Is it a good idea to have a rented base in Bangkok while exploring Thailand on an 'O' Visa?

Reconsider starting in Bangkok.

Bangkok feels very hot and oppressive, with stagnant and smoggy air and lots and lots of people.

Therefore, it is better to acclimatise out by a coast, where there is usually a cooling sea breeze, where you quietly get used to the Thai way of life.

Then you get much more out of your visit to Bangkok.

There's BTS and MRT, separate companies, separate stops, similar prices. There's also a few routes on the canal boats for a different adventure. Sometimes they have all you can ride tickets for several days, you might look into that.

Study and search google MAPS, not google.

Very good idea. I did the same and over the next two years, from this BKK base, explored Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Korat, Pechaburi, and Phuket. Saw big cities, rice villages, tourist traps, temples, parks, mountains, islands, and beaches. Then made a choice that lasted for the next 20 yrs. Will hit the road soon again. Remember, test drive your location, and do not *ever* leave a rental deposit that exceeds one month rent (LOS is a religion tolerant country and if you land near a mosque, you'll hear call to prayer thru loudspeakers five times a day starting at 5 am). Also require for the landlord to register their renting to a foreigner. Good luck.

I always stay within walking distance to a BTS station and get a daily pass for all day travel at the station for only 150bt

Tons of rooms everywhere

Soi 11 nana station bts is our fav

Grande President

Why Bangkok? If you’re not working there no reason to stay when you have beautiful places all over Thailand

It's a good idea to have a base..saves lugging your gear every day. go explore, just rent on a weekly basis, so if you find somewhere you like, it's easy to relocate, no long commitment..

I don't think you'll get much of an idea in just a week, but you might come up on a spot you think you'd like. The BTS is just the skytrain. There are dozens of other stops on the MRT. I don't think anybody knows Bangkok too well even after 6 mos. Most expats end up somewhere in central BKk, but that's certainly not all of it, or maybe not even close to the best. It's all personal choice.

Good plan. There's great food all over and you'll find food throughout..... good luck

I have the same idea and questions