WHAT I’LL MISS ABOUT THAILAND
After four years of living in Thailand, my time here is slowly coming to an end. With about three months left before my next move, I’ve started to realise just how many small (and not so small) things I’m going to miss.
Recently I took a walk through Benjakitti Park in Bangkok and started reflecting on what makes this place so special. It got me thinking: instead of simply saying goodbye, why not turn those reflections into a list?
So here it is — the ten things I’ll miss most about living in Thailand. If you’re considering moving here, you might find that these are exactly the reasons why you should.
1. The Parks in Bangkok
One of the biggest surprises about Bangkok is how many beautiful green spaces the city has.
Parks like Benjakitti Park and Lumphini Park provide a peaceful escape from the busy streets. Wide cycling paths, lakes, skywalks and beautifully maintained gardens make them perfect places for a weekend walk or run.
The elevated walkway in Benjakitti Park is particularly impressive. As you stroll above the wetlands, you can spot wildlife while enjoying views of the Bangkok skyline. For a city of this size, the quality of its parks is genuinely remarkable.
2. Getting Around the City
Bangkok is surprisingly easy to navigate.
The city’s public transport system — including the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit — is fast, efficient and affordable.
On top of that, taxis are easy to find through the Grab app, and tuk-tuks remain one of the most fun ways to get around.
One of the more modern options is using electric tuk-tuks through services like MuvMi, which allow you to book a ride directly from your phone. It’s a small thing, but the convenience of transport here makes everyday life incredibly easy.
3. Thai Food (Of Course)
You can’t talk about Thailand without talking about the food.
Thai cuisine has always been one of my favourites, but living here takes the experience to another level. The flavours are fresher, the ingredients are better, and the variety is endless.
From street food stalls to local restaurants serving classics like Pad Thai and Green Curry, eating in Thailand is both delicious and incredibly affordable.
Yes, you can find Thai food around the world — but it never quite tastes the same as it does here.
4. The Weather (Even the Rain)
Thailand’s tropical climate takes some getting used to. It can definitely be hot — sometimes very hot — but there’s something I’ve grown to appreciate about the weather.
Even during the rainy season, storms tend to arrive quickly and disappear just as fast. You might get a dramatic tropical downpour for 30 minutes, and then the sun comes straight back out again.
Compared with places where rain can last all day for weeks, it’s actually quite refreshing.
5. The Culture
Thai culture has a calmness and richness that’s difficult to explain until you experience it.
The influence of Buddhism is visible everywhere — in temples, traditions, daily rituals and even the general atmosphere of the country.
Visiting temples such as Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Arun reminds you just how deeply history and spirituality are woven into everyday life here.
It’s a fascinating culture, and one that leaves a lasting impression.
6. Street Life and Exploring the City
Bangkok is a city that rewards curiosity.
Wandering down small alleys, discovering hidden cafés, and stumbling across local markets is all part of the experience. The city has an energy to it — busy, chaotic at times, but always interesting.
Footpaths can be a little unpredictable, but as long as you’re not in a hurry, walking around Bangkok is one of the best ways to get to know it.
7. The Coffee Scene
Thailand has an incredible café culture.
You’ll find everything from small local coffee shops to elaborate Instagram-worthy cafés with rooftop views, garden settings or creative interiors.
Many places serve excellent Thai coffee, sometimes strong, sometimes sweet, but almost always memorable. Even if you’re not chasing the perfect photo for social media, the sheer variety of cafés makes Bangkok a fantastic place for coffee lovers.
8. Bars, Restaurants and Rooftop Views
Bangkok is also one of the best cities in Asia for going out.
The city is filled with stylish restaurants, creative cocktail bars and rooftop venues overlooking the skyline. Places like Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant offer spectacular views of the city while you enjoy dinner or drinks.
It’s a brilliant social city — whether you’re meeting friends for dinner, grabbing drinks after work or celebrating a special occasion.
9. The Cost of Living
Despite rising prices around the world, Thailand is still relatively affordable.
Food, transport and day-to-day services remain good value compared with many Western countries. For international teachers and digital workers especially, the cost-of-living balance can make a big difference to quality of life.
It’s one of the reasons Thailand continues to attract expats from all over the world.
10. The People
More than anything else, what I’ll miss most are the people.
Thai people are famously friendly, welcoming and generous. That warmth extends to daily life — from small interactions in shops and cafés to the relationships you build at work.
As a teacher, that also means saying goodbye to students. After several years in one place, those connections become a big part of your life.
Moving on is always part of the international teaching journey, but it never gets easier saying goodbye to great students and colleagues.
A Few Honourable Mentions
There are also a few things that nearly made the list.
Shopping malls in Bangkok are some of the most modern and impressive anywhere in the world. Places like ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon are enormous, beautifully designed and packed with everything you could imagine.
Then there are Bangkok’s canals, known as klongs, where you can travel by boat through parts of the city that feel completely different from the busy roads.
And finally, one small but surprisingly important part of life in Thailand…
The legendary 7‑Eleven.
If you’ve spent any time in Thailand, you’ll understand why. These convenience stores are everywhere — and they somehow manage to sell almost anything you might need.
Saying Goodbye (For Now)
Leaving a place after several years always brings mixed emotions.
As international teachers, moving on is part of the lifestyle. New countries, new schools and new experiences are always waiting around the corner. But that doesn’t stop certain places from leaving a mark on you.
Thailand has definitely done that for me.
And even though I’m heading off to the next chapter, something tells me I’ll be back — whether it’s for holidays, another teaching job, or maybe even retirement one day.