Hi Girls, (I come in peace)

I am moving to Bangkok for a year as I take a break from work. I have a list of things that I think it would be nice to live.

1: Quiet area

2: Must be with in walking distance of BTS or MRT

3: Have a good supermarket nearby

As you can see that is a very short list. Its just me and no one else I don't need a school. Of course I don't want to be anywhere near the entertainment areas.

Does anyone have some suggestions?

Also is there anything I should bring from the UK that is difficult to get in Thailand. I had to bring a kettle from the UK when I went to live in Texas as an example.

Thanks:jap:

PomPui

Edited August 5, 201015 yr by PomPui

Most BTS/MRT stations are near a supermarket - e.g. Tesco seems to be everywhere here now and they stock most things - even Westen stuff. If you need to be near a supermarket stocking lots of Western stuff then Sukhumvit where there are several branches of e.g. Villa/Foodland may be an option.

There is little you can't buy in Bangkok (albeit sometimes at a price)

In my experience the only things I struggle to get in Bangkok are (and these are all related to my height/size vs. the majority of the female Thai population):

- Shoes (I'm a UK size 7, EU 41).The choices (when you can find them) are very limited, especially for work/proper shoes. However, on the upside getting shoes made to measure is relatively cheap

- Bras (again - I'm an odd size 32D/DD and even M&S rarely have my size). I have tried doing the up a back size and drop a cup size (e.g. 34C) thing but whilst I can generally get away with this in the UK I find the fit of bras to be smaller in Thailand so it's a no-go. I have found you can get bras in Singapore in more 'unusual' sizes that fit.

- Trousers/skirts: I'm 5" 7' (1.68m) - skirts I can get away with if they're a little bit longer. Trousers - forget it: I go for the 'long' length in the UK/EU - normal trousers I've tried on here are 3/4 length on me. Next in Central World used to be brilliant for stocking longer length clothing - time will tell if they reopen elsewhere before CW reopens.

- Specific cosmetics - e.g. my favourite eyedrops aren't available here - you won't find out till you get here what you can/can't get

and as an aside:

- Lemon curd/Strawberry fruit topping - I was making a cheesecake last month and couldn't get either anywhere: tried Villa/Tops/Foodland/Tesco/C4 - no joy!

- If you're over a UK size 14 (EU 40) you will struggle to get clothes that fit unless you get them made to measure

Other stuff:

- electrical appliance wise you can buy almost everything here, however if you buy cheap, expect cheap quality. Stuff bought overseas may be better and cheaper for an equivalent quality but if you have to pay to import it may not be worth the saving. The only appliance you will struggle to buy here is a breadmaker or fondue set.

- Bed linen from the EU tends to be of a better quality

Enjoy your time in BKK!

Final thought - things I have friends from the UK/EU visiting bring over:

1. Box of decent wine

2. Bottle of very good wine

3. Bag of wholegrain flour

4. Nice cheese

5. Depending on the time of year: M&S XMas pudding, brandy cream, haggis, sausagemeat

6. Crumpets

Things I bring back for Thai friends:

1. Tea (M&S Earl Grey is especially popular0

2. Shortbread/biscuits

3. Magazines (e.g. TES/Private Eye)

Yes, alot of what you need depends on how tall you are, how big your feet are. I am fairly short for a farang so don't have much trouble finding clothes that fit (although finding fitted shirts can be difficult), panties can be troublesome as I do have hips and good fitting, comfy and pretty bras can also be difficult. I wear a size 40 shoe in Thailand and find that is on the large end of shoes that is still relatively easily found, anything bigger than that can be hard.

I dropped in on that paradise that is Villa supermarket on Suk soi 11 (and was told by a friend in the know that it isn't even the best Villa-that others are better) and found a wealth of western foods (including dr pepper and cheetos which I have never seen in Thailand before). So while you may pay a bit more, if you need your fix that is clearly the place to go.

Since you are only here for a year, I think you can suffer the cheap bedsheets, they are large and heavy to transport and really, probably not worth the effort for the short period of time you will be living here.

as for location, you might try posting in the Bangkok forum to get some general suggestions.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

If you want to stay abit away from the hustle and bustle/nightlife that is lower Sukhumvit then you might enjoy staying around Ari, the Ari BTS station have a nice Villa Marked right next to it.

Hi PomPui,

Depending on your budget and luck it is possible to find somewhere meeting your initial 3 points.

