Bangkok is a dazzling and vibrant city that attracts numerous business and leisure travellers throughout the year. If you’re also going to Bangkok anytime soon and want to stay in the city for a while, finding the right accommodation is vital. This is where a serviced apartment in Bangkok makes more sense, since it offers multiple configurations, more space and privacy than hotels, flexible lease terms, kitchens to cook meals, great amenities, hotel-style services and strategic locations. They are homes away from home for flexible and convenient long-term stays in Bangkok.
Bangkok is a great option for long-term stays, offering more affordable rentals than many other global cities, while housing contemporary condos with great amenities (co-working spaces, gyms, pools, security, etc.). Bangkok also has a top-class food scene along with great transportation, fast internet, digital conveniences and lively neighbourhoods. Now, how and where do you find the right apartment in Bangkok? That’s what we cover in this guide.
Vital Tips to Find the Right Apartment in Bangkok
Here are some tips that will help you discover the best apartment in Bangkok for a memorable stay.
1. Set your budget and key goals
You should first define your priorities, i.e. the length of your stay, the budget you have, and the type of apartment you want, i.e. entry-level, mid-range, luxury and so on. Bangkok has traffic that may be classified as severe. You should ideally look for an apartment within 5-10 minutes of a BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (Subway) station. If your budget is less than 10,000 THB per month, you’ll find slightly older studios, mostly at the end of the MRT/BTS lines. Anything between 10,000 and 20,000 THB per month will get you studios and contemporary 1-bedroom units in centrally located zones and middle-class neighbourhoods.
20,000-30,000 THB per month will get you 1-bedroom condos in prime locations, while 30,000+ THB per month will get you luxurious 2+ bedroom condos with great facilities like saunas, pools and gyms. Standard leases are 12 months, and if you’re staying for less than 6 months or want a more flexible stay, look for serviced apartments. These apartments have flexible leases that help you stay as long as you like. At the same time, their rates include utilities, Wi-Fi and services like housekeeping and laundry.
2. Choosing the right neighbourhood
The next step is choosing the right neighbourhood for your stay in Bangkok. You should consider factors like BTS/MRT stations nearby, access to pharmacies, ATMs, supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways in the locality and overall safety levels. Also, look at accommodation availability and proximity to your place of work, business hubs and major tourist landmarks.
3. Finding the apartment
Some options include property agents, although they may charge commissions. There are several Facebook groups like Bangkok Housing and Bangkok Expats, along with several online platforms. Serviced apartments in Bangkok are also available on leading platforms like TheSqua.re with verified listings and complete reliability in terms of standardised accommodation.
4. Some basic tips for booking
Compare rates across multiple apartments for booking. Look at the minimum stay requirements and lease terms carefully beforehand, along with examining the amenities and location carefully. Check whether utilities, Wi-Fi and services are included in the rates and the deposit requirements. Consider booking in the off or shoulder season to get better deals and opt for extended stays to get better rates. Consider the noise levels in the locality, checking the location for any bustling roads or construction sites nearby. Ask for an English-Thai contract with an inventory list of appliances, furniture and inclusions.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Here are some of the main areas worth considering for your stay in Bangkok. Most of them are home to several well-equipped serviced apartments for flexible and extended stays in the city.
1. Sukhumvit:
Staying here means that you will have access to the dedicated BTS line. It is easy to get around without being stuck in traffic. Lower Sukhumvit is a hub for nightlife and is more suited to couples and younger travellers. However, there is the Asoke or Sukhumvit MRT interchange offering access to most parts of the city, while Terminal 21 is also here. Rentals are quite affordable in Lower Sukhumvit. On the other hand, Upper houses several luxury apartments with shopping malls, bars and restaurants. It is quieter and cleaner while being an affluent area that is ideal for families. Yet, rentals in the area are about 15-25% more than in Lower Sukhumvit.
