• Home
  • Learn Thai
    • Lessons
    • Books
  • Live in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Visas
    • Women/Dating
    • Culture
    • Bangkok Living
    • Money/Jobs
    • Law/Politics
  • Travel in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Book a Hotel
    • Bus/Train Tickets
    • Travel Insurance
    • Vaccinations Guide
    • Weather Guide
    • Diving Guide
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Support My Work
You are here: Home / Bangkok Living / Where is the Best Area to Live in Bangkok? An Expat’s Guide

Where is the Best Area to Live in Bangkok? An Expat’s Guide

So you've decided to settle in the Big Mango for a while, but you're wondering, where is the best area to live in Bangkok?

I've lived in a number of areas in my many years here, and visited all corners of the city, so I have a pretty good take on what each area has to offer.

In this post, I'll help you answer this question by giving you an overview of each of the most popular places to live in Bangkok, all within 10 stops of the town center on the Skytrain (BTS) or underground (MRT).

bangkok-places-to-live

Contents

  1. Sukhumvit (overview)
  2. Asok
  3. Phrom Phong
  4. Thong Lor
  5. Ekkamai
  6. Phloen Chit
  7. Victory Monument
  8. Ari
  9. Silom
  10. Sathorn
  11. On Nut
  12. Phra Kanong
  13. Udom Suk
  14. Praram 9
  15. Huai Kwang

1. Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit Road (soi) is 488 Km long and cuts right through the heart of Bangkok. It's the most well-known road in the city, at least by expats, anyway.

Generally, though, when people refer to Sukhumvit they are referring to the centrally located district that encompasses a number of popular areas in central Bangkok.

We'll cover some of these specific areas below, but I thought it would be useful to start with an overview of Sukhumvit as a whole.

Central Sukhumvit is bustling with shopping and entertainment. Real estate is at a premium and one might compare it to central London, Paris, or New York.

As a rough guide, look for a place to stay between Sois 1-65, which is generally considered lower-mid Sukhumvit and the most convenient area.

All the areas within lower Sukhumvit are thriving with cafes, restaurants, malls, and co-working spaces.

Staying in Sukhumvit makes it very easy to hop on and off the BTS Skytrain, and connect to the MRT (at Asok), helping you avoid the traffic you'd encounter coming in to town in a taxi from the suburbs.

In a nutshell, if you love the hustle and bustle of the city and want more shopping and nightlife than you could ever dream of on your doorstep, lower Sukhumvit is the place for you.

Now let's get into some specific areas.

2. Asok

Asok is arguably the most convenient area of the city and well known as a meet-up point.

Its BTS station interconnects with the underground (MRT) and the BTS escalator takes you straight into Terminal 21, a huge mall and popular hangout.

Asok is also home to the Makkasan Airport Rail Link (ARL) that connects Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Everything you need is here on your doorstep, including the lush green space that is Benjakitti Park – popular with joggers, cyclists and those seeking a green-space to chill.

Next to the park is the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, where many fairs and events are held.

An area of contrasts, Asok is also home to the infamous Soi Cowboy red light street. Soi Nana, one stop away but also walkable from Asok, is another naughty road.

All in all, a fun area to live, but expect rent to be high.

3. Phrom Phong

Trendy and somewhat upmarket, Phrom Phong is home to luxury malls, home decor stores and bespoke tailors.

Here you'll find the Emporium and EmQuartier malls, with the likes of Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Dior, Chanel, and Chopard gracing the halls.

It's very “yummy mummy” in places, with the wives of rich Thai and Japanese businessmen taking their kids to places like the Thailand Creative and Design Center, a visionary children’s experience that offers high-tech for little ones.

Phrom Phong's nightlife is cool but a little less intense than Nana. Here you'll find mid-30-to-50-somethings enjoying cocktails at hidden speakeasies and packing the area's craft-beer venues, hole-in-the-wall karaoke bars, and trendy clubs

In terms of eats, you'll find chic Asian and European restaurants and casual ramen shops and pizzerias.

Perhaps a little too pretentious for some, but lashings of glamour for those who like the finer things in life.

4. Thonglor

Thonglor is considered an upmarket area. It's home to many wealthy people and is a favorite living location for city professionals.

The rents are fairly high here and you'll find boutique shops and high-end restaurants to match.

It's also a popular night-time hangout for the young, rich and famous, and their hangers on, too :).

Personally, I think it is overpriced in terms of rent, though the higher up into Thonglor you go the more affordable it gets.

