illphated
Spending 3 months in Bangkok is an amazing opportunity—there’s so much to explore, eat, and experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best way to structure your time, live comfortably, and make the most out of your stay as an American.
🛂 Visa Stuff
Tourist Visa: The standard visa exemption is only 30 days. For 3 months, you’ll need either:
Tourist Visa (TR): Allows 60 days, extendable by 30 more days at an immigration office.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV): Good for 6 months but requires border runs.
ED Visa: If you’re interested in studying Thai or Muay Thai, you can stay longer.
Retirement or Digital Nomad options (if applicable by age or profession).
🏡 Where to Live
Bangkok has great options for short-term living:
Top Neighborhoods:
Ari – Trendy, chill, good cafes and restaurants, less touristy.
Thonglor/Ekkamai – Upscale, very international, vibrant nightlife.
Sathorn/Silom – Central, near the business district, great food.
Phrom Phong/Asok – Convenient, expat-friendly, luxury condos.
Bang Rak or Chinatown – Historic and full of character.
Where to find a place:
Airbnb – Long stays often get big discounts.
Booking.com – Some serviced apartments do monthly rentals.
Facebook groups – “Bangkok Apartments & Condos” or “Digital Nomads Thailand.”
💻 Working or Staying Productive
If you’re remote working or studying:
Coworking spaces: The Work Loft, Hubba, The Hive, or JustCo.
Cafes: Rocket Coffee Bar, Roast, Casa Lapin—tons of laptop-friendly spots.
🍜 Living Costs (Monthly Ballpark)
Rent: $400–$1,000 depending on location/luxury level
Food: $200–$500 (street food is cheap & delicious)
Transport: $50–$100 (BTS, Grab, scooters)
Extras: $200+ for fun, trips, etc.
🎯 Things to Do
Temples: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Grand Palace
Markets: Chatuchak (weekend), Talad Rot Fai (night), Or Tor Kor (food)
Day Trips: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls
Cultural stuff: Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai training, Thai massage schools
Nightlife: Soi 11, Khao San Road, rooftop bars (Octave, Vertigo, Above Riva)
🧠 Tips for a Smooth Stay
Get a Thai SIM card (AIS, DTAC) with data—super cheap
Install Grab (local Uber) + LINE (messaging app)
Learn some Thai basics – greetings and numbers go a long way
Be heat-smart – Bangkok is hot and humid
Use BTS/MRT a lot – avoids traffic and super clean
Respect local customs – especially around temples and the monarchy