As well as being an exciting city to visit, Bangkok is a great place to live, with large expat communities spread across different locations. It offers a diverse culture, world-renowned cuisine, entertainment, and shopping and is an alive and buzzing city.

If planning to rent a property in Bangkok, you may be contemplating what’s the best locations. Naturally, it comes down to personal choice. Whether working or just chilling, most people prefer to live close to the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (Metro) lines, which are the most convenient, fast and inexpensive ways of getting around.

This guide provides an overview of the more popular areas close to BTS stations, starting in the central business district and leading outwards.

Phloen Chit
Phloen Chit is located near Wireless Road, home to several large embassies and attracting expats working nearby. The neighbourhood has relatively wide roads, making it marginally easier to get around. Central Embassy mall offers luxury brand shopping, and the flourishing expat community patronises an array of trendy restaurants and coffee shops. It is a relatively quiet area with fewer nightlife options and one of Bangkok’s most expensive areas for rental properties. Rental Properties Phloen ChitNana
Nana is in the thick of Bangkok’s nightlife district. Sukhumvit Soi 11 hosts many hip restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Nearby in Soi 4 are the more risque attractions. The area is extremely popular with tourists, and mixed with the expat population, there is always plenty going on. It’s a great location allowing convenient travel to Bangkok’s business hubs, with Asok and Phloen Chit only one BTS Station away. Renting a condo is relatively easy, with plenty of options available. Rental Properties NanaAsok
Asok is arguably the most convenient area in Bangkok and highly appealing to many. The BTS station has connectivity with the underground MRT and the Makkasan Airport Link to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Many local and international companies are established in the area, clustering around Sukhumvit Soi 21. Terminal 21 Shopping mall and loads of restaurants, bars, and chill-out venues make it a popular meeting spot. On the recreational front, Bangkok’s Benjakitti Forest Park, with kilometres of walking tracks, is within easy reach. For those looking for a trendy loft-duplex-vertiplex style home, you will find some excellent properties in Asok. Rental Properties Asok Phrom Phong
This trendy and prestigious neighbourhood has become increasingly popular with Japanese, Korean and wealthy Thais. Two of Bangkok’s most luxurious shopping malls, Emporium and EmQuartier, are here, plus numerous Japanese restaurants and stores. In the leafy sois (streets and lanes) criss-crossing the area are quaint coffee shops, trendy art galleries, and cool cafes. Nearby Benchasiri Park offers green space, and Benjakitti Park is just one BTS stop away. Naturally, you will find the rent pricier in this attractive upscale district. Rental Properties Phrom PhongThong Lo (also written as Thong Lor & Thonglor)
Sukhumvit Soi 55 is a major arterial road connecting Sukhumvit and Phetchaburi Roads, often referred to as Thong Lo. Rubbing shoulders with Phrom Phong, it is a ritzy district with shopping malls, boutiques, a host of gourmet restaurants, chic coffee shops, fashionable cocktail bars, and a good nightlife. The COMMONS is popular, offering all sorts of food and live entertainment. Also popular with Japanese and Korean expats and high-flying professionals, this is a hip and trendy place to live. With plenty of condos on the market, renting a property in Thong Lo is easy. Rental Properties Thong LoEkkamai
When referring to Ekkamai, residents usually mean Sukhumvit Soi 63, running parallel to Soi Thong Lo. Just one further BTS stop along from Thong Lo. It is popular with middle-class expats and Thais, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary living. Greater options in housing are also available, and there are numerous restaurants, pubs, and unique shopping from book stores to artsy and vintage shops. It attracts a younger set and has a vibrant party atmosphere on weekends. From a rental perspective, costs are similar to Thong Lo. Rental Properties EkkamaiPhra Khanong
Are you considering condo living vs townhouse living? Phra Khanong tends to be more residential than commercial, with a greater choice of more affordable housing, including the odd townhouse. Popular with Thais and expats, it is a more peaceful precinct and still with a friendly vibe of shops, restaurants, and food stalls, especially at the W Market with its ample outdoor communal space. The city’s commercial business district is within easy reach on the BTS line. Phra Khanong has a more neighbourly feel. Rental Properties Phra KhanongOn Nut
This area is becoming increasingly popular among expats with its good selection of high-rise condos at affordable prices. Still, it is just five BTS stops to Asok and the business precinct. Although mostly home to Thai residents, many more expats are moving to this neighbourhood. There are supermarkets, shopping malls, local markets and food stalls at every turn. The co-working spaces around On Nut are also convenient for remote workers. Rental Properties On NutAri
Ari is a more authentic Thai neighbourhood located on the BTS line to the north of the city centre. Once alighting the BTS, you will see street murals, authentic Thai restaurants and food carts. It has a more laid-back, quieter and greener feel than many other parts of the city. This district is growing in popularity with new bars and restaurants opening, attracting younger Thai professionals and expats. Although fewer rentals are on the market, you will likely find the prices very attractive. Rental Properties Ari Need a pet-friendly condo? Finding an appropriate condo is challenging, with restrictions on the number, size, and type of animal. However, locating developments close to the Bangkok city center, transport, and amenities is possible. Remember to be open and honest with the agent and landlord about your pets.

Many more neighbourhoods are popular with expats, away from the city and forever growing criss-cross of BTS and metro lines. If you want to rent a house, you will certainly need to look further afield and likely need a car.

Good luck in your search, and remember our friendly and professional Lazudi agents are available to assist.