Bangkok Monthly Budget: 55k Baht Reasonable?

yeah 55k works but 15-17k rent is kinda high for that budget tbh. i'd look at places like huai khwang or ratchada where you can get a decent 1br for 10-12k and still have cash left for savings or weekend trips. also factor in the deposit if you're new, most places want 2 months upfront so that's a chunky initial hit

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55k is doable if you're smart about it but 15-17k for rent is gonna eat up a lot of your budget. For that price you're prob looking at a decent studio in a place like On Nut or a bit further out like Bang Na, not Sukhumvit proper. I'd aim closer to 12k for rent if you can find a spot you like, leaves more room for food and going out which is where Bangkok really shines.

Food-wise you can eat well on 200-300 baht a day if you stick to street stalls and local spots, skip the mall food courts. Transport adds up fast too, a BTS monthly pass is like 1.5k but if you're near a canal boat route or use Grab bike it's cheaper. Just don't forget about the little stuff like electricity bills and water, those can be a shock if your place charges per unit.

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honestly 55k is tight but doable if you're not trying to live like a tourist. 15-17k for rent will prob get you a decent place in Phra Khanong or Ari if you hunt around, not the newest building but fine. I'd budget like 1k for electric if you run the AC a lot, especially during april heat, and another 500 for water and internet.

one thing ppl forget is the visa stuff, if you're on a non-b or ed visa those extension fees add up, like 1.9k each time plus the 90 day reports. also if you drink at bars that's where your budget will bleed, a beer at a normal pub is like 120-150 but at a rooftop it's 250+. street food is your friend for sure, but don't skip the occasional khao mun gai at a shop, that's still under 100 baht and way better than mall food.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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