Any comments on Happyland area of Ladprao?

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Near The Mall....any opinions? When will MRT/BTS be out there? How would that compare to Udom Suk?

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I live close by. Happyland is a dump. Wife works for Siemens and tells me BTS will at least take 5 years there. Probably more.

AP Thai just finished building Aspire close to The Mall Bangkapi and they are advertising BTS in their brochure which I find ridiculous. In any case Aspire might be a good investment once BTS gets going as the condo is right in the middle of The Mall and Vejthani International Hospital. Personally, I was mulling buying this condo myself, but I just have no patience for a shoddy Thai construction. I'll stick with Canada.

Edited June 10, 2016 by theguyfromanotherforum

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Which eastern extension will happen first...the one heading east off Ladprao MRT, or the one heading east off Sutisan? It looks like they will kind of converge near The Mall. Is Happyland an actual Tambon, or just a term given to that area? Do you think Ramkamhaeng area to the South would be better?

I know there are a lot more fashionable areas to be; but I have budget restrictions, and I love to find areas do for a turnaround. Often the areas that have changed with a lot of development, are no longer the fun they once were. Most of Sukhumvit comes to mind.

[lopburi3]

Flooding was always a serious issue in Ramkamhaeng area when I used that route as an alternate from Chok Chai 4 area decades ago - but perhaps better now. That klong behind The Mall always flooded huge areas. Latphao Road is a traffic nightmare due to no option for underpass due subway at Ratchada.

[farang000999]

Right now Bangkok seems to be growing at an amazing pace and moving the bts out there will definitely improve the prices I am sure however... Given the rate of car ownership is there going to be a backlash towards expansion of public transport and the slowdowns associated with that? The gov seriously needs to start expanding road lanes asap or they need a Singaporean system to limit vehicles on the roads.

The area is kind of ugly and the prices in restaurants is pretty similar already to the other non prime areas of Bangkok imho.

I don't know how cheap the real estate is but I think you'll probably need to be more creative to find a steal. This area is pretty well known and established economic zone.

[smokie36]

Great place for a haircut!

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Great place for a haircut!

That's a plus. I'm leery of any place where you gotta pay an arm and a leg for a haircut. I can get a haircut in Chiang Mai plus a case of Heineken for what one costs in DC. I noticed several years ago, around Sukhumvit, they had really jacked up haircut prices..ended up getting one near On Nut for 80 THB...I know a gal charging 300 around Sathorn...and just like the rip-off priced bars; the difference mostly goes to the landlords.I recall a local Thai man busting my chops for paying 50 in Hang Dong in 2007...he firmly stated 30 was all he paid.

[smokie36]

Great place for a haircut!

That's a plus. I'm leery of any place where you gotta pay an arm and a leg for a haircut. I can get a haircut in Chiang Mai plus a case of Heineken for what one costs in DC. I noticed several years ago, around Sukhumvit, they had really jacked up haircut prices..ended up getting one near On Nut for 80 THB...I know a gal charging 300 around Sathorn...and just like the rip-off priced bars; the difference mostly goes to the landlords.I recall a local Thai man busting my chops for paying 50 in Hang Dong in 2007...he firmly stated 30 was all he paid.

Literally 20 places all in a row.

Proper capitalism at work!

[Sparkles]

I lived in Mooban Sinthorn ,part of Happyland,for nearly 7 years. I also initially lived in Happyland Mansion a hotel.

I chose that area as it was close to my work at THE MALL BANGKAPI.

It was pretty run down but of course when you first come to Bangkok its all new and a liitle exciting the food choices ,markets etc.

Unless you need to live there I think they would be far better choices, getting anywhere is prety much a nightmare with only buses and Klong boats as

a choice of transport,traffic is horrendous,

[KhonKaenKowboy]

From what I read, the Orange extension is under way, which would get pretty close tot he Mall, if someone knew exactly where, that would be nice. It does look like a sure thing. The Yellow may be off the ground, but it could be10 years away (while maybe only 3-5 for Orange. And in both cases, the phases running from central to Bang Kapi have a higher priority...But for now, it is about 10 Km from H'land to LP MRT, and that would be a long bus ride in traffic...like 45 minutes+, but there are the boats in rush hour, and likely 24 hour buses on LP. I checked out a place near Rma V Bridge in Nonthaburi a few weeks ago. That is a long boat ride, but the new MRT is 2 KM from the place....I just didn't like the vibe that much...kind of bland by Thai standards..seemed like most people were doing there best to get across that area as quickly as possible.

