Rent a house in Bangkok
When I first moved to Bangkok, I rented an apartment like most newcomers to Bangkok do, but as I became more familiar with my new home town, I decided to be a little more adventurous and rented a house. Having lived in houses over the past five years now, I’ve found that renting a house in Bangkok not only offers more space and privacy, often it is also much better value compared to apartment living. More often than not, it is also a cheaper option (per square metre) compared to renting an apartment or condo, which are getting smaller in size these days! If you enjoy wide open spaces, appreciate some green in your life - a garden perhaps, have pets, a large family or simply want to maximize your budget, consider renting a house instead.
Another advantage in renting a house is, apartments tend to put a high surcharge on your electricity and water bills. Many apartments have a minimum charge of 1000 bht for water alone. That is a significant amount considering my water bill never cost me over 500 bht living in a house with a family of 5, and we do A LOT of washing! Electricity can be anything between 5 – 7 baht per unit compared to the actual 3.75 baht charged by the MEA. Living in a house can save you up to half your utility bills compared to living in an apartment, and believe me it is A LOT of difference!
Thailand is cheap!
As you may already know, Thailand (more accurately, “Bangkok”) is not the cheap haven many foreigners once thought it to be, especially when it comes to housing. Property prices and rental have gone up considerably and that’s the way it goes everywhere around the world. The very same 2 bedroom unit I rented 5 years ago (in Silom) has gone up by 30% in rental and hardly any refurbishment has been done to it since! “That’s ridiculous” you say and believe it or not, I agree! But hey, I don’t make the prices and if you think agents benefit from that higher commission, that’s only true when clients actually think these houses are worth the price and that isn’t always the case.
Renting a house in Sukhumvit, Silom or Sathorn.
If you are looking to rent a house in the the Sukhumvit, Silom or Sathorn area, then the very minimum rental you are looking at is 30,000 bht for a BASIC 3 bedroom house. Even then, they are few and far between in that range, and more often than not are above 15 years old, with dark parquet flooring and lots of wooden built-ins which many people find dark and depressing.
Most people prefer something a little brighter and contemporary. That would mean newer houses between 1 – 5 years old and these start around 45,000 bht. Depending on the location, size, décor, facilities etc. these can go up to anything from 150,000 – 250,000 baht per month. For that price, please do not accept anything less than a spectacular, resort-like villa with a private pool!
No, but seriously, you do get what you pay for so be realistic when it comes to expectations and budget. If you want something new and modern but lack the budget, then move further away from the city centre. Which also means further away from the BTS line. Unfortunately, we cannot have it all and something’s gotta give.
Generally, if you go further towards the end of the BTS line and beyond i.e. Mo Chit, Phayathai, Phrakanong, On Nut, Bangna, Srinakarin, Rangsit etc. prices drop significantly and you get much better deals which are sometimes worth the extra time commuting.
Is it possible to find a house for 15,000 bht?
Not many agencies deal with houses below 25,000 bht. Just search the various property website in Thailand and you will see that the minimum range for houses are 25,000 - 30,000 bht, where the search usually returns 0 - 5 results. Several reasons for that:
1) There are a lot less decent and rentable houses at < 25,000 bht than there are at say, 50,000 bht.
2) If there is, it is usually way out of town, far from any BTS/MRT station.
3) Most people want to live in town, close to the city centre, CBD or near a BTS/MRT station.
4) Apart from location, houses below 25,000 bht are usually older (thus old fashioned) and not very well-maintained, which makes it very hard to rent.
5) If a house is nice and decent with an asking rent of 25,000 bht or less, some agents mark it up!
Thus, it’s hard to find nice, decent houses at 25,000 bht or less…
Regardless, there are plenty of cheap houses as low as 12,000 bht for rent, but remember, and I stress again - you get what you pay for! And most 12,000 bht houses I’ve seen are usually in serious need of repair and maintenance, and the really nice ones are located way out in whoop whoop district.
I don’t care as long as rent is cheap. Where do I look?
Again, you won’t find any agents to help you there and finding that perfect yet cheap and nice house is undoubtedly the hardest step. It usually takes months of driving around moo baan after moo baan, which would mean having your own transport and knowing your way around.
The word “Moo Baan” translates to “village” in Thai, but the term “housing estate” would be far more accurate. These usually have a guard posted at the entrance and are situated all over Bangkok. These houses usually offer much better value than stand alone houses, and are a good place for the house hunter to start his/her search. Try areas like On Nut between Sukhumvit 77 – 103, Bangna, Rangsit, Ramintra, Phayathai, Mo chit etc.
Concerns and other issues
1) Security
Honestly, I know of many farangs, including myself who have lived in single houses and existed peacefully without any disturbances or trouble for years. I also do not know anyone who has been burgled personally because they were living in a house. Do you?
