Where to live in Bangkok


This is a really broad question as any area of the town could potentially be suitable. There are several factors which should be considered before making a choice.

- Price (How much you can afford to pay)
- Location (near any school or company of yours)
- Transportation possibilities (How far from Bus, Sky Train, Metro or Taxi)
- Preferred surrounding (ethnicity for example, amongst other foreigners)
- What type of room (studio, 2 bed room apartment etc.)

 Apartments which are well located, near the city center of Siam are amongst the most expensive, while the ones a bit further out are obviously cheaper. Since Bangkok has many "Soi", meaning side-street branch of a major street, a person can live on Sukhumvit for example but deep inside a sub-street. Usually the deeper the apartment is in a "Soi", the cheaper it gets.

Generally speaking, the most convenient place in terms of restaurants, shopping malls and good transportation is undoubtedly is on the Sukhumvit Road which is located right in the city center and is Bangkoks most famous road.

Other well situated areas such as  Rachada, Din Daeng, Bang Kapi, Hua Mak, Ramkamhaeng, Pahol Yothin, Ladprao, Petburi etc. are good options. These places are all located within the city borders are cost efficient and short ride away from the center of Bangkok.

Let's have a closer look at each one of them.

Some good areas


Sukhumvit Road: From Soi 1 to 60 (Ekamai) it is considered being in the borders of the city center. The BTS Train and partially also the Metro rungs along this road providing superb transportation possibilities. This is the place where most foreigners, being ex-pats or tourists reside thus many foreign restaurants and bars can be found there.

- Soi 3 and 4 of the Sukhumvit Road is known as the Muslim part of Bangkok. There are many arab restaurants and muslim people living.

- Soi 15 (Asoke) is a huge intersection with many new apartment complexes. This Soi has great access to both the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Metro.

Silom: This is the commercial part of the town with many big company buildings. It offers some housing possibilities but mostly a bit away from where the business is done. Some suggestive places around there would be Sala Daeng (not far from Patpong) and Ratchadamri. Apartments in Silom can be very expensive but offers excellent transportation.

Ratchada: About 5-10 minutes to the center, this place not only has good transportation connections with its MRT Metro line but also offers great Nightlife and Entertainment. Ratchada Soi 3,4,5 and 6 are packed with small clubs where mainly the youth go to. Furthermore, this is the road where the big Massage parlors can be found. Smaller areas closeby are Ladprao, Din Daeng and Huay Kwang.

Bang Kapi, Ramkamhaeng, Hua Mak: About 10-15 minutes from the city away, these areas have many smaller studios and apartments targeted mainly at University students. There is a big Mall called "The Mall Bangkapi" but other than that there isnt much to see or do. The transportation possibilities there are not good as the Skytrain and Metro don't run through there but this will change soon as further expansion plans are at work. This area would be good for students or people who don't want to spend too much on rent. After all its not to far from the city and taxis can be flagged down at any time.

Ladprao, Pahol Yothin: Located about 15-20 minutes away from the city center, this area might be a bit far but has a lot to offer. The BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro both make their stops in Lad Prao thus providing some good transportation connections. It furthermore has 3 big malls, Central Ladprao, Major Pahol Yothin (cinema and mall) and the Union Mall. The prices in this area are a bit higher than in Bangkapi for example. However, having all these malls so close by can make going to the city center an unneeded trip.