[bkkrooftop]

lot of negative comments here.. if u like to hang out with the locals and can speak some thai, lots of places to hang out and its faar from the tourist crap.

It is a nightmare getting into town and the best way is by expressboat by mall bangkapi. avoid the expressboat at rush hours if u can..

With the new rail lines being put in, and new traffic congestion.. this area will be a nightmare for a bit getting in and out of town,, im thinking..

u can find out more here

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/happyland-bangkok/

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/nooms-happyland-bang-kapi/

If u are looking for western people or western attitude , u wont find it here.. I love happyland..im a thinking the negative comments are from people that dont hang out at the local music and local spots..experience it urself,

[mikiea]

apprentice training to become a journeyman crafts trades person is fully never appreciated by westerners , not until they get a look at the dodgy and shoddy work product being sold as first world quality . downright shameful . but that is just my thinking being a journeyman card holder trained in 3 disciplines . what i find strange is ,....there is no rush to compete or improve a product or service . no one seems to care , it is the old samo samo every day . the work ethic in Thailand is on life support ....huh ..? did i just write what i was thinking ? lordy lordy ............

[Bender]

I live close by. Happyland is a dump. Wife works for Siemens and tells me BTS will at least take 5 years there. Probably more.

AP Thai just finished building Aspire close to The Mall Bangkapi and they are advertising BTS in their brochure which I find ridiculous. In any case Aspire might be a good investment once BTS gets going as the condo is right in the middle of The Mall and Vejthani International Hospital. Personally, I was mulling buying this condo myself, but I just have no patience for a shoddy Thai construction. I'll stick with Canada.

Aspire is on ladprao 113 right? A friend told me, they have a real hard time to sell condo there since its opening. I dont know if its true. From what i understand, its completely deserted, nobody did move inside.

@OP, i would avoid happyland. and if you like bangkapi, you should stay on ramkhamheang road or ladprao road.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I live close by. Happyland is a dump. Wife works for Siemens and tells me BTS will at least take 5 years there. Probably more.

AP Thai just finished building Aspire close to The Mall Bangkapi and they are advertising BTS in their brochure which I find ridiculous. In any case Aspire might be a good investment once BTS gets going as the condo is right in the middle of The Mall and Vejthani International Hospital. Personally, I was mulling buying this condo myself, but I just have no patience for a shoddy Thai construction. I'll stick with Canada.

Aspire is on ladprao 113 right? A friend told me, they have a real hard time to sell condo there since its opening. I dont know if its true. From what i understand, its completely deserted, nobody did move inside.

@OP, i would avoid happyland. and if you like bangkapi, you should stay on ramkhamheang road or ladprao road.

Yep, that's the one. I am surprised because the townhouses next door that they also built and go from 7-15 million seem to be sold out.

But yes, it did look deserted. Maybe because the facilities are not up to par.

[farang000999]

Aspire looks almost ridiculous compared to its surroundings. <deleted> is this doing here? But I an sure it'd make a good pick up line.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

lot of negative comments here.. if u like to hang out with the locals and can speak some thai, lots of places to hang out and its faar from the tourist crap.

It is a nightmare getting into town and the best way is by expressboat by mall bangkapi. avoid the expressboat at rush hours if u can..

With the new rail lines being put in, and new traffic congestion.. this area will be a nightmare for a bit getting in and out of town,, im thinking..

u can find out more here

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/happyland-bangkok/

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/nooms-happyland-bang-kapi/

If u are looking for western people or western attitude , u wont find it here.. I love happyland..im a thinking the negative comments are from people that dont hang out at the local music and local spots..experience it urself,

So I visited Happyland, this afternoon. Really Thai, mostly friendly bunch. Too much good food to count. If you lived there and had to commute using multiple modes of transport it would kind of suck....but otherwise, I think "Happyland" is a good name for it. Tons of good looking ladies, most of them actually have jobs. Virtually no Chinese tourist compared to even Chiang Mai, and all those Malls along Sukumvit. It was just really authentic and very pleasant. I took the bus from LP MRT for 6.5 THB and was on time. The real estate agent showed up in a Mercedes an hour late (he did call several times). Unfortunately, the project I was looking at is just a little bit toxic, financially, but good bones and great views. I did see the signs for "Aspire" and it appeared to indicate 100K, PSM, which I agree is kind of out of place for that area. I got back to my hotel , and went to the night market by MRT and it was 50-70 for Pad Thai, which isn't really a crime, but it suddenly seemed like a big circus set up to help Asian tourists part with their cash, and also shed light on a lot of the markets and things in CHiang Mai that have been ruined for my purposes, by the way they are catering to the Chinese. But, I will give Bang Kapi an A-, and I think if you're ready to go beyond Sukhumvit, and have a less than large budget, and actually like traditional Thai stuff....this would be a good choice. Way, way more appealing than Nonthaburi, but the building I looked at there, was in way better shape, for the same money. More crowded than New York City, and people are 10 times friendlier.

