Bangkok is a vast, vibrant, and bustling city filled with great food, friendly people, and an endless sense of adventure. But because the city is so large, it can feel very different from neighborhood to neighborhood.

In fact, unlike other major cities in the world, Bangkok is a city with three city centers instead of one (Sukhumvit, Silom, and the Old Town)–all very different from one another.

And it’s a place of incredible contrasts–an eclectic mix of old and new. Think crowded local markets and aging temples next to hyper-modern skyscrapers and insane rooftop bars.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Bangkok as an expat?

That comes down to a few key factors: budget, lifestyle, and–of course–convenience. As a foreigner, trying to find the perfect Bangkok neighborhood to move into can be a bit of a challenge at first. But, in general, the main expat neighborhoods in Bangkok are Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, and Onnut.

Our guide, however, will dig a bit deeper into which Bangkok neighborhoods are the best with a heavy emphasis on budget and lifestyle. That way, you can find the perfect condo in Bangkok for your tastes.

Best Bangkok neighborhoods by budget and lifestyle

1. Thonglor/Ekkamai: Luxury Living in Bangkok

Vibe: Situated right next to each other, Thonglor and Ekkamai are known as Bangkok’s most upscale neighborhoods with lots of wealth concentrated in the areas. Luxury condos dot the streets in these neighborhoods as do fancy bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. There are fewer expats living here than in other areas on this list, but there is still a solid amount. Ekkamai is a little less pretentious than Thonglor with a more hipster-ish vibe to it.

Budget: Thonglor and Ekkamai lean towards the upscale side. Condos are higher priced on average than the rest of Bangkok’s neighborhoods. Finding cheap local food also isn’t an easy endeavor. It is, however, close to the BTS, which will save you some money.

2. Sukhumvit/Asoke: Nightlife and Central Living

Vibe: If you want to be in the heart of all the action, then Sukhumvit and Asoke are your go-to choices. Think of lots of shopping malls, a wild nightlife scene, and more restaurants than you can wave a stick at. Partygoers love staying in this area as it is home to Bangkok’s famous Sukhumvit 11 road filled with nightclubs and Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza–two of Bangkok’s most notorious red-light districts. These two neighborhoods are also the most centrally located in Bangkok.

Budget: Like the two before, Asoke and Sukhumvit are also home to many high-end condos, and finding cheap food isn’t always easy, either. So if you are living in Bangkok on a shoestring budget then these neighborhoods aren’t the best idea. On the other hand, if you do have enough money then you can’t find a more convenient location in the city (next to both the BTS and MRT). Just know that traffic can be brutal in the area.

3. Sathorn/Silom: Business Center with Strong Expat Community

Vibe: Silom and Sathorn are two very interesting Bangkok neighborhoods. While they are right next to each other, they are very different in their vibes. Silom is Bangkok’s bustling business center and has many international companies calling it their home, meaning lots of skyscrapers and corporate office buildings. Sathorn, however, has a more old-style local charm with smaller streets and lots of nice street food and markets to choose from. Both have a strong expat community so finding like-minded individuals shouldn’t be a problem.

Budget: While Silom boasts luxury high-rise condos, Sathorn offers a range of more affordable living spaces in Bangkok. Cheap food also is extremely easy to find. Both are also situated next to Bangkok’s MRT line, giving easy access to the rest of the city.

4. Ari: Hip and Trendy Neighborhood

Vibe: Put simply, Ari is the hipster neighborhood of Bangkok with its trendy bars, unique restaurants, and awesome cafes. And the best thing about Ari is that it feels a bit quieter than the other Bangkok neighborhoods on this list. It also has easy skytrain access. If you want to be somewhere in Bangkok where you can try a cool new restaurant or bar often, then this is the place. It is truly a hidden gem in Bangkok.

Budget: Despite its rise in popularity in recent years, Ari maintains a reasonable cost of living. Let’s call it mid-range for Bangkok. There are very stylish apartments and spacious townhouses popping up left and right, which can cost quite a bit more.

5. Onnut/Phra Khanong: Affordable Living with a Mix of Local and Expat Vibes

Vibe: Onnut and Phra Khanong (located next to each other) are two of the most affordable and expat-friendly areas of Bangkok. Both have tons of foreigners calling it their homes and both are filled with restaurants offering delicious Western food. Phra Khanong also has W District, an outdoor collection of restaurants very famous within the Bangkok expat community. But while Onnut and Phra Khanong are expat hubs, they also retain a fair bit of local charm (and prices). So if you want to live in Bangkok on an affordable budget, then these two Bangkok neighborhoods are a solid choice.

Budget: Onnut and Phra Khanong provide a range of affordable housing options. Whether you prefer modern condominiums or cozy apartments, these areas offer a taste of both authenticity and trendiness.

How to choose the best place to live in Bangkok?

Bangkok is full of awesome neighborhoods. There is a neighborhood for every lifestyle and every budget. Choosing the right one for you comes down to your knowing exactly what you want from your experience of living in Bangkok.

Do you want to be surrounded by a strong expat community? Do you want a luxury condo with a view of the city or a more modest apartment surrounded by delicious Thai street food? Or maybe you prefer living somewhere in Bangkok with absolutely no foreigners around?

Whatever the case, there is a Bangkok neighborhood that will suit your preferred lifestyle and budget.

Related: Want to Learn Thai? Here are the best Thai language schools in Bangkok