Where Do Expats Live in Bangkok: The Riverside or Elsewhere?

Bangkok is home to a considerable number of expats, many of whom choose to settle in areas of the city where their peers can be found. But where are these expat enclaves, and what are the best places to live in Bangkok for expats who are new to the city? We answer these questions and more in today’s guide to the best Bangkok neighbourhoods.

Understanding the Expat Landscape in Bangkok

It will be easier to find the best expat community in Bangkok to move into once you understand the nature of the expat community in the city as a whole. There are several types of expatriates living here, with differing needs, budgets, preferences and lifestyles.

• Budget Explorers – Not expats in the true sense of the word, but since some stay for multiple years, they should be included in this list. These people are travelling around the world, normally on a budget, exploring different cultures as they go.
• Professionals– A significant percentage of Bangkok expats are working for local or international companies. Those recruited from overseas are normally on generous packages and therefore gravitate towards the more expensive parts of the city.
• Independently Wealthy – Some expats are independently wealthy people who, although still of working age, no longer need to work. They also often prefer the more high-end areas of the city.
• Retired Couples and Individuals – Last on our list are people who moved to Thailand after retiring in their home countries. Retired expats range from those who live from one pension payment to the next to those who can afford the very best of everything that Bangkok has to offer.

Whichever category you fall into, there is an area in the city that is perfect for you. To identify the best expat community in Bangkok for you, consider the factors discussed in the next section.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighbourhood

When choosing a neighbourhood in which to settle, there are several important factors to consider, including:

• Cost
• Convenience
• Availability
• Your Preferences

By taking all the above factors into account, you should be able to narrow your choice down to one or two neighbourhoods. To get you started, we take a quick look at 2 of the most popular areas below.

Exploring Sukhumvit: A Vibrant Hub for Expats

Sukhumvit has been a popular destination for expats in Thailand for many decades. The fact it is already home to so many expatriates attracts new arrivals and when you consider it also has some of the best housing in the city, its appeal is even easier to understand. Several specific areas along Sukhumvit are particularly popular with expats, including:

• Ekkamai
• Thong Lo
• Asok
• Nana

As all these areas boast numerous bars, cafés and restaurants, together with a good selection of shopping destinations, cinemas and other entertainment venues, they can all legitimately be considered some of the best places to live in Bangkok for expats. Your final choice will be dictated by preferences and budget. If you decide to make Sukhumvit your home, be sure to check our Bangkok real estate listings for this part of the city before you leave.

Riverside Living at The River Condo

The River Condo is located in the venerable Bangkok district of Khlong San, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Khlong San is one of the oldest districts in the city with a long history, but what makes it even more appealing to today’s expats is the variety of first-class accommodation it has to offer, including the River Condominium.

One of the more recently completed developments in the area, The River Condominium offers luxury riverfront living in a beautifully serene setting to those looking for the best expat community in Bangkok in terms of quality of accommodation and the neighbourhood. With state-of-the-art security systems, beautifully presented living spaces and fantastic amenities, The River Condo is head and shoulders above most other condominiums the city has to offer. When you also consider its location, nestled on the banks of the Chao Praya alongside luxury hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsular, it becomes a no-brainer as far as many expats are concerned. Where do expats live in Bangkok? In the River Condominium if they’ve done their research!

For details of properties in the River Condo for rent or sale, please do not hesitate to contact us. As reputable agents, we can help you find the best properties in The River Condo Bangkok for sale or rent.