I personally always stay on Soi Ruamrudee walking distance to Ploenchit BTS and Lumphini MRT, Lumphini Park, Sukhumvit and Wireless Road (all of which are bustling but our little nsoi is a bubble within bangkok or peace and serenity). There are also a number of quiet safe and residential sois off of sukumvit and other main roads too.

I am 5-8 - always a challenge to find shoes (they usually just shake their head at me) and some clothes, although when I was thin shirts were ok, but pants nto possible. The average Singaporean has gotten a lot fatter so is possibel to get stuff easily there that fits. Zen at Central World used to be the place for me as not just pants but underwear and even bras fit me in there, so I was a bit upset when the reds burnt it down.

Agree with sbk about Villa supermarket and have also discovered the market in the lowest level of Paragon has a dazzling array of thingsd I didn't think I could get in Thailand. Th Tops in Alln Seasons Plaza near our hotel on Soi Ruamrudee often has lovelly cheese

You can easily get a decent kettle in Bangkok.

Bedding I would agree is better at home, although Isetan had some nice stuff once upon a time years ago. Just bring sheets and pillow cases as you can buy pillows and toher things here.

I know down here in Krabi that the Home Pro store in Krabi does free delivery to your house, which is why almost everyone on our island has fixtures and so forth from that store. Not sure about Bangkok, but would be suprised if they didn't.

If you need office supplies there is a big store that sells that too - all like you get in Aus, can't remember the name, there is one in the red Srinhorn building opposite US embassy on Wireless Road.

have fun and enjoy Bangers

shoes shoes shoes...I am always on a constant quest for size 8s...but if you have feet smaller than a 40, you will be in shoe heaven. And yes bras. I am a 36b and so do OK, but I do miss M+S (yes you can get them here but they are very much overpriced).

I think Ari is nice too...MoChit also. If it wasn't for my job i would move that way. You also have a park near there. One thing BKK really really lacks is a decent amount of green spaces. If you like being outdoors in greenery, make sure you choose somewhere near a park.

Although Tesco is good, Tops is much better for farang stuff...it stocks Waitrose products which is very useful. If you like cooking at home, make sure you are near one of those (but to be honest, I think you would be pushed to live far from one here).

The area redfish suggested in nice, but pretty pricey. Where you live also really depends on your budget.

You can get kettles here...and really you can get everything. I did bring an stove top espresso maker over because I had one already, but I am sure you could even get that here if you tried.

Friend of mine even bought a bread baker, not sure where but i know verasu carries them.

Bangkok is a huge city and if you are willing to pay, most everything is available. its just if you are looking for cheap stuff and you are anything over 5'6 then you may have difficulty.

In 2008, I stayed at The Krisada Apts on Soi 1 Suk, almost across the street from Bumrungrad Hospital. I found it to be a very pleasant Soi and felt very safe. It is also far enough away from the naughty areas so you really don't notice it. It is very close to Ploenchit BTS and there is a Villa Market on the basement level of Ploenchit Plaza and of course there is a 7/11 across the street and a Family Mart closer to Suk. The apartments were nice, I had a one bedroom, and a good size, reasonably furnished, full size fridge, a/c in both bedroom and living area. Rent, in 2008, was 19K baht month +water+elec. They do have studios as well, not sure of the price though. The Krisada, also has a pool, which I never used, looked nice and clean though. Wireless internet is available, can't remember the price, but wasn't expensive Cooking and eating utensils, bedding, etc, is not furnished. I ended up giving away a bunch of stuff when I left BKK.

Last year, I spent 2 months at the Admiral Suites on Soi 22 Suk, decent size rooms and everything is furnished and a full sized kitchen, I only ended up buying a little coffeemaker and a fan. I have a post on it somewhere on TV. I really liked staying there and it was very convenient. Maybe a 5-6 minute walk to Phrom Phong BTS, but there are tons of motosai taxis around. The Villa market is reasonably close by and there is a Tesco and Carrefour nearby, and I think the Carrefour has a free shuttle, as I saw some other guests using it. Obviously, a hotel will cost you more, I paid about 30K baht/month, but no utilities and I saved on having to buy other junk. It was nice having my room cleaned everyday and to have fresh sheets and towels everyday, I admit it, I am spoiled and lazy. There is a gym, pool and laundry facilities (I paid the maids 100 baht to wash and iron for me and they were more than happy) on site, free wireless as well. Due to the fact that I stayed so long, the hotel upgraded my room at no charge.

