Why it's hot: Pinklao-Ratchapruek lies at the heart of an exciting new city masterplan that promises to preserve the area’s residential charm while connecting it to 21st century conveniences. Super Highway Baromrajchonnee links this locale directly to Sathorn, while the imminent completion of the Purple and Blue MRT lines connects it to all of Bangkok. Once a historic residential area, the addition of two enormous retail projects, Central Westgate and Mega Bangyai, will add some essential pulse. Right now, community mall The Sense is doing some exciting things, such as the pop-up dinner I’m Blind (where you get to dine in the dark). For a taste of river life, there’s the Taling Chan floating market and the chill arty hang-out Baan Silapin.
Why it's hot: This buzzing locale’s growth has been fueled by a burgeoning transport network that includes expressways, the western outer ring road, and the Purple Bangyai-Bangsue MRT line due for completion in 2016. Blessed with top-class healthcare and education facilities, major retail outlets, and several parks, this locality offers everything that any family could need. The low-key residential vibe comes through in the locale’s restaurants and attractions: Lubid Coffee House lets you unwind by the pool, while the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) offers collections from local masters. Want to cook up a storm? Head the chic Bon Marche, a fresh and cooked-food market with a serious dose of style.
Why it's hot: A near-perfect microcosm of Bangkok, Ladprao-Vipawadee offers the most comprehensive balance of leisure-versus-business of anywhere in the city. Home to some of the best schools in the country, vast pockets of greenery juxtaposed with skyscrapers and Chatuchak Market, it also offers swift access to the heart of Bangkok, be it via BTS, MRT, or expressways, not to mention having an international airport right in its backyard. The interconnected markets are an endless source of inspiration, whether you plan to cook up a storm after a visit at Otokor, catch a concert at JJ Green, or want to meet the new wave of Thai designers at Chatuchak. You’ll also rub shoulders with them at Play Yard, listening to rising indie bands, or at Treat Cafe, a terrific spot for coffee and breakfast.
Why it's hot: This emerging locality to the east of Bangkok is well linked to the beating heart of the city by expressway, motorways, and the eastern outer ring road, ready to whisk residents to Ratchada and Rama IX in no time. The Pink BTS line promises further mobility in just a few years, while numerous lifestyle malls (CDC, The Crystal Park, The Walk), charming flea markets and abundant dining options make this one of the most up and coming areas in Bangkok. Surrounded by leading educational institutions such as Lertlah Kindergarten, Bodindecha 2, and RIS, this district is prime choice indeed for familial life that has something for everyone. If you’d like to get away from it all, Portobello & Desire is a charming house surrounded by a leafy garden, which serves tea and pastries.
Why it's hot: Sathorn-Ratchapruek straddles the old and the new with ease and aplomb. Traditional communities lie within easy reach of a bustling business district. Some of the very best street food stalls in the city share prime real estate with the latest fine-dining establishments of Michelin-star quality (L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon). Cross the historic Charoenkrung Road, however, and Ratchapruek opens up into an idyllic suburban sprawl: tranquil, eminently livable, and complete with all the requisite facilities for modern living. There's an arty side to the area, too, with new galleries and cafes (sometimes both at the same time) popping up like Soy Sauce Factory, Bridge and Soulbar. Across the river, Ratchapreuk is a rising foodie neighborhood.
Why it's hot: Asoke-Ratchada prides itself on being Bangkok’s new CBD. Served by a comprehensive transport network, including BTS, MRT and expressway, it will be further connected to the Yellow MRT line in just a few years. The perfect location then, for anybody seeking a life less ordinary, for it encompasses everything from hip galleries (Koi Art Gallery) to ceramics schools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities (The Fight Lab) to traditional Thai boxing camps, slow-life hangouts (Suan Rot Fai) to bracing nightclubs (Glow)–this is truly a neighborhood that never sleeps. See our recent guide. Further along Ratchadapisek, Velofabric stocks the coolest bikes and accessories for your ride, Fatty's Bar and Diner offers a true American-style meal with live music, and Mustache Bar provides an art-focused drinking hole.
Why it's hot: With endless new roads, mass transit expansion, and a new phase of the Yellow and Orange MRT lines on the horizon, no locality promises faster urbanization than Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng. Strategically situated between Bangkok’s throbbing CBD and Suvarnabhumi Airport, i.e. the gateway to Thailand, this area has morphed from paddy fields into a playground for premium living in less than 10 years. From world-class hospitals to upscale community malls and from hip bicycle cafes (Bico) to lovely garden restaurants (99 Rest & Backyard), you may never want to leave—but there's always Bangkok’s express ring road if you do.
Why it's hot: Suksawat-Ratburana sits in the prime location of Thonburi, mere breaths away from Sathorn in the heart of the city. At the same time, it has that rare tranquil quality that enables family living amidst nature’s charms. From fine schools to relaxing parks, this is a highly attractive choice to set up home in. Served by the industrial ring road and, soon, the Blue and Purple MRT line, this neighborhood is also filled with some of Bangkok’s very best street food, not to mention great coffee (House of Commons) and the one and only Asiatique, where you can enjoy seafood and drinks by the river.
Why it's hot: The grand dame of Bangkok living, Sukhumvit needs no introduction. But beyond the glitzy malls and polished wine bars, hidden in the sois are some legendary street food stalls that never cease to amaze, little leafy parks for family picnics, and countless biking tracks. And now with the slow-life movement looking like it’s here to stay, weekend farmer’s markets, barista cafes (Casa Lapin) and dog swimming facilities (The Barkyard) are fast becoming the norm, meaning there's something for everyone. So let the good times roll, because while Sukhumvit’s a great place to visit--all the best restaurants seem to be here--it’s an ever better place to live.
Why it's hot: Bangna-Srinakarin offers a new possibility for low-rise living with fast-track access to just about any other corner of Bangkok, whether it's via the surrounding three expressway routes, direct BTS line to Sukhumvit, the forthcoming extension of the Yellow MRT or the Airport Link. But why leave, when there are some of Asia’s best international schools, Rama IX park’s morning community, and numerous mega malls that cater to every whim? We’re also excited about the recent opening of Site, run by the chef who used to be at Ari’s most famous restaurant, Salt. It’s a sign Bangna is finally going to get its fair share of craft beers, barista coffee shops, Mediterranean restaurants and all the other little pleasures of city life. Another top pick is Amatissimo, famous for its croissants, cronuts and amazing coffee.
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