Two centuries ago, Bangkok was a sleepy, little port community where the only things making waves would have been the frolicking ripples on the Chao Praya. Flash forward 200 years later and you have the modern-day Bangkok, Asia’s capital of cool! This city is just buzzing with energy and seems like it never sleeps. This fast developing metropolis is welcoming more and more expatriates every year as a result of the increasing number of job opportunities. So, if you’re planning on moving to Bangkok for work, here are a few tips to get by.
At first, Bangkok with its many dizzying lights, traffic, and the crowds can be quite overwhelming. However, give it a week or two and you’ll find there’s more than what meets the eye in Bangkok. For starters, get yourself settled down somewhere comfortable. Within the urban jungle of the Central Business District of Bangkok, you can find little pockets or areas of serenity like Sukhumvit; that are just ideal for expatriates looking for long term accommodation. Find a good Sukhumvit serviced apartment the likes of the Somerset Lake Point Bangkok and you will get all the cosiness and convenience of a home, with a fully-equipped kitchen, security, gym and pool facilities as well.
Once you’ve settled down, the next question is travelling about the city. Bangkok has modern, affordable public transport options. One of these is the Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems that connect the city’s main business, shopping and entertainment areas. Taxis are the cheapest as well as tuk-tuks. There are also river taxis and express boats, however, these are used for visiting the city attractions.
There’s that popular saying that “all work and no play make Jack a dull boy”, so after work, you will need to reserve some time to play and unwind as well. In Bangkok, there are a wide number of attractions and activities for this. If you’re a history buff, visit Bangkok’s finest heritage sites such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. If you’re looking for adventure, skydiving, zip lining, kayaking and snorkelling safaris and tours can be booked through agents. And finally, if you’re quite the party animal to whom Friday’s are fun days, you’ve come to the right place. Bangkok’s nightlife scene is thriving and you can find plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to party at!
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
