The charm of the twinkling city lights and glittering temples will make you want to stay long in the city of angels. Relocate to Bangkok and experience the vibrancy of the culture and the city. Explore and discover the city's modern, sophisticated, and coolest neighborhood and immerse yourself in Thai cuisine, bustling nightlife, and chic marketplaces when in Bangkok.
Bangkok is a sprawling city that may leave you both confused and excited. It's also full of vivid neighborhoods that can match almost any lifestyle.
There are plenty of factors to consider when planning and deciding to stay in Bangkok for the long term. Below are the choices and top places to consider when in Bangkok.
Asoke
It is popularly known as one of the most popular neighborhoods for expatriates as it has Bangkok's leading commercial district. Asoke comprises the best of everything as it comes with expensive residential and commercial buildings, stylish restaurants, and chic night bars. This area is at the heart of Bangkok, MRT and BTS trains are interconnected, so it is very easy to reach. The most significant advantage of staying in this area is that it is connected to almost all of Bangkok. However, there are also the downsides: high rent prices, noise, and crowds. You may also have trouble finding parking spaces unless you are staying in a condominium with a parking lot.
The monthly rate for a studio-type room starts at THB 20,000 per month.
Silom
This area is an established district with the most prominent business hotspots for finance and IT companies. During the weekdays, the streets get busier due to traffic as many workers travel to work. Over the weekend, the neighborhood becomes more peaceful in the morning and lively at night as many nightlife spots are present in the area as well.
Apartments, condominiums, and townhouses are both in abundance in this area. MRT stations, which are connected to the cities, shopping malls, grocery stores, and hospitals, are all present and accessible as well. Staying in the Silom area makes a lot of sense if your workplace is located nearby.
Prices range from around THB 15,000 to THB 100,000 per month, depending on the type of accommodation you choose.
Ratchadaphisek/Rama 9
The Ratchada neighborhood offers a fantastic balance between business and leisure. This area has much more of a residential feel to it compared to Silom and Sukhumvit — which makes it quite popular with expats.
Living in a condominium here is a good trade-off between quality and price. It is less expensive compared to the Sukhumvit area.
Bars and nightclubs are present in this area located in Huai Kwang, which is the Royal City Avenue (RCA), so expect a bustling nightlife. Shopping malls like Fortune Town and IT Square, grocery stores, and hospitals are also prevalent in these areas. Rent prices range from THB 8500 to 100,000 depending on the type of accommodation preferred. A studio-type accommodation starts from THB 8500 per month.
Thong Lor
Thong Lor is a popular place and is identified by locals as a 'hi-so' or a high society as Japanese businessmen, classy expatriates, Thai celebrities, and VIPs live in this area. This upper-class residential area is close to downtown and known to be the perfect choice for trendy restaurants and spots to drink the night away. You can also see many Japanese supermarkets like UFM Fuji Super, which is a local favorite.
Khlongs, or canals that offer boat transportation are visible in this area, helping the people staying here beat the traffic almost everywhere, whether to workplaces, shopping malls like EmQuartier, or tourist attractions. As for the prices in this area, expect them to be on the high side. You should be able to find a place starting from THB 25,000.
Onnut
This is a huge residential area, popular with both locals and expats. It's a good choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly condominium. It is not far from central Bangkok, and you can take a BTS Sky train directly to this area. Markets and popular grocery stores are present and can be reached on foot. You won't find too many parks here — but most condominiums have lots of greenery.
Rent prices range from THB 5000 to 50,000 depending on the type of accommodation.
Bang Na
Ever since the BTS began servicing almost the entirety of the Sukhumvit line, Bang Na has become another popular area for expats, especially those who teach at international schools.
Bang Na is home to Berkely and Bangkok Patana, both prestigious private schools that often advertise available teaching positions. As for malls, Central Bang Na, Paradise Park, and Seacon Square are all within a short taxi ride.
If you're looking for outdoor activities, Rama IX and Nong Bon parks are nearby. Here, you can rent bikes, ride boats, or enjoy the cooler mornings and evenings.
Rent in Bang Na is cheaper than other areas on this list, starting at just THB 6000 for a studio condo.
Samut Prakan
Although Samut Prakan is the province next to Bangkok, not a district inside the city, it has become very popular with expats from all over the world. Some people call it the suburbs of Bangkok.
Samut Prakan has a growing population of expat families and retirees. Plus, it's close to Bang Na (mentioned above) and even has its own super mall – Mega Bangna. As for food, the area has Thai, Korean, Japanese, Western, and much more on offer at all times of the day and night.
If you raise a family in Thailand, you may one day find yourself living in Samut Prakan province. For a studio condo, expect to pay THB 5,000 on the low end. However, rent can be as high as THB 50,000 in some areas.
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