Best Neighborhoods for Families in Bangkok

Bangkok's bustling capital, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. For expats and digital nomads with families, finding the right neighborhood is crucial for a comfortable and enriching living experience. The city boasts a variety of areas that cater to the needs of families, providing a mix of international schools, parks, and family-friendly activities. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Bangkok for families looking for a place to call home.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's most cosmopolitan areas and a popular choice for expat families. With a plethora of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options, there's always something to do. Families can enjoy time at Benjasiri Park, which often hosts outdoor events and has a dedicated children's playground. The area is also known for its top-notch international schools, making it an educational hub for expat children.

Location: Stretching from central Bangkok to the eastern outskirts

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment start around 40,000 THB, while a 3-bedroom can go for 60,000 THB and up. Purchase prices vary widely depending on the exact location and quality of the building.

International Schools: Sukhumvit is home to several reputable international schools such as Bangkok Prep, offering education from early years to secondary level with British curriculum, and the American School of Bangkok.

Where to Eat: The area boasts a diverse range of dining options, from street food to upscale restaurants like Roast or Koi Restaurant.

Interesting History: Sukhumvit Road itself is named after the fifth Chief of the Department of Highways, Phra Bisal Sukhumvit, reflecting the area's development alongside Thailand's modern transportation history.

Parks: Benjakitti Park is another popular green space, especially for its scenic lake and cycling track.

Bang Na

Bang Na is a family-friendly neighborhood known for its more relaxed pace of life compared to the city center. It's a hit with families due to the presence of several international schools and large shopping centers like Mega Bangna, which offers a range of family-oriented activities and shops. The area also has ample green spaces for children to play and explore.

Location: Southeastern Bangkok, near the Suvarnabhumi Airport

Real Estate: Rentals for a 2-bedroom can be found starting at 25,000 THB, with 3-bedrooms from 35,000 THB. Buying property offers relatively better value for money compared to central Bangkok.

International Schools: Bang Na is home to St. Andrews International School and Berkeley International School, both offering quality education with British and American curriculums respectively.

Where to Eat: The area has a variety of restaurants, including family favorites like The Pizza Company and local seafood spots.

Interesting History: Historically, Bang Na was a rural area, which has rapidly developed into a residential and commercial hub over the past few decades.

Parks: The expansive Bang Na Park is a local favorite for family picnics and sports activities.

Thonglor

Thonglor is a trendy and upscale neighborhood that has become a favorite among expat families. Known for its vibrant nightlife, the area also caters to families with a selection of international kindergartens and schools. The Commons Thonglor is a community space that offers a variety of children's workshops and family-friendly eateries.

Location: Situated in the Sukhumvit area, running along Sukhumvit Soi 55

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom start at around 50,000 THB, with 3-bedrooms going for 70,000 THB and above. The purchase price for condos is on the higher end due to the area's desirability.

International Schools: The Little House International Kindergarten and Wells International School are among the educational institutions in Thonglor.

Where to Eat: Thonglor is renowned for its food scene, with options like Roast for brunch and Iron Fairies for a unique dining experience.

Interesting History: Thonglor was once a district filled with orchards and is now one of Bangkok's most fashionable districts.

Parks: Although smaller than other districts, Thonglor has several boutique parks and green spaces scattered throughout.

Sathorn

Sathorn is a central business district that also offers a family-friendly living environment. It's a mix of high-rise living and quiet sub-streets with access to some of Bangkok's best international schools. Lumpini Park, the largest public park in central Bangkok, is nearby and provides a great escape for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities.

Location: Central Bangkok, stretching from Lumpini Park to the Chao Phraya River

Real Estate: A 2-bedroom rental in Sathorn can range from 35,000 THB to 60,000 THB, while a 3-bedroom can start at 50,000 THB. Properties for purchase are priced at a premium due to the central location.

International Schools: Notable schools in Sathorn include Shrewsbury International School and Bangkok Christian College.

Where to Eat: Sathorn is home to a variety of dining options, from the Michelin-starred Nahm to the family-friendly Supanniga Eating Room.

Interesting History: Sathorn was named after Sathorn Road, which was built during the reign of King Rama VI and is now a major thoroughfare.

