Bangkok not only has many attractions for sightseeing and gourmet food, but also has many hotels and large commercial facilities, making it a popular workday destination for people who want to travel while working.
However, once I stayed there, I noticed several things that made me think, ‘I’m glad I prepared for this,’ and ‘I want to do this next time.’
In this article, I will summarize useful tips for future visitors about hotels, transportation, and things to bring, based on my own experience working in Bangkok.
About the author: Masatora
A freelance web engineer with four years of experience. I work with more than 20 web production companies, building WordPress sites and landing pages at a pace of three to five projects per month. On this blog, I share practical knowledge, know-how, and insights from web production for freelancers and people who want to make web production their career.
Preparing the internet environment
Hotel Wi-Fi is stable enough
The four hotels we stayed at this time (peninsula、Marriott Surawongse、Siamotif、millennium hilton), there were no problems with Wi-Fi stability.
We were able to communicate via email and chat tools without any problems, so I think it can be said that if you choose a proper hotel, you won’t have any problems with Wi-Fi.
Rakuten Mobile overseas roaming
I used Rakuten Mobile, which I use in Japan, with the same international roaming settings. There is no need to replace the SIM, and the settings are easy to understand on the official website, so you won’t have to worry about getting confused.
I was able to use Google Maps comfortably while sightseeing, and I didn’t experience any inconvenience with the communication quality. For those who are wondering whether to buy a SIM, I think Rakuten Mobile users will have a good choice.
If you use a local SIM card/eSIM
Although I didn’t use it, a local SIM or eSIM is convenient for people who use a lot of data or want to watch videos.
in bangkokAISorTrueMovePrepaid SIMs are standard and can be purchased in advance on Amazon or Rakuten Market. More recentlyAiraloeSIM services such as are also popular.
Prepaid SIMs are sold at the counter at Bangkok’s airport.Must communicate in EnglishSo the hurdle is a little high…
However, if you purchase it in Japan before your trip,There is a sense of security that you can use it immediately after arrival.So,Advance purchase recommendedis.
You can also check eSIM plans for Thailand on KKday. Please check the product page for the number of days of use, compatible devices, tethering availability, etc. before purchasing.
[Additional note] I tried using eSIM!
I used eSIM on my trip to Bangkok in May 2026.
Initially, I had planned to use Rakuten Mobile’s overseas roaming service as before, but I was having trouble connecting locally. I hurriedly purchased an eSIM for Thailand on KKday.
Setting up was easy and connected in seconds (lol). After that, I was able to use Rakuten Mobile, but I thought that if you don’t want to go through the trouble of setting up an eSIM, it’s definitely worth it.
Advantages of choosing rental Wi-Fi
Rental Wi-Fi routers are safe if multiple people use them at the same time, or if you use a particularly large amount of data.
“Global WiFi” and “Imoto’s WiFi” that can be picked up at the airport are standard, and the advantage is that you can share them with your companions.
If you are staying with family or friends, this may be cheaper overall.
Don’t forget about security measures
The hotel’s Wi-Fi was comfortable, but I was worried about security when using public Wi-Fi at airports and cafes.
ThereforeVPN serviceIt is safe to use to encrypt communication. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are standard services that can be used overseas.
Also, be sure to install security software on your PC or smartphone. The one you usually use in Japan is sufficient, and some software and plans may come with a VPN function, so don’t forget to check the functionality.
Improvements to the work environment
Room desk/outlet/quietness
All of the hotels I stayed in had desks and chairs for work in the rooms, and I never felt inconvenienced by the height or seating comfort.
There are plenty of outlets around the desk, so you can easily charge your PC or smartphone. It’s also very quiet, allowing me to concentrate and work comfortably.
It may be difficult to convey the atmosphere around the desk in the photo, but the actual experience was quite good.
Work comfortably in the lounge (Marriott Suriwongse/Millennium Hilton)
Marriott Surawongseandmillennium hiltonThere is a club lounge where you can work in a calm atmosphere.
While having coffee and snacks, other users were also working on their laptops, and there was a natural feeling that “this is a place where you can work.”