I do like Thonglor for the vibe, though. It's great for cafes, bars and eateries,

5. Ekkamai

Ekkamai is more down to earth than Phrom Phong, and is less serious than Thonglor.

It's still fairly upmarket – home to many a wealthy person (see some of the huge houses down the side streets) – but retains a diverse, hip vibe.

It's tends to be a place that attracts young entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and arty types, not least because Hubba- a popular co-working and networking space – and a number of art spaces like Dot Art and Shibui are located here.

Ekkamai is also surprisingly suburban in places, too. Veer off the main roads and dip down some of the side streets and you'll find spacious, quiet tree-lined roads.

6. Phloen Chit

Phloen Chit is conveniently located near Wireless Road, where a number of the embassies are situated.

Here you'll find some of the most expensive apartment blocks in Bangkok towering over spacious roads that are not unlike the deeper parts of Ekkamai and Thong Lor.

Coffee shops and high-end restaurants serve the expat community, many of whom work on contracts for foreign multi-nationals and governmental organizations.

Here you'll find the Central Embassy shopping mall, where you'll pay over the odds for everything, just to experience how the other half live :). That being said, the Central Mall restaurant is a lovely, affordable place to eat.

Nightlife in Ploen Chit is a bit on the quiet side, though fancy bars like Char make for a great place to meet friends for a tipple.

bts-map-bangkok

A map of the BTS (green) & MRT (blue) stations in Bangkok, & the airport link (red).

7. Victory Monument

Home to the famous military monument located in the middle of a huge roundabout, Victory Monument is a great place to live. I should know, I used to live there!

It's situated on the BTS line and gets you to Siam Station in four stops, and Asok Station in eight.

You can walk to either, too. Many times I have walked into Sukhumvit and Siam from Victory Monument, and walked home after a night on the town.

Apartment rental prices vary and there's something for all budgets.

You can get a decent sized studio near the park for as little as 7,000 Baht per month, or a 1-bedroom in a modern block, with a swimming pool, for 10,000 Baht per month.

Victory Monument is heavily populated by young people; students in particular. As such, it has many affordable restaurants offering Thai and foreign cuisine (see Soi Rangnam).

It's home to a busy street market that really gets going of an evening, and home to its best feature, the small but beautiful Santiphap Park (Park of Peace).

There is a Thai-orientated mall here (Fashion Mall), which is somewhat dated but good enough as a local shopping center.

Victory Monument has everything except a big supermarket: There's massage shops, dentists, opticians, 7-Eleven's galore, and more.

8. Ari

Located to the north of Victory Monument and with easy access to the Sukhumvit BTS line, Ari is a charming place that offers a local, somewhat suburban vibe without compromising convenience.

Having gone through a period of gentrification, Ari is now known for being an upscale residential area and hipster hangout.

It's known for excellent restaurants, cool cafes, bars and pubs, all minus the fast-paced life.

Ari is popular with expats who work in the center of town, as it is somewhat greener, cleaner and quieter. And, because of its chilled vibe, it's popular with locals too – particularly students.

Ari is still being developed and will no doubt lose its charm at some point, but for now it's an attractive place to live if you want convenience with a slower pace of life.

9. Silom

Known as the Wall Street of Thailand, Silom is the financial and central business district of Bangkok.

The BTS Green Line and MRT Blue Line meet at this point, with the huge Silom Complex (a mall with a food court and supermarket) just next to the BTS station.

It's not all skyscrapers and bankers, though. Silom is home to the beautiful Lumpini Park, which boasts 57.6 hectares of grass, ponds and walkways

It has a solid nightlife scene too. From the seedy neon-lit bar fronts of Patpong (Thailand's oldest red-light district) to the charm of the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, Silom is an interesting area.

Silom is way more diverse and culturally-rich than meets the eye, too.

Take for example the Lalai Sap Market, a hidden bazaar tucked in the narrow back alleys, or the impressive Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of the same name.

Silom is pretty darn cool.

10. Sathorn

Sathorn is a major commercial district that stretches from the wonderful Lumpini Park down to the Chao Phraya River.

It's awash with skyscrapers, offices and upscale condos, but also culturally-blessed with lots of pushcart food vendors and open-air kiosks along Sathorn Road.

The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) connects the area via the Surasak and Saphan Taksin stations, and the area benefits from close proximity to Silom and Siam

Longtail boats flood the busy Sathorn Pier, which is a commuter hub that connects the area at the water's edge.

Sathorn has a great nightlife scene, with well-to-do revelers sipping drinks in cocktail lounges, jazz bars and nightclubs.

