The Big Ratchada Guide: Bangkok’s Hidden Gem

Ratchada is an underrated area that often gets overlooked by a majority of expats in Bangkok.

In fact, it’s a hidden gem that many seasoned expats call home for various reasons:

• The nearby MRT station makes it easy to get around Bangkok; for example, you can get to Asok within 15 minutes.
• It’s cheaper than other neighborhoods but offers similar perks.
• There are plenty of job opportunities in the area.

In this guide, I’m going to break down Ratchada, revealing to you everything you need to know about what the area offers. This way, you can get a clearer picture of what it’s like to live here. 

• Thai Name: รัชดา or รัชดาภิเษก
• Transliteration variants: Ratchada, Radchada, Rad Chada, Ratchadapisek 
• Pronunciation: Rad-cha-da or Rad-cha-da-pi-sek

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Location  

Ratchada covers a large area along Ratchadapisek Road, starting from MRT Phra Ram 9 station and traveling more than 20 kilometers to Wong Sarang Road.

Because of its size, it’s going to be impossible to cover every part of Ratchada in this guide. 

So, from here on out, when I talk about Ratchada, I’ll be referring to the area spanning from MRT Phra Ram 9 station (while confusing, this area is considered Ratchada and not Rama 9) to MRT Ratchadapisek Station. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Ratchada

There are many great things about living in Ratchada. Let’s take a quick look. 

Pros

• Convenience: The MRT Blue line runs along Ratchada Road. This means no matter where you live in the area, you can easily access the MRT and get to most parts of Bangkok. 
• Close to the city center: You can take a few MRT stops to get to BTS Asok station. From there, you can change trains and go to many nearby areas such as Thong Lor, Nana, and Siam Square. 
• Affordable accommodations: You will find many good accommodations for the going rental rates. For example, you can rent a 50 square meter condo at Baan Klang Krung Resort for less than THB14,000 a month. The same budget would get you a tiny room for other areas of Bangkok. 
• Lots of job opportunities: Since there are many office buildings in Ratchada, it’ll be easy to find a job close to where you live. Sometimes, you will even be able to find something within walking distance. 
• Tons of food: From the famous street food at JODD FAIRS to local markets and hi-end restaurants, Ratchada has them all. 
• Many malls: Central Rama 9, Fortune Tower, Esplanade, Big-C Ratchadapisek, and the Street Ratchada are just some of the popular malls in the area. 

Cons

• Lack of green space: You won’t find many parks here. In many parts of the area, big trees are even hard to come by. 
• Can be too hectic: It’s not just about heavy traffic on the main streets. When navigating small sois, roads can be small and motorcycles will speed everywhere. Sidewalks are also small, making it quite challenging to walk around the area. 
• Noise pollution: There’s ongoing noise pollution in Ratchada, mainly from traffic. So, when you choose a place to live, make sure it’s somewhat soundproof. 
• No options for houses: The townhouses and detached houses available for rent in Ratchada are usually not well maintained. They can also be expensive. 
• Notorious red light district: There are many massage parlors in the area, which can attract a certain kind of crowd. 
• Floods: Ratchada occasionally floods a few days per year after heavy rains, including on the main streets and many sois throughout the area. This makes the traffic even worse. If you live down a soi, you may need to walk through floods to get back to your place.

Accommodations in Ratchadapisek 

There are various types of accommodations available in Ratchada. You can rent a budget apartment for less than THB7,000. You can stay in a luxury condo. Or you can find a townhouse to stay in. But the area lacks houses within gated communities. 

Modern but Small Condos

There are a lot of options for modern condos in Ratchada. These condos are normally fully furnished and within walking distance to the nearest MRT station. 

However, rooms can be quite small. Also, there are many rooms posted as Airbnb short-term rentals. 

IDEO Ratchada – Huaykwang

• THB10,000 to THB15,000 for a 25 to 30 square meter studio condo
• THB15,000 to THB20,000 for a 30 to 35 square meter one-bedroom condo

XT Huaykwang 

• THB15,000 to THB20,000 for a 30 to 35 square meter one-bedroom condo
• THB20,000 to THB25,000 for a 35 to 40 square meter one-bedroom condo

Life Ratchadapisek

• THB10,000 to THB15,000 for a 30 to 35 square meter
• one-bedroom condo, THB15,000 to THB20,000 for a 40 square meter to 50 square meter two-bedroom condo

Bigger, Older, Affordable Condos  

You often get the best deals with this type of condo. You get a big room at an affordable price. However, they tend to be located inside a Soi and may take around 10 minutes to 15 minutes walking to the closest MRT station. 

Baan Klang Krung Resort

• THB10,000 to THB15,000 for a 45 to 50 square meter one-bedroom condo
• THB15,000 to THB20,000 for a  50 square meter to 80 square meter one-bedroom condo
• THB20,000 to THB25,000 for a 100+ square meter one-bedroom condo

City Home Ratchada

• THB8,000 to THB10,000 for a 28 to 35 square meter one-bedroom condo
• THB20,000 to THB25,000 for a 50 to 70 square meter two-bedroom condo

Townhouses and Detached Houses

If you plan to stay in a townhouse or detached house, you may want to check out other neighborhoods. 

