Experience in Bangkok, Thailand by Phiyanart

What is it like to live in Bangkok? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I have been living in Thailand ever since I was born.
It is one of the most busy, yet fun city with all the night parties and entertainment areas where most travellers probably already knew, well after all, we're best known for Food, Culture and of course Entertainment.

Food is one of our best bits. If you like some spicy dishes, you will like it here.
But if you find it's hard to deal with the hotness, well, no worries, we do have some non-spicy dishes too :) I personally love Thai food, mainly because the intensity of the taste.

Culture is mostly seen as temples or what we call 'Wat'.
Wat is everywhere in Thailand, you can easily find a new temple right at the corner where you left from one, so as, 7/11. You will be surprised how many 7/11 we have, trust me.

Entertainment. Yes, Thailand is one of the best place to party. The night life is just so intense and the price tag is just really cheap. I mean, if you can literally buy a bottle of beer for only $1 or less.

BUT!
Of course, you will have to deal with the hot and humid weather that could make you sweat like you just got out from a shower, if you like it then good for you :)
We have 3 seasons which are Hot, Hotter and Hottest. lol joking.
But I am trying to be honest here, in Winter the temperature would probably get around 24c-27c which for some countries, this is pretty warm.
So, if you're traveling to Thailand, don't forget to bring lots of tank-top.

I must say that the transportations are bits of unpleasant.
You probably have heard about our infamous long-traffic-jams.
I mean it's alright for the MRT(metro train) and BTS(sky train), but if you were to buy or rent a car... well let just say, I wouldn't recommend that.

I guess that is pretty much it, guys :)
I hope you find my 'opinion' somewhat informative.
And if you were to visit Thailand, I hope you have a wonderful time here!

What is the student lifestyle like in Bangkok?

In most of the Western's films, high-school is the worst nightmare.
But for Asian, especially Thailand, high-school life is the most memorable moment for almost all students.

For university students' lifestyle, it's like the moment when you will be learning to socialize, adjust, and make friends. Usually, we have 1 or 2 subjects per day which takes only 1-2 hours long, and after that? Free times!
It's quite unusual to go home right after your class, cause mostly we will spend time with our friends, have lunch together, go to the mall, catch up with some friends or whatever you want to do. It is, again, a memorable moment.

How much does it cost to live in Bangkok?

As I was saying, the cost of living in Thailand is really cheap compare to other European, Americans countries. You can have a luxury dishes in the luxury restaurant and spent only $5-$8.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bangkok? Is there any advice you can give?

Not at all.
If you were to only visit for a short period, there are plenty of hotels for you, from five-stars hotel to Okay-star hotel.

But if you're looking for a long-term stay, there are lots of dormitories available for you.
For the best areas, I would recommend around 'Thailand Cultural Centre Station', or 'Praram 9' because these areas are usually full of students from SWU(Srinakarinwirot University) and it's safer to stay in the busy area.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Spicy but Intense.
We're famous for spicy food like Tom-Yam-Koong, Green curry(Keng-Kiaw-Hwann), Som-tam(papaya salad) and more.

Weird enough, I'm not a big fan of spicy foods. So usually, I will order something like Kaw-Pad(fried rice), Kai-yaung(grilled chicken), Tom-Geud Moo Sub(soup with pork) etc.
Or you can order the spicy dish, then tell them 'not so spicy' or 'Mai-Ped' and they'll know.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bangkok?

For cultural purpose, I would say 'Wat Phra Kaeo' or Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
For Entertainment, check out the night life at 'Kao Sarn Road', 'Sukumvit', 'Silom'
For shopping, definitely go to JJ. Market, Union Mall, and Pratunam

Is it good to eat out in Bangkok? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, of course it's fun to come out and spend time eating out, enjoy the atmosphere.
Normally, I will have dinner with friends at Terminal 21, and nope that isn't located at the Airport or whatsoever. It's the new Mall in town which holds the concept of International Airport, each floor was decorated in a different country. Let say, you will probably end up taking 100 of pictures.

Is the nightlife good in Bangkok? Where is good to go?

Yes, it is.
In the day time, we work, study and do everything like other people in this world would do,
but at night, we party like animals.
Lol but don't worry, if you're taking good care of yourself and not getting too drunk, you'll be fine.

Kao Sarn Road, Sukumvit, Silom are the best areas to party.

What advice would you give future students headed to Bangkok?

1. Thailand has an infamous rumour about pickpockets, robbery and all that crime. But mostly that was just an over-exaggerated article. However, it's best to be award of your belonging.

2. If you look totally different and nowhere near Asians people, be award with the overprice transportations, especially Cab, Took-Took and Motorcycle Taxi.
If you can, ask your local friends about the approximate price to be sure, cause sometimes, you might have to pay 3 times higher than it actually is.

3. We don't have tax. When you go shopping, the number on a tag is pretty much the total.

4. You can get a phone SIM-Card at 7/11, or some stands on the sidewalks.

5. It is NOT legal, but there will be taxi-motorcycle running on the sidewalks. So, watch out!

6. This is almost for every place in the world, if the street is dark and desolate, avoid it.

7. Study your direction well before you go. You don't wanna get lost here, not so many Thai people can speak and understand English. :)
But if you're lost, you can simply ask by say the name of the place you wanted to go.
I'm sure they'll try to understand.

Other than that, welcome to Thailand! :)