Bangkok is an amazing metropolis with an incredibly diverse selection of neighborhoods that offer enormously varied lifestyles!
However, the sheer geographical size of the city and its multitude of neighborhoods can quickly overwhelm and confuse newcomers.
“Where to live in Bangkok?” …
Is often a highly subjective decision, dependent on an individual’s personal and professional circumstances. While there can never be a one size fits all solution, this article will explore some of the city’s most desirable and popular neighborhoods!
Bangkok’s Most Popular Neighborhoods to Live
Let’s face it, in most cases the most important factor when picking a place to live is usually proximity or at least travel convenience to one’s place of work. Most of the office and business centers in Bangkok are usually located in what is often referred to as the Central Business District.
Therefore, based on this generalization, Bangkok’s expat community tend to primarily live in the following districts:
- Sukhumvit
- Ploenchit-Wireless
- Silom-Sathorn
- Rama 9-Ratchada
These districts are made up of different neighborhoods, each with distinct characters and living environments. Generally, these neighborhoods are popular residential and lifestyle locations for both Thais and Expats due to a multitude of factors such as:
- Travel convenience & mass transit (BTS Skytrain & MRT Underground).
- Amazing lifestyle offered.
- Good quality housing options, from affordable to super-luxury condos.
It is important to note that Bangkok’s top leisure venues, such as luxury malls, top restaurants, bars, cultural and community hotspots are usually located in these neighborhoods!
Overview of Each Central Business District
1. Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is popular for its vibrant and trendy lifestyle, it offers a balance of office and business locations, complemented by quieter residential neighborhoods. The district has a multitude of leisure and lifestyle venues such as famous luxury malls, great restaurants and even a few outdoor spaces (I.e., Benchasiri and Benjakitti Park). The area also has a large selection of housing and condo options!
The most popular neighborhoods in Sukhumvit:
2. Silom- Sathorn
Silom-Sathorn has an established reputation for being Bangkok’s “Wall Street”, it is the financial district of the Capital. It is home to Bangkok’s high-finance, with numerous banks, insurance companies and hedge funds located in the area.
This reputation makes the neighborhood particularly affluent and it is known for having a classy living environment with a particularly famous dining scene. The area also hosts Central Bangkok’s largest greenspace, the famous “Lumpini Park”!
Neighborhoods in Silom-Sathorn:
3. Ploenchit- Wireless
Ploenchit-Lumpini is without a doubt, Bangkok’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhood. The district is famous for being the “Embassy & Diplomatic Quarters” of Bangkok, with numerous Embassies located in the area (I.e., United States, Switzerland and Japan). Ploenchit-Lumpini is packed with super luxury malls, classy restaurants and trendy eateries, allowing local residents to enjoy a luxury metropolitan lifestyle!
Neighborhoods in Ploenchit-Lumpini:
4. Rama 9- Ratchada
Rama 9- Ratchada is often referred to as Bangkok’s new Central Business District. As this title suggests the neighborhood is a new and up-and-coming business hub. The area is fast-paced and vibrant, ideal for young working professionals. Accommodation options in the neighborhood tend to be newer and more modern in variety and style.
Neighborhoods in Rama 9- Ratchada:
Quick rule of thumb:
Bangkok’s neighborhoods are usually named after the BTS/MRT Station that services the area.
Still confused and unsure where to start your property search?
Fresh’s Editorial has handpicked a few of Bangkok’s top neighborhoods based on the following benchmarks:
- Affordable and Budget
- Most Convenient and Connected
- Vibrant Community Lifestyle
- Classy and Trendy Lifestyle
- Exclusive and Prestigious
- Authentic Charm
1. Affordable and Budget Neighborhood: On Nut
On Nut is an up-and-coming residential neighborhood, its popularity as a residential area stems from its multitude of condo options that are offered at affordable rates compared to its Central Bangkok counterparts.
Getting to Central Bangkok locations such as Asoke and Phrom Phong is convenient and takes only 10-15 Minutes using the BTS Skytrain. On top of this, On Nut has developed a strong residential community with the presence of three supermarkets (Tesco Lotus, Big C and Tops Supermarket) and several malls such as Century The Movie Plaza and the Habito Community Mall.
