What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for both expats and travelers.

Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia

As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.

Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok–the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.

What’s So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?

Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.

Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons–the primary one being there are so many ‘fine print’ and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.

I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which ‘services’ are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s City Plan

The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.

The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.

The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok

Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:

• Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok
• Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live
• Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,
• Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok
• Silom, another business and red light district
• Ploenchit, business district
• Chit Lom, business district

The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok’s thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.

Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments

These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.

5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:

• Room Cleaning
• Water/Utilities
• Internet Usage
• 24 Hour Security
• Room Service/Errand Boy

4 Facilities That Should Be Included

• Restaurant
• Gym
• Pool
• Convenience Store

The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity

If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.

Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.

Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.

How much Should I Pay?

This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.

Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.

Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?

The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accommodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.

The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok

• Ascott Bangkok Sathorn

There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.

• Lebua

Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and ‘google’ the residence for reviews.

Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments

• Siri Sathorn Apartments

Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.

• Fraser Place Urbana Langusan

They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind

Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments

• Silom Convent Garden

Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn’t have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.

If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a “paradise” city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn’t get any better in the City of Angels!

Bangkok is no doubt one of the most interesting cities in the world. This huge metropolis is the gateway to Southeast Asia, and a complete assault on the senses. This is a place where you will feel truly alive, with traffic filled streets and busy street side vendors and markets, to a rich Buddhist culture with incredible temps and sights to see, along with great food and shopping. Bangkok is ever changing, and you could never get bored here. There is so much to do, but here are 10 of the best to get you started.

1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Although it is no longer the actual residence of the Thai Royal Family, the Grand Palace is still the most important place in Bangkok and in fact all of Thailand. Situated right in the heart of Old Bangkok, the palace is a grand example of Thai architecture and a must see in the city.

Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew – the most sacred temple in Thailand and a sight that absolutely should not be missed. The temple is home to the Emerald Buddha – the most sacred object in all of Thailand.

2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
This old Buddhist temple is located close to the Grand Palace and is another must see temple in Bangkok. The most iconic part of this temple is its huge 45 meter long reclining Buddha that is covered in gold leaf with mother-of-pearl inlaid in its feet. The temple complex also has a lot of other interesting buildings and royal chedis to explore. Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai Massage.

3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be seen from miles away. It stands out for its tall and beautifully decorated prangs (towers) that are covered in intricate porcelain details. You can climb to the top of the tower for a great view across Bangkok, and the temple is most beautiful around sunset.

4. Boat ride on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River winds its way right through the heart of Bangkok, and it is more than just a river – it is like a main highway, and also the best way to get around the city. Ferries and other boats run up and down the river all day and night, and it is a great way to see the city. Ferries are cheap, but you can also take boat rides and night time dinner cruises.

5. Floating markets
Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East" due to its network of canals. A lot of Bangkok's original canals have now disappeared, however the river and canal life still lives on in different parts of the city. One of the most popular attractions here are the floating markets, where sellers sell all kinds of things from their boats, right on the water! There are lots of different floating markets in Bangkok, most located on the outskirts of the city. You can take a boat tour of the canals and markets from central Bangkok.

6. Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you love shopping, you are going to LOVE Bangkok. It is a shopper's heaven. You can literally get anything that you can think of. One of the best places to shop is Bangkok's big weekend market – Chatuchack Market. It is possibly the largest open market in Thailand, and you can spend all day here getting lost among the isles and isles of stalls and still not see it all. You can get everything here from clothes, shoes, bags and household goods to fresh produce and souvenirs.

7. Wat Saket (Golden Mountain)
Another beautiful Buddhist temple, the highlight of Wat Saket is its manmade "mountain" that you can climb to the top of for amazing views of Bangkok. There is a huge golden chedi at the top, and the views can not be beat.

8. MBK Shopping Mall
If you prefer the shopping mall experience to the markets, MBK is the best place to go. It is a mall, but it also acts as a huge indoor market, with the comfort of air conditioning. This shopping center is right in the center of Bangkok, and it is HUGE.

9. Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is located along Yowarat Road and is one of the best you will find. Here, you'll find interesting markets and temples, and plenty of amazing food options.

