City Info

Brief history
Since its founding in 1782, Bangkok has been the political, economic, cultural, religious, and administrative center of Thailand. Founded as the capital of Thailand, Bangkok had been a checkpoint for vessels sailing up the Chao Phraya to Ayutthaya as early as 1557.

The name suggests a settlement on water that, up to the last century, was literally the case in Bangkok, with two-thirds of its population living in floating houses or houses on stilts. The writer Joseph Conrad called Bangkok the "Venice of the East."

The flavor of the city
Today, Bangkok is the largest and most important city in Thailand. It has grown rapidly and haphazardly with the sudden economic surge. The results are traffic congestion that persists throughout the day, air pollution, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The heat and humidity, combined with the pollution, can be oppressive.

Despite the negatives, the city has some charming sections, still rich in tradition and heritage. Open-air markets, street vendors, and beautiful temples abound. There are areas of unexpected green and calm in the midst of the chaotic city, such as Lumphini Park, where joggers and those practicing tai chi find open space.

Foreigners will find everything they need in this bustling city, including some of the world's finest hotels, department stores, and wonderful restaurants. The nightlife is renowned. Foreigners will find the Thais some of the warmest and friendliest people in Southeast Asia.

Layout
Bangkok's layout can be difficult to master. The terrain is flat, and the long, straight roads tend to change names every 20 blocks. In addition, names may be written only in Thai. Addresses can be confusing in Bangkok. Many include a soi number in addition to a road name. Sois, secondary streets running off main roads, usually have names as well as numbers. Locals are more apt to describe a location according to a building's proximity to a soi, as opposed to its actual street address.

The Chao Phraya River, which runs north-south through central Bangkok, is intersected by canals flowing to and from the river. With no single "downtown," Bangkok actually has four separate business districts. The area centered on Silom Road is considered the financial and commercial center. The adjoining Sukhumvit/Rama I/Ploenchit district includes stores and many of the best hotels. The Vipawadee-Rangsit Road/Ratchadapisek Road area is an increasingly important district of international corporate headquarters. Rattanakosin Island is the site of the Royal Palace, United Nations, and many government ministries.

Airport transportation

Limousine
A very popular way for incoming foreigners to travel into Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi is by limousine. If you are staying in an international hotel, you should arrange to have a car and driver waiting for you. Do not accept rides from strangers who walk up to you in the airport. If you have not prearranged a ride, you can go to the AOT Limousine counter on Level 2. The rates are based on charter. Cars are air conditioned and clean.

Bus
The airport bus is a very affordable way to reach Bangkok. Air conditioning is a nice advantage. Luggage space is limited, however, so travel light. Bus information can be obtained on Level 1 at the Airport Bus Counter. The airport bus travels four different routes, and runs between the hours of 0500 and 2400.

BMTA buses run around the clock, and leave for 11 different destinations from the airport's Public Transportation Center, located on the first floor of the Arrivals terminal. There are also vans that travel on eight different routes. Bus Bor Khor Sor provides transportation to other provinces.

Rental car
Rental cars are available at the airport, and in the city. At the airport, you'll find major international rental agencies with counters at the Public Transportation Center. 24 hour service is available. If you are only visiting within the city, renting a car is not necessary. Keep in mind that many traffic signs are written only in the local language.

Taxi
Those with a smaller budget can use a public taxi which leaves from the departure area, although most expatriates dislike using them as the potential for being overcharged is high. Taxis are available on Level 1 near Gates 4 and 7; there is a metered fare in addition to any highway tolls and a 50-baht fee.

Find full ground transportation details on the BKK website.

Housing areas

Projects like the construction of the elevated rail system in central Bangkok, have eased commuters' problems to some extent.

Because of the traffic congestion, location is of primary importance when choosing a home in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. Some members of the family may have long commutes to work or school, although this situation is improving. Factors to consider are the locations of employment and schools, if applicable, and of other services. School children start school earlier in Thailand than in other foreign countries to avoid rush hour traffic.

Most expatriates choose to live in central Bangkok, which is a very large, bustling central business district and serves as the hub for all commerce and industry; in suburban areas of East Bangkok Bangna/Sri Nakarin and North Bangkok; and along the Eastern seaboard. There are many other areas but they have few expatriate residents.

Central Bangkok
Sukhumvit
The most popular expatriate area in the Greater Bangkok area traditionally has been and remains Sukhumvit. It is popular because the central business district (CBD) is fairly accessible; it has a good supply and price range of housing; and it is already home to many expatriates.

