Sathorn
Sathorn, a prime district in Bangkok, stretches from Lumpini Park to the Chao Phraya River and features luxury hotels, upscale serviced apartments, and diverse fine-dining options. The BTS Skytrain connected the area with stations at Surasak and Saphan Taksin. Sathorn is one of the best places to live in Bangkok because of its excellent transport links, luxury accommodations, expat-friendly community, access to green spaces, and strong real estate investment potential, including luxury condominiums, high-end serviced apartments, and upscale townhouses, with notable examples like The Sukhothai Residences and The Met Sathorn.
Silom
Many foreigners consider Silom one of the best places to live in Bangkok, resulting in many foreigners buying property in this part of Bangkok. Silom is located in the Bang Rak District and has several famous landmarks, including Lumpini Park, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek), King Power Mahanakhon (Thailand’s tallest skyscraper), and Patpong Night Market. Silom is one of the best areas to live in Bangkok since it is a commercial neighborhood offering opportunities for foreigners wanting to venture into business. Additionally, access to markets and shopping centers is easier at Silom. Foreigners looking for a well-established, foreigner-friendly neighborhood with access to international schools and hospitals can settle in Silom because it is one of the best neighborhoods in Bangkok to live for foreigners.
Phrom Phong
Phrom Phong is a bustling district along Sukhumvit Road and among the best places to live in Bangkok for foreigners. It is known for its blend of luxury condominiums, shopping malls, such as Emporium and EmQuartier, and diverse dining options, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side vendors. The area is highly accessible, with Phrom Phong BTS Station centrally located along the Sukhumvit BTS line, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Bangkok. It is one of the best places to live in Bangkok for foreigners because of its central location along the BTS Sukhumvit Line, proximity to international schools, hospitals, and green spaces like Benchasiri Park, making it a highly convenient and comfortable neighborhood for foreigners moving to Bangkok.
Ekkamai and Thong Lo
Ekkamai and Thong Lo are neighborhoods in the Watthana District of Bangkok, along Sukhumvit Road. With minimal tourist attractions, the area maintains a trendy yet local atmosphere, making it a favorite among residents and expats. Ekkamai and Thong Lo are the best places to live in Bangkok if you want an expat-friendly lifestyle. This area is home to international schools, premium supermarkets (like Don Don Donki and Villa Market), and world-class healthcare facilities. Moreover, this area is well-connected by the BTS Sukhumvit Line, making it easy for foreigners to commute to work, shopping centers, and other key areas in Bangkok.
Asok and Nana (Sukhumvit)
Asok and Nana are on the list of the best places to live in Bangkok, which are located in Thailand’s Sukhumvit area. These two places are close and connected via BTS Nana, BTS Asok, and MRT Sukhumvit. Some notable landmarks in Nana and Asok include Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Soi Cowboy (a famous nightlife district), Benjakitti Park, The Exchange Tower, and the Korean Town Plaza. Asok and Nana are the best neighborhoods for expats in Bangkok if they want to enjoy urban living with everything within reach. Investing in residential properties in this area is best since it offers luxury condos like The Esse Asoke and Hyde Sukhumvit and serviced apartments such as The Grand Mercure Asoke Residence and Citadines Sukhumvit 11.
Valuable insights and practical advice, distilled from years of expertise and real-world experience.
Ari
Ari is a hidden gem in north-central Bangkok, often overlooked by tourists due to its distance from major attractions. This trendy yet laid-back neighborhood is popular among middle-class Thais and foreigners and is known for its hipster café culture, relaxed atmosphere, and emerging nightlife scene. While still relatively under-the-radar, Ari is rapidly developing into a trendy hotspot with stylish cafés like Lilou & Laliart, Porcupine Cafe, and Aran Bicicletta, alongside craft beer bars and dessert spots. It is one of the best places to live in Bangkok, where you can experience a calmer and more local-driven environment.
Rama 9 / Ratchada
Foreigners seeking the best place to live in Bangkok may consider settling in the Rama 9 or Ratchada areas. Ratchadapisek Road, situated in the Ratchada district, is essential to Bangkok’s central business district. Meanwhile, the Rama 9 area is a vibrant hub with a blend of residential and commercial developments. Rama 9 is one of the best areas to live in Bangkok because it is known for its shopping centers and business hubs, with key landmarks including Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, The Ninth Tower, G Tower, and more. Additionally, it is home to renowned universities, such as the Bangkok University, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine. Rama 9/Ratchada is among the best places to live in Bangkok because of its perfect business, education, and entertainment balance.
