If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and you’re not quite sure where to stay, don’t worry—I’ve got you! In this article, I’m going to walk you through some of the best places to live in Bangkok, Thailand, whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay. Bangkok is a massive city, so choosing the right area to base yourself in really comes down to a few key things—your budget, how long you’re staying, and what kind of experience you want to have.
There are tons of neighborhoods you could stay in, each offering something a little different, but in this video, I’m going to break down some of the top spots that I think are perfect, especially if you’re new to the city. I’ll tell you why I personally like them and how each area gives you a unique vibe of Bangkok.
Whether you’re into bustling nightlife, food adventures, or quieter spots with easy access to the rest of the city, I’ve got a spot for you.
Table of Contents
Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Starting off with Sukhumvit, still one of the top areas to live in Bangkok. It’s what most people consider to be the downtown area of the city, with the main road, Sukhumvit Road, running right through it. Sukhumvit is one of the major hubs for shopping, dining, and nightlife. This is also the most popular neighborhood for international tourists and expats, which means English is widely spoken here, so you don’t have to worry about any language barriers.
One of the best things about living in Sukhumvit is its great transportation options. With both the BTS SkyTrain and the MRT Metro nearby, it’s super easy to get around not just in downtown Bangkok, but also to other parts of the city.
Asok: Central Living in Bangkok
One of my favorite spots in Sukhumvit is Asok. This is as central as you can get in Bangkok. Asok is an awesome place to stay since it’s close to pretty much everything—great food, shopping, nightlife, and it’s also where the BTS SkyTrain and MRT Metro intersect. You really can’t go wrong here!
A standout feature in Asok is the Terminal 21 Shopping Mall. Honestly, it’s one of the most unique malls in Bangkok. Each floor is themed after different cities around the world like Tokyo, Istanbul, and Rome. The restaurants on each floor reflect the food culture of those cities, making it a must-visit spot if you enjoy global cuisine.
Nana: Bangkok’s N-Hub
Another major highlight of living in the Sukhumvit area is its proximity to Nana, a station just one stop away from Asok. Nana is known for its N-life. Some of the best N-clubs in Bangkok are located here, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the city’s famous party scene.
A few of the top clubs in Nana are:
- Sugar Club – A rap and hip-hop club that’s one of my personal favorites.
- B Club – Another great hip-hop spot, perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to Sugar.
- Levels – More of a European-style club that mixes R&B and EDM.
- I N Club – An EDM club that was one of my go-to spots back in the day. It’s temporarily closed but expected to reopen soon.
All these clubs are very foreigner-friendly, and the crowd is usually a 50/50 mix of locals and expats.
Exploring the Local Side of Sukhumvit
Even though Sukhumvit is commercialized, you can still get a taste of the local side of Bangkok. The side streets, known as sois, are packed with local touches. You’ll find plenty of street food vendors, cheap massage parlors, and lots of little hidden gems. So, while Sukhumvit has that urban vibe, it’s still easy to find authentic Thai experiences.
Cost of Living in Sukhumvit
As for accommodation, prices in Sukhumvit vary depending on when you travel. But during the high season, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $60 per night. Instead of listing a bunch of accommodation options, I’d recommend using your favorite booking site to find something that suits your budget and needs. Prices change based on the time of year, so you’re likely to get the best deals online making it one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia.
Final Thoughts
Sukhumvit has always been my go-to area in Bangkok. It’s central, convenient, and offers a little bit of everything—from food and shopping to nightlife. The only downside? The traffic can get pretty bad. But with easy access to the SkyTrain and Metro, you can mostly avoid that hassle.
Siam: A Shopper’s Paradise in Bangkok
If you’re coming to Bangkok mainly for shopping, I’d highly recommend the Siam area. Siam is home to some of the most famous shopping malls in all of Thailand, and you can easily walk from one mall to the next.
It’s located right next to the Sukhumvit area, so just like Sukhumvit, Siam has excellent transportation options with both the BTS SkyTrain and the MRT Metro system. If you’re more into shopping than nightlife, then Siam might be the perfect choice for you to stay in and is considered one of the best places to live in Bangkok for shopaholics.