More proof, that you always should get a variety of opinions...different strokes, etc..between the folks that will never leave Sukhumvit, and the ones who rate their whole experience on the availability of "Sunday Roasts," you gotta do some footwork. I'm looking forward to more contributions with a "Life After Sukhumvit" theme because it just seems to have lost a ton of its character and fun stuff over the last 10 years, and especially the last five or six. Thanks to everyone, who contributed.

Edited June 13, 2016 by KhonKaenKowboy

[tonray]

lot of negative comments here.. if u like to hang out with the locals and can speak some thai, lots of places to hang out and its faar from the tourist crap.

It is a nightmare getting into town and the best way is by expressboat by mall bangkapi. avoid the expressboat at rush hours if u can..

With the new rail lines being put in, and new traffic congestion.. this area will be a nightmare for a bit getting in and out of town,, im thinking..

u can find out more here

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/happyland-bangkok/

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/nooms-happyland-bang-kapi/

If u are looking for western people or western attitude , u wont find it here.. I love happyland..im a thinking the negative comments are from people that dont hang out at the local music and local spots..experience it urself,

So I visited Happyland, this afternoon. Really Thai, mostly friendly bunch. Too much good food to count. If you lived there and had to commute using multiple modes of transport it would kind of suck....but otherwise, I think "Happyland" is a good name for it. Tons of good looking ladies, most of them actually have jobs. Virtually no Chinese tourist compared to even Chiang Mai, and all those Malls along Sukumvit. It was just really authentic and very pleasant. I took the bus from LP MRT for 6.5 THB and was on time. The real estate agent showed up in a Mercedes an hour late (he did call several times). Unfortunately, the project I was looking at is just a little bit toxic, financially, but good bones and great views. I did see the signs for "Aspire" and it appeared to indicate 100K, PSM, which I agree is kind of out of place for that area. I got back to my hotel , and went to the night market by MRT and it was 50-70 for Pad Thai, which isn't really a crime, but it suddenly seemed like a big circus set up to help Asian tourists part with their cash, and also shed light on a lot of the markets and things in CHiang Mai that have been ruined for my purposes, by the way they are catering to the Chinese. But, I will give Bang Kapi an A-, and I think if you're ready to go beyond Sukhumvit, and have a less than large budget, and actually like traditional Thai stuff....this would be a good choice. Way, way more appealing than Nonthaburi, but the building I looked at there, was in way better shape, for the same money. More crowded than New York City, and people are 10 times friendlier.

More proof, that you always should get a variety of opinions...different strokes, etc..between the folks that will never leave Sukhumvit, and the ones who rate their whole experience on the availability of "Sunday Roasts," you gotta do some footwork. I'm looking forward to more contributions with a "Life After Sukhumvit" theme because it just seems to have lost a ton of its character and fun stuff over the last 10 years, and especially the last five or six. Thanks to everyone, who contributed.

Happy Land has one of the best food scenes in BKK. The Happy Land Food Center connected to the old mall across the street from the Mall Bang Kapi is off the hook. And the street between the food center mall and the second old mall is great also. Upstairs in that mall is also a great computer/IT section where you can get anything repaired for small cash. Another transport option is the San Seeb canal which has a pier right to the back of the Mall Bang Kapi. From there you can get a boat to Ramkamhaeng Station or anywhere downtown, usually get off at ASOK pier and grab the Petchaburi MRT link up from there.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

I didn't see one rat, either.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I have seen plenty of rats at the Mall Bangkapi outside in the sitting area where kids hang out. There were also some rats in my wife's townhouse until she sealed the kitchen wall.