2. Phra Khanong/On Nut:
Phra Khanong/On Nut is where the Sukhumvit Road turns southwards and runs through this stretch. It is an expat-friendly neighbourhood that is well-developed and offers accommodation available at competitive rates. The best part is that the main centre of Bangkok is only 15 minutes away from the locality, while the BTS Skytrain is another advantage here. You will also find multiple supermarkets, malls and markets here, including the Tesco Lotus hypermarket at the On Nut BTS station and the W District outdoor market near the Phra Khanong BTS.
3. Silom/Sathorn:
Silom covers the entire area around Silom Road, the main financial district of Bangkok. It is where you will discover the top corporate offices in the city. You will find multiple sky bars here, along with surprisingly affordable apartments and luxury condominiums side by side. One of the best parts about living here is the easy access to the BTS stations at Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng, along with the Si Lo and Lumpini MRT stations. However, the area does get congested due to the rush of commuters.
4. Siam/Ratchaprasong:
It is the retail hotspot of Bangkok, housing numerous shopping malls and multiple affluent residential zones around the Ratchadamri and Chit Lom BTS stations. You’ll mostly find expensive apartments here, while the neighbourhood stays calm throughout the day and night. Yes, nightlife is limited here, although you can get access to nearby Lower Sukhumvit, which is only a few stations away from the neighbourhood.
5. Phayathai:
The Ratchathewi or Phayathai neighbourhood is an excellent choice for staying close to the Siam retail hub but away from the crowds and with slightly affordable rates. There are several mid-range accommodation options here, most of them being within walking distance of the BTS station.
6. Victory Monument:
The locality in and around the Victory Monument is actually one of the top places in Bangkok if you want strategically located yet affordable apartments. Rentals are lower than Phayathai, while you will be only 10-15 minutes away from Siam via the BTS Skytrain network. It is also a great place to shop and dine with multiple restaurants and cafes on streets like Soi Rangnam and others.
7. Ari:
Ari is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Bangkok with its famous restaurants, bars and cafes. Expats usually prefer this mid-priced locality with several accommodation options. There is a dedicated BTS Skytrain station along with a global supermarket and an American-style mall.
8. Chatuchak:
Chatuchak is about 20-25 minutes away from commercial hubs in Bangkok, including Siam. If you are okay with that, the rentals are pretty affordable for apartments in the area. The Chatuchak Park is also nearby, along with the iconic weekend market. There are also connectivity benefits with the MRT and BTS terminus both situated here.
9. Ratchada/Ladprao:
This stretch is favoured more by locals and offers convenient and affordable apartments. They are more affordable than similar housing choices in Upper Sukhumvit, for instance. The area is also home to the MRT network, which will help you get to most parts of Bangkok in about 20-30 minutes on average.
10. Huay Khwang/Sutthisan:
The neighbourhood between the Sutthisan and Huay Khwang stations is a great place to stay. You will find The Street and The Esplanade here, among several malls. The prices are reasonable for apartments, although the international dining and nightlife scene is not as vibrant. Most buildings here are just 5-10 minutes away from the MRT as well.
11. Ladprao:
This is a bustling and large commercial cum residential zone with several shopping malls and affordable apartments. There are three stations here, along with access to most amenities. However, you will have to travel for about 25-30 minutes by public transportation or taxis to reach the central hubs of Bangkok.
12. Rama III:
The Rama III Road zone is near Silom, although the public transportation facilities are slightly less than in comparison to other areas. This means lower rental prices and access to the Central Rama III mall as well. You will have to use motorcycle taxis or regular taxis to get around if you are more than 10 minutes away from the BRT stop (which links to the BTS in some parts).
13. Riverside:
The Riverside area offers numerous accommodation choices and lovely views. The budgets are naturally higher for the best condos, although mid-range housing options are also available here. There are several department stores, cafes, restaurants, bars and supermarkets all around, although there is some distance from Sukhumvit and Siam. You will have to travel for at least 15-20 minutes to reach the Siam BTS station and more than 25 minutes to reach Asok and other areas.
Now that you have an idea of the top places to stay in Bangkok, it’s time to book your apartment right away. Here’s wishing you a memorable stay ahead in the city.