WOW thanks for all the great replies :jap:

I am afraid that in my haste to post I forgot to mention I am male

Its good to know that the Supermarkets are now everywhere normally I would normally go to Foodland but its excellent to know that TOPS sells Waitrose food as its always nice to have a Farang treat every now and then. I am back over in August and I will certainly check out Soi Ruamrudee as I have never heard of it. Ari I did go there a few years ago after hearing very good things about it but when I got there it was not what I expected. But I am more than happy to go there again take a look again. Thanks for the suggestion of the Soi 1 Graham but that is far to close to the entertainment areas.

One question I do have is where do Thai people find their apartments?

Thanks Andie for excellent list of gifts to give Thai people, I would have never known what they would like.

Thanks

Pompui

Cuirous why you ask ladies specifically then?

Regardless, if you are a tall or big guy the shoes/clothes issue remains the same

Cuirous why you ask ladies specifically then?

Regardless, if you are a tall or big guy the shoes/clothes issue remains the same

Hi SBK,

I just wanted another point of view no other reason. I am very grateful for the information that I have been given and sorry if I have broken in Forum rules by posting in the Ladies Section.

Thanks

Pompui

Nope, just curious is all... you are more than welcome to post here -- good manners are always welcome.

Minor point to omit... shoes and bras probably not that relevant then...! Anyway...

The 'Japanese' supermarket on Ekkamai (at the top end, almost opposite Soi 2) stocks quite a few Waitrose things too - even stuff I'd never go looking for like e.g. organic walnut pieces. I would also add that there are some nice new lowrise and quiet places for rent round the top end of Ekkamai - but a lot will depend on your budget (maybe helpful to get an idea of your range)

My list for what to bring is based on my friends personal preferences - all of them have lived in the UK or abroad at some point and these are the things that they miss/are expensive in Thailand (M&S tea costs 3-4 times as much so I always bring over several boxes when I've been back). For their relatives I've found that something food related and very UK 'branded', e.g. good tin of shortbread with cliche pictures of bagpipers/tartan/heather/etc., goes down well - as much for the packaging as the contents.

I heard a Waitrose Express was opening in On Nut, but its just a rumor fattie, sorry PumPui

I heard a Waitrose Express was opening in On Nut, but its just a rumor fattie, sorry PumPui

Hi bartender,

Thanks for your reply, I am actually giving up my job to take a year out to work on my health and to achieve various other things that work just makes impossible. So that was a perfect reply, sure I am not a slim Jim at the moment but with a few months hard work I am sure I will be looking in a lot better shape.

Cheers

Pompui

Minor point to omit... shoes and bras probably not that relevant then...! Anyway...

The 'Japanese' supermarket on Ekkamai (at the top end, almost opposite Soi 2) stocks quite a few Waitrose things too - even stuff I'd never go looking for like e.g. organic walnut pieces. I would also add that there are some nice new lowrise and quiet places for rent round the top end of Ekkamai - but a lot will depend on your budget (maybe helpful to get an idea of your range)

My list for what to bring is based on my friends personal preferences - all of them have lived in the UK or abroad at some point and these are the things that they miss/are expensive in Thailand (M&S tea costs 3-4 times as much so I always bring over several boxes when I've been back). For their relatives I've found that something food related and very UK 'branded', e.g. good tin of shortbread with cliche pictures of bagpipers/tartan/heather/etc., goes down well - as much for the packaging as the contents.

Normally for friends I have been bringing chocolate as they cant seem to get enough of that.

I always bring Tea where ever I go as I don't drink coffee. Although not my first choice, the tea in Starbucks, English Breakfast is nice but of course is ridiculously expensive for what it is.

Thanks

Pompui

I heard a Waitrose Express was opening in On Nut, but its just a rumor fattie, sorry PumPui

Hi bartender,

Thanks for your reply, I am actually giving up my job to take a year out to work on my health and to achieve various other things that work just makes impossible. So that was a perfect reply, sure I am not a slim Jim at the moment but with a few months hard work I am sure I will be looking in a lot better shape.