It's a great area and I go almost every day to the Mall to buy food or eat, but it's a mess and in disarray. Poorly maintained. I really wouldn't buy a condo here, they are extremely overpriced and now that there is a talk of BTS, tennants at Happy Land may get it in their heads that their units are worth 50% more. I was looking at some units at Baan Sathorn Chaopraya (not the older Baan Chaopraya) and some units can be had for around 60,000 baht per square meter. Sure, they are not studios or 30sqm one bedrooms, so they cost more, but value and location wise it beats any poorly constructed shack around Bangkapi and Ramkhamheang.

Just look at Fuse Mobius which was built 2-3 years ago near Ramkhamheang Airport Link. Looks like a ghetto already.

[tonray]

I have seen plenty of rats at the Mall Bangkapi outside in the sitting area where kids hang out. There were also some rats in my wife's townhouse until she sealed the kitchen wall.

It's a great area and I go almost every day to the Mall to buy food or eat, but it's a mess and in disarray. Poorly maintained. I really wouldn't buy a condo here, they are extremely overpriced and now that there is a talk of BTS, tennants at Happy Land may get it in their heads that their units are worth 50% more. I was looking at some units at Baan Sathorn Chaopraya (not the older Baan Chaopraya) and some units can be had for around 60,000 baht per square meter. Sure, they are not studios or 30sqm one bedrooms, so they cost more, but value and location wise it beats any poorly constructed shack around Bangkapi and Ramkhamheang.

Just look at Fuse Mobius which was built 2-3 years ago near Ramkhamheang Airport Link. Looks like a ghetto already.

There are rats and roaches EVERYWHERE in Bangkok. If you think just because a condo has a high sales price that rats will avoid the soi that is likely not the case. Many condos are built next to shacks (just look at the new Wizdom building across from the Mall Thaphra ....a stinking tin roofed shack with dogs rats and smells is right next door as construction and sales takes place.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I have seen plenty of rats at the Mall Bangkapi outside in the sitting area where kids hang out. There were also some rats in my wife's townhouse until she sealed the kitchen wall.

It's a great area and I go almost every day to the Mall to buy food or eat, but it's a mess and in disarray. Poorly maintained. I really wouldn't buy a condo here, they are extremely overpriced and now that there is a talk of BTS, tennants at Happy Land may get it in their heads that their units are worth 50% more. I was looking at some units at Baan Sathorn Chaopraya (not the older Baan Chaopraya) and some units can be had for around 60,000 baht per square meter. Sure, they are not studios or 30sqm one bedrooms, so they cost more, but value and location wise it beats any poorly constructed shack around Bangkapi and Ramkhamheang.

Just look at Fuse Mobius which was built 2-3 years ago near Ramkhamheang Airport Link. Looks like a ghetto already.

There are rats and roaches EVERYWHERE in Bangkok. If you think just because a condo has a high sales price that rats will avoid the soi that is likely not the case. Many condos are built next to shacks (just look at the new Wizdom building across from the Mall Thaphra ....a stinking tin roofed shack with dogs rats and smells is right next door as construction and sales takes place.

Can't argue with any of that, really.

[farang000999]

drive around with gps there are lots of places in minburi etc as alternatives to happy land. Unless you want to live in a bus station like atmosphere.

[tonray]

drive around with gps there are lots of places in minburi etc as alternatives to happy land. Unless you want to live in a bus station like atmosphere.

Minburi is nice but.......only way in or out is taxi or bus. (ok some vans from Victory Monument) but you are really on the fringes of the city then. ok if you want that but a little out of th way for most. you might as well get out of BKK altogether to a nicer province.

[Bench499d]

I live in that area near the Mall and it is ok facilties-wise but the transport situation is a nightmare and will get worse (rail construction) before it gets better.

Agree that Aspire Lat Phrao is a bit over priced for the area but there are alternatives nearby.

Happyland definitely has rats!

[theguyfromanotherforum]

Oh, surprise.... I just saw the sign for Aspire today and they raised the price from 1.69mil to 1.75mil.

[lopburi3]

If something does not sell that appears to be the normal practice to recover you holding costs. Obviously that incrase will be seen as a positive increase in value. Amazing.

[lopburi3]

Today's news posting might not be the greatest endorsement for that area.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/924995-australian-arrested-in-bangkok-for-grooming-children-on-the-internet/#entry10857314

[bkkrooftop]

lot of negative comments here.. if u like to hang out with the locals and can speak some thai, lots of places to hang out and its faar from the tourist crap.

