I'm moving to Bangkok in June and plan to stay in a serviced apartment for the first month while I get my bearings and work out where I'd like to live longer-term. I want somewhere that's fairly lively and near all amenities such as shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. I don't want to be out in the sticks or anywhere to quiet. But I don't want to be near the equivalent of Picadilly Circus. Silom has been suggested to me as a good place to start. What do you think?

When I say best I mean best in terms of a balance between a nice aparment and a not too expensive rent. I would like a nice place but I'm I want to pay as little as possible, as I would prefer to have more spending money. But on the other hand I don't want a dive. Ideally I'd like a high floor apartment with a view of the city. It has to be modern with all amenities, such as wi-fi, aircon, washing machine, etc.

Any suggestions on where would be good for my initial month and for a longer-term stay (at least a year).

I came across this --> http://www.presidentpark.com/. For thw whole of June the price is 60,000 THB. Is this a reasonable amount to pay? I've no idea what the going rate is and am hoping some locals will know of some better deals. I can afford that for first month but would prefer to pay much less for a long-term place.

All help appreciated.

I would check out the prices at Centrepoint Wireless. Mid point of 3 main shopping & nightlife areas.

President Park is not a prime location. But due to that you get a very nice accomodation for less.

Centrepoint Wireless is nice enough, Ive stayed there a few times but recently got fed up with the long wait every time I want to check out, and the fact the charge a deposit for longer-termers; not a problem but in combination I just started getting a bit bugged. Clean, decent sized rooms with balcony and they leave you in peace. I met one guy there who had been staying for 2 years.

Definitely not in Piccadilly Circus and staying there you will need a cab to most places, though you can easily walk to the nearby All Seasons Place which has a supermarket, restaurants and various shops you might need from banks to phone and books, mildly high-end. Also the Conrad Hotel is nearby if you want a bit of upscale service, and a nice bar with mixed Thai-Farang called Witches just behind All Seasons. I did walk from Nana/Sukhumvit to there once, but I was rather inebriated and didnt mind! A 40 baht hop in a tuk tuk covers that.

I just noticed a place called Phachara Suites has opened on Suk Soi 6, serviced apartment style - anyone have any experience of this yet? Looks ok, and the first totally non-smoking place I've seen so far.

I had a friend who stayed there and you can definitely get President Park cheaper than that. What type of room was it?

Go in and see them and wave some cash about.

RAZZ

I've come across this place - http://www.admiralpremier.com/ - anyone stayed there? Looks great. May stay here for first week and then take a look around.

My wife and I are moving back to London in July and so our condo is for rent. It actually fits the bill perfectly and has great city views. PM me for further details