This article is a brief overview of the various areas in Bangkok which provide lots of expat oriented businesses and services. Bangkok is an ever growing and changing city, please don't be alarmed if the name doesn't exactly match everywhere, a standard form of English spelling for each area is still being finalized.
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of Thailand’s longest roads, originating in Bangkok and spanning as far as the province of Thrad. With numerous intersections (connecting it up with major roads such as Rama 4 and Petchaburi) and the BTS Sukhumvit line running through it, Sukhumvit offers both convenience in addition to being very central. As a result Sukhumvit has a wealth of entertainment, educational facilities, commercial and business, in addition to premium residential properties. Sukhumvit also has two very prominent parks Benjasiri park, near the BTS Phrom Phong Station, and Chuvit Garden, near the BTS Nana station. Quite a few prominent in Bangkok are NIST, American School of Bangkok, Acacia, Bangkok Prep, and ELC International School as well as many others.
Sukhumvit: Asoke
Asoke (also spelled ‘Asok’) starts at the intersection with Sukhumvit and marks the start of the business district. The area is full of office buildings, co-working spaces, and restaurants to supplement the office crowds. Asoke is also where you can change trains from the BTS to the MRT or vice versa.
Sukhumvit: Phrom Phong
Phrom Phong represents the best of both worlds when it comes to having convenient shopping areas and quiet residential areas. The Phrom Phong area spans Sukhumvit soi 22 to soi 34. The tree lined roads within the sois are populated with quiet houses, apartments, condos, restaurants and shopping malls. Soi Phrom Phong itself starts at Sukhumvit soi 24 and has one of Bangkok’s most extravagant shopping centres, Emporium and Emquartier. The area is split between the Rama 4 side, being the residential area, and the Petchaburi side, which is more business oriented, with pubs and bars catering to foreign clientele.
Sukhumvit: Thonglor
In recent years soi Thonglor, also known as Sukhumvit soi 55, has become one of Bangkok’s trendier areas with a unique personality, attracting the younger
generation of Thai’s and young foreign executives types. Thonglor is full of trendy concept bars and restaurants all along its road. The area has managed to find a balance, on the one hand bubbling with events and new restaurant openings, while also being a quiet residential area full of single family homes, town houses, lush apartments, Japanese serviced apartments, and luxury condominiums.
Sukhumvit: Ekamai
Ekamai, also known as Sukhumvit soi 63, has grown in popularity by virtue of being next to Thonglor, thereby attracting residents who want to be close enough to the action without actually having to live there. Not to say that Ekamai is completely dead, quite the contrary, Ekamai contains some of Bangkok’s most famous clubs and bars, for rich young Thais by Night. By day however, soi Ekamai is a peaceful neighborhood with low key cafés perfect for a quiet read. Ekamai is also right next to the Bangkok Bus terminal allowing for a quick getaway from the city even if you don’t have a car.
Sukhumvit: Phra Khanong
Phra Khanong, Sukhumvit soi 71, is an up and coming area in the Sukhumvit line. Still mostly a sleepy residential area perfectly distanced from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sukhumvit, while being close enough not to be inconvenient. Phra Khanong is slowly becoming dotted with shopping areas and trendy restaurants. Full of young foreign teachers, middle-class Thai families and quiet cafés. Phra Khanong keeps the general feel relaxed, family oriented, and peaceful.
Silom and Sathorn
Silom and Sathorn are to Bangkok what Wall Street is to New York. By day both roads have a fast paced work environment with embassy officials banks, and high rise building with
people rushing to get to their next appointment. Of course all work and no play wouldn’t be Bangkok, so by night this area comes alive with restaurants, nightlife and other entertainment. But although this part of Bangkok is definitely one of the busiest it is also bordered by Lumpini park and Bang Krachao across the river, which is often referred to as Bangkok’s “Green Lung”. Behind the high rise buildings lining the main roads of Sathorn and Silom, there is a quiet oasis of residential communities with some of Bangkoks most beautiful family friendly compounds, tree lined streets, quaint cafes and low rise buildings. This makes Silom and Sathorn one of Bangkok’s most desirable areas to live in with it’s small town atmosphere, in the heart of a bustling city.
Ploenchit Road
Ploenchit Road is the most expensive area in Bangkok, and another example of harmony between a business and residential district. The Ploenchit area has some of Bangkok’s most famous shopping centres, Central World, Gaysorn Plaza, Sogo, and is walking distance from Siam Paragon, making this area a shopaholic’s playground. All easily accessed from either the Ploenchit, Chidlom or Siam BTS stations respectively. This road also leads into Silom and Sathorn, connecting it to embassies and the business district. But more than anything Ploenchit has some of Bangkok’s most desired residential areas for Bangkok’s well to do, and foreign ambassadors. Making this a must see place on any embassy employee’s list of where to live.
Nichada Thani
The residential community of Nichada Thani offers families a safe and tranquil way of life in contrast to the bustling metropolis of downtown Bangkok. The community was purpose-built around the campus of International school Bangkok (ISB) and Harrow International School with the aim of providing families with exceptional housing options while meeting all their daily needs. Children can cycle or walk freely between home, school and friend’s houses and joggers and dog-walkers can enjoying quiet treelined paths around the large lake. Conveniently located within Nichada Thani is a family clinic, veterinarian, international supermarket, restaurants, coffee shops, massage therapists, salons, gyms and more. Families with children at ISB have full access to the many activities such as dance, sport and adult education taking place on the large and modern campus. The opportunity for parents to play an active role in the education of their children has been described as a major benefit. Beyond the gates of Nichada Thani there are large shopping malls and many more local and foreign restaurants. Those seeking to experience the “real Thailand” can bike over to the famous Ko Kret Island or visit the many local temples and flower markets. While rush hour traffic can make commuting to and from downtown Bangkok challenging, quick access to the highway for Nichada residents ensures trips downtown can be made in 50 minutes or less. For those seeking a family-friendly
alternative to downtown Bangkok, Nichada Thani offers a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle at increasingly competitive prices.
Image By Andreas Brücker
