While relocating to a new city is an exciting milestone for any family, making the transition to a  foreign metropolis like Bangkok can be a daunting proposition.

While relocating to a new city is an exciting milestone for any family, making the transition to a  foreign metropolis like Bangkok can be a daunting proposition.

One of the most pressing challenges you’ll need to address is deciding where to live. Sprawled out over 600 square miles, Bangkok is made up of dozens of neighbourhoods, all of which come with their own pros, cons and unique style of living.

Not sure how to choose? We’re here to help. We’ve rounded up five important things you’ll need to consider when deciding where to live in Bangkok.

1. Traffic

Bangkok is a densely populated city. As a result, traffic in central Bangkok is consistently heavy throughout the day, but it gets particularly bad during rush hour (from about 7:30 to 9:30 in the morning and 5 to 7:30 at night). With this in mind, you’ll probably want to live in a neighbourhood that is in close proximity to work and school, which will allow all your family members to keep their daily commutes as short as possible.

2. Price

The cost of housing in Bangkok varies wildly depending on location and how luxurious a lifestyle you want to live. Unsurprisingly, smaller, older apartments that are situated away from public transport hubs are usually the cheapest option, while new condos in favourable locations and houses in gated communities tend to be significantly more expensive. Chit Lom is one of the most expensive areas in Bangkok, followed by Sathorn and Sukhumvit.

3. Schools

The city is home to a wide range of excellent international schools, which are backed by strong curriculums and highly qualified teachers. If your children are moving with you, you’ll need to take the time to find a school or nursery in Bangkok that best meets their needs as students. Before you commit to a school, remember to check it’s conveniently located in order to keep your children safe and reduce their commute time.

4. Public Transport

Given the heavy traffic and the sheer size of Bangkok, one of the best ways of navigating the city is via public transport. You’ll find many different transport options in Bangkok, including the BTS Skytrain, Bangkok MRT, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks and more. Many expats love the convenience of the city’s train lines, so consider living close to a BTS or MRT station if you wish to take advantage of these public transport services.

5. Restaurants and Nightlife

Your big partying days might be (mostly) behind you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience all that Bangkok nightlife has to offer! Bangkok is famed for its countless bars, restaurants and street food vendors, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t at least occasionally partake. If you really want to immerse yourself in the city’s foodie culture, consider looking at areas such as Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit, which are full to overflowing with excellent restaurants. Of course, great food is never truly far away in Bangkok, so you can’t really go wrong no matter where you choose to stay!