Bangkok is the home of Agoda’s biggest office, where we bring together employees from around the world to shape the future of travel. It’s known for its delicious food, bustling streets, and endless opportunities for exploration, and the city has a way of surprising even the most seasoned travelers. But what’s it really like to live here as an expat? To answer that, we spoke to Agodans who’ve made Bangkok their home. From navigating the city’s neighborhoods to uncovering hidden gems and embracing the local way of life, they share what they’ve learned about Bangkok since living here.
You can do water sports all year round, even in Bangkok
Karen Hsu
Lead, Partner Programs
Moved from England, originally from Hong Kong
Lived in Bangkok for two years
As a big fan of water sports, I love that Thailand’s warm weather provides year-round access to world-class beaches and scuba diving. While many of these spots are just a short flight or car ride away, you don’t actually need to leave Bangkok to enjoy the water. I was surprised to discover that you can go wakeboarding, try artificial surfing, and even scuba dive (at the aquarium in Siam Paragon) right here in the city!
Advice for living in Bangkok:
I always say that Bangkok is unique because there’s so much to do. You’ll never have to worry about getting bored or struggling to meet new people—whatever interests you, you’ll find it here. From food and sports to nightlife and spas, the options are endless, and you’ll always be able to connect with others who share your interests. If you’d prefer not to spend money, there are plenty of free activities, like art exhibitions and concerts in the park. At Agoda, we also have Life Groups, company-sponsored clubs for various sports and activities, from chess and quiz nights to badminton and golf.
Bangkok is a great place to raise kids
Yurika Morita
Senior Product Manager
Relocated from Vietnam, originally from Japan
Lived in Thailand for two years
Life in Thailand is simply smooth. From buying groceries to hiring movers, finding childcare, traveling, or fixing things in the house, it’s been super easy and affordable compared to Japan and England, where my partner and I are from. I can’t think of a better place to raise a child. Bangkok has international schools at all price ranges, high-quality yet affordable healthcare, and endless activities for the whole family. My son swims, plays football, and goes to a kids’ gym.
The city is very child friendly. Restaurants have chairs and cutlery for little ones, and they’re happy to accommodate kids being kids. Finding the children’s stuff we needed, like toys, furniture, or English books, was surprisingly hard in other cities. Here, shopping for children is so accessible. If you have a family, Thailand is undoubtedly one of the best places to live.
Advice for living in Bangkok:
I didn’t realize how green Thailand was. There’s much more to visit than just beaches. We like exploring Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samet, and Kanchanaburi.
You can always discover something new
Dexter Drupsteen
Staff Software Engineer, Financial Crime and Risk Management
Moved from the Netherlands
Lived in Bangkok for nine months
What amazes me about Bangkok is that you can always discover something new, even if you’re already familiar with a neighborhood or street. It might be a food stand you’ve never noticed, offering dishes you’ve never tried, a rooftop bar you somehow missed (despite passing it twice a day), or a newly opened coffee shop. All you have to do is pause and take a moment to look around. Some of my favorite discoveries include my go-to pork noodle shop for lunch, a visit to beautiful Wat Arun, and a really cozy coffee place serving cheesecake that’s to die for.
Advice for living in Bangkok:
There are three key things to keep in mind. The first is to learn. While it can feel daunting and scary, knowing even a few Thai words goes a long way. Although it’s not essential, and many people live here without learning Thai, picking up the language makes a big difference. That’s why I especially appreciate the Thai language course offered at Agoda.
The second is to explore. Thailand is full of nice things to do, delicious food to try, places to discover, and people to meet. Have a day off? Take the opportunity to explore Thailand and venture off the beaten path (and use those Thai language skills, right?). I’ve yet to visit a place in Thailand that I didn’t enjoy or where I didn’t encounter kind and welcoming people.
The last piece of advice I have is to smile. Perhaps this isn’t advice at all, but rather a natural outcome of living here, in the Land of Smiles.
There’s a lot more to Thai food than just Pad Thai
Lauren Feille
Senior Specialist, Internal Comms & Employer Branding
Moved from Poland, originally from France
Lived in Bangkok for five years
Before moving here, I’d always considered Pad Thai the star of Thai cuisine. However, I’ve since learned it’s far from the most popular dish! That title goes to Pad Kaprao, a beloved local stir-fry made with meat, holy basil, and plenty of chilies. I’ve also opened my eyes to so many other tasty Thai dishes. I never realized how central soups are to Thai cuisine, but I’ve grown to love Tom Kha Gai and Tom Yum Goong. Surprisingly, these hot and spicy soups feel refreshing, even in Bangkok’s heat.
In addition to the food, as a woman, I feel that Bangkok’s sense of safety and security is unparalleled. You can walk alone at night in most areas without feeling unsafe or being stared at, and there’s always activity on the streets, so you don’t feel isolated.
Advice for living in Bangkok:
Each neighborhood in Bangkok is unique, offering a completely different experience of the city. While this diversity is exciting, deciding where to live can also feel overwhelming when moving to Bangkok. Agoda’s relocation package includes temporary accommodation for your first 30 days, so you’ll have a home base. The Onboarding team will also support your search with plenty of resources, contacts, and advice.
To make the process smoother, define your expectations and priorities to help you choose a place that best suits your needs. Spend a few days in different areas to get a feel for them. Experience the morning rush hour, see what the neighborhood is like at night, and check out the local amenities. Joining expat groups on social media is also invaluable for gathering honest insights about various neighborhoods and finding good deals on apartments.
You can learn any hobby or skill in Bangkok
Sohail Khan
Talent Acquisition Manager
Moved from Malaysia, originally from India
Lived in Bangkok for three and a half years
Bangkok is filled with people from all around the world, each bringing their unique skills and passions. It’s like a playground for every interest imaginable. Whether it’s a niche hobby or something you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll find teachers, resources, and a community to help you get started.
Three years ago, I decided to try boxing on a whim, never expecting to fall in love with it as much as I have. And recently, I’ve just started go-karting. Who knew I’d be into that? If you’re keen to pick up a new skill but worried about the cost, Agoda has you covered. Through our flexible benefits program, employees can reimburse their health, fitness, learning, personal travel, and wellness spending.
Advice for living in Bangkok:
When I first moved to Bangkok, I used Meetup to start making friends, and I know others who’ve done the same through Facebook community groups. These platforms are fantastic for building connections and getting advice about life in Bangkok. You’ll find plenty of like-minded people who’ve been in your position and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences.
Bangkok offers total convenience and easy weekend getaways
Diana Wijayanty
Instructional Designer, Talent and Development Team
Moved from Indonesia
Lived in Bangkok for seven years
Living in Bangkok means 24/7 convenience—whether it’s food, groceries, or daily essentials, everything is just a quick delivery away. I once ordered a full meal at 2 AM, and it arrived faster than I could pick a movie to watch while eating. This city never sleeps, and neither does its convenience!
Living in Bangkok offers you an easy weekend gateway. One weekend, I was lounging on a Pattaya beach; the next, I was trekking through a jungle or unwinding by the rivers of Kanchanaburi. With stunning escapes just a short drive or train ride away, you realize that in Bangkok, every weekend can feel like a vacation.
Advice for living in Bangkok:
Learning basic Thai will be incredibly helpful, especially if you master numbers and common phrases for ordering food. It’ll be particularly handy if you prefer less spicy dishes and need to customize your meals!
