Where should you rent in Bangkok?
What are Bangkok’s best rental neighborhoods?
What Bangkok areas offer the most comfortable lifestyle?
… These are questions we get asked a lot as a Property Agency!
Bangkok is a huge metropolis and this can make the city particularly overwhelming and confusing especially for newcomers.
There are literally hundreds of neighborhoods in the city each offering a different character and unique living environment. This makes answering these questions and offering recommendations particularly difficult!
Fortunately, Bangkok’s urban development has revolved around a few specific zones within the city. These popular districts sometimes referred to as the Central Business District (CBD) are business hubs complemented with balanced leisure, entertainment and residential elements.
Bangkok’s residents tend to “live, work or play” primarily in these 4 main zones/ districts:
- Sukhumvit
- Silom-Sathorn
- Wireless- Lumpini
- Rama 9- Ratchada
This article will review the lifestyle and characteristics of each zone and offer insights into the different neighborhoods within these zones/ districts.
Sukhumvit
(Nana to On Nut)
Sukhumvit is probably one of the most popular parts of Bangkok, named after “Sukhumvit Road”, a major road that connects Lower Sukhumvit (Nana) all the way to Samut Prakan Province in East Bangkok.
The area is extremely convenient for commuters due to the presence of the BTS Skytrain that runs along “Sukhumvit Road”. Sukhumvit’s appeal is largely because of the pleasant work-life balance it offers to potential residents; there are business and office areas complemented by a huge range of leisure and entertainment venues.
Sukhumvit offers a variety of lifestyles and residential options that would suit a wide range of rental budgets!
Neighborhoods in Sukhumvit:
Nana
Nana is predominantly known for its eclectic and risqué nightlife. It is also a popular residential neighborhood due to the wide choice of comfortable residential condos available.
Asoke
Asoke is Sukhumvit’s business and commercial neighborhood; with Sukhumvit 21 hosting a cluster of office towers. This makes the area particularly packed with working professionals on weekdays.
Phrom Phong
Phrom Phong has consolidated its position as Sukhumvit’s retail and leisure destination. The area hosts two luxury malls notably Emporium and Emquartier making it a popular social hotspot.
Thonglor/ Ekkamai
Although two seperate neighbourhoods, Thonglor/ Ekkamai both offer similar living environments with a classy nightlife and desirable lifestyle.
Both areas offer a range of quality housing options and offer a pleasant living experience with trendy restaurants, independent cafes and plenty of supermarkets.
Phra Khanong/ On Nut
These two neighbourhoods are usually popular commuter hubs with many of Sukhumvit’s working professionals living in either Phra Khanong or On Nut. The popularity of these two areas stems from the affordable housing options available.
Silom- Sathorn
Silom-Sathorn is often compared to London’s “City” or New York’s “Wall Street” as the district is Bangkok’s financial hub. Numerous financial institutions such as banks, private equity, investment firms and insurance companies have their headquarters located on the illustrious Sathorn Road!
It is important to note that Silom-Sathorn is the original “Central Business District” of the Capital and this atmosphere of “establishment and class” is present in the lifestyle it offers. The neighborhood is packed with world-class restaurants, trendy bars, hip clubs and popular eateries.
Neighborhoods in Silom-Sathorn:
Silom (BTS Saladaeng)
Silom offers an “old world” and “retro chic” living environment. The area offers a deep contrast between old fashioned shop houses peppered with ultra-modern restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
The living environment in Silom is fast-paced and eclectic, offering residents a huge choice of entertainment and leisure options.
Chong Nonsi
Chong Nonsi offers an ultra-modern lifestyle and the area is famed for its iconic skyline. The neighborhood is affluent and exclusive, usually catering to professionals working in finance.
Surasak
Surasak is a more peaceful and quiet extension of Chong Nonsi. Its proximity to Sathorn Road and the large number of good-value condos, make Surasak a popular residential neighborhood for working professionals.
Wireless- Lumpini
Wireless-Lumpini oozes with prestige and glamour, the district is informally known as the diplomatic “embassy quarters” of Bangkok; with many of the world’s most influential nations having their embassies located in and around Wireless Road.
The neighborhood is as a result is packed with glamorous malls notably Central Embassy and Central Chidlom, “six star hotels” and a wealth of trendy dining options.
This makes it a particularly affluent and exclusive neighborhood where rental prices have skyrocketed in recent years!
Neighborhoods in Wireless- Lumpini:
Ploenchit
Ploenchit is one of Bangkok’s most exclusive neighborhoods with numerous Embassies located on its illustrious Wireless Road. The area is affluent and residents can enjoy the luxury mall Central Embassy and a wealth of trendy restaurants and coffee shops.
Chitlom
Chitlom is located very close to Siam and this has made it an appealing residential and luxury retail hotspot. The area is also located very close to Lumpini Park, Central Bangkok’s largest green space.
Rama 9- Ratchada
Rama 9-Ratchada is the “new kid on the block” a relative newcomer but a rising star nonetheless!
The district has in the space of the last five years transformed into a business and commercial hotspot. Especially with the development of numerous A-grade office towers such as G Tower, Unilever House and AIA Capital Center. As a result of this commercial expansion, its residential environment has gradually developed into a convenient and vibrant rental neighborhood.
Numerous shopping and leisure venues are located in the district such as Central Plaza Grand Rama 9, Fortune Town, Esplanade and the famous Ratchada Night Market!
Neighborhoods in Rama 9- Ratchada:
Rama 9
Rama 9 is a newly developed business area that has risen in popularity in recent years. The area offers a bustling environment with convenient retail and leisure venues such as Central Plaza Rama 9.
Ratchada (MRT Thailand Cultural Centre)
Ratchada serviced by MRT Thailand Cultural Centre is another popular residential and commercial area. It is famous for its Ratchada Night Market which is a popular evening hangout spot.
Source: Fresh Property
