Anybody have any recommendations for which areas to live in Bangkok for a couple moving from The Islands to the Big City?

Need to be close to highway links for travel around the country & don't want to be right in the thick of it - so we would much appreciate your opinions on "quieter" neighbourhoods.

Also, any suggestions for good house rental agents or would we be better trying to find something privately?

Many thanks.

In my opinion, the Sois between Sukhumvit 23 & 55 are the best.

Dear Sir,

Did you prefer the location of the Cheangwattana, Bangkok, Thailand? Location are near to the Shopping centers and Highway.

Thank you and best regards,

Jackson Ng

Assume you have no kids. If you don't want to be 'in the thick of it' then forget sukhumvit which is overpriced and over-rated IMHO.

Check the area north of Victory Monument between Vipivadhi Rangsit and Rama 6 area (Paholyothin runs through the centre of this area). Best is between Paholyothin Soi 1 and 15 either side of Paholyothin.

You should be able to get a 2 bed house for around 20-25,000 per month. A 3-bed for around 25-40,000 depending on condition (how new and how modern, etc). Condos around the same price range.

This area is upper-middle class Thai (military-police-civil service thai-chinese establishment class to be precise). So it's relatively safe and cared for (but don;t expect luxury).

Has good freeway access and good shopping. Many think Paholyothin will be the next Sukhumvit but that will take awhile to happen. Downside is not as much choice of 'western' restaurants/bars in the area. But if you are near the skytrain, then Sukhumvit is only around 10-15 minutes away.

the further you go from the sukhumwit area the cheaper, quieter and less crowded it will be. Bangkok is surrounded by the inner and outer ring roads - connecting to motorways out of town.