joints are high up there too.

A perfect getaway for a long weekend, if you do not bother going to a decent beach or island.

A few parks we enjoy now and then, when it is not too hot.

Food, shopping (malls), and always something going on. I don't bother with women (have my own), nor alcohol / weed.

Due to the congestion, I'm no longer a fan, and if not for daughter living there, can't say I'd ever visit. Especially since pet friendly hotels are a bit pricey at times, and so many accommodations, don't have parking.

We can make or get good food anywhere, so I really have no need for Krung Thep area, and not a fan of any congested metros.

1. Mind numbing traffic

2. Extreme air pollution

3. 40° heat and 95% humidity

My top 3 favorites, hands down. No comparison.

Cheap but good quality, food and ladies obviously, as per the xx% of all foreigners in Bangkok !

The epic gastronomic empire of 7-Eleven shops presenting you with an overwhelming sea of choices from brain freezing Slurpees to perfect toasties.

6 hours ago, Kyoto Kyle said:

And if your answer contains 3 red light districts in it then at least have the decency to be honest about it.

Yes those dishonest mongers are the worst.

Bangkok is about food and river trips. Shopping is overrated. Cheaper clothes elsewhere.

2 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

Yes those dishonest mongers are the worst.

We're not dishonest................we're just confused........

20 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

Bangkok is about food and river trips. Shopping is overrated. Cheaper clothes elsewhere.

You always view everything in life through the lens of how easily it can be done on the cheap. At this rate, you’ll end up publishing your life’s work very soon: The Art of Being Cheap.

49 minutes ago, Celsius said:

The epic gastronomic empire of 7-Eleven shops presenting you with an overwhelming sea of choices from brain freezing Slurpees to perfect toasties.

When is the grand opening ?

Love Bangkok and would move back tomorrow (if allowed).

No end of things to do and see, every facility under the Sun from world class hospitals to gogo bars.

The only disadvantage re say, Pattaya, is no beach.

11 hours ago, BilllyGOAT said:

You always view everything in life through the lens of how easily it can be done on the cheap. At this rate, you’ll end up publishing your life’s work very soon: The Art of Being Cheap.

Cheap Charlie's Art of Being Cheap!

11 hours ago, Off Piste said:

We're not dishonest................we're just confused........

By the plethora of selection. Really, you can do the math. Choose by number! Try out 1 - 39! (No joke, I really did this!)

Growing up in New York, the city never sleeps. Bangkok runs a close second…and that’s why I stayed.

Haven’t dressed like anything other than a Khaosan backpacker for decades: t-shirt, shorts, thongs. NYC is nasty in the winter.

I don’t own a car but public transport is absolutely convenient. So are the ride companies when necessary due to carting a lot of gear.

The one  thing everyone notices about Bangkok is our lack of green space and nature in general. The big parks, Lumpini and Suan Luang are too manicured and populous for my taste.

There's a hidden nature available if you’re willing to do some exploring and don't be timid. Somewhere near you, there will be a klong. Alongside that klong will be two footpaths. That makes it easy to choose the shady side.

There is usually a mix of concrete homes and apartments along with slum-dwellers, perhaps keeping fighting cocks or goats. Sometimes the walls are decorated with outstanding murals.

Little home businesses can be seen and heard. I love the fragrance of wood construction. Giant trees, massive bananas, flowers, gardens, overhanging mango and starfruit. Orchids.

Everybody is super-friendly. They were surprised at first to see a farang but now I sit and chat with a few of them.

You don't need to be going anywhere! Just walk as far as you feel like.

Ah, and girl-watching. I have my own but, every time I go out, I fall in love at least once a day!

What better life than this!

44 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Cheap Charlie's Art of Being Cheap!

Raquel and The Art of Living Skint

4 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Cheap Charlie's Art of Being Cheap!

Why waste money?

47 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

Why waste money?

The trap with that constant retort is that one will die with huge savings instead of enjoying the money.

18 minutes ago, sidjameson said:

The trap with that constant retort is that one will die with huge savings instead of enjoying the money.

Agreed. Much rather die penniless.

1 hour ago, Rockyroad said:

Why waste money?

That's why you spend 3/4 of your waking life on this site every day. Talk is cheap and this site costs you nothing.