If you are considering renting a house and security is a main concern, rent a house in popular areas like Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn where there are many nearby apartments and condos with security. That way, you can benefit from the dense security in the neighbourhood.
Another option would be to opt for houses or townhouse within a “moo baan.” There are plenty around and majority of them have tight 24 hour security. Common sense would also tell me to explore the neighbourhood a little and have a chat with shopkeepers and a neighbour who might be willing to share some information with you. I’m sure you’ll have no problems getting a friendly neighbour to spill the beans on the house, its previous tenants and probably things you don’t need to know about your landlord. Welcome to Thailand!
2) Air conditioners
Check to see how many rooms have air-conditioning; and how old the air-conditioners are. If you are looking at an older house, chances are it will have those big, old blocks that rumble every time you turn them on. These old air-conditioners consume a lot more energy than a new one, and would greatly increase your electricity bills. It is also unlikely that the landlord will install new air-conditioners for you unless they are completely dead (even then they will always try to revive the monster before even considering replacing it), so make sure that they are serviced and cleaned before you move in or if you got a good deal on the rent, invest in some new airconditioners!
3) Water Pressure
Now this is important. Always check that there is a water pump. Then check the water pressure on the upper floors to make sure the pump has enough power to deliver a decent jet of shower. I’ve learnt from experience that size does not necessarily mean power when it comes to a water pump, and sometimes a 2nd pump needs to be installed to ensure constant deliverance of water into the house.
4) Telephone lines
Again, from experience it is in your best interest to check the phone lines to make sure that 1) you have one and 2) it is working, because some areas (and this includes many areas in the Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn) do not have anymore available numbers and you will have to join a looong waiting list to apply for a new one. Also, older houses above 10 years old tend to be on the old, analog system which when faulty, cannot be replaced unless the whole area is re-cabled. No telephone lines = no internet. You don’t ever want to be caught in that situation!
5) Maintenance
Houses within a secured compound will have what they call “moo baan fee” or “community fee” which goes into the maintenance of the estate i.e. security, pool and garden maintenance etc. This is usually included in the asking rent. However, if you try negotiating on the rent, then more often than not, the landlord will exclude this from the rent and make you pay for it, so check to see what your rent includes when you are signing the contract. This ranges between 20 - 45 bht per square metre. Thus, the larger your house the more you pay! I currently pay 3,500 baht per month for my “moo baan fee” (I got a 5000 bht reduction in rent, so it works out) and we have 24 hour security, a well-maintained common garden and a superb pool that is regularly cleaned, so I am happy.
At Bangkok Finder, we specialize in properties for rent. Home rental is our only business and that gives us all the time in the world to help find you that perfect house within your budget when you move to Bangkok. Our website http://www.bangkokfinder.com features hundreds of houses and apartments for rent, and is updated daily with quality rental homes. Our negotiators have long established relationships with landlords, which means you will always pay the best rate when we negotiate for you.
About The Author: Maddy Barber is founder of a professional property rental agency specializing in houses for rent in Bangkok. She has helped hundreds of expats and locals alike find their dream homes and her website www.bangkokfinder.com is updated daily with hundreds of properties, including apartments and condos for rent. It also features a popular blog packed full of useful information for those new to Thailand. Her staff speaks English, Thai and Chinese.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Rent a house in Bangkok
Ramkhamhaeng Hotels Bangkok
With various Buddhist temples, national museum and many other cultural heritages, Ramkhamhaeng can be a perfect tourist destination in Thailand. All such attractions in the place can lure all types of travelers. The national park here can be a paradise for nature lovers, while the national museum can be a great delight for history seekers.
Come to Ramkhamhaeng and enjoy all such excitements to the fullest. And when it comes to the accommodation in Ramkhamhaeng, AsiaRooms can be a trustable partner for all sorts of vacationers. AsiaRooms offers detailed information on Ramkhamhaeng Hotels, Bangkok Hotels, Thailand Hotels and enables visitors to make reservations online. Be it booking a budget hotel in Ramkhamhaeng or luxury hotel, AsiaRooms can easily arrange all types of hotels in Ramkhamhaeng. Even more, visitors can find here many Ramkhamhaeng Hotels deals at a discounted rate. So what else? With AsiaRooms, book hotels in Ramkhamhaeng as well as the other places in Thailand easily.
Veranda Resort and Spa Hua Hin / Cha-am
Veranda Resort & Spa Hua Hin / Cha-am Info
This four-star property in Hua Hin is located in beautiful, tropical gardens directly on the beach, with a number of pool villas and spacious rooms available. This is the ideal place to relax and watch the sun set. There are a range of activities on offers, including swimming, surfing and horse-riding. The Lobby Lounge is where guests can chill, use the Internet and order a range of beverages, while the Rabiang Lay is an open-air beach bar that doubles as a restaurant. It offers spectacular views of the sea and a menu of Thai-fusion seafood. On-site features at the hotel include wireless Internet, a swimming pool, kids’ club, business center and shop. Room service is available 24 hours. To reserve a room, please submit your preferred travel dates and fill out our secure online booking form.
