Live abroad

The best areas to live in Bangkok: For expats and digital nomads

Destinations

Bangkok

Joanna Horanin

Like my website?

Current condition

Weather in Bangkok

Partly cloudy

33

Temperature

Feels like 37.6🥵

1

UV index

Low

2

Air quality index

Moderate

Last updated at 30/04/2024, 12:30

Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.

Bangkok attracts lots of people who would like to stay in Thailand long-term. The capital offers everything what one might want in order to live comfortably. If you’re planning to move there, find out which areas are the best to live in Bangkok.

I think Bangkok is a great city. Personally, I have never lived there, but I visit every time I spend more than a month in Thailand. I like to explore the old streets, shop at the modern shopping malls and try great coffee in the hipster cafes. In this post, I’ll tell you a little bit about living there and recommend you the best places to stay.

Do you live or want to live in Thailand?

Join my newsletter

and get tips

on living and working

in the Land of Smiles.

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

    The best places to live in Bangkok – My recommendations

    Looking for a great area to stay in the capital of Thailand? Here are my top recommendations.

    Sukhumvit

    This area is one of the most popular and cosmopolitan parts of Bangkok. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping malls, international restaurants, and excellent public transportation connections. Sukhumvit offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious condos to more affordable apartments.

    Check apartments in Sukhumvit.

    Silom

    Silom is a bustling business district during the day and a vibrant nightlife hub in the evening. It is known for its high-rise buildings, financial institutions, and great dining options. Silom is centrally located and offers convenient access to public transportation.

    Check accommodation in Silom.

    Sathorn

    Sathorn is a desirable residential area known for its upscale apartments, trendy bars, and restaurants. It is popular among expatriates and professionals due to its proximity to the business district and the availability of international schools.

    Find a place to stay in Sathorn.

    Ari

    Ari is a trendy and residential neighborhood with a laid-back atmosphere. It features charming streets, local markets, and a variety of hip cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Ari offers a more local and authentic living experience while still providing easy access to the city center.

    Thonglor

    Thonglor is a fashionable and upscale neighborhood known for its trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. It attracts a young and affluent crowd and offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Thonglor is well-connected and provides a range of accommodation options.

    Phrom Phong

    Phrom Phong is an up-and-coming area that offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It is known for its luxury shopping malls, high-end condos, and a wide selection of international dining options. Phrom Phong also has good access to public transportation.

    Bangna

    Located in the eastern part of Bangkok, Bangna offers a more suburban living environment. It is a popular choice for families due to the availability of spacious houses, international schools, and shopping centers. Bangna is well-connected to the city center via expressways.

    Why is Bangkok a great place to live?

    You might wonder why Bangkok is so great, why should you move there? Well, the capital city is a vibrant, lively place where anything can happen.

    Here you will find everything – old temples, ancient neighbourhoods, modern shopping malls, cinemas, clubs, coffee shops and lots of street food. You will not be bored here as Bangkok has it all!

    A great advantage of living here is the international airport, which will take you to many places in and around Thailand.
    There’s Don Mueang – a smaller airport, which operates cheap airlines, such as AirAsia that take you to a lot of destinations in Thailand and beyond.

    Disadvantages of living in Bangkok

    Living here has its minuses. First of all, the pollution can be really bad. Quite often you will see hazy skies and it seems like there’s nothing to breathe with.

    It’s also hot in Bangkok, hotter than in other places. During hot season, the temperatures are unbearable and many inhabitants leave the city and go to the seaside.

    Cost of living is also higher here. For food and accommodation you can pay double of what you pay in Chiang Mai and other provinces.

    How to find the perfect place to stay in Bangkok?

    If you know where you want to stay and know the city quite well, then booking something online could be the way to go. You can find your accommodation on Booking.com or Airbnb. However, from my experience it’s best to come to Bangkok, book a temporary stay in a hotel and then look for something while you’re there. Going from condo to condo is not so convenient, but this way you will be able to see the place and you’ll pay less than what’s online.

    Bangkok might be a great choice to live for young people, digital nomads and teachers, who would like to earn more than in Chiang Mai. There are lots of good areas to stay and everyone can find something for themselves.

    If you have any questions about living and working in Thailand, leave a comment.