The majority of expatriates live between avenues/streets 1-63 and 2-40. Although these areas are fairly expensive, they offer many supermarkets, expatriate-oriented shopping centers, restaurants, nursery schools, and the New International School.

Most housing takes the form of multi-story apartments and condominiums. There is a limited number of townhouse developments situated in secure compounds with amenities such as swimming pools.

Modern single-family detached homes with gardens and swimming pools are very rare. Some older detached homes do exist, but their kitchens and gardens usually are not of high quality.

Other areas in Bangkok
The following areas are becoming increasingly popular, especially with young North American, Australian, and European single expatriates and couples. Shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that cater to expatriates are all nearby, as are many offices.

Younger expatriates tend to favor townhouse developments without facilities such as swimming pools, but with lower rents than the typical apartments. They join fitness centers in the excellent hotels in the area.

Ploenchit/Lumpini
This is a popular area in great demand; it is closest to the CBD. It extends from Klong Saeng Sap on the north to Rama IV on the south; and from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on the west to the expressway on the east.

Unit sizes tend to be smaller than the Sukhumvit area, and more expensive. Major shopping centers, luxury hotels, the Central Chidlom department store, Lumpini Park, cinemas, and restaurants are in this area.

Sathorn/Silom
Another area that is popular is Sathorn/Silom, the main business district, as more offices are built on Sathorn Road. Bangkok Nursing Hospital (BNH), used by expatriates and locals, is nearby and access to expressways is good for travel to the airport and schools. Silom has become a popular nightlife destination.

Sathorn and Silom Roads are parallel to each other. The area is popular with families, and with embassies and their staffs. Silom Road has many shops, department stores, and markets.

Most residential accommodation is located on the sois to the east of Sathorn Road. However, demand is high and selection is limited. Accommodation is in multi-story apartment and condominium developments; townhouses are very rare. Quality single-family homes are also difficult to find.

Apartments along Silom are smaller and older, and more affordable.

Suburbs of Bangkok
Traffic congestion and air pollution have resulted in two satellite centers developing near Bangkok: north in the area around Don Muang airport, and in the east in the Samrutprakarn-Srinakarin Road area. These two areas have apartment blocks, housing estates, some shopping and entertainment facilities, hospitals, and two international schools that serve the expatriate community. Neither area has an extensive public transport system; most residents rely on their own private transport.

The moo baan is the predominant form of housing found in satellite areas. They are similar to housing estates in which facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and a centrally organized security system, are shared. These estates provide spacious accommodation, cleaner air and a more peaceful environment than the city, and a high standard of living.

East Bangkok
The major expatriate concentration in East Bangkok is on the Bagna Trad Highway and Sri Nakarin Road. Expatriates choose this location because of the number of offices and places of employment along the Bagna Trad Highway. The main British-based education system school, Bangkok Patana, is nearby.

North Bangkok
A compact section surrounding the International School of Bangkok is popular among expatriates, especially those whose children attend the school.

Shopping and entertainment facilities are far more limited than the Sukhumvit and other central districts; commuting to CBD locations such as Wireless Road can take one to two hours by car during rush hours. Expatriates who prefer this area generally do so because of less pollution and proximity to the International School (ISB).

In North Bangkok, Nichada Thani, Samakee Place, and Mansions in the Park are developments where expatriates live. Other housing developments in the area are occupied predominantly by wealthy Thais and have few expatriate residents.

Types of housing

Apartments
Apartments are nice because of the added security of a doorman. The main office may be able to help pay utility bills for you. Also, if you live in a high-rise, higher than the seventh floor, you will not have a mosquito problem. On the other hand, if you have small children the balconies may not be safe, and you might prefer to have more privacy and a garden.

Houses
In a house, you have to be careful who you hire as a maid or driver. Although most staff will be honest and loyal, you should be careful not to hire people from newspaper ads, or without references. It can be difficult finding help. You will also have to learn how to pay all your own bills for services like electricity, water, and telecom bills. Even if you live in a house, you may be expected to pay common service fees as part of a compound. Check for these fees and inquire about whether they are included in the rent.

Central Bangkok
In Bangkok there is a wide variation in location, facilities, condition, furnishings, and maintenance of accommodations. What you spend depends on your preferences and your budget.

New housing units built in the years around the turn of the millennium surpassed 20,000 in Bangkok and nearby provinces. Detached homes represented the fewest built, condominium and apartment units the most, and townhouses somewhere in between. In the late 1990s, there was a significant upswing in the number of detached homes as compared to other types of housing.