The Sathorn neighborhood is home to some of Bangkok's trendiest hotels, including the Sukhothai, W Bangkok, and the Banyan Tree.

For expats, the area is teeming with upmarket serviced apartments and a variety of fine restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

11. On Nut

On Nut is a good pick for a reasonably priced and somewhat residential area that is still close to the center of town.

Just five stops from Asok, the BTS gets you into the thick of things in 10-15 minutes.

On Nut still feels very much like lower Sukhumvit, yet rents are much cheaper.

It's a busy area and everything you need is here, from transport to the Big C and Tesco Lotus supermarkets to plenty of places to eat. It's home to the Habito Mall and Century Movie Plaza, too.

On Nut is definitely a place to consider if you want the convenience of being fairly central with better value for money.

12. Phra Khanong

I won't deep dive on Phra Khanong because it's just one stop up from On Nut, but it is definitely worth a mention. It's a little more expensive and less crowded than On Nut, with a good selection of mid-range apartments and high-end condos.

Pra Khanong is also home to the W-District Market, an arty beer garden surrounded by small shops and food vendors. It's a great place to hang out, and one people travel to from surrounding areas.

13. Udom Suk

Udom Suk is nine stops away from Asok and the furthest down the Sukhumvit Line.

It's down at Soi 103, which sounds far away but, since the BTS line extended down there a few years back, it has become increasingly popular with expats due to cheap rents and a more “local” vibe.

Udom Suk is not too far from the Bangna intersection, which is not far from the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) – well suited to those doing business at trade fairs.

It's easy to get to the airport from this end of Sukhumvit Road. It takes approximately 21 min to drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport (the main airport of Bangkok).

Health and wellness is a growing theme here, with the innovative Bangkok Float Centre (sensory deprivation) located here and plenty of massage shops.

With the bustle of lower Sukhumvit just 25 minutes away by Skytrain, it's a definite consideration for those on a lower budget.

14. Praram 9 (Rama)

Praram 9, or Rama 9 as it is often referred to due to the name of the road, is on the opposite site of Sukhumvit Road to the likes of Asok, Ekkamai, and On Nut.

For that reason, those seeking to live in Bangkok often overlook this very convenient area.

The BTS and MRT intersect here and it's just four stops into Asok.

The area plays host to a Big C shopping center and the epic CentralPlaza Grand shopping mall. There's also the infamous Fortune Town Mall (famous for electronics).

One stop up, and walkable, is Esplanade (Thailand Cultural Center Station), a smaller mall with a cinema, some nice eats and cool coffee shops.

There's a good hospital (Pharam 9) close by, too. Apartment wise, you have a good selection of budget-to-high-end places.

By all accounts there is everything here you need in this area, and it is certainly a contender for best area to live in Bangkok.

15. Huai Kwang

Two stops up from Pharam 9 and located on Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Kwang is an area that has, in recent years, increased in popularity.

It's a bustling area that boasts a great market and affordable restaurants, and even a few bars.

It's home to one of Bangkok's most visited shrines, too. Located at the Huai Kwang intersection, Thais flock to worship the Ganesha, the Hindu god, who is believed to be the god of accomplishment, wisdom and wealth, and the destroyer of obstacles.

Huai Kwang is well located for traveling to both Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports, and very easy to get into town on the MRT, which goes straight into Asok in just five stops.

Having lived in Huai Kwang, I can say from experience that it's a down to earth place where the people are generally easy going and what I would call “everyday Thais”.

It's not the prettiest of areas, but it is very convenient, both locally and for getting to other areas of Bangkok.

———–

Got experience of living in another conveniently located area? Where do you think is the best area to live in Bangkok? Drop your comments below and let's help other readers find their happy home in Bangkok.

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

  • Share it
  • Tweet it
  • Pin it
  • Email it

Last Updated on October 14, 2022

  • Exploring Klong Thom: The Vintage Weekend Market That Doesn't Sleep
    Exploring Klong Thom: The Vintage Weekend Market That…
  • The Best Gym In Bangkok [For 40 Baht A Year!]
    The Best Gym In Bangkok [For 40 Baht A Year!]
  • [Revealed] The 22 Best Coffee Shops in Bangkok
    [Revealed] The 22 Best Coffee Shops in Bangkok