Parks: Lumpini Park is the main park in the area, known for its large artificial lake and outdoor gym equipment.

Bangkok Noi

Bangkok Noi is a district that offers a more traditional Thai living experience while still providing the amenities needed by expat families. It's quieter than the bustling city center, with access to local markets and a more laid-back lifestyle. The area is also home to several reputable local schools and is close to the Chao Phraya River, offering pleasant riverside walks and cultural experiences.

Location: West of the Chao Phraya River, part of the Thonburi side of Bangkok

Real Estate: Rentals are more affordable here, with 2-bedrooms starting at 20,000 THB and 3-bedrooms at 30,000 THB. Buying property is also more reasonable compared to central Bangkok.

International Schools: While Bangkok Noi is more known for its local schools, it's within reach of international schools across the river in the Bangkok Yai district.

Where to Eat: The area offers a range of local eateries serving traditional Thai dishes, such as the famous Pad Thai Thip Samai.

Interesting History: Bangkok Noi has a rich history, with the Bangkok Noi Canal originally being part of the Chao Phraya River before a shortcut was made, turning it into a canal.

Parks: Siriraj Park is a local green space that provides a quiet retreat for families.

Ari

Ari is a hip and happening neighborhood that has become increasingly popular with young families. It's known for its trendy cafes and boutique shops, but also for its peaceful residential streets. Ari offers a good balance of urban living with a community feel, and it's not uncommon to see families enjoying the local playgrounds or visiting the nearby library.

Location: North of the city center, accessible via the BTS Skytrain

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment start at around 30,000 THB, with 3-bedrooms from 45,000 THB. The area is becoming more sought after, so purchase prices are on the rise.

International Schools: Ari is close to several international schools, including the International School of Bangkok (ISB) and Harrow International School.

Where to Eat: The neighborhood is filled with charming cafes and restaurants, such as the family-friendly Salt and Paper Butter.

Interesting History: Ari was once a quiet residential area that has transformed into one of Bangkok's trendiest neighborhoods.

Parks: While smaller in size, Ari has several community parks and is a short distance from the larger Chatuchak Park.

Chatuchak

Chatuchak is best known for its weekend market, but it's also a great neighborhood for families. With the expansive Chatuchak Park, Children's Discovery Museum, and easy access to public transportation, it's a convenient and stimulating area for expat families. The neighborhood has a more local feel, with street food vendors and small shops adding to its charm.

Location: Northern Bangkok, known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market

Real Estate: Rentals for a 2-bedroom start at 25,000 THB, with 3-bedrooms from 35,000 THB. The area offers good value for those looking to purchase property.

International Schools: Nearby international schools include the Harrow International School and Kasetsart University's Laboratory School.

Where to Eat: The area is filled with local food stalls and markets, with the Or Tor Kor Market offering a range of fresh and prepared foods.

Interesting History: Chatuchak was historically a large farming area, which has since been developed into a major commercial and residential district.

Parks: Chatuchak Park is one of the largest public parks in Bangkok, providing a green oasis for families to enjoy.

Rama III

Rama III is an up-and-coming neighborhood that's attracting more expat families due to its modern condos, proximity to international schools, and growing number of amenities. The area is quieter than the central business districts but still offers convenient access to the rest of the city. Rama III is also close to the Chao Phraya River, providing beautiful riverside views and breezes.

Location: South of Sathorn, along the Chao Phraya River

Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom start at around 25,000 THB, with 3-bedrooms from 40,000 THB. The area is becoming more popular, so prices are expected to rise.

International Schools: Nearby schools include the KIS International School and Bangkok Patana School, both offering IB curriculum.

Where to Eat: Rama III has a mix of local Thai restaurants and international chains, catering to diverse tastes.

Interesting History: The area is named after King Rama III, under whose reign Thailand saw major economic and cultural development.

Parks: While not as abundant as in other districts, there are several small parks and green spaces within the neighborhood.

Each of these neighborhoods offers its own unique advantages for expat families living in Bangkok. From the bustling streets of Sukhumvit to the tranquil riverside of Rama III, there's a perfect spot for every family to settle down and enjoy the rich culture and convenience of this dynamic city.