There’s nowhere quite like Bangkok. Recently ranked in MasterCard’s Global Destinations Index as the World’s most visited city, and winner of the ‘World’s Best City’ for four consecutive years by ‘Travel + Leisure’ magazine, it really does offer something for everyone. The greater metropolitan area of Thailand’s capital is home to 14 million people (approximately 22% of the country’s population). Every one of your senses will be brought to life in this truly remarkable city.
What does Bangkok Offer?
Bangkok offers visitors and longer term residents a vast array of multi-faceted sights and attractions, wrapped up in a highly dynamic city lifestyle. Royal Palaces, temples and a broad range of museums sit beside a huge range of shopping options, from the high end malls around Siam, to the vast and overwhelming Chatuchak markets.
For those who enjoy food, drink and entertainment (and who doesn’t), Bangkok offers fantastic street food, a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bars, together with a vibrant nightlife life no other.
Where to live?
Many retirees who live in Thailand prefer a laid back lifestyle, and use Bangkok for a ‘city fix’ from time to time. However for some, its the reverse, and being in the heart of the action is exactly what they want. Generally, retirees will look to live in and around the transport corridor offered by the Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) or Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) in the city centre. The most popular locations being Silom, Sathom, Sukhumvit and Ekkamai.
Slightly further away from the centre, but still with good access to transport, are the increasingly popular suburban districts of Nonthaburi, Suan Luang and Samut Prakan.
Transport
Bangkok like most large cities, has a selection of transport options. Traffic in the capital is awful, which means whilst there are plenty of buses, taxis and ‘tuk tuk’s’ available, getting to your destination can take a frustratingly long time. A better alternative (if possible) is utilising the BTS and MRT, which are fast, frequent and air conditioned! They don’t cover every part of the city, but can get you to many of the key locations. Another great option is using the numerous ferries, which plough their way along the Chao Phraya river and Saen Saep canal.
Bangkok is served by two international airports, the older Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), and the newer Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), which was opened in 2006. Don Mueang tends to attract the low cost airlines, and is a popular domestic hub. All flights to Bangkok from Australia go through Suvarnabhumi. Currently, Qantas, Thai Airways and Emirates operate daily flights from Sydney. Thai Airways also operate daily flights from Brisbane and Perth, and twice daily from Melbourne (which will be the airlines first route to use the new Airbus A350 XWB, branded as the World’s most advanced twin-aisle aircraft). In addition to Thai, Jetstar also fly three times a week to Bangkok from Melbourne.
Healthcare
40% of the countries Doctors work in Bangkok. The city has 42 Public Hospitals (5 of which are University Hospitals), 98 Private Hospitals and over 4,000 registered clinics. The quality and affordability of healthcare is widely regarded as very high throughout the city.
Cost of Living
On average rent is 60% cheaper in Bangkok than most major Australian cities. Restaurants are about 55% cheaper, Utilities 40% cheaper and groceries around 30% cheaper.
Visa / Property
Thailand offers a retirement visa, and foreigners can buy condominiums, although many prefer to rent in the city. More information on the rules about both topics can be found in the Visa and Property sections of our website.
Cities don’t come more vibrant and exciting than Bangkok. Whether you’re on a 48 hour stopover, exploring for a week, or planning a longer term stay, the city will provide a feast for your senses and energise your soul.
