Explore the different expat communities in Bangkok to get an overview of places to begin looking for your new home.
Find a Home Near the BTS or MRT
Most expat communities in the city area are conveniently located along the BTS Skytrain and MRT rail rapid transit lines of Bangkok, vital for traveling quickly around the city in air-conditioned comfort.
These two transit systems make it quick, inexpensive and easy to reach quality schools, shopping areas, hospitals and parks in the city. The systems are still expanding and reaching out into the suburbs, making these areas attractive to city workers who long to leave the busy, noisy and traffic-congested urban areas behind.
We’ll explore what expat families should know to make life in Bangkok easier, especially when they first arrive. We’ll provide a guide to some popular things to do for expat families. We’ll also explore the most popular expat neighborhoods and what each of them offers.
Arriving in Bangkok
If you’re being transferred to a Bangkok branch of a company that already employs you, a local representative of your company may be able to help you acclimate to Bangkok life during your first week or so. You’ll find that Bangkok is a modern city with all the modern conveniences and some historic and ancient areas, just like most big cities.
One of the most important things to take note of is the level of decorum shown in Thai society. Thais are unfailingly polite and expect others to act accordingly. Adopting this politeness will serve you well when renting a home, finding your way around, shopping, or performing any activity where you interact with others. It’s easier to get along in Thailand when you wear a smile and are polite to others.
Things to Do in Bangkok
You'll find plenty of things for the whole family to do in Bangkok. Go Rent bicycles and go for a ride in the park. Visit the aquarium in Siam Paragon Shopping Mall. Explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Within a couple of months of moving into a new home, getting the kids situated in school, and making some new friends, you'll find that your schedule is chock full of fun social activities.
Finding a Home in the City
Expats who love living in the city should look in the expat communities around the Asoke and Sukhumvit Roads area of Bangkok, as well as the Silom and Sathorn areas of the city by the Chao Phraya River. Both of these areas have rail transit stations in them. The Asoke/Sukhumvit area is in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping and entertainment area, and the Silom/Sathorn area is the center of Bangkok’s commercial and financial district. However, you’ll soon find that residential and commercial areas are often intermixed in Bangkok.
Both of these areas are also close to large city parks, Benjakitti Park near Asoke and Lumphini Park near Sathorn.
Most expats will stay in condominium complexes offering yearly leases. These complexes are modern, secure, and well-cared for. They always offer at least a swimming pool and fitness center, and many have convenience stores, laundry and dry cleaners, and shuttle services to the nearest transit station.
Finding a Home in the Suburbs
For people who drive and have access to a car, renting a home in Bangkok's suburbs is another option for finding a comfortable place to live. The suburban life can be more appealing as it offers a potentially healthier lifestyle, particularly for young children. The suburbs around Minburi, Nichada Thani, Natakorn Lake and Chaeng Wattana are the largest suburban expat communities. These communities are about a half-hour to forty-five minutes north of the city by rail transit, although the stations may be further apart and may require a ride to your home.
For expats who don’t mind the distance from the city, these locations offer both condos and single-family detached home options. The homes are typically located in secure, gated communities with plenty of open green spaces, a swimming pool, and a recreation center.
Enroll Your Child in the International School Bangkok
Another benefit to living in the Nichada Thani, Natakorn Lake and Chaeng Wattana, is the convenience of attending the International School Bangkok. You’ll find that expat kids are not eligible to attend the local public schools as they are open to Thai-speaking students only.
The International School Bangkok offers a quality education based on a PK-12 American curriculum. We have been educating the expat children of Bangkok since 1951. We're located near Natakorn Lake in the heart of the Cheang Wattana, Bangkok expat neighborhood. Get in touch with us and arrange a tour of our campus and a meeting to find out more about an education at the International School Bangkok.