2. Most Convenient and Connected: Asoke
Asoke has an established reputation for being a major business and commercial hub. The neighborhood’s Sukhumvit 21 Road is host to a multitude of office towers (I.e.,Exchange and Interchange Tower) with many major international companies having their headquarters in that area.
The inevitable presence of working professionals has propelled the area into becoming one of the Capital’s top leisure hubs. The neighborhood offers a large selection of restaurants, eateries, and malls such as Terminal 21.
However, the biggest advantage to living in the area is Asoke’s ultra-connected location and transport infrastructure. It is host to the interchange for the BTS Green Line and the MRT Blue Line, therefore allowing travelers to connect to the four corners of Bangkok’s Central Business District. The area is also host to the Makkasan Airport Rail Link (ARL) that connects Central Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi International Airport!
3. Vibrant Community Lifestyle: Phrom Phong
Phrom Phong is often regarded as Sukhumvit’s chic and trendy lifestyle hub. The area is a popular location due to the presence of two luxury malls, Emporium and Emquartier!
The neighborhood is made-up of a collection of interconnected leafy and peaceful side roads that have allowed residential communities to develop. Phrom Phong’s “sois” (Side roads) such as Sukhumvit 39, Sukhumvit 24, and Sukhumvit 26 harbors an eclectic range of independent eateries, coffee shops and bars.
Thus, allowing local residents to experience a connected fast-paced lifestyle, while still enjoying a laidback residential environment. On top of this, Phrom Phong is located in close proximity to Thong Lo, another leisure and entertainment hotspot!
4. Classy and Trendy Lifestyle: Silom
Silom is an established neighborhood of the Central Business District and despite being a bustling business center (Especially for finance related companies) it has managed to retain an authentic and trendy vibe.
The Silom neighborhood has managed to incorporate an interesting blend of fast-paced modern with a nostalgic “retro-chic” Bangkok environment. The Silom Complex is located right next to the BTS station and the area’s “sois” (Side roads) are generally peppered with an interesting collection of classy leisure venues such as restaurants, coffee shops and hip bars.
The area is ultra-connected as it hosts an interchange between the BTS Green Line and MRT Blue Line. This makes it a convenient residential location, ideal for working professionals!
5. Exclusive and Classy: Ploenchit
Ploenchit is easily one of Bangkok’s most exclusive and desirable neighborhoods. The area’s illustrious Wireless Road is host to a number of Embassies, A-Grade Office Towers and 6-Star Hotels. Residents can also enjoy the convenience and comfort of Central Embassy, a super-luxury mall.
Ruamrudee Road which runs parallel to Wireless Road is home to several trendy eateries and bars, these are ideal hangout spots to relax and wind down after a long day.
Interestingly, Ploenchit is also in enviable proximity to Siam, Bangkok’s major retail and leisure center; with its attractions such as Siam Paragon, Central World and Siam Square. The prestigious address truly offers a pleasant, comfortable and indulgent lifestyle.
6. Authentic Charm: Ari
Ari is a wildcard entry, while not technically listed on the initial list of “Best Expat Neighborhoods” above; it is often the case that expats may want to experience a local Thai residential area without compromising on convenience!
The Ari neighborhood offers the best of both worlds, offering an authentic local environment while still remaining conveniently connected to the hustle and bustle of Central Bangkok.
The area is a popular hangout spot, as it is host to some highly rated restaurants, bars and coffee shops. These hip hangouts have mushroomed, nestled within the collection of the area’s leafy and peaceful “Sois”.
This interesting mix of eclectic leisure venues and varied housing options allow Ari to offer a uniquely charming residential community environment!
Some final words from the Editorial!
Bangkok is a HUGE city and this short article really does not do justice to its incredibly diverse selection of eclectic neighborhoods. The city truly has a range of residential options to suit different kinds of preferences and lifestyles!
Fresh Property is an experienced property agency with a full team of rental and sales consultants. Property searchers are welcome to browse our extensive portfolio of rental homes, resale condos and new projects.
Or alternatively contact us on info@freshbangkok and one of our real estate agents can advise!