While there are some options available on Ratchada Soi 3 and Ratchada Soi 7, many of them are quite old and lack natural lighting. Many are also not in a good condition. 

It can also be hard to find a good deal here. For example, a two-story townhouse on 120 square meters of land could cost THB30,000 per month. 

Super Budget Condos 

Since Ratchada is a popular neighborhood for university students, there are tons of budget apartments available that costs between THB4,000 to THB8,000 per month for a 20 to 40 square meter room. 

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Many of them are available inside Ratchadapisek Soi 3 and Ratchadapisek Soi 7 including:

• MD Place
• Living Ratchada Apartments
• Disvan Place Apartment
• De Vivre Apartment

When renting apartments like this, there are a few things to consider:

• They are only partially furnished, including a bed, wardrobe, and table.
• You may have to pay an extra THB500 per month for internet service.
• Electricity and water are more expensive per unit than what the government charges. 

Find out more:

• Home Internet in Thailand: Provider, Package, and Cost
• An In-Depth Guide to Renting an Apartment in Bangkok

Dining Out in Ratchada

It’s easy to find food in Ratchada. In many areas, you can find food from early morning until late at night. 

Street Food  

No matter where you live in Ratchada, you can find street food here. It’s said that even if you live here for five years, you might not be able to try all of the food available. 

Common street food include noodles, khao mun gai, Som tam, rice porridge, khao ka muu, made-to-order food, and much more. 

Popular Dining Spots

When you live in Ratchadapisek, you can eat at malls (since there are many of them) or standalone restaurants. 

When it comes to malls, there are more than five in the area, such as Central Rama 9, Fortune Tower, Esplanade, Big C Ratchadapisek, and the Street Ratchada. So, you can find all of the popular chain restaurants in Ratchada. 

For standalone restaurants, here’s what you should check out: 

• Jardin Du Boeuf: A premium steak house but it can be a bit pricey. 
• Ratchada Buffet International: Unlimited seafood for less than THB500 per person.
• Ruean Mae Louis: Traditional Thai cuisine; food can be spicy. 
• Chef Thanom Italian Restaurant: Great Italian restaurant known for its truffle pizza.
• MAGURO: Premium Japanese restaurant with fresh sushi and sashimi that melts in your mouth.

In addition to these restaurants, there are popular night markets in the area:

• JODD FAIRS Rama 9: Undoubtedly one of the most famous night markets in Bangkok. Lots of food. But it can be very crowded. 
• The One Ratchada: Another popular night market with tons of food and tourists.
• Hwai Khwang Night Market: This is where locals eat and shop. Food is plentiful and affordable. 

Drinking in Ratchada

Since I’m not a drinker, I don’t know much about the nightlife scene in Ratchada.

But one thing I can tell you for sure is that Ratchada is a popular nightlife neighborhood among locals. So, there are many night clubs and bars here.

You can drink in a cozy bar, have some chilled drinks inside a night market, or have a fun night at an EDM pub.

Here’s a list of highly rated places in Google:

• Vanguard Bar and Cocktail
• Rubix Ratchada
• 212 Rooftop Bar
• The Classic Ratchada
• Nude Coffee and Tonic Bar
• Belong Bar and Bistro

Groceries in Ratchada  

You can find many grocery stores in Ratchada, from mom and pop shops to high-end supermarkets. 

• Lotus’s Fortune Town and Big C Place Ratchadaphisek are the two big supermarkets in the area where you can shop for inexpensive groceries. 
• Tops Central Rama 9 and Tops Esplanade Ratchada are good for imported foods and have quality items. 
• Foodland The Street Ratchada is my personal favorite. You can find all types of food and groceries here, both local and international brands. As a plus, it’s open 24 hours a day. 
• JidubanG-market has a lot of Korean snacks and food. 

While there are many fresh markets like Maruay Market, Yu Charoen Market, and Huay Kwang Market, in many cases you’re unlikely to buy stuff from these places because they can be far from where you live.

Transportation Options for Ratchada  

There are many transportation options available in Ratchada. 

MRT

MRT is going to be your main source for transportation. Popular MRT stations in Ratchada area include:

• Phra Ram 9 Station: This is a major station connected to two department stores: Central Rama 9 (a big lifestyle mall) and Fortune Town (an IT mall).
• Thailand Cultural Centre Station
• Huay Kwang Station: You can find many affordable accommodations around here.
• Sutthisan Station: Similar to Huay Kwang Station, there are many good rental deals in this area. 

There are two important interchange stations: 

• Sukhumvit Station: Interchange to the BTS skytrain. 
• Phetchaburi Station: Interchange to the Airport Link, which allows you to easily get to Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

Also, I like to take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station and walk through Chinatown for some good Chinese food. 

