Digital nomads with kids in Bangkok

An Experience of Work and Adventure with the Family

If you are a family passionate about travel and have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, Bangkok might be the perfect destination to mix remote work with family adventure.

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A little warning: Bangkok is a very chaotic megacity, so often the best way to handle it is to split up, with one parent working from one of the millions of cafes while the other takes the kids exploring.

Welcome to Bangkok: Where Tradition and Modernity Meet

Bangkok is a fascinating metropolis that skillfully blends rich cultural tradition with the frenetic energy of modern life. As digital nomads, you’ll have the chance to experience the vibrant city life by day and immerse yourself in Thai culture and history by sunset.

Bangkok offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. While you’re immersed in work during the day, you can plan engaging activities for your kids during leisure hours.

Exploring Local Markets

Take your kids to discover the colorful street markets of Bangkok. It will be a unique sensory experience and an opportunity to teach them about the local culture.

Parks and Gardens

Bangkok is full of green parks and open spaces. Take a break from work and enjoy a day in one of the many city parks, where your kids can play and interact with other young travelers.

Cultural Lessons

Organize cultural lessons for your kids. They can learn to prepare Thai dishes, discover traditional art, or participate in local dance demonstrations.

Getting Around Bangkok

As mentioned, the two lines that allow you to easily move around much of the city are the MRT and the BTS. A single ride ticket starts at 15 baht (€0.35), and these lines generally operate from 5 AM to midnight every day. Always check the official websites for stops, schedules, and prices.

In addition to this, you can find taxis and tuk-tuks all over the city. However, be cautious as it is quite common for drivers to take advantage of tourists and foreigners by charging higher prices than you should actually pay. When you get into a taxi, always ask for the taximeter to be activated, and before getting into a tuk-tuk, negotiate the price.

Cost of Living in Bangkok

The cost of living in Bangkok is very low compared to European standards, but like all major cities in the world, there are hotels, restaurants, and bars for all budgets. If you’re not familiar with the city, you might end up spending more than expected, at least in the first few days.

First of all, street food is a very common practice in Thailand; there are entire markets and improvised restaurants at the edge of the streets where prices are very affordable. One famous spot is near the BTS Siam station, where you can dine for about 50 baht (€1.20), including a drink.

Another alternative is the food courts inside the many shopping malls in Bangkok, with the most famous ones being:

Terminal 21
MBK
Central World

Here, besides food, you can find clothes and various tech gadgets at very low prices.

To give you an idea of prices, here are some examples:

Restaurant menu: 190 baht (€4.6)
1-liter bottle of water: 15 baht (€0.36)
1 beer in the supermarket: 45 baht (€1.0)
1 kg of apples: 70 baht (€1.7)
1 single metro ticket: starting from 15 baht (€0.36)
1 cinema ticket: 200 baht (€4.8)

Throughout the city, you can also find 24-hour mini supermarkets called 7-Eleven, where you can buy almost everything you might need during your stay.

We are big fans of Asian street food, and Thai street food is among the best. If you’re undecided about what to eat and want to learn about typical dishes, check out my article on the Best Street Food in Thailand for the Whole Family.

Weather in Bangkok

Bangkok is hot, indeed considered one of the hottest cities in the world, and the excessive traffic and smog do not help. The average temperature is about 30/32 degrees Celsius, but during May, June, September, and October, thunderstorms are not uncommon, cooling the air. However, for the most part of the year, temperatures are very high, so don’t overpack. Also, note that air conditioning in public places is very high, so if you’re sensitive to it, bring a sweater for when you enter the metro or some cafes, bars, or restaurants.

Connections, Cafes, and Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads with Kids

As the last paragraph, but no less important for those working online, here are some tips to stay connected to the internet during your stay in Thailand.

Upon arrival, I immediately purchased a Thai SIM card for my smartphone with an all-inclusive plan for calls, SMS, but especially unlimited internet. You can buy it at the airport, at some metro stations, and in all 7-Eleven stores by simply showing your passport.

As for cafes that offer unlimited free Wi-Fi, one of my favorites is Too Fast to Sleep, located between the MRT stations of Sala Daeng and Sam Yan, where you can buy a drink and sit at the large tables to work undisturbed.

Remember that Starbucks, unlike in other countries, does not offer free Wi-Fi in Thailand, and you will have to pay a daily fee of 150 baht to connect.

How to Handle the Visa

Being a digital nomad requires a lot of organization; working while traveling is not as easy as it seems. While these individuals might look like carefree hippies who decide where to move based on the wind, in reality, things are quite different.

It’s one thing to travel, and another to do it while working.

There are endless logistical issues, not just related to finding an internet connection (which is now available almost everywhere), but also bureaucracy.

If you work and travel, you need to demonstrate a certain income to cover your travels and require different bureaucracy than that of a simple tourist.

I always advise against buying a one-way ticket to countries like Thailand, where you may often be asked to show proof of your actual departure from the country before your visa expires.

If you, like me, don’t have a specific plan or an exit date from Thailand, I suggest purchasing any ticket that shows your actual departure from the country before you leave.

There are many low-cost airlines in Asia, such as:

NokAir
TigerAir
AirAsia

These allow you to travel to Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, or even Hong Kong or Perth in Australia with prices starting from €20/30 up to a maximum of €60/80. Take a look!

Conclusions: Work, Adventure, and Family in Bangkok

In summary, Bangkok offers a perfect stage for digital nomad families who want to combine remote work with cultural exploration. With planning and balance, you can have an extraordinary adventure with your family while continuing to grow your online career.

Despite its chaotic and busy nature, Bangkok presents many options for working online, distancing yourself from the city’s atmosphere, and dedicating yourself fully to your work. Additionally, the very low cost of living makes it a great destination. If you love big cities and metropolises, Bangkok is a safe bet, offering plenty of distractions when you need a break from your computer. However, if you prefer smaller towns, it might not be the best fit for you. Still, Bangkok remains a strategic point for traveling in Thailand, making it easy to visit the North. If you are fascinated by the less touristy side of Thailand, read my article on Living in Northern Thailand Like a Local, where I talk about our digital nomad life in Chiang Mai and what to see in the North with kids.

If you decide to visit Bangkok even for a short period, I recommend checking out our article on What to See for Free in Bangkok, to discover how to visit the city without spending a baht.

If the city’s hustle and bustle takes you away from your lifestyle, I suggest taking a break from it… after all, we choose this traveler’s life to follow more natural rhythms, right?

Is Bangkok not for you? Read my article on Thailand: The Ideal Destination for Digital Nomads with Family and find the area that best suits your needs.