Living in Ekkamai, Bangkok

Ekkamai sits right next to Thonglor but feels more laid-back. It shares the cafe and bar culture with a calmer, more residential pace, which appeals to people who want lifestyle and community without living in the thick of the nightlife.

Who it suits

• People who want Thonglor energy at a quieter, more livable pace
• Renters who value cafes and community over being on the main strip
• Anyone who occasionally drives, with easy access to the expressway

Getting around

• BTS Ekkamai is one stop past Thong Lo on the Sukhumvit line
• Gateway Ekamai mall sits right at the station
• The Eastern Bus Terminal here connects to Pattaya and the eastern seaboard for weekends away

What is nearby

Independent cafes and restaurants, Gateway Ekamai for daily needs and Japanese food, craft beer and wine spots, and quick expressway access if you drive. It has a neighbourhood feel that regulars tend to stay in.

Roughly what you will pay

Ekkamai usually offers a little better value than Thonglor for a similar lifestyle. Use these as a rough guide.

• One-bedroom condos: roughly 22,000 to 42,000 baht a month
• Newer buildings near the station sit at the top of the range
• Quieter sois can offer more space for the money

The honest bit

Like Thonglor, Ekkamai is a long soi, and traffic near the station and expressway entrance can be heavy at peak times. Check how far up the soi a unit is before you fall for the price.

How Meeka helps here

We know the Ekkamai buildings that hit the sweet spot of calm, cafes, and a sensible walk to the BTS, and we will steer you clear of the ones stuck in the traffic.