Ratchathewi
Ratchathewi is a district in central Bangkok, Thailand. It is bordered by Phaya Thai, Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, Watthana, Pathum Wan, and Dusit in a clockwise direction from the north. Ratchatewi is the best area to live in Bangkok if you want to experience its dynamic yet convenient living experience. Its central and accessible location is home to shopping malls like Platinum Fashion Mall and Siam Paragon, cultural landmarks like Jim Thompson House, and top universities like Chulalongkorn University. Locals and foreigners find Ratchatewi one of the best places to live in Bangkok due to its modern residential properties, access to diverse dining options and entertainment hubs, and proximity to living amenities.
Is Bangkok a good place to live?
Living in Bangkok offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with modern and affordable conveniences. The cost of living in Thailand is 46.7% lower than in the United States, excluding rent, and 54.4% lower when rent is included. The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four are $2,298.7, excluding rent, while a single person’s estimated monthly costs amount to $643.5. Moreover, Bangkok has a Quality of Life index of 94.6, ranking 6th among other Southeast Asian cities, including Kuala Lumpur (135.7), Singapore, and Jakarta. Regarding the Health Care Index, Bangkok (77.2) ranked second below Chiang Mai, Thailand (85.0). Furthermore, foreigners can choose the best places to live in Bangkok, where they have comfortable access to living amenities.
Where do foreigners live in Bangkok?
Foreigners in Bangkok can choose from various neighborhoods, and selecting the best place to live in Bangkok often depends on their lifestyle needs. Sathorn and Silom are perfect for business professionals due to their proximity to financial districts, luxury residences, and efficient transport links. Foreigners who prefer a cosmopolitan lifestyle and seeking the best places to live in Bangkok can opt for Phrom Phong, Asok, and Nana along Sukhumvit Road, which offer upscale condos, shopping malls, and international dining, while Ekkamai and Thong Lo attract younger professionals with trendy nightlife, high-end restaurants, and premium supermarkets.
What is the most expensive place to live in Bangkok?
The most expensive and best place to live in Bangkok is Sukhumvit (Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai). These locations offer luxury condos and apartments that cost anywhere from ฿ 3 million ($86,340) to ฿ 30 million ($863,400), depending on the property’s location and size. Additionally, the average rent for an apartment in the Sukhumvit area is around ฿ 15,000 ($432) to ฿ 25,000 ($720) per month, depending on the size, location, and amenities offered.
Valuable insights and practical advice, distilled from years of expertise and real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do most foreigners live in Bangkok?
Most foreigners in Bangkok live in areas like Sathorn, Silom, Sukhumvit (Phrom Phong, Asok, Nana, Ekkamai, Thong Lo), Ari, Rama 9/Ratchada, and Ratchathewi.
Is Bangkok the best place for a foreigner to live in Thailand?
Yes, Bangkok is the best place to live in Thailand as a foreigner if you want modern conveniences, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, excellent healthcare, and a well-connected transport system in a cosmopolitan city.
How many people live in Bangkok?
The population of Bangkok in 2024 was 11,234,000.
Where to live in Bangkok with a family?
The best places to live in Bangkok with a family are Phrom Phong and Ekkamai. These areas offer access to international schools, family-friendly parks, shopping malls, and various dining options suitable for all ages.
How do I move to Bangkok?
Foreigners moving to Bangkok need to secure the appropriate visa (such as a Thai Elite Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa, Work Visa, or Retirement Visa) to ensure they have sufficient financial resources, consider learning the Thai language for easier communication, and plan for living expenses, which include rent, utilities, and daily costs.
Is Bangkok safe to live in?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe to live in. It has a low violent crime rate, a strong police presence, and a well-developed infrastructure.
What is the cheapest area to live in Bangkok?
The cheapest areas to live in Bangkok, such as Bang Kapi, Lat Phrao, and Nonthaburi, offer affordable housing. Condo prices range from $42,000 to $84,000, and rental prices start at around $140 to $340 per month, depending on the unit size and location.