The environment was quieter and easier to concentrate than a cafe, so if you’re looking for a workday,Plan with lounge access” is a big advantage.
We also recommend comparing lounge access plans on hotel reservation sites (Agoda, Booking.com, etc.).
The airport lounge provided a similarly comfortable working environment. If you are interested in airport lounges, please also check out the article below.
Use the cafe only for refreshing purposes
This time, I was only taking a break and not working at the cafe.
However, it was perfect for stopping by to get some fresh air and change my mood, and it was a nice change of pace when I felt like I was suffocating staying in a hotel all the time.
As a full-fledged work environment, it seems a little inferior to a hotel room or lounge, but I saw a few customers using their computers, so it seems like it would be fine for short periods of work.
Comparison of work environment etc. of each hotel
The following article compares various items including the work environment of each hotel.
Please use this as a reference when choosing a hotel.
👇Click here for an article comparing and ranking the four hotels we stayed at during this trip.
Health and lifestyle points
Heat protection is the most important thing
The most difficult thing in Bangkok was “heat” was. Food stalls and local restaurants often don’t have air conditioning, so eating spicy food can make you sweat even more.
What was helpful there washandy fanandSweat wipe sheet (subdivided type). I bought a large pack of sweat wiping sheets at a drugstore in Japan, so I didn’t think twice about it, but when I tried to carry them around town, they were surprisingly heavy and cumbersome, so I ended up not carrying them around much at all. However, I felt refreshed when I used it at the hotel after returning from sightseeing!We recommend the subdivided type.is.
Also, when sightseeing, you sweat a lot and get uncomfortable, so you tend to change your shirt many times.Sweat-absorbing and quick-drying sports T-shirts are comfortable because they dry quickly even if you sweat.That helped me.
Handy fans and quick-dry T-shirts can also be purchased on Amazon and Rakuten Market.
Measures against squalls during the rainy season
During my stay, it was the rainy season, but it rarely rained all day long, and there were often patterns of torrential rain over a short period of time.
It would be the worst if you encountered heavy rain while you were out. that’s why,raincoat or ponchoConvenient to have. It’s even safer if it’s a type that can cover your backpack or bag.
However, be aware that raincoats do not have good breathability, so you will get stuffy if you wear them all the time. Folding umbrellas are good for dealing with the heat and humidity, but they cannot protect you from heavy rain, so you need to use them wisely.
Also,waterproof shoeswas also helpful.
You might think, “I don’t care because it takes up space for my suitcase,” but Thailand’s heavy rains are really amazing, and the sidewalks are not always in good condition, so I recommend bringing waterproof/water-repellent shoes.
In fact, there was a day when we had to go shopping for dinner and it started to rain at the wrong time, but the raincoat and waterproof shoes were perfect!
After experiencing heavy rain, the item I decided to bring next time was an ankle cover to protect the hem of my pants from the rain.
Even in Japan, there are people who use it during the rainy season.
A raincoat or poncho won’t protect your feet, so having an ankle cover will give you peace of mind, and it’s lightweight so it won’t get in the way of your luggage.
Precautions regarding water
We didn’t have any major issues during our stay, but in older hotels you may not be able to flush the toilet paper.
If you’re not used to it, you might end up flushing it, which could clog the toilet, so it’s a good idea to check this when you stay.
If you’re worried about checking in English, check out reviews on hotel reservation sites and Google Maps, and you’ll be surprised to find out!
The image below is the result of keyword filtering based on Booking.com reviews.
Tips to enjoy the pool
When using the pool, it was convenient to have something to wear so you could leave your room in your swimsuit. It’s safe to wear a rash guard or a light dress.
Depending on the hotel, it may not be good etiquette to walk around the hotel in a swimsuit, but if you have something to wear, you can look better.
Guests are welcome to change into swimwear in the comfort of their rooms and may wear a bathrobe when walking to the pool area. Alternatively, for added convenience, changing facilities and lockers are available at our Fitness Centre located on the G Floor, where you may also store your personal belongings securely.