Room Amenities
air conditioning
balcony/terrace
hair dryer
minibar
separate shower
tea/coffeemaker
Facilities
city transfers
cocktail lounge
conference rooms
morning call
nursery
restaurants
room service
safe box
valet
Sports and Recreation
fitness center
kids club
massage
outdoor pool
sauna
spa
steam room
Hotel Phutawan Resort Nakhonratchasima
The Hotel Phutawan Resort in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand situated Tesabal 9 Rd., Amphoe Pak Chong can be contacted by phone +66(0)2 4200795 or fax +66(0)2 2352414. Here it is unfortunately not yet possible to book online. This accommodation Hotel Phutawan Resort would be glad to welcome you soon. 
Birds and Bees Resort , Pattaya
The Resort
Nestled in a tropical rainforest and featuring spectacular ocean views, the Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant and Resort are just 1 1/2 hours drive from Bangkok. It is situated on Hu-Gwang Bay, one of Pattaya's most beautiful and reclusive beaches, and five minutes drive from Pattaya City.
The tranquil environment makes for an idyllic hide-away for travelers and residents of Thailand alike. The complete facilities of the resort comprise 50 carefully designed rooms and suites, as well as a spectacular swimming pool and Jacuzzi, all set in a lush tropical garden overflowing with orchids and other native flowers. The luxuriant grounds with ponds and streams form a natural sanctuary for birds and local fauna, and guests reach their rooms through flower and pineapple walks.
Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant
Guests will delight in the restaurant's romantic seaside atmosphere. Tables are set under a tropical tree canopy with leaning trees lit by lanterns made from bamboo fishtraps. The terrace and the Sunset Deck and Bamboo Bar offer a spectacular ocean view and fresh sea breeze. From the Restaurant, guests can wander down to the Beachside Bar and enjoy a drink only a stone's throw from the water.
Population and Community Development Association
Both the Restaurant and Resort were created to provide financial support for the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) , Thailand's foremost non-governmental charitable organization. Money spent at our resort contributes to Thailand's rural development, education and scholarships, HIV/AIDS education and environmental protection. Our Resort is an environmentally conscious establishment and our endeavors ensure protection of the environment, by recycling wastewater for its gardens and trees.
Centre Point Service Apartment Petchburi hotel Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a thriving metropolis and is a home to many business houses in the Asian continent. One of the wealthiest and modern cities in Asia, Bangkok each year attracts thousands of travelers from around the world. The colorful and vibrant city of Bangkok finely blends the fascinating historical museums with the modern skyscrapers adorning the skyline and entice travelers round the year. To cater to the diverse demands of the travelers, the hotels in Bangkok range from budget to luxurious accommodations. Centre Point Serviced Apartment Petchburi in Bangkok is a well known hotel of Bangkok. It is the modern room facilities at Centre Point Serviced Apartment Petchburi in Bangkok which enable the guests to enjoy every moment of their stay in the rooms.
Considered as the first of four serviced apartments, the location of Centre Point Serviced Apartment Petchburi in Bangkok can be cited in the heart of the city. The hotel is a revered name in Bangkok as providers of luxurious accommodation. Single business executives generally prefer either Studio without Kitchen or Studio with Kitchen apartments. The apartments are all well designed and decorated with fine furnitures and fixtures. Without kitchen Studio apartment covers an area of about 47 square meters with a bathroom and a large bed. Though the room area is the same at 47 square meters, the other type of room comes with a kitchen. Another apartment type houses 1 big living room, 1 master bedroom, a small kitchen and two bathrooms. Ideal for two people, the apartment however can also accommodate three people. The apartments are not only spacious but have arrangements to address the needs of executives. Some of the room facilities at Centre Point serviced Apartment Petchuburi in Bangkok are :
- Cable TV
- VCR and Stereo
- Safety Box
- Refrigerator
- CCTV monitoring of Visitors
- IDD line
- In-room Internet through LAN
- Pantry
With a long list of room facilities offered at Centre Point Serviced Apartment Petchburi Bangkok in Bangkok the guests can enjoy complete peace of mind and relaxation. The sterling hotel amenities and services at Centre Point serviced Apartment Petchuburi in Bangkok further add to the charm of the room facilities.
Koh Samui Villas:privately owned villa and resort-owned villa
When staying on Koh Samui, what are the main differences between booking a resort-owned villa or a privately owned villa?
Socialising: On a resort you are not isolated from other people as you are when staying at a private villa. On resorts you get to meet other relaxing holidaymakers with whom you can have a chat and share your experiences. On a resort there is always somebody up and about and a simple ‘Good Morning’ may make their day as well as your own.
Privacy: Yet on a resort, and inside your villa, you