Motorcycle Taxis

If you live inside a soi, take a motorcycle taxi to the closest MRT station. From there, you can get to many parts of Bangkok. You can find motorcycle taxis in many sois. 

Taxis and Ride Hailing Apps 

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are plentily available in Ratchada. You will have no problem finding a ride, even at 3:00 AM. 

Buses

While there are many buses available, most of the time you won’t use them because of traffic. It’s much faster to take the MRT. 

Healthcare in Ratchada  

Healthcare isn’t that good in Ratchada. In many cases, you’ll need to visit a hospital in a nearby neighborhood instead. Fortunately, they are not too far. On the other hand, pharmacies and dental clinics are readily available. 

Hospitals

While there isn’t a single hospital in Ratchada, due to its convenient location you can go to many good hospitals nearby:

• Praram 9 Hospital: A private hospital that’s good for general ailments. 
• Piyavate Hospital: A private hospital that’s worth visiting for general ailments.
• Bangkok Hospital: A premium private hospital that’s great for everything. But it can also be expensive. If you plan on going here, it’s a good idea to get health insurance.
• Medical Development Clinic: A premium government hospital that works like a private hospital. Many retired private doctors work here part time, so you get good care at affordable prices. 

Clinics

While there are many beauty clinics in Ratchada, there aren’t a lot of medical clinics in the area. Also, they are mainly for Thais. So, if you get sick, it’s better to visit a hospital. 

Pharmacies

This is going to be your go-to option for minor illnesses. There are many pharmacies available in the area, where you can buy most medications without prescriptions. Warehouse Ratchada Pharmacy is one pharmacy I recommend.

Dentists

When it comes to dental care, your teeth will be in good hands. Bangkok International Dental Clinic, which is one of the best dental clinics in Thailand in my opinion, is here in Ratchada. You can come here for any and all dental treatments. 

International Schools in Ratchada  

There are some good international schools near Ratchada, including:

• KIS: A leading international school in Bangkok that uses the IB curriculum. But its tuition can be quite high, starting at THB600,000 per year. 
• Regent’s International School Bangkok: A solid option that uses the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Tuition starts at THB400,000 per year and goes up to more than THB700,000 per year, depending on the age of your children. 

If you don’t have the budget for an international school, you can send your kids to Bangkok Bilingual School. Tuition starts at around THB200,000 per year. 

Parks in Ratchada  

Ratchada really lacks green spaces. Except for the main streets, it’s even hard to find big trees here. And parks don’t exist. 

If you want to go to a park, you need to take the MRT to other areas, which is going to take you at least 20 to 30 minutes. But all of these places have big parks, including:

• Chatuchak Park: This is among the biggest parks in Bangkok because it is made up of three separate parks.
• Benchakitti Park: This is another great nearby park. It has some wetlands and you can traverse the zigzagging skywalk to catch better views of its nature and wildlife. 
• Lumphini Park: This is undoubtedly one of the most famous parks in Bangkok. It’s like the city’s green lung.

Other Standout Venues and Features

In addition to shopping malls, night markets, and nightlife, Ratchada is a good place if you are a digital nomad or looking to work in Bangkok because of these venues:

• Office buildings: There are so many office buildings in Ratchada, including CW Tower, Forum Tower, The Ninth Tower, and AIA Capital Center. These buildings host at least 30 companies inside. If you get a job here, you can walk to work and have more time left to enjoy living in Bangkok. 
• The Street Ratchada: This is a unique mall that’s open 24 hours a day. If you’re hungry, there’s a good restaurant inside the Foodland supermarket. If you want to work, you can go to WorkWize Co-Working Space. It’s also open 24 hours a day. 
• Fortune Town: While tourists go to MBK Center to buy cheap IT gadgets, locals go to Fortune Town. It’s an IT mall where you can buy all of the electronics you need. You can also find computer and phone repair shops here as well. 

Should You Live in Ratchada?

In my opinion, Ratchada is a great neighborhood if you are:

• A business owner or a bootstrap entrepreneur who’s looking for an affordable place to live and set up a company in Thailand. 
• A professional who wants to find an office job. 
• A digital nomad who wants to live on a budget but still have access to fast internet and co-working spaces.
• A retiree who is on a budget and wants to live inside the city center.

On the other hand, Ratchada isn’t for you if:

• You prefer to live in a quiet neighborhood with lots of green spaces.
• You have a family and want to live in a house so you have space for your kids.

Now, on to You

Ratchada might not be the first place expats think about living in when they first arrive in Bangkok, but the area does have many perks.

It’s close to the MRT, condos are affordable, food is plentiful, and there’s always something to do. But if you’re not sure if Ratchada is right for you, rent a short-term serviced apartment for a month or two and try it out.

After all, you might be surprised to find out that Ratchada actually rivals some of the more popular areas in Bangkok.