Areas and suburbs in Bangkok

The best places to live in Bangkok

Over the years, the city has experienced something of a facelift, and the best places to live in Bangkok have changed. Where there were once humble wooden homes, there are now luxury high-rise apartment buildings, promoting themselves as must-haves for those who want a cosmopolitan life with all the mod cons.

For many expats, these luxury residences come at a far more affordable price than similar accommodation in their home country. There's a wide range of areas and suburbs in Bangkok for expats to choose from.

City living in Bangkok

Many expats favour living right in the heart of Bangkok. The centre of the city is close to the sleek and stylish Bangkok Sky Train, as well as shopping malls, hospitals, museums, good schools, nightclubs, bars, and international restaurants, not to mention plenty of green areas. This area is also the primary place of business – for many expats, being near work and having access to the amenities here is an attractive option.

The trade-offs are real, though. Air quality is worst from December through March during the burning season. Red-light districts are concentrated in specific pockets, such as Nana, Soi Cowboy, Patpong, and RCA, rather than throughout the centre. These aspects are more obvious in some neighbourhoods and may bother some expats more than others. While expat families may prefer not to have to constantly dodge curious questions from their children, the adventurous singleton may be able to brush the risqué elements of these areas aside.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is a widely sprawling district of Bangkok, and within it, Ekkamai is one of the best neighbourhoods in the city, with excellent public transport links and easy access to wonderful leisure options and restaurants. Phrom Pong is another popular area among young professionals and single expats looking to be within Bangkok’s centre. People from all walks of life – expat retirees, engineers, journalists, teachers and UN workers – are found living in these areas, either with family or by themselves.

Sathorn

Expats who have a few bucks to spare will feel right at home in Sathorn. This area offers plenty of luxury accommodation options with Western-style conveniences, such as gyms and swimming pools. Moreover, Sathorn is centrally located, and its residents will have access to nightlife, gorgeous green spaces like Lumpini Park, which borders the area, and public transport.

Being able to enjoy the privileges of city living will add to an expat’s monthly rent. Those able to do so should visit on foot and see first-hand what kind of value there is in each area, because many places that offer great value for money do not advertise.

Silom

Dubbed the Wall Street of Bangkok, Silom is the city’s business hub and is the perfect base for professionals who want to be close to work without sacrificing amenities. While Silom may be home to a sea of skyscrapers, it is also chock-full of nightlife and dining establishments to keep its residents entertained. The main form of accommodation here are pricey condominiums and some apartments. Silom also boasts proximity to other major hubs such as Charoen Kung and Siam.

Suburban living in Bangkok

The heavy urban sprawl of Bangkok unfurls from the central downtown areas into many exclusive private housing estates. The Yellow Line and Pink Line have extended rail coverage to the eastern and northern suburbs, respectively. The Bangkok Sky Train, extending towards the east and south of the city, has presented an opportunity for expats to escape the city centre, set up base in the fresher air of the suburbs, and still commute using public transport.

Naturally, these estates favour families moving to Bangkok rather than single expats. They are generally quiet and safe to live in, and some of these areas also play host to some excellent schools. The downside is having to contend with a daily commute to and from work.

There are, however, some neighbourhoods offering freestanding houses that are closer to the city. Demand for real estate in these areas is high, though, meaning that properties are pricier and are a bit closer together than houses in areas further from the city centre. There is typically easy access to public transport as well as amenities such as shopping centres, schools, hospitals, parks and tourist attractions.

Nonthaburi

Built on two sides of the Chao Phraya River, Nonthaburi is home to a range of gated neighbourhoods and shopping malls, making it the perfect home for expat families. The suburb is also home to many government offices as well as floating and traditional markets. Well-to-do expat families who can afford to live here can access the area’s green spaces and the exceptional international schools.

Chatuchak

With plenty of green spaces and a distinctly residential feel, Chatuchak is an excellent base for families. The area is located in northern Bangkok and close to a BTS station. Chatuchak is well known for the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market and is also home to a renowned hospital, as well as public and international schools.

Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan is home to a fair few international schools and child-friendly attractions. There are also plenty of malls, bars and restaurants to suit the entire family. The Yellow Line monorail, which fully opened in 2023, now connects Samrong to Lat Phrao. Parents working in Bangkok’s centre will have to brace themselves for a long commute as Samut Prakan is located southeast of the city.