10. Street Food
Bangkok is one of the greatest "food" cities in the world, and the best place to try authentic (and delicious) Thai food is right on the street. You'll see little street side vendors and restaurants set up all over the city, particularly at night. Do not be afraid to give it a go, especially if there are lots of locals eating there. Your tastebuds will love you for it.

These 10 things should keep you busy for your first visit to Bangkok, and should give you a great taste of this amazing city.

Bangkok is a big city with cheap hotels that cost around 1000 Baht and less. Khao San Road is one such notable place for affordable guesthouses and hostels with very cheap room rates. But the hotel industry in Bangkok has changed considerably today and a huge shift in affordable lodgings can now be found right in the hub of nightlife and shopping in central Bangkok.

Finding an affordable hotel in central Bangkok is the best way to visit most of the sights and attractions in Bangkok. Best of all there are many train stations next to most budget hotels in the center of the city. Bangkok’s vehicle traffic is the worst during most times of the day and the MRT subway trains and BTS Sky Trains can save tourists a lot of travel time. Khao San Road is one of the best valued areas for backpackers and budget travelers, however the location is quite far and nowhere near the trains.

Today one of the best areas in Bangkok with budget rates can be found in the Pratunam district. It’s a lively district with many wholesale clothing markets and restaurants compacted into a tight area. Pratunam Market is where most budget travelers come to find western sized clothing particularly brand name jeans and football jerseys of their favorite teams.

Pratunam has a lot of cheap hotels ranging between 500 Baht to 1000 Baht with decent room quality but not much in the way of service. However if you can afford to pay a little over 1000 Baht per night it is possible to find a newer hotel with free internet or perhaps breakfast. Hotels in Pratunam are near a few BTS Sky Train stations but most requires a 10 to 15 minute walk. Good news is that there are many popular shopping centers next to Pratunam that are at a walkable distance. Or if you are feeling adventurous then hop on a tuk tuk for a quick ride to your destination.

Another popular section of Bangkok with budget hotels is right along Sukhumvit road. It’s true that Sukhumvit is expensive when it comes to food and yes even hotels. However there are many budget hotels in Sukhumvit with room rates hovering in the lower 1000 Baht price range. And the quality of these bargain priced hotels is decent with clean rooms. Though there are many hotels in Sukhumvit in the mid 500 Baht range and lower you may want to check the room out before you shell out your hard-earned cash.

The Khao San Road area in Bangkok is still a great area as a base to explore the city. But tourists today have a greater variety of budget hotels to choose especially in Pratunam and Sukhumvit. Both offer travelers a cheap hotel with clean rooms and near public transportation to make their holiday in Bangkok stress free and enjoyable.

So if you’re looking for a great holiday vacation in Bangkok but don’t want to overspend on hotels check out Pratunam and Sukhumvit. Both areas are right in the heart of central Bangkok close to transportation, shopping and nightlife with budget hotels around 1000 Baht.

For the many expat families that are choosing to move away from their home country's and set up a new life in Thailand, there are many details that should be taken into consideration; in recent years Thailand has been recorded as one of the most popular destinations for tourism in the world and Bangkok is the number 1 most visited city in the world, so there certainly is a lot to the vibrant city. When deciding upon where would be the most suitable place to relocate in Bangkok, the main things to take into consideration are transport and logistics. Especially for those who are moving with their children in tow. Schooling for example will play an instrumental role in the decision for where the family will choose as the ideal location for a happy and prosperous future for both the adults and the children. Then there are many other important factors that come in to play; like safety, types of transport, food, neighbors and other logistical factors that will really make the difference to how well the family settles into their new lives. It can be especially difficult in Thailand because of the cultural differences, not to the mention the language barrier, with the Thai language being made up of characters and symbols instead of the familiar (to the west) A, B, C alphabet. However, in most Bangkok provinces and neighborhoods, you will be pleasantly surprised by the good level of English that many Thai people can speak – actually when in Bangkok, you will almost always be offered the help of a local person who can speak English that will support you with your requests, & translating when necessary.