Siam Paragon: High-End Shopping in Bangkok
One of the standout malls in Siam is Siam Paragon. This is hands-down one of the most famous shopping malls in Thailand if not all of Southeast Asia. You can find pretty much everything here, from luxury brands to high-end stores.
If you’re looking for designer shopping or international brand names, this is the place to be. Paragon also has a food court with plenty of options for all tastes, making Siam a top contender among the best places to live in Bangkok for those who enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping.
Other Must-Visit Malls in Siam
Siam is a prime area if you’re looking for a variety of shopping experiences. Right next to Siam Paragon, you’ll find CentralWorld, which is not just a shopping mall, but the ninth-largest shopping complex in the world.
CentralWorld has something for everyone and is home to the largest H&M store in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s first Uniqlo store, and the country’s second Apple Store. It’s a massive mall where you can shop for hours and not get bored. These shopping options make Siam a clear favorite for anyone searching for the best places to live in Bangkok.
Accommodation in Siam
When it comes to accommodation in Siam, you’re looking at similar prices to those in Sukhumvit. During the high season, expect to pay between $30 to $60 per night, which is pretty reasonable considering the location. Just like before, I’d recommend checking your preferred booking site to find the best deals that suit your needs.
Why Siam is One of the Best Places to Live in Bangkok
For those who love shopping and want to be at the heart of the action, Siam is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Bangkok. You’re surrounded by some of the best malls in the city, with plenty of options for luxury shopping, budget finds, and everything in between.
Plus, Siam’s great transportation links make it easy to explore other parts of Bangkok. Whether you’re a shopaholic or just enjoy being in the city’s vibrant shopping hub, Siam offers a fantastic mix of convenience and lifestyle.
Banglamphu (Khao San Road)
The last area I want to show you guys is definitely a wild card, more suited for younger travelers. I’m talking about Banglamphu, home to the infamous Khao San Road.
Khao San Road: The Backpacker Hub of Bangkok
Khao San Road is the world’s biggest backpacker street. During the day, it’s a pretty laid-back street with some shops, restaurants, and street food vendors scattered around. But at night? This place truly comes alive.
The nightlife here is insane, with people from all across the globe coming together to party. It’s a vibrant scene, and if you’re looking for a wild time, Khao San Road is where it’s at.
Aside from being a top party spot, Khao San Road offers super affordable accommodation options, making it one of the best places to stay if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re a young traveler or backpacker visiting Bangkok for the first time and want to meet other like-minded people, this might be the perfect area for you.
On Hostelworld, you can find hostels here for as low as $5 a night, making it one of the most affordable areas to stay in the city.
If you prefer staying in a hotel, it won’t be as cheap as a hostel, but it’s still way more affordable than staying in Sukhumvit or Siam. For budget-conscious travelers, Banglamphu—especially around Khao San Road—is one of the best places to live in Bangkok, even if it’s just for a short stay.
A Local Vibe Near Khao San Road
Some people might argue that Khao San Road isn’t the “real Thailand,” and while I agree to some extent, the Banglamphu area as a whole still offers a taste of the local vibe.
Just a few hundred meters away from the chaos of Khao San Road, you’ll find the Chao Phraya River, and the atmosphere around here is entirely different. It’s quieter, more local, and you can even explore several temples nearby if that’s something you’re into.
The Downside of Staying in Khao San Road
The biggest downside of staying in Khao San Road is how far it is from the main areas of Bangkok. Sure, taxis are cheap in Thailand, but the traffic can be a nightmare, making it a hassle to travel to downtown areas like Sukhumvit or Siam.
If you’re planning to stay in Bangkok for just a few nights before heading to the islands down south, then Khao San Road is a great option. However, if you’re looking to stay in the city for a longer period, I’d suggest choosing Sukhumvit or Siam, as these are some of the best places to live in Bangkok if you’re staying for a while.
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