The larger houses, which are known as villas, stand in narrow lanes and alleys. They have gardens and walls for privacy and protection from intruders, but little parking and no security guards. About 50 percent of the houses are rented furnished. Most landlords will renovate older houses for new tenants.

In comparison, new apartment buildings are constantly being built in Bangkok. Most apartments range between 100 to 400 sq. meters/approximately 1100 to 4400 sq. feet. Many have swimming pools, parking areas, and security guards.

Most expatriates choose to live in central Bangkok, where the majority of accommodations are multi-story apartments and condominiums. There is a limited number of townhouse developments situated in secure compounds with amenities such as swimming pools. Younger expatriates tend to favor townhouse developments without facilities such as swimming pools but with lower rents than the typical apartments. They generally join fitness centers in the hotels in the area.

Modern single-family detached homes with gardens and swimming pools are almost impossible to find in the area. There are some older detached homes, but their kitchens and gardens are not of good quality.

Mass transit

Bangkok mass transit
For comprehensive information about routes, connecting service, schedules, and fares, consult the Bangkok Mass Transit System, BTS Skytrain.

Bangkok Rapid Transit buses (BRT) serve both city and some suburbs. The buses travel in dedicated bus lanes, and can be faster and cheaper than a taxi. There is one route, with twelve stations. BRT buses offer connecting service to Skytrain, and accept the same forms of payment.

Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) is an underground rail service that has two service lines, Blue and Purple, which are linked. Expansion plans are extensive, and construction is underway. The MRT currently has connecting service to the Skytrain, and to the Airport Rail Link at Phetchaburi. Fares can be paid with tokens or with smart cards.

The Skytrain elevated railway quickly and quietly makes its way through Bangkok. The only disadvantage is the flight of stairs you must walk to reach the platform, although a few of the stations do have escalators. Trains operate between 0600 and 2400; purchase your ticket at the station.

Water taxis/river ferries
Water taxis and ferries bypass the choked roadways of Bangkok. In some areas, where there are canals rather than streets, they are the only way to get around. The express ferries make fixed stops along the river, and charge according to the length of the trip. Sit toward the front of the boat and be prepared to get off at your stop quickly. You may have to signal the driver as you approach your stop, as they don't always stop at every landing. Landings are known as tha.

Bicycle rickshaw
These are popular and inexpensive for short trips, but are not advised for long trips, as they become quite expensive. Negotiate the fare before beginning your trip and make it clear what you expect to pay, as rickshaw drivers are known for misunderstanding the agreed-upon fare and becoming unpleasant at the end of the ride.

Samlors/Tuk-tuks
Bangkok also offers a wide selection of taxi-like vehicles, including samlors or tuk-tuks, three-wheeled scooters that carry two passengers. They are less expensive than taxis; and traveling in them is hazardous. Drivers know only some English and little of the city's international side. Visitors report that tuk-tuk drivers will often take advantage of their foreign passengers by including unsolicited stops at tourist shops along the route.

Domestic airlines
Flying is the easiest way to travel within Thailand. However, obtaining airline tickets can be time-consuming. Make reservations well in advance, reconfirm them in person at an airline ticket office, and arrive at the airport well in advance since the airlines often release reserved seats of late check-ins to standbys.

Intercity buses
An excellent road system links Bangkok with provincial cities. The state-owned bus company operates efficient regular service on many air-conditioned buses.

Intercity trains
Railway travel is reasonably priced, fast, modern, and comfortable, connecting Bangkok with all provincial capitals. Express overnight trains offer several classes of sleeping accommodation.

Schools in Thailand

Bangkok International Prep School
https://www.bangkokprep.ac.th/

Bangkok Patana School: The British International School in Thailand
https://www.patana.ac.th/

Ekamai International School
https://www.eis.ac.th/

International Community School
https://www.ics.ac.th/

International Pioneers School
https://www.ips.ac.th/

International School Bangkok
https://www.isb.ac.th/

Kesinee International School
https://www.kis.ac.th/

New International School of Thailand
https://www.nist.ac.th/

Rasami International School
https://rbis.ac.th

Rose Marie Academy
https://www.rose-marie.ac.th/

Ruamrudee International School
https://www.rism.ac.th/

Sarasas Ektra School
https://www.ektra.ac.th

Traill International School (TIS)
https://www.traillschool.com/

Village International Education Centre
https://www.village-education.com/
Special needs school