Whether you are Thai or a foreigner, finding the right neighborhood will likely be a priority when settling in Bangkok. Here are some of the top choices that offer the best quality of life in the city and its suburbs.

·        Sukhumvit

A highly popular choice for foreigners, Sukhumvit district has seen much development in recent decades. Part of this is due to the BTS Skytrain that covers most areas along Sukhumvit Road. This exclusive district stretches along its 18 km road, which is one of the longest boulevards in the world and runs all the way to Cambodia. The area offers a selection of contemporary villas and high rise apartment buildings. Properties here are in demand and prices are on an upward trend.

Despite the heavy traffic, Sukhumvit remains a great place to spend your downtime thanks to the plethora of restaurants, cafes, and shopping establishments. Its most popular malls include Terminal 21, EmQuartier, and Emporium.

·        Siam

Located in the Pathum Wan District, this neighborhood is considered to be the heart of the city. The biggest shopper’s paradise in Thailand, it hosts several major hotel brands and shopping centers. Siam Station is the busiest station on the BTS, serving as a cross-platform interchange for the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. It is a great central location to reside with easy access to other areas along the BTS.

Siam is all about shopping, shopping, and MORE SHOPPING! This neighborhood is home to Bangkok’s most popular and major shopping centers including Siam Center, Central World, MBK Center, and Siam Paragon.  Besides shopping, visitors can also enjoy a myriad of tourist attractions including the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

·        Silom

As the financial center of Bangkok with many major bank headquarters, Silom has attracted many expats eager to live just a stone’s throw away from home. Its skyscraper buildings are well occupied by offices, restaurants, hotels, and malls. Connecting to other parts of the city is easy thanks to the presence of both the BTS Skytrain and the underground.

Lumpini Park offers residents a shot of peaceful greenery, while at night, you can enjoy glitzy nightlife at Cloud 47 and Sky Bar. With work and recreation in such proximity, housing here is in high demand as it negates the need for transportation.

·        Ari Area

Considered one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Bangkok, Ari is a quieter upscale area that is easily accessible via its own station along the Sukhumvit BTS Skytrain line. It offers a lovely array of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. It has appealed to British expats in particular thanks to shops that offer products from back home.

It also has many street food vendors offering fresh, affordable, and delicious Thai cuisine. This helps make up for the more expensive lifestyle here. The quiet tree-lined streets make for a charming and peaceful setting for those eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

·        Riverside

For the culturally inclined, it does not get any better than Riverside. With historical palaces lining the banks of the Chao Phraya and water taxis ferrying travelers, it is a great place to get in touch with the history of the region. There are however newer hotels, office blocks, and high rise condominiums that have come up along the banks of the river.

The old-world charm mixed in with lovely scenery and lack of traffic jams make this an idyllic choice for those avoiding city chaos. There are also several malls, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy your downtime.