Is Nonthaburi The Place For Me?

[Girlaboutglobe]

Hi guys!

After looking around inner Bangkok and not finding ANYTHING I really liked, I'm considering the 'burbs for my first Thai apartment .

I've been thinking about Nonthaburi because it's quite a ways out (peaceful, green, less expensive?) and I'm into the idea of the river as a means of getting in and out. But can anybody who's real familiar with the area tell me if they think I'll find what I'm looking for there, and if so where in Nonthaburi I should look? Internet resources for the area seem slim, and wouldn't be near as good as first hand info anyway. At any rate, here's what I'm looking for:

-Studio apartment, not more than 5000B/month. Air con, furnished, and at least a fridge; able to rig an internet connection.

-Won't be driving (might consider a bike), so near enough to basic amenities (laundry, produce market, mall, grocery store, K Bank, and access to inner Bangkok) to walk or score cheap transport.

-Fairly peaceful; not always being surrounded by concrete; some greenery (I'm from Canada and I just can't make peace with the idea of not taking advantage of enjoying year round green stuff!).

-Reasonable access to a few restaurants and at least one decent bar.

-The possibility of at least occasionally hanging out with people who speak English.

So what do you think? Pipe dream, or potential reality? If anybody's got the inside scoop I'd sure love to hear it!!!

Thanks for your help!

Girlaboutglobe

[nullx8]

im quite sure zou can find somethings out there ...

i did live about 1 Year in pakkred (about 50 meter from the major cineplex) .. very relaxing place..

also down near the peer ots nice to stay .. much more "local life" and transportation is great (well not so much AC-Busses . but who need that with a 5k limit for condo) ;-)

in Muang thng thani you can get a place in Public Condominuim (Near Impact arena) for almost half of your limit ...

by quite good infrastructure ..

[londonthai]

because bangkok is such a wast city with transport problems - look for an accommodation close to your workplace/school and close where your friends already are. Commuting hours each way is not a fun. Bear in mind that although river express is reasonable fast, cheap and reliable (exept the rainy season, when there can be some problems because of the high water level in the river and on the khlongs) it stops operating around 6pm.

Unless you are next to the pier you will still need to take to take some transport to the pier.

I would think that with 5k/month you can find an appartment anywhere in Bangkok, even in the town centre - but certainly, the further you go the better value you can get.

[Girlaboutglobe]

Thanks you two, sounds like it's definitely worth a bit of poking around. Do you know where to find any bars or restaurants, or where I might run into English speakers? Other than day trippers I haven't seen much in the way of non-locals, though I have found a very small handfull of Thais that speak pretty good English. Just think of how my Thai will improve!

[cdnvic]

im quite sure zou can find somethings out there ...

i did live about 1 Year in pakkred (about 50 meter from the major cineplex) .. very relaxing place..

also down near the peer ots nice to stay .. much more "local life" and transportation is great (well not so much AC-Busses . but who need that with a 5k limit for condo) ;-)

in Muang thng thani you can get a place in Public Condominuim (Near Impact arena) for almost half of your limit ...

by quite good infrastructure ..

Nice neighbourhood too. Good food, excellent transport, and quiet by Bangkok standards.

[wileycoyote]

Dear Girlaboutglobe.

Good news Nonthaburi,has good infrastructure and is quiet.

Be aware of flood risk,Nonthaburi is generally below sea level.

Sorry

Wiley Coyote

[gburns57au]

Theres a few english speakers in the buildings behind those big walls....they would be glad to see you too.....

Edited October 22, 2007 by gburns57au

[Girlaboutglobe]

Cool, I'm out here checkin' things out now, staying near the pier. Haven't been able to find a decent map of the area online or otherwise which is a slight complication, but so far it seems rather nice.

No shit about it being below sealevel, eh? I've heard of "riverfront property but this is ridiculous! Place seems to have a nice vibe though. Thanks for the info guys. I'll keep looking here for the next few days if anyone has anything further to contribute.

Cheeeers!