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. David Briggs says

    October 25, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    I recently retired to Thailand with a plan to move to the On Nut area. I had previously researchedcondos that looked to be in my budget range (around 10,000THB/month) and booked a hotel for a week to give time to home in and rent. After spending several days trying to view apartments, each time I set an appointment it was cancelled before I had a chance to even look due to the property being rented. By chance I struck up a conversation with a guy staying in the same hotel who recommended Pattaya. "Why not?" I thought. I took a taxi the next day and successfully rented a beautiful condo in Jomtien (next to Pattaya but much quieter) and haven't looked back!
    Costs are considerably lower, 3 minutes from the beach, and peaceful with the option of heading into Pattaya for the hustle and bustle (if that's your thing) on the Baht bus (a 10 baht ride)
    Reply

    Oct 25, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 26, 2022 at 5:39 pm

      Sounds like things worked out nicely for you. Jomtien is nice. I'd rather there than Pattaya, personally.
      Reply

      Oct 26, 2022 at 5:39 pm

  2. E says

    October 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    This is super helpful summary - thank you!
    Reply

    Oct 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 25, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      Glad you found it useful!
      Reply

      Oct 25, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      • Ferd Franks says

        October 31, 2022 at 11:56 pm

        Man, I’d love to hear more about those late night walks from Sukhumvit to Monument. You must have found a worm hole.
        Reply

        Oct 31, 2022 at 11:56 pm

        • TheThailandLife says

          November 1, 2022 at 12:13 am

          Ha. You know Bangkok; it doesn't matter how late it is there is always something interesting to see!
          Reply

          Nov 01, 2022 at 12:13 am

  3. Eric says

    August 12, 2022 at 8:32 am

    Hi Peter, when I was in Bangkok last time, I talked to a real estate agent who showed me some nice places near Phrom Phong (all furnished, but minimum 1 year commitment). If I like to plan an initial stay of 3-6 months only, would you recommend one of the large booking platforms (eg Agoda, Booking) using their "long stay" options, or are there better alternatives (eg there are various dedicated websites for service apartments)?
    Reply

    Aug 12, 2022 at 8:32 am

    • JamesE says

      August 12, 2022 at 10:27 pm

      From my looking about, the answer is "yes". You can find serviced apartments on all the major hotel booking sites plus on regular real estate sites (like Thai-property.com, etc.). Additionally, many serviced apartments maintain their own websites so a quick search will give you direct access to the buildings. Good luck!
      Reply

      Aug 12, 2022 at 10:27 pm

  4. David Briggs says

    April 27, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    Thanks so much for spending the time to compile this information. I am just in the throes of planning my retirement to Thailand, probably Bangkok - at least to start with, and although I am quite familiar with many of the places mentioned, this guide is a wonderful resource. Once again, thank you
    Reply

    Apr 27, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 28, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      You're welcome, David. I'm happy to hear you found it useful.
      Reply

      Apr 28, 2022 at 10:16 pm

  5. D says

    March 29, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    Thank you for the information on the various areas of Krung Thep.
    Reply

    Mar 29, 2022 at 3:18 pm

  6. Tamar Lipszyc says

    March 28, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    Thanks. it is helpful
    Reply

    Mar 28, 2021 at 7:36 pm

  7. Captorx says

    March 25, 2021 at 1:10 am

    May I ask if you are familiar with other parts of Thailand? I am thinking of Phuket because of the air pollution in BKK and Hua Hin. It seems to be a little bit better there. Also they have a bigger city there with all the social services like government and private hospitals, schools, university, malls, restaurants etc. I have before looked at Hua Hin as well but they have pretty much bad air as well. So right now i am looking into Phuket and would like to have more information about the place. Were to live, prices and rents and so on. I am not into living at the beaches with all the tourists. Rather living in the Phuket city or close to it. Have you maybe lived there and having some information? Or can you point out a direction where to look other then the obvious Google? Maybe some forum or something were I can ask around?
    Or maybe you know other places? I was looking into Trang as well but I thing the social services, malls, hospitals and so on there is lacking.
    Reply

    Mar 25, 2021 at 1:10 am

    • JamesE says

      March 25, 2021 at 1:49 am

      Your best bet is to actually visit the places and decide on your own. There are many places in the south where you can get away from the tourists and the bad air AND have the amenities you seek. Look at Krabi or Surat Thani. There are going to be literally hundreds of online resources for details and recommendations so, absent Google, start with YouTube and look at the places you're thinking about. When (if) you narrow it down, go there and check it out first.
      Reply

      Mar 25, 2021 at 1:49 am

      • TheThailandLife says

        March 25, 2021 at 2:06 am

        I am familiar with a lot of Thailand. I have been to quite a few places in Phuket, but I haven't lived there. I think Kamala is worth looking at. It's much quieter than Patong and not as busy with tourists as Karon and Kata but still has some nice beaches. But as James said, it's always better to visit and stay in a few places to get a feel for the vibe. Although no one wants to be surrounded by hordes of tourists, sometimes it's quite nice to have some around, especially if you are living alone. That way there's always people around to chat with and you get that feeling that you're on permanent vacation :)
        Reply

        Mar 25, 2021 at 2:06 am

        • Captorx says

          March 26, 2021 at 12:51 am

          Hi,
          Thank you very much for the answer. Yes I guess the best is to rent before buying and find out what place is the one I like most.

