The Expat Woman’s Guide to Living in Bangkok
Review by Catherine Morley Webmaster of Women Learn Thai
 Hey! What’s a Women gotta do around here to get a Bite…
When a western women arrives in Bangkok for the first time, she’s overwhelmed with a multitude of tasty sites and resources on offer. Mostly for men!
Bangkok - Just a City for the Hungry Male?
Or is it?
First up (when Googling), she’ll find Stickman’s Bangkok. A classic. And while there’s decent information on offer, from a female point of view, we be going hungry.
Bangkok Bob, another fav. But again, it’s heavy on the guy angle (as it would be).
Other well-written sites have the same tang. There’s interesting chunks for sure, but I don’t really need to know that some poor sod paid over the going price, or how to investigate a Thai bar girl, or even the ins and outs of a man’s guide to Bangkok life (but I will peek).
With a female flavour, I need to know about reasonable housing and what areas to avoid, the nearest market to suit my tastes, where to eat, the best masseurs (and why), English book stores (should I bring my own), what shops have shoes in my size (ditto), how to make new friends (male and female), and tips on important Thai customs (a biggie for women avoiding uncomfortable snafus). And all in my particular brand; a zesty, zingy, female munch.
And that’s where Amy’s handy eBook comes in:
Expat Women Living in Bangkok:
Ok, let’s take a closer look at this informative guide written by Amy.
 Amongst it all you’ll find needed resources such as BNOW (Bangkok Network of Women), British Women’s Group (Bangkok), and the Bangkok Guide (online).
And that’s just the icing on the cake. Or (as they say out here), The Big Mango…
Take a DEEP breath while I do a quick skim down the index. You know, just to see if I can grab your fancy.
Right away you’ll get an indispensable dose of Thai etiquette (whatever you do, do not skip this section), possible ways to get around Bangkok and beyond (airport, taxi, buses, subway, skytrain, tuk tuks, boats, motorcycle taxis, maps, car and driver hire), everything to do with money (cost of living, taxes, tipping, paying bills, credit cards and transferring money).
Also covered are safety tips (emergency numbers and personal tips from women living in BKK), accommodation (where, what, how and how much), communications (landlines, mobiles, Internet and postal services), shopping (supermarkets, hypermarkets, malls, tech malls, markets, book stores and more).
Very little is missing from this book! Amy talks about eating out, and in, (street hawkers, restaurants to drool over and who delivers), health (hospitals, dental, insurance, pharmacies, fitness clubs and parks), entertainment (cinema, concerts and cultural centres), organisations (women’s groups, Chambers of Commerce, cultural clubs, expat clubs and those with special interest), Thai language learning (where you’ll find Women Learn Thai )… all to delight the female palette.
So what I’m saying is this. That Amy has one whopper of a resource for expat women living in Bangkok. Bar none. She updates often, so be sure to read her blog. And if you have tips of your own, don’t be shy. Amy’s not.
Time to talk about Amy…
Although western women are outnumbered here, we are not exactly scarce (even if it seems so).
Expat women in Bangkok are successful teachers, writers, designers, mothers, wives and business owners.
But not all women slide into this city as smoothly as a finely baked soufflé. Like Amy did.
Amy left her comfy position back in the US. Packed what she needed. Then changed her life forever.
Within months of being taken under the wing of a knowledgeable American, Amy started helping others coming into Bangkok fresh. And that’s really when the idea for the Expat Women’s Guide to Bangkok came about, from Amy’s desire for exploration, excitement and a taste for all things new.
Amy’s adventure on buses, boats and tuk-tuks eventually led to a greater adventure. Her dear Thai husband Golf. And (as often happens), they now have a sweet addition, Aidan.
Amy presently resides in California with her young family, hopping over to Bangkok for experiences new and old. I can’t wait to see what’s new on the menu, for sure.
Expat Women Living in Bangkok: Check it out for yourself!
Comments
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September 18th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
It’s about time someone wrote a useful book like this. It’s true, most stuff you read is focussed around the man’s world.
Michelle Wanten (Netherlands)
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 am
Yeahhhhhhh!! Nice one
January 1st, 2009 at 2:15 am
Fantastic effort - onya! BTW, Golf sure looks like one of my former EFL students. If it’s him, say g’day!
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 am
Agreed, it is true for Bangkok!