Survival Guide for Expats: How to Find Child-friendly Serviced Apartments in Bangkok

A Guide for Expat: How to Rent an Apartment in Bangkok 1

Bangkok has become one of the most popular destinations among expats in Asia. This cosmopolitan and thriving hub is drawing in professionals from around the world due to its rich culture and low cost of living. To help new arrivals find their feet, we have put together this ‘survival guide’ to help families in particular find family-friendly serviced apartments in Bangkok.

However, finding an apartment in Bangkok as your new ‘home away from home’ can be challenging if you don’t know what to consider in your search. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what needs to be considered (price, location, facilities, services, etc.), it’s good to know whether your needs lean towards renting a regular apartment or serviced one, this will help narrow down your hunt considerably.

The Simplicity of Serviced Apartment Living

Generally, kid-friendly serviced apartments for rent in Bangkok provide additional services that regular apartments do not. You can expect a maid service to come in and service your apartment regularly. Fresh towels and linens will be supplied weekly, and the kitchen will be well-equipped with utensils, dishes, and cookware.

Our short-term serviced apartments for rent in Bangkok are designed for expats or travelers who plan to be in one spot for an extended period (i.e. a few months), but not long enough to take out a standard lease (typically 12 months). You will pay extra for the added services and short-term lease, but it will be well worth it as you will not have to invest in any household items, like appliances and bedding.

The other great thing about serviced apartments is that they are located in many prime areas around the city. Most expats tend to live within Central Bangkok or in areas that are close to the skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT). The most popular areas for expats to reside are Sukhumvit and Silom – Sathorn.

Facilities & Neighborhood

Besides the great location, what you will need to consider before renting an apartment are its facilities and neighborhood. For instance, if you are in a town with your partner and/or kids, you will have to look for a bigger room, such as a 2- or 3-bedroom, child-friendly serviced apartment in Bangkok. You will also have to take schooling and after-school and weekend activities into account. If you don’t plan to buy or rent a car, being close to public transportation and connected highways will be important.

Here is a quick checklist to help you make your decision easier:

  • Outdoor Garden

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    As you will be living in an apartment, it is always good to have adequate outdoor areas in which to get fresh air and exercise; this is especially true for children. Make sure you choose a building with enough outdoor space for all residents to enjoy privacy for relaxation. A lush tropical garden is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city living and enjoy some tranquility.

  • Swimming Pools

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    Give yourself a break from urban life by spending your free time at the pool. Enjoy the refreshing water and golden sunlight with your family or friends. If you are relocating with kids, make sure that the apartment has a swimming pool, as well as a separate kid’s swimming pool, so your entire family can have an amazing time in the pool together.

  • CHILD-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

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    As mentioned above, if you are moving with kids, it is essential to have a safe and friendly environment for children. You should look for a family-friendly apartment in Bangkok where your child can enjoy playing in the playground or swimming in the pool without safety concerns. If your apartment is located near a good school, park, hospital, and other entertainment facilities, even better!

  • Expat Community


    Language can often be a challenge when renting an apartment in Bangkok, as not all administrative staff can speak fluent English. So make sure your apartment building of choice has adequate language skills for smooth communication. What is more, it’s better to get an apartment in a complex with an established expat community, as the management there will already be familiar with expatriate residents and their needs. A group of like-minded neighbors will help you settle in quickly and feel more at home; they will also be a great resource in helping you navigate a new city. Bangkok Garden has a large expat community made up of American citizens, UK citizens, and Chinese citizens,to name just a few! So wherever you’re from, you’ll have the friendly Bangkok Garden community waiting to welcome you!

  • Neighborhood area

    Close to workplaces (downtown CBD)
    Close to public transportation (BTS, MRT, BRT)
    Close to convenience stores
    Close to restaurants and groceries stores
    Close to international schools
    Close to international hospitals
    Close to public parks and entertainment venues

Renting an Apartment in Bangkok

After you locate what you feel is the right apartment building for you, the first thing you need to do is contact a salesperson to schedule a tour. This person will take you on a tour of the unit and on-site facilities and explain to you the lease terms and required documentation.

  • PROPERTY INSPECTION

    Make sure the property is in good condition, and all the provided home appliances are working as they should. Check the electricity and water supplies are working properly, check for any leaks or broken items? Make a list of any required maintenance. Take photos of any existing flaws, for example, chipped furniture or fault appliances. Also, make sure the building’s shared common areas are well maintained and secure.
    Once you have picked your perfect apartment, there are two more steps to consider:

  • PREPARE DOCUMENTATION

    As an expat, you will need to present your passport and visa when you rent an apartment in Thailand. For rental periods that will exceed the validity of a tourist visa (generally anything over two months), you will have to show a temporary residence visa. Expats working with a registered company in Thailand should have no problem getting the necessary documentation. These documents will allow you to easily and securely rent an apartment during your stay in the City of Angels.

  • PLANNING YOUR MOVING

    Pack your belongings properly as it will be transported over the country. Book a delivery service to help your transportation smooth and fast. Getting insurance is also recommended to prevent any damages that might happen during the transportation process.

Bangkok Garden Has Apartments in the Heart of Sathorn

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If you are working in the heart of the city’s central business district (CBD), one of the best locations to rent a modern unit is at Bangkok Garden Apartment on Narathiwat Road.

They have 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments available in the heart of Sathorn, providing a short and convenient commute to all the major business districts in the city and a slew of top international schools.

rhaps most importantly for families, the kid-friendly apartments we provide for rent in Bangkok are set in large grounds covering 3 acres. The lush and spacious garden is a safe and comfortable place for children to play. The housing complex is also close to many neighborhood restaurants and shops.

Find out more details about our room types and facilities or contact our sales team. We’d love to welcome you here for a private tour and answer any of your inquiries.