Cheers

Pompui

I was just jesting with you, good luck, actually i will be doing the same very shortly, but find its easier to do in Pattaya than Bangkok, more opportunity for swimming and walking, and apartments tend to be better their for the money.Jomtien is a way from the nightlife if you don't want it

I heard a Waitrose Express was opening in On Nut, but its just a rumor fattie, sorry PumPui

Hi bartender,

Thanks for your reply, I am actually giving up my job to take a year out to work on my health and to achieve various other things that work just makes impossible. So that was a perfect reply, sure I am not a slim Jim at the moment but with a few months hard work I am sure I will be looking in a lot better shape.

Cheers

Pompui

I was just jesting with you, good luck, actually i will be doing the same very shortly, but find its easier to do in Pattaya than Bangkok, more opportunity for swimming and walking, and apartments tend to be better their for the money.Jomtien is a way from the nightlife if you don't want it

I would like to move near the beach and I guess its a more relaxing lifestyle but I am not going anywhere near Pattaya. I guess when its out of high season I could move to Phuket or Samui but I would also guess the rates during high season are amazingly high.

Good Luck in your quest to loose weight sure it wont be easy but I am sure like myself you will be able to make good progress. As I know I lazy so and so I am planning to get a personal trainer, when I am over in August I am going to visit FitCorpAsia

Anyway that is way off topic but thanks for your replies

Cheers

Pompui

Actually, depending on your shoe size, shoes will be a problem. And since you are talking about working out etc be sure to bring the sporting wear with you (shoes, and whatever it is that guys wear when they exercise ).

Since you going on a health kick you might consider (if you are into that kind of thing) bringing some of the health powders and stuff like that with you as Thailand is quite expensive for that sort of thing.

Hi PomPui,

Interesting that you say you are taking a year off work to get your life in order (or the like), as last week when we were in Bangkok I found a book in the bookcase by the gym (in English not Swedish, German or Japanese - yay!) called "Fat, Forty and Fired" about a guy that did just that - was quite inspiring.

I hope it goes well for you : )

Every time I've tried to bring over good chocolate it ends up as a congealed melted mess so I've given up - biscuits rule!

Ekkamai will be out of your budget. Ari as suggested and maybe places round Victory Monument might be better ideas. On Nut/Phra Khanong is also an option - I lived there several years ago but would hesitate to do so now as when it all kicked off a few months ago the trouble headed straight there after being forced out of the centre. This isn't a reason to disrecommend this area though - when I lived there 8 years ago I had the most wonderful neighbours - but like London you are never that far from a bad neighbourhood/soi - Bangkok is a big city and your neighbours are paramount.

If you like the beach idea then the coast round Rayong and beyond has numerous places, mainly Thai orientated but most are very friendly, relaxed and welcoming - and it's a stones throw from BK if the quiet life gets too much.

Hi PomPui,

Interesting that you say you are taking a year off work to get your life in order (or the like), as last week when we were in Bangkok I found a book in the bookcase by the gym (in English not Swedish, German or Japanese - yay!) called "Fat, Forty and Fired" about a guy that did just that - was quite inspiring.

I hope it goes well for you : )

WOW what a great book I read the first 60 pages on google books and then ordered the book.

Thanks

Pompui

Every time I've tried to bring over good chocolate it ends up as a congealed melted mess so I've given up - biscuits rule!

Ekkamai will be out of your budget. Ari as suggested and maybe places round Victory Monument might be better ideas. On Nut/Phra Khanong is also an option - I lived there several years ago but would hesitate to do so now as when it all kicked off a few months ago the trouble headed straight there after being forced out of the centre. This isn't a reason to disrecommend this area though - when I lived there 8 years ago I had the most wonderful neighbours - but like London you are never that far from a bad neighbourhood/soi - Bangkok is a big city and your neighbours are paramount.

If you like the beach idea then the coast round Rayong and beyond has numerous places, mainly Thai orientated but most are very friendly, relaxed and welcoming - and it's a stones throw from BK if the quiet life gets too much.

As long as I take out out the hand luggage and straight in to the fridge Chocolate is fine.

WOW Andie you really are a a walking BKK Atlas. I will certainly check out all the places that you have listed. On Nut is one that was already on my list as I know 2 people who live up that way as they say the accommodation is better value for money. I have not been to Victory Monument for years but last time I thought it was very busy with traffic. I am sure that was just one part and the area its self is a lot larger than I know.

Thanks

Pompui

Ratchada Soi 5 seems a good place (Amanta Ratchada) please do check for prices first though as they can be quite expensive but some units do come with furnishings, saves the hassle of buying stuff (but also gives you a headache if its not such nice stuff, ei: mismatched ~ haha)