It is a nightmare getting into town and the best way is by expressboat by mall bangkapi. avoid the expressboat at rush hours if u can..

With the new rail lines being put in, and new traffic congestion.. this area will be a nightmare for a bit getting in and out of town,, im thinking..

u can find out more here

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/happyland-bangkok/

http://www.nightmarketbangkok.com/nooms-happyland-bang-kapi/

If u are looking for western people or western attitude , u wont find it here.. I love happyland..im a thinking the negative comments are from people that dont hang out at the local music and local spots..experience it urself,

So I visited Happyland, this afternoon. Really Thai, mostly friendly bunch. Too much good food to count. If you lived there and had to commute using multiple modes of transport it would kind of suck....but otherwise, I think "Happyland" is a good name for it. Tons of good looking ladies, most of them actually have jobs. Virtually no Chinese tourist compared to even Chiang Mai, and all those Malls along Sukumvit. It was just really authentic and very pleasant. I took the bus from LP MRT for 6.5 THB and was on time. The real estate agent showed up in a Mercedes an hour late (he did call several times). Unfortunately, the project I was looking at is just a little bit toxic, financially, but good bones and great views. I did see the signs for "Aspire" and it appeared to indicate 100K, PSM, which I agree is kind of out of place for that area. I got back to my hotel , and went to the night market by MRT and it was 50-70 for Pad Thai, which isn't really a crime, but it suddenly seemed like a big circus set up to help Asian tourists part with their cash, and also shed light on a lot of the markets and things in CHiang Mai that have been ruined for my purposes, by the way they are catering to the Chinese. But, I will give Bang Kapi an A-, and I think if you're ready to go beyond Sukhumvit, and have a less than large budget, and actually like traditional Thai stuff....this would be a good choice. Way, way more appealing than Nonthaburi, but the building I looked at there, was in way better shape, for the same money. More crowded than New York City, and people are 10 times friendlier.

More proof, that you always should get a variety of opinions...different strokes, etc..between the folks that will never leave Sukhumvit, and the ones who rate their whole experience on the availability of "Sunday Roasts," you gotta do some footwork. I'm looking forward to more contributions with a "Life After Sukhumvit" theme because it just seems to have lost a ton of its character and fun stuff over the last 10 years, and especially the last five or six. Thanks to everyone, who contributed.

Happy Land has one of the best food scenes in BKK. The Happy Land Food Center connected to the old mall across the street from the Mall Bang Kapi is off the hook. And the street between the food center mall and the second old mall is great also. Upstairs in that mall is also a great computer/IT section where you can get anything repaired for small cash. Another transport option is the San Seeb canal which has a pier right to the back of the Mall Bang Kapi. From there you can get a boat to Ramkamhaeng Station or anywhere downtown, usually get off at ASOK pier and grab the Petchaburi MRT link up from there.

yea, i agree. its a hidden gem of small places to hang out.. theres a couple of hidden restaurants over in tawanna area that are fun too.. great people.

the IT area, is great and also u can get some great deals on the most random things.. i am a big fan of the markets and i think some people get their clothes, etc.. from these places and take them into town to sell to people that like to pay 6 x the price. Boat system is great , but can get little congested.. awesome if u dont have to deal with commuting to work, but commuting for leisure.

[bkkrooftop]

I live in that area near the Mall and it is ok facilties-wise but the transport situation is a nightmare and will get worse (rail construction) before it gets better.

Agree that Aspire Lat Phrao is a bit over priced for the area but there are alternatives nearby.

Happyland definitely has rats!

Love Happyland but yea.. Ive lived all over bkk in the last 4 yrs or so.. One of my favorite spots but yea.. probably seen more rats in Happyland than most.. its bc they leave the trash out at night for a bit.. At least they did about a year or 2 ago.. U gotta watch were u step at night

[KhonKaenKowboy]

When I stated the Aspire was priced at 100K psm, that must have simply been some kind of promo/discount...if they are selling for 1.75..the bus was going too fast. As far as the rats....yeah, I'm sure there are some, but overall, I would give BKK credit for improving the trash/rat situation over the last 10 years...apparently it hit critical mass years ago, and they had to do something. It has been getting progressively worse in Chiang Mai, and I think it may have to get a little bit worse before they decide to take action....and agreed, the pedo in H'land is bad PR...for the area, foreign men, specifically Australians, and the people who work with kids, and even BKK and Thailand in general...been about 1 per month lately.