Bangkok’s bustling streets, breathtaking maze of buildings and amazing people make the city a unique destination for expats.

This energetic vibe attracts and encourages thousands of Expats every year, to relocate to Bangkok for both professional and personal reasons!

However, Bangkok can be incredibly confusing especially with its multitude of roads (With odd names) and crisscrossing patchwork of neighborhoods. To make matters worse, each neighborhood benefits from its own unique character and attracts different types of crowds.

The NUMBER ONE challenge for any relocating Expat, is deciding “Where to live”!

Relocating to Bangkok and Finding your Bearings!

When relocating to Bangkok especially if you are new to the City, it is advised to focus your property search on “Central Bangkok” or “Peripheral Locations” in travelling proximity to the Center. This is because in the Thai Capital, most of the retail/leisure venues and commercial hubs are located in what is considered the CBD (Central Business District).

Therefore the 3 main popular residential neighborhoods:

1. Sukhumvit
2. Silom-Sathorn
3. Wireless

Broadly-speaking, the best way to make sense of places to live in Bangkok is by using the Mass Transit Lines (BTS & MRT), as geographical reference points. As in most cases neighborhoods are named after the closest local BTS or the MRT Station that services the area!

Making Sense of Central Bangkok’s Residential Neighborhoods

The 3 neighborhoods “Sukhumvit, Silom-Sathorn and Wireless” mentioned above are expansive (Serviced by several BTS/MRT Stations) and each offer contrasting lifestyles. These 3 sections of Bangkok are the equivalent of separate “towns within the city” with their own hangout spots, leisure venues and community. Therefore, it is not unusual for residents of Bangkok, to spend their free time within the confines of the neighborhood in which they reside!

So let’s explore each one in more details:

1. Sukhumvit

By far the largest of the 3 neighborhoods, it is named after Sukhumvit Road the massive road that connects Ploenchit (Central Bangkok) to Samut Prakarn (Outer Province). This expansive road is comprised of several sub-sois (Side roads) and connecting intersections that form the Sukhumvit area.

Sukhumvit’s Asoke is an important business location and numerous local and international companies have established their headquarters on Sukhumvit Soi 21. Most expats relocating to Bangkok tend to work in or around the area; many of which are likely to be employed in creative, media and tech related industries.

Asoke, Sukhumvit’s Business Center

Sukhumvit offers a variety of lifestyle options; firstly it offers some of Bangkok’s top shopping destinations such as Emquartier and Emporium Malls in Phrom Phong and Terminal 21 in Asoke. On the leisure side of things, local residents are spoilt with choice, with neighborhoods such as classy-nightlife and dining hotspot Thonglor/Ekkamai.

View of Sukhumvit from Benjakiti Park

In terms of quality and cost of residential condos and apartments, there are a wide range of options from luxury-living to good-value local lifestyle accommodation.

Sukhumvit Areas:

1. Nana
2. Asoke
3. Phrom Phong
4. Thonglor
5. Ekkamai
6. Phra Khanong
7. On Nut

2. Silom-Sathorn

Largely considered Bangkok’s official financial district, most of the banks, insurance and finance-related companies are located in the area. On top of this, Silom- Sathorn is also the hub for the jewelry and gems trade in Bangkok.

While Sukhumvit is more popular on a commercial level, with its crowds of tourists, glitzy shopping malls and well-known restaurants, Silom-Sathorn in contrast offers a more independent and bohemian environment. The neighborhood offers a choice of independent eateries, concept shops, charming cafes and trendy bars.

Silom Charming Neighborhood

However this neighborhood is an area of CONTRAST!

Silom-Sathorn is far from under-developed or old-fashioned, as it offers some of the most breathtaking skylines in the whole of the city. The charming character of the area, is balanced by an ultra-modern side with commercial complexes such as the Silom Complex and Bangkok’s tallest building the Mahanakorn Tower (Located in Chong Nonsi).

Sathorn Road Bangkok’s Financial District!

Condo options in the area are varied to suit renters with varying budgets and requirements. However Silom/Sathorn does tend to be pricier when compared to some of the more affordable Sukhumvit neighborhoods.

Silom-Sathorn Areas:

1. Saladaeng / MRT Silom
2. Chong Nonsi
3. Surasak

3. Wireless

The final area is named after ultra-chic “Wireless Road” and the neighborhood is ideal for people looking for an exclusive lifestyle. The area’s prestige derives from the fact that numerous Embassies are based in the area (I.e. the British Embassy, Swiss Embassy, and United States Embassy).

Wireless Road is home to a multitude of Embassies!

Wireless residents can enjoy an amazing shopping experience with the presence of numerous high-end malls notably Central Embassy and Central Chidlom. The area is also extremely convenient for commuters who can get to Silom-Sathorn or Sukhumvit with relative ease via both BTS or by road.

Therefore the condo and accommodation options offered in the area, do tend to be offered at hefty premiums. Wireless Road, offers some of the most expensive real estate in Bangkok!

Wireless Areas:

1. Ploenchit
2. Chidlom
3. Ratchadamri

Experiencing Local Thai Neighborhoods

For Expats with an adventurous streak that are looking for more local neighborhoods where they can experience local life at a budget…

3 amazing areas that can be considered:

1. Rama 9- Ratchada

Rama 9- Ratchada

Located north of Asoke (Sukhumvit’s business district), the area is rapidly transforming into a vibrant residential and commercial hub. Rama 9- Ratchada is conveniently located (Only 1-2 MRT stations away from Asoke) making it ideal for commuters. The area has become particularly popular with young Thai working professionals, due to the multitude of dining options and vibrant nightlife.

2. Udom Suk-Bangna

Udom Suk- Bangna

Still considered a traditional Thai neighborhood with very little expat influence, the area offers a peaceful and relaxing local lifestyle. For people who enjoy Thai food, Udom Suk is a foodie paradise with its huge selection of local restaurants and street stalls!

3. Saphan Taksin- Riverside

Saphan Taksin-Riverside

This charming area, offers a nostalgic glimpse into old Bangkok and its historical origins. The area is bustling with activity and ideal for individuals looking for a place off the beaten track. The neighborhood offers a balance of old world charm and ultra-modern developments!