Translation: You can change into a swimsuit in your room, you can wear a bathrobe, or you can change at the fitness center on the G floor.
This is a reply email I received when I asked Peninsula Bangkok if it was possible to wear bathrobes etc. inside the building or if there was a changing room.
Wireless earphones also came in handy when relaxing by the pool. It was great to be able to relax while listening to music or playing videos.
Things to bring list (actually useful & wish I had)
This is not a list of things to bring that covers the entire trip, but I have put together a list of things that I experienced and felt were “I’m glad I had this” and “I wish I had this.”
Please add it to your list.
What I actually brought and found useful
- handy fan: Great for under the scorching sun or in restaurants without air conditioning.
- Sweat-absorbing quick-drying T-shirt: I sweat every day, so materials that dry easily are essential.
- UNIQLO AIRism Steteco: Wear it under jeans, etc. to keep your skin and clothes from sticking to each other due to sweat, making it comfortable.
- Disinfecting sheet/alcohol spray: You don’t get any towels at restaurants.Hygiene measuresPrepare with top priority as。
- sunglasses: Required because the sunlight is intense.
- Rash guard or outerwear: Useful for moving around the pool and protecting against sunlight.
- wireless earphones: Enjoy music and videos by the pool or while on the move. Of course, it is also useful for web conferencing.
- waterproof shoes: Peace of mind even in sudden heavy rain.
- Insect spray (portable): Essential for eating at food stalls and at night.
- Anti-itch medicine like Unacool: Immediately relieves the discomfort of insect bites.
- sunscreen: Men should apply too. The tip of my nose turns bright red in half a day.
- hoodie: It’s not bad if it’s thin, but a regular hoodie is better. The scene used is Bangkok airport.Sometimes the air conditioner is too effective, and I got cold once in the past.. (I feel like the air conditioners in shopping malls around town aren’t as cold as they used to be, but it’s still good to have something to put on.)
Things I wish I had
- ankle cover for rain: Prevents the hem from getting wet during a squall.
- poncho for rain: The raincoat was useful, but it might be a little big. A poncho is more compact and can cover your bag.
- Sweat wipe sheet (subdivided type):The large capacity pack was a good deal, but it was heavy. It is convenient to have a size that allows you to keep it in your bag at all times.
- plastic bottle cover: When I bought a drink and carried it around, the inside of my bag got wet with water droplets.
Money-related ideas
There are an increasing number of situations where card payments can be made.
Although it varies depending on the style of travel and the destination, we were able to pay most of our bills during our stay in Bangkok by credit card.
For example, restaurants and cafes in shopping malls often accept credit cards, and ride-hailing appsGrabYou can also pay by card on the app.
Also,MRT (subway) isVISA touch paymentcan be usedIt was convenient to be able to get on and off the train just like using Suica in Japan.
One thing to be careful about when using credit cards is that on a past trip to Bangkok, I had an experience where my main card didn’t work and I had to pay with another card.We strongly recommend that you bring multiple copies.I will.
I think you can definitely use VISA at any store, but there were some stores where you couldn’t use AMEX. JCB is even more…
There are times when you need cash
On the other hand, cash was required in the following situations.
- stall
- Local restaurants in town
- Tips (hotel staff, etc.)
- boat ticket
- Admission fees for tourist facilities
Additionally, at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, there is a restriction that “Cards cannot be used unless the card is over ◯◯ baht,” so if you try to make a small payment in the Japanese sense, you may be refused.
As for boat tickets, if you plan to ride frequently, it is convenient to purchase an unlimited ride pass in advance.
It’s a hassle to check your wallet every time you go to the dock and ask, “Hmm, how much is it?” and then search your wallet for “Wow, what kind of coin is 1 baht?” Besides, you don’t want to take out your wallet in public when you’re abroad.
If you have an unlimited ride pass that can be purchased from Klook or KKday, this problem will be solved at once, and it is also a good deal, so I recommend it.
It is safe to exchange currency in advance.
During this stay, I did not exchange money locally or use cash advances at ATMs, but instead exchanged money in Japan before departing.
Anyway, weReducing the stress of traveling and increasing your time in the country as much as possible” is given priority.
There is no doubt that the local rate is better, but
- The hassle of finding a currency exchange office with a good rate
- The risk of not having a currency exchange office nearby in the first place
- The stress of having to spend time exchanging money
In order to avoid these problems, I am planning to exchange money in Japan.
I like the fact that exchanging money locally is as easy as “just do it when you don’t have much left.”
Transportation means and precautions
Avoid traffic jams by boat
We also stayed in Riverside, so our main mode of transportation was by boat.
The big advantage is that the fare is low and you are not affected by road congestion. It’s also nice to be able to feel like a tourist.
The view from the second floor of the tourist boat is great, but since there is no roof, you will need to take precautions against the sun and heat.
Grab’s convenience and weaknesses
In Bangkok, the standard ride-hailing app “Grab」。
In the past, taxis would not use the meter and would get ripped off, but with the advent of ride-hailing apps, traveling in Bangkok has become safer and more comfortable, and this has dramatically improved.
Grab is very convenient during normal times, but when it rains heavily, sometimes it won’t catch your car at all.
The reason is “Rapid increase in demand + cars not moving due to traffic jams”Tame.
If you rely solely on Grab, you run the risk of running out of transportation, so it’s a good idea to look into other means of transportation, such as public transportation, especially when going far.
Features of MRT/BTS
I didn’t use it this time, but from past experience:
- MRT (subway)is VISA touch compatible and can be used like a Japanese Suica.
- BTS (elevated railway)It’s somehow faster to tell your destination and number of people at the counter than at a ticket vending machine.
It is safe to reserve airport transfers in advance.
When traveling from the airport to the hotel, waiting for a match can be troublesome when using Grab.
We just don’t want to waste time!
That’s why I always pre-arrange a car every time.
If you don’t have a lot of luggage, Airport Link is an option, but if you have large suitcases or are traveling with a family, arranging a transfer is safer and more secure.
Airport transfer services offered by travel sites such as Klook and KKday can be conveniently booked online in advance.
You can also check Bangkok airport transfer plans on KKday.
We also recommend relaxing in the airport lounge before your flight. The following article introduces airport lounges in Haneda and Bangkok.
Tips for balancing work and vacation
divide time into blocks
It is better to divide your day into blocks such as “work in the morning and sightseeing in the afternoon” so you can concentrate on both.
If you mix work and play, it will be half-hearted and your family won’t be able to enjoy it either.
Advance notice to business partners
In my case,More than 1 month before travelI informed my business partners of my travel schedule.
Also, while I told them that I could respond in the morning (Japan time), I made it clear that I couldn’t respond in a hurry, so I was able to make plans with peace of mind on-site.
Of course, organizing your work before you leave is also an important preparation.
Enjoy and refresh your environment
In the high-rise lounge and guest rooms with great views, just looking at the outside scenery during a break was refreshing.
I feel that the experience of working in a place with a beautiful view is one of the attractions of workcations.
summary
Working in Bangkok was a fascinating experience that allowed me to balance sightseeing and work.
What I found out during my stay was thatComfort varies greatly depending on preparation.That’s what it means.
- The internet environment is sufficient with hotel Wi-Fi and overseas roaming.
- The lounge and guest rooms provide a comfortable work environment. When considering work efficiency, choosing a plan is the key
- Measures against heat, squalls, and insects are essential. Feel safe if you bring small items with you.
- Cards can now be used for money in an increasing number of situations. However, it is practical to prepare cash as well.
- For transportation, combine boat, Grab, and public transportation depending on the destination.
- By clearly dividing your time between work and sightseeing, you can enjoy both.
remote work while travelling isPreparation and ideas that suit youYour level of satisfaction will vary greatly depending on whether you can do this or not.
However, Bangkok is a city where it is easy to work, so there is no need to be so prepared and inventive.
If you are considering a workday in Bangkok, please refer to this article and other workday experience articles!