The real fact of the matter is that you have very limited financial resources, which clearly explains your obsession with topics focused on living on the cheap.

16 minutes ago, BilllyGOAT said:

That's why you spend 3/4 of your waking life on this site every day. Talk is cheap and this site costs you nothing.

Better than going to a Bangkok rooftop bar and dropping 500 Baht for a drink with a bunch of false friends.

False friends are cheap are on AN and they don't pretend to be your real friends.

53 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Better than going to a Bangkok rooftop bar and dropping 500 Baht for a drink with a bunch of false friends.

False friends are cheap are on AN and they don't pretend to be your real friends.

So go with real friends.

If you have the money then a bar looking over the city is nice with friends. I miss having friends :) In Bangkok having friends is easy and finding people that enjoy the same activities. Impossible where I live but I like it more here for other reasons. I need to get back to BK. I left my PCX at a woman's place 6 years ago near BK. Wonder if it is still there...

1 hour ago, save the frogs said:

Better than going to a Bangkok rooftop bar and dropping 500 Baht for a drink with a bunch of false friends.

False friends are cheap are on AN and they don't pretend to be your real friends.

I guess so. I don’t drink, nor do I go to rooftop bars, so I can’t comment. ฿500 for a drink sounds expensive though. You would be better off sitting at a beautiful outdoor café here in southern Europe and only paying €2 to €3 for a glass of local red wine.

The only time I'm paying for false friends over in Thailand is when it involves a short time hotel. Those are the best false friends, really the best. Everybody knows it. A lot of people are saying it. Even the best people, very smart people, would tell you that.

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

left my PCX at a woman's place 6 years ago near BK. Wonder if it is still there...

went out to 7 and never returned............rather cool..............................

6 hours ago, sidjameson said:

The trap with that constant retort is that one will die with huge savings instead of enjoying the money.

If you need to spend 500 baht to feel happy your soul is empty.

12 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

If you need to spend 500 baht to feel happy your soul is empty.

Raquel, the great oracle of babble has spoken.

On 6/23/2026 at 2:58 AM, blaze master said:

When is the grand opening ?

Why not partner with him and open 3-4 branches together at once. Living the dream, that is.

Edited June 24Jun 24 by BilllyGOAT

Assuming to live central it is the only place with some infrastruture, reliable full access at public hospitals, people with actually a identity and life and career etc. If you want a life most close tied to the real world, it would be there. Same for business in virtually all cases.

Edited June 24Jun 24 by aseanexpat

11 hours ago, save the frogs said:

Better than going to a Bangkok rooftop bar and dropping 500 Baht for a drink with a bunch of false friends.

False friends are cheap are on AN and they don't pretend to be your real friends.

Moet champagne not even costs 500 at the best rooftop bars such as IDK, sofitel or whatever else. And there is more happy hour or even 60-70 baht beer deals to find in Bangkok than anywhere else too. Not to mention often parties or birthdays that get you one free.

Not to mention the dozens of places with buffets (lunch or dinner) starting at as little as 220 baht (with coffee, ice creams, salad bar, 2 day soups, western food, thai food and more at for example ibis sathorn). Jump to the 350-500 baht and you get all hams and cheeses or other luxuries integrated in that same buffet on top. At the ibis one, just on coffees and ice cream, i break-even. 5 slices of cheese costs 160 baht at the groceries.

If talking about getting at least real quality, service and a experience, worth spending 500 baht on, it would be on rooftop bars in BKK. Compare that to the latest 5 star hotel rooftop bars in Chiang Mai, with half the year not even a view, and lazy staff, it is not worth it.

Talking about cheap people like yourself, the highest rooftop bar not charges entrance if you eat at their restaurant and their cheese burger is like 450, you could make it! I believe it is at like the 45th floor as well, not bad.. not bad... Without eating entrance is 350, so its a no brainer to get the burger.

In a way, just describing this again and going trough some memories, there is no place where you could impress a date that much with barely 1000-2000 baht, even today. If you want paid pleasure however, that barely gets one a LB today.

Most people have no clue what they speak about when they formulate a opinion about Bangkok. They just seen the insane traffic, high end streets with top prices and khao san road.

Edited June 24Jun 24 by aseanexpat