          Permanent vacation feel is not bad :-)
          Reply

          Mar 26, 2021 at 12:51 am

      • Captorx says

        March 26, 2021 at 12:54 am

        Dear James,
        Yes I guess I need to travel around the place and decide after that. I have not been in Surat Thani so I will take a look on that. Krabi I have visited and I think to much tourists there.
        Thanks for answering :-)
        Reply

        Mar 26, 2021 at 12:54 am

  8. JamesE says

    November 9, 2020 at 12:32 am

    With the extension of the MRT Blue Line across the river the areas of Thonburi and Bangkok Yai are also convenient to "downtown". On the MRT it's 8 or 9 stops to Sukhumwit at Asok and the BTS Silom line connects in 5 to 10 stops. This side of the river is very old Bangkok with much less traffic, low-rise buildings, and trees overhanging the roads. And, lower rents. If you want a modern high-rise living experience look along the BTS between Thonburi and Bang Wa. For the old Bangkok feel stick to the MRT around Itsaraphap or Tha Phra.
    Reply

    Nov 09, 2020 at 12:32 am

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

thethailandlife

Hi! I’m Peter. I’ve been living & traveling in Thailand for 14 years. I’m here to give you all the information you need to make your Thai adventure safe, happy, & successful.

Recommended Thailand Services

I get a lot of requests for recommendations on services related to living in Thailand. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of those I use below.

Learning Thai

Thaipod101 is the best way to learn Thai online. It's how I started learning. They have hundreds of video and audio lessons to help you start speaking Thai today. Start free here.

Sending Money

Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand. I use it and so do many of my readers. Go here to get your first transfer free.

Financial Planning

Whether you need life insurance, pension planning or other investment advice, I can connect you with my personal IFA. Simply fill out this form.

Health Insurance

I recommend getting a quote from Cigna for international Insurance, and then comparing that with local insurance premiums on Mr Prakan.

Travel Services

Hotels: Agoda offers good deals on hotels in Thailand. This is because they are located in the region and secure lots of special promotions. It's also worth trying Booking.com and Hotels.com for comparison.

Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is great for trips to Thailand and elsewhere. I've used them many times. If you're from the UK/Europe you can also try True Traveller.

Over 70? Insure My Trip. has policies for those struggling to find travel insurance cover due to age restrictions.

Bank Account

Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. I've used one for 4 years. Check out Wise.

Rent / Buy Property

Looking for an apartment to rent or a home to buy? For the largest selection of properties in Thailand, and a completely free service, visit PropertyScout here.

Data Security

To keep your data secure you should use a VPN when using public WIFI and when accessing internet banking and other sensitive information online. I use both Vypr VPN and Nord VPN.

Reader Favourites

1. Cheapest Way to Send Money to Thailand

2. Top 15 Thai Love Phrases [Video]

3. 100 Interesting Facts About Thailand

4. Best VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy

5. Buying a Condo: 9 Questions Before You Decide

6. Get Fluent in Thai in 3 Months!

7. Top 12 Jobs for Thailand Expats

8. Expat Life Insurance: 10 Must-Know Facts

9. The 4 Best Thai Dating Sites

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

*Please check your inbox to confirm your email address

Helpful Posts

+ Get the Right Visa
+ Get COVID Insurance
+ Get Health Insurance
+ Learn Basic Thai
+ Check Cost of Retirement
+ Check Cost of Living
+ Find a TEFL Course
+ Find a Job
+ Open a Thai Bank Account
+ Get Married
+ Best Visa Run Option

Join The Conversation

  • TheThailandLife on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • Munnster on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • TheThailandLife on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • TheThailandLife on A Guide to Thai Spirit Houses

Contact | Privacy Policy | Site Terms & Disclaimer| Media Pack 

Copyright © TheThailandLife.com 2023. All Rights Reserved.
No content on this site may be copied without written consent from TheThailandLife.com