In Thailand, which is primarily a buddhist country with a very warm & welcoming population, recent years have seen an increase in the number of families who are making the leap over to the warmer climate. Bangkok, which is locally named 'Krung Thep Maha Nakhon' especially has experienced growing numbers of international students, with of course also bringing coinciding numbers of concerned parents on the search for the perfect schooling location for their loved ones. So, if you are part of one of these expatri families, you will be very happy to learn that Bangkok & in fact Thailand, has been preparing for this influx of international students for many years now. Actually families are being spoiled for choice with some fantastic school facilities and the highest level of teaching standards being met. Within there now being many locations for high level education. Even the early learning centers have enjoyed much development to now being out-classing and outperforming many of the learning facilities found in the relevant student's hometowns. Another very important area of ​​the many that has been having lots of good work in preparation for the increasing number of habitants and visitors is the cities transport facilities – Bangkok already has for quite some time had the very efficient overhead train (locally called / known as the 'Sky Train or BTS') as well as the efficient underground train (locally called / known as the 'MRT Train') which are both great and cost effective for getting around the city, though they do not reach all areas and so still Many Bangkokians were not able to enjoy their benefits. Recent years have seen many new stations added to both the Sky Train and the MRT Train lines and also there is a new train which is the 'Airport Link' which again is extremely efficient and cost effective and has other uses other than just being for people coming from and going to the airport. Then other modes for transportation in Bangkok are the many buses, the original overland train and of course the abundance of taxi cars and motorbikes – So now, all schools and universities are very accessible and safe for your children to attend – they will both also have their own school buses that will pick up and drop off your children in an area close to your home.

There is a great variety of different schools to choose between; some sticking to the British Curriculum , others opting for an American style of teaching and then there are other locations that apply a mix of different methods that they have found works wonders for their students and teachers combined. Something to bear in mind though when planning the relocation to Thailand is the big fees that come with placing your little ones in these state of the art facilities for education. Many of the schools in Bangkok for example require a sum that will easily match private learning centers found in the west. However, if it can be afforded these schools are definitely worth it and your children will be thanking you for this opportunity for many years to come (hopefully).

There are times when people are always surprised with how large Bangkok is. Bangkok in Thailand is known as Krung Thep which can be translated to “City of Angels”. There are some people who try to visit everything for a short while but the truth is you would need more than two days to explore everything that you would like to check out. It seems that a lot of people do not realize just how many things people can do in this magnificent city. They also have a choice depending on what they would like to experience during their stay there.

If one of your problems why you do not want to stay long is because you are on a budget, you may want to check out Khao San Road. Khao San Road is the place that has been developed over the years to accommodate people who do not want to spend too much on hotels and accommodations. There are various three star hotels that are in the area as well as other hostels. It will not be hard to search for food as well because there are a lot of food stalls and restaurants in the area.

If you are into shopping malls, you can find several large shopping malls in Bangkok. A couple of these malls are more popular than the other malls. If you would like to search for designer items, you would probably want to visit Siam Paragon. Siam Paragon is more directed to the upper class market although there are times when people just go there because it is well-known. For people who would like to find more deals and items that are within their budget, Central World is more directed towards the middle class market. If you would like to get items dirt cheap, you may want to stay in Bangkok till the weekend. This will allow you to check out Chatuchak weekend market wherein you will be able to see different merchandise. There are times though when the place can get too crowded so it would be wise to make sure that you keep your valuables in safe places.

If you are more into visiting different historical places that cannot be found anywhere else. It might be a great idea to check out the different temples there. There are actually a lot of temples that will allow people to see Buddha’s and be immersed in the culture of the Thai landers. The thing is, people should not forget about the customs and traditions of the people in Thailand. Wat Pho is actually well-known for its reclining Buddha but other than that, they also offer massages. You can usually bask in the beauty of the well-maintained gardens and landscapes.

The floating market is probably another thing that you will not find anywhere else. Using a boat, you can just check out the items that are being sold by the local vendors. There are instances though when people find the place too noisy for their liking and that is the reason why they steer away from visiting the place.

If you are looking for a property investment in a stable and low-risk real estate market, Bangkok would be the right destination. The reason is probably the rich culture of Thai people who are not the primary residence owners. This is why they don’t like the mad rush for selling properties as soon as possible. They sit on their property and wait for a long until they get a healthy amount of money for their properties.

However, keeping pace with the time, the importance of Bangkok city in Asia has increased notably. Now it has emerged as the most important city for the property investment in South East Asia (SEA). Increasing demand, developing marketing, beautiful geographical location, and vibrant atmosphere has made city toppers’ choice.

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, offers a wide variety of commercial and individual housing opportunities. There are condos, apartments, business modules, individual houses, and vacant land in the Thai capital- Bangkok. Therefore, you can choose the right option easily.

