What It’s Really Like to Be a Young American Woman in Bangkok

Let’s cut the crap—life in the U.S. is getting more stressful by the day. So, what’s it like to jump ship and start over in a city like Bangkok? Meet Brenna, a 25-year-old American who did just that. She’s been living in Thailand for four years now, and she’s here to share the truth about being a young female expat in one of the world’s craziest cities.

Why Thailand?

Brenna’s move to Thailand wasn’t the result of some grand plan. She was finishing school and, like so many young Americans, found herself in that awkward in-between phase of not knowing what the hell to do next. A coworker suggested Thailand, and with her teaching credentials already in hand, Brenna figured, “Why not?”

By June 2019, she was in Bangkok, diving headfirst into a new life. She started with an English teaching gig—because let’s face it, it’s the easiest way to get your foot in the door when you’re in a completely foreign country. From there, she leveled up to teaching at a private bilingual school and eventually landed at an international school, where the pay actually stacks up to what she might have made back home in the U.S.

Visa renewals? No sweat. Her school handles everything, from her work visa to her work permit. It’s all part of the deal when you’re working with a decent employer in Thailand.

Living the Expat Life: Safety, Social Circles, and a Whole Lot of Freedom

Here’s something you don’t hear every day from an American woman: Brenna feels safer walking around Bangkok at night than she ever did back in the States. Yeah, you read that right. In a city of over 10 million people, she feels more comfortable going out alone than she ever would in Scottsdale.

Making friends in a foreign city? Turns out it’s not as hard as people think. Brenna initially made friends through work, but she quickly expanded her social circle by diving into activities she loves—like Muay Thai. The gyms here have become her second home, and the community she’s built there is rock solid.

Bangkok Life: The Good, the Bad, and the Realities

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, and for Brenna, it’s been the perfect backdrop for the life she’s built. She lives in Phra Khanong, a neighborhood that gives her the best of both worlds: local culture with modern conveniences. For just $500 a month, she’s got a condo that’s within walking distance of everything she needs—from gyms to massage parlors to shops.

But let’s be real: it’s not all sunshine and pad thai. The pollution in Bangkok is no joke. In the last two years, it’s gotten worse, and it’s something that even the most optimistic expat can’t ignore. The lack of proper trash management is another downside, but Brenna takes it all in stride. The pros far outweigh the cons for her.

The Cost of Living: Breaking It Down

Here’s what Brenna’s monthly expenses look like:

•    Rent: $500 USD (19,000 THB)

•    Utilities (Electricity & Water): 1,500 THB

•    Wi-Fi & Phone: $30 USD (1,000 THB)

  •    Muay Thai & Gym Membership: 4,000 THB

  •    Groceries: $150 USD

In total, she’s living comfortably on around $1,500 a month. That includes plenty of room for the occasional weekend trip or night out in the city.

Why Bangkok?

So, why Bangkok? For Brenna, it’s simple: the city is an international hub with endless opportunities to explore. Whether she’s checking out a new neighborhood along the river or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, Bangkok never gets old. Plus, it’s the kind of place where you can live like a king (or queen) without breaking the bank—a far cry from the financial stress of life in the U.S.

Is the Grass Greener in Thailand?

For Brenna, the answer is a resounding hell yes. As a young American woman, she’s found a level of independence and fulfillment in Bangkok that would’ve been hard to come by back in the States. The quality of life here is worlds better. She’s safe, she’s happy, and she’s living exactly the way she wants.

Final Thoughts for Aspiring Expats

If you’re an American considering a move to Thailand but are hesitant to take the plunge, here’s Brenna’s advice: Just do it. Even if things don’t work out perfectly, the experience will change you for the better. And in today’s world, with all the resources at your fingertips, you’re never alone in making that big transition.

Brenna’s found her groove in Bangkok, and you might too. But you’ll never know unless you take that first step.

Til next time, stay curious

Thomas Dean

Passport Bro Chronicles