Thread: Recommendation for an area to live in Bangkok

Hi,

I am still contemplating in which are to live in Bangok for 1 year. I know for certain that I do not want to live in the busy silom or sukhumit area. So I came down to these three districts to choose from. Anyone can mention some details about these neighboorhoods and your preference? Location is not really important to me, as I figured I can be anywhere with the BTS/MRT/riverboats. So preferably closeby a BTS/MRT.

1. Ladprao/Pahonyothin/ari
2. Higher sukhumvit, Onnut and further. What about Udomsuk, not much info on the internet about this new developing neighboorhood with the new BTS line.
3. rathadaphisek

So which of these area's do you prefer to live, and why.

Thank you

Hi Dianna,

I am moving from outskirts of Bangkok to Saphan Khwai next week - major appeal for me is the close location of Jatujak Park, I just love the green space! Plus there is gym and swimming pool there which is nice as it's not a facility at my apartment.

Not far to cinema/shopping at Central Ladphrao and obviously close to JJ market. Also on the BTS and close to Mo Chit bus station and so travel is fairly easy. Will be paying 11k for 1 bedroom apartment (50sqm) with fridge/tv/wifi internet/microwave included, 6 month contract. I think it's 9/10 for 1 year.

Quite a few apartments up that way with huge range in price/facilities/space and most of them aren't online so it's good to go armed with a notebook, camera and comfortable shoes/motorbike to get a good look around if it sounds like a place you might want to be. Though that's probably true of anywhere in BKK.

I looked at a few of the condos on Lad Phrao Road but found a lot of them didn't have wifi, or tv channels, and you'd be expected to sort it out yourself - I'm lazy and also only here until November latest so wasn't really convenient to me but if you have the patience and know how long you'll be there for might be a good option as they are between 8-10k for a large apartment and usually have gym and swimming pool. The other reason that I wasn't too keen on that road is because I define walking distance very differently to some of those condos, walking distance to the MRT stations at either end can be too far if you're smack bang in the middle and it's a hot day.

So yeah - Jatujak/Saphan Khwai might be another one to consider!

Thanks for the replies so far, very helpful!

Despite some contrary posts, it seems the best choice is the Saphan kwai/Ratchadaphisek areas, for central convenience of transportation and malls ( I love the malls).

Great info on the apartments, GreggsH. I am a bit lazy aswell, I prefer ''ready to move in'' condos, with wi-fi and swimmingpool included. Speaking of which, I found out that condos and aprtments are different in bangkok in regard of ownership. While apartments are owned wholly the building and one can just walk in and check out the free units. The condos are owned individually per unit, so how does it work with the condos? Need to contact the respective owner or same way as app is possible?

I am checking some websites such as bangkokcondofinder.com, easyhomes.tv etc. To check out the condos and the environment. Are these webites reliable/trustworthy?

You often find that if you walk into a condo building they will have a binder with photos and details of the condos available, and a contact number for that owner. Furniture is usually included but things like WIFI/cable aren't and where they are that's usually reflected in a higher price. Sometimes the receptionist will have keys to the units so you can see the rooms for yourself, or the owner will have left the task of renting to an outside agent who you will have to make an appointment with the to see the room. Good idea to have a Thai friend who can read the details if you can't read Thai yourself as many of the ads won't be placed in English.

Generally those websites are fine to get a feel of things and work out what you're looking for. I actually found the apartment I'm moving to completely by accident when on my way to look at another one a friend recommended, and neither of them were on mrroomfinder or any of the websites you mentioned. I'd say definitely get an idea in mind of your ideal, work out what you're willing to compromise on square metres/location/price/facilities/contract length etc and then weigh them up that way. My compromise was facilities - no gym or swim is annoying, but I'll just have to get motivated to use the one in the park.

Hi Gregg,

Very good ideas, thank you!

Yes, a swimmingpool is a pre, I love swimming. Internet connecttion aswell, just unfortunate that most condos don;t come with internet. So I have to take care of that myself, or is it something the owner might help with?

About the contract, is it possible to rent condos for lets say 3 or 4 months?

I found some very nice condos on the net, what do you think of this one, is it a good deal?
Ideo Mix Condo, Phaholyothin, Phaholyothin, Chatuchak | Bangkok Real Estate, Apartments, Condos

This is the type of condo I want, there are just so many! with similar amenities and room features, only the prices are different :/

Originally Posted by Dianna

Speaking of which, I found out that condos and aprtments are different in bangkok in regard of ownership. While apartments are owned wholly the building and one can just walk in and check out the free units. The condos are owned individually per unit, so how does it work with the condos? Need to contact the respective owner or same way as app is possible?

The Forum God says your understanding is mistaken. "Condo" is the word applied to living in a concrete box with one small window, regardless of ownership.

The Forum God has not seen fit to educate Thailand about the difference between "Condo" and "Flat/Apartment" thus Thai's only know the one term "Condo" to define living in a box.

I actually went to look at Ideo, the receptionist had keys and showed me a couple of places available. They were nice, furnished, access to swim and gym, but no tv channels or wifi set up. You'd have to go to the true shop/your chosen provider and find out what deals you could get. I'd say the owners aren't too inclined to set it up for you because a lot of the time they're quite far away or even abroad in some cases. Good idea to find a Thai/well experienced teacher friend in the know who can help you out with those things.

To me, it sounds a little expensive for a studio, but then everybody's salary/budget it different, and you get what you pay for, in your case swim and gym. If that's the kind of style you like, probably worth checking out Life too. Similar style and facilities, not much difference in price. Usually contracts shorter than 6 months = higher rent but you might be able to negotiate if/when you go in person. If you don't mind me asking, are you already in Bangkok? And if so do you have a job already lined up?

Ekkamai is rather nice, was my pad there.

Hi Gregg, I will arrive next month. I will be teaching at the Chulalongkorn university.
15k for an studio is indeed expensive, but for a 1BR condo is still reasonable right? or still expensive?
I will check out the Life condos, thanks. I do like these types of condos, because they come with swimmingpool and gym, it's just a bummer it's not standard with internet and tc channels