My wife and I are planning on moving to Thailand January 2012. I will most likely be working in Bangkok (I speak Thai) and my wife would like to teach English (she doesn't speak Thai). We would like to be somewhere thats within 30 minutes of bangkok that has a fairly good country feel. We would also like to rent a house. Any suggestions on where to live? Should we get a car over there? Thanks
Thailand - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Public transport is good and reasonable but if you like to get away on weekends, a car is a good idea. Bkk is a really sprawling city - - If you are going to be working in Bkk I would put an emphasis on what you will need to do for a commute and then start shopping for a place to stay from there - - during rush hour, depending on your mode of transport & place of work - 30 minutes might only be ten blocks from your office - no kidding.
2 :
The general rule in Bangkok is to stay as close to your place of employment as possible. It's a nightmare getting to work and back. I have been in traffic in Bangkok and traveled only about 1 or 2 km in 30 minutes. Sometimes you don't move at all. I lived in Nonthaburi to the NW of the city, about 30 to 60 minutes from the city center, depending on transport. That had a very rural atmosphere. There were still green field with animals to be seen, temples etc. It's was better than living in the city but a nightmare to get to the city. House prices there were also very much cheaper than in the city. Most teachers I knew (including myself) bought trucks, not only for getting to work etc but also because some of the roads, especially in rural areas are not made for cars. Also they are quite strong in the event of an accident. I drove in Bangkok but it's not something I would advise. I came from Africa so I was used to a cowboy style of driving where there are no road rules. People do not obey the rules of the road and driving conditions can be quite chaotic and always very scary. Public transport is excellent and you really won't need a car
3 :
Ayuthia the old capital is very nice but it is about 1 1/2 hours away from Bangkok.Old ruins and no bargirls.
4 :
I would try Thonburi or Wong Wiang Yai area. http://bangkok.sawadee.com/skytrain.htm West of the Wong Wiang Yai station of the BTS skytrain. There are few tall buildings and more open air. It has more of a country feel. My friend drove me through that area after visiting her house and it has a small town feel. I know there is a small mall in the area cause I met someone there. So it has all the modern conveniences and fewer people. Though there is still traffic. hahaha Take a taxi to minimize your liability to problems, may cost only USD 1-2 each way or 35-60 baht
5 :
You will have no choice you need to live in Bangkok and not far from your job, unless you want to spend 1 to 2 hours a day going to and from work. Traffic during rush hours can be hell, especially when schools are open. I would recommend somewhere in Thonburi to live also, close to the sky train or river so you can get transportation to work. Remember when renting you will need to have a lease, and pay 3 months advance. I used to live in Thonburi but no where close to the sky train. Only transportation was the bus which took 45 minutes to an hour just to get to the sky train so I could take that into the inner city. Yes I would get a car if you are planning to live here. Just wait a while and see how they drive here and learn the routes around the area before you make the final decision. It's good to have a car to get out of the city during the weekends and holidays.
6 :
For sure live in Bangkok people who lived there and moved out are wusses coz they cant handle the traffic or whatever take no notice of them Its perfect and you are most welcome to live here and join us By the way my friend its actually called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon thats the Thai name other answers people here just make fake accounts for whatever reason I dont know too much time on there hands or 1 hand in the case below lol Just coz they are top means Jack ok ask me anytime I am the one who knows everything and can sort you out anytime We love the Americans here btw
7 :
My boyfriend ,,,,, top contributor below is right what he writes here you will spend 1 to 2 hours a day going to and from work. Traffic during rush hours can be hell, especially when schools are open. listen to his advice he is so knowledgable see you later honey and kiss for you ok