If you are a foreigner looking for a property investment in Bangkok, you can concentrate more on rental condos until you get settled here permanently. This will be safer and easier for you. As the statistics have come from various reliable sources- a vast majority of the foreigners who come to Bangkok for job relocation love to stay in a safe shelter. As their first time shelter in Bangkok, they like to choose rental condos. The number of the foreign teachers is more than the others.

Needless to say, many foreign teachers teaching in various international schools in Bangkok for several years are interested in buying Bangkok condos. Therefore, their paramount interest is to buy homes at some luxury condominiums located in bustling Sukhumvit and Silom district. The reason is probably the proximity of the place with the renowned international schools in Bangkok.

The chilled environment of these two districts wins their hearts in such a way that they start concentrating on Bangkok condos for sale Sukhumvit or Silom district. A significant number of them love to buy Bangkok condos in Sukhumvit district. Residential condominiums here offer dozens of modern accommodation options with many modern amenities and other healthy living options like swimming pools, water bodies, green lands, gardens, restaurants, car parking, gyms, and 24-hour security services.

Life @ Sukhumvit 65 is the most reputable Condominium inhabited by the foreigners. Although it opened its gate only four years, most of the condos were sold immediately. The main reason is the very good location, well construction, and very good design. The nearness of the BTS station at Ekamai has made the life more comfortable for the residents of Sukhumvit Condominiums.

Bangkok is known for its many temples, streets full of delicious food stalls, as well as a vibrant and rich culture. The “City of Angels” has a lot to offer to visitors and residents alike. But did you know that Bangkok has long been considered an important silver jewelry destination?

Silver jewelry in Bangkok is generally well-known for its authentic design and quality craftsmanship. There are many areas, stores and shopping centers dedicated to selling everything from simple souvenirs to high-end, luxury jewelry. But where to buy? That depends on several factors. First, are you looking into buying silver jewelry as souvenirs or are you looking to buy wholesale? Then, a set budget is of utmost importance. Finally, find the shopping areas that correspond to your specific needs.

If you are already in Bangkok and either didn’t initially plan to buy any jewelry or simply didn’t have time to research, don’t worry! We will let you know what are the best places to go and how to get there.

The area encompassing Silom Road south of Lumphini Park, stretching all the way to Bang Rak -where the famous Oriental Hotel is located- and culminating in the Chinatown -locally known as Yaowarat- is the place to shop not only for silver jewelry, but for gems, artifacts and ethnic jewelry. This area is sprinkled with silver jewelry wholesalers, gold leaf factories and stone-cutting workshops. You can get here by Hua Lampong MRT Station or Surasak BTS Station depending where you want to go.

Most department stores have ample space dedicated to jewelry shops. These stores are aimed at the consumer who would like to buy one or two pieces, and their prices are generally higher since you have to pay the retail price. Some examples of are the Mahboonkrong Mall (MBK) located next to the National Stadium BTS Station and the Central Department Stores with many branches all over Bangkok, where prices are generally higher but expect to see more modern jewelry as opposed to the exotic or intricate designs typically found in Chinatown.

The Palladium World Shopping Mall, formerly the Pratunam Center, is a huge shopping mall with relatively wide alleys with its lower levels dedicated to silver and jewelry wholesalers. Located in the Pratunam area, the Palladium mall is a short walk or motorcycle taxi ride north of Chit Lom BTS Station. Electronics mall Panthip Plaza and the discount clothing mecca Pratunam Market are located close by, worth visiting if you have the time.

Further away from the center of the city at the northern terminal of the BTS Sky train System, Mochit Station, one can find the Chatuchak market. The world’s largest weekend market, Chatuchak offers not only silver jewelry but a wide variety of products such as wood carvings, collectibles and Thai handicrafts. The stalls here are mainly geared towards tourists, so if you think the asking price for an item is a little too high, try to negotiate down the price or ask for a discount if you buy in bulk.

We have covered some of the most popular places to shop for silver jewelry in Bangkok. Ranging from bargain prices all the way to the most expensive for luxury pieces, the many silver jewelry stores you will find have ever sort of beautiful and interesting fashion items. If you know where to look, there is a specific store in Bangkok that will have the kind of silver jewelry you need.