Without a doubt, Bangkok has one of the best expat scenes in all of Asia–and probably the world.

That’s because every day a huge amount of digital nomads, English teachers, and other adventurous souls choose Bangkok as their new home. It is estimated that about 80,000 official expats live in Bangkok–that doesn’t include unofficial expats who live in the country by doing visa runs or other means.

The reasons so many flock to Bangkok? Let’s just list them out…

Why do expats live in Bangkok?

• Bangkok is a super developed and modern city.
• Crime is pretty much non-existent.
• The nightlife is unrivaled.
• Thailand is one of the cheapest places on Earth to live.
• The food… The people… The culture… All next-level.
• Island paradises are only a short, cheap flight away.

Put simply, it’s no surprise that so many foreigners want to call Bangkok their home.

What is the expat scene like in Bangkok?

In general, Bangkok’s expat scene is very welcoming, open-minded, and tight-knit.

There are many locations where expats get together and hang out, many meetups organized for expats online, lots of parties and festivals filled with primarily expats, and specific neighborhoods where expats live and go about their daily lives.

Basically, if you move to Thailand, you’ll never be hard-pressed to find other expats from all over the world, including the country where you come from.

But even though Bangkok’s expat scene is friendly and open, it can be a little hard to locate for those fresh off the boat in Thailand.

The 5 Best Places to Meet Expats in Bangkok

But that’s where we come in.

We have compiled the perfect list for those who want to meet, socialize, and build bonds with other expats in Bangkok. That way, you can make a lot of new like-minded friends in your new home in the City of Angels.

So without further ado…

1. W District

Nestled in the heart of Phra Khanong, one of Bangkok’s best expat neighborhoods, W District is probably the most popular expat hangout in the entire city.

Every night, expats in Bangkok meet up at this open-air market for drinks and delicious food. Rows of food stalls serve up everything from Thai classics to international cuisine such as Greek, American, Japanese, Mexican, and much more.

Put simply, it’s a great place to mingle with other Bangkok expats and locals alike. And it’s location–right next to Phra Khanong BTS–makes it easy to get to.

2. Sukhumvit 11

While it’s not everyone’s preferred means, partying is obviously a great way to make new friends–and this is no exception when it comes to expats in Bangkok.

The main nightlife area for Bangkok expats is Sukhumvit 11. There is a long list of bars and nightclubs that are filled to the brim with expats and local Thais. The most popular are Pastel Rooftop, Havana Social, Sugar Club, and Levels.

Yadong Potion at the end of the alleyway where Havana Social is located is also a great spot to meet other foreigners living in Bangkok. The bar serves incredibly cheap alcohol for the area.

You can also try a shot of Yadong, which is a homemade Thai herbal whiskey.

3. Kolour Festival Events

Kolour is an awesome event organizer that throws parties and festivals all across Thailand such as Kolour in the Park Festival, Kolour Halloween Party, and Kolour Phuket.

The techno and house-infused events are super popular among the expat crowd in Thailand. From electrifying DJ sets to mind-bending art installations, there’s never a dull moment at Kolour events.

Plus, with its inclusive atmosphere and diverse crowd, it’s the perfect place to forge new friendships and create unforgettable memories. Just be sure to grab your tickets early, as tickets sell out early.

4. Bangkok Pool Parties

If you are part of the Bangkok expat scene, then chances are you already know about how awesome the pool parties are here.

Filled with beautiful locals and expats alike, Bangkok pool parties are flat-out epic. They run from the afternoon to night with people from all over the world getting drunk and making new connections among the expat community.

The best Bangkok pool parties include Westin Pool Party, Urban Pool Party, and Sofitel Pool Party. As an added bonus, the music and DJs are top-notch.

5. Asoke Sports and Social Club

For those who want to meet people through other means than parties, Asoke Sports and Social Club (ASC) is a solid choice.

Expats get together at ASC to play sand volleyball and pickleball all throughout the week. ASC also boasts a pretty impressive view of Bangkok’s skyline. While it’s best to find a group to play with before showing up, it’s not mandatory.

You can also contact the staff at ASC to see if they can put you in touch with expat groups that regularly organize games there.

Make friends with other expats in Bangkok

In a city filled with so many open-minded expats as Bangkok, making friends shouldn’t be a challenge, especially if you know where to go.

If you need some extra help there are always events being organized in Facebook and Meetup expat groups that you can check by searching online.

Whatever you decide, we’re sure you’ll have a blast because there’s nothing quite like living in Bangkok as a foreigner and making friends along the way.

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