Bangkok has several highly appealing neighbourhoods for expats, offering different lifestyle choices at a range of prices, whether you are looking to rent or buy. Regarding buying property in Bangkok, most foreigners buy condos due to restrictions on purchasing freehold land, and condos offer the most options in this market.
Several factors impact purchase and rental prices, including onsite facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centres, onsens, pet parks, co-working spaces, easy access to public transport, tollways, restaurants, nightlife and convenience stores.
The proximity to the central business district has a significant impact, with outlying districts being cheaper. The average price per square metre tells the story, and according to Statista, for Quarter 1, 2022, the prices were:
- Bangkok central business district: 240,000 baht.
- Bangkok city fringe: 115,700 baht.
- Bangkok suburbs: 63,400 baht.
This guide is designed for those moving to Bangkok or an investor buying property in Thailand. It aims to overview popular expat communities noting the affordable to more expensive localities.
Silom, Lumphini, and Sathon are arguably the most expensive and exclusive. Home to the financial district, embassies and glitzy skyscrapers, it offers modern luxurious condos with western-style amenities, excellent restaurants and shopping. Although Bangkok is generally considered a safe city, this is one of the safest neighbourhoods. Lumphini Park is within this green zone too.
Ploenchit is a very swanky neighbourhood within the business district, with fabulous fine dining restaurants, Ploenchit and Chit Lom BTS stations, and the large shopping precincts of Central World and Siam Paragon within easy reach. The district is busy during the day but relatively quiet in the evenings. PloenChit and ChitLom are very Hi-so areas and known to be a location for Thai rich families to have a property in this area. There are plenty of nightlife activities, you can find many attractions for Hi-So located very close by, from a trendy bar to a Michelin star restaurant.
Sukhumvit: Nana and Asoke are in the thick of the entertainment district. Soi Cowboy, many international hotels, restaurants and bars make this district very popular with tourists and expats seeking an active nightlife. Interestingly, condos can range considerably in price, with newer properties fetching high sums and rental incomes, yet older condo buildings much less.
Sukhumvit: Phrom Phong, Thong Lor and Ekkamai follow the Green BTS (Sukhumvit) line further and have a different feel. Phrom Phong has a distinctly Japanese and Korean feel. Thong Lor, with upscale restaurants and entertainment, is popular with Hi-so Thais and affluent expats, and Ekkamai attracts more middle-class expats and Thai with its hipster, groovy ambience.
Phra Khanong and On Nut, the next BTS (Green line) stops out, are more affordable but more crowded and still have many eateries and entertainment. You may also find more housing choices.
Bang Na is on the up and up and offers cheaper properties in new and old developments, including homes attracting families. Several international schools are in the area. Although on the BTS line, many people find the need for their own transport.
Riverside on the Chao Phraya offers condos on both sides of the river. However, access to rail travel may be limited, and prices range from very high to mid-range, depending on the specific location. Expats and retirees enjoy condos with stunning city and river views.
Ratchathewi, Victory Monument, and Ari heading north of the city centre has become more popular in the last few years. With easy access to the city, they also have a more ‘Thai’ feel and are on the less expensive side.
Lat Phrao is an upcoming location, with the BTS (Green line) and MRT (Blue line) access, quality international schools in the vicinity and Chatuchak Park providing a delightful recreation area. Prices are considered very reasonable in this area.
Bangkok is a vast city of over 10 million people, and we have covered the main and relatively central suburbs popular with expats. Consider where you need to travel, the services, amenities, and features required for your lifestyle and, of course, your budget. Most foreign buyers are pleasantly surprised, finding prices much less than in their home country.
Tell our Lazudi agents your criteria, and they can point you to the most suitable districts in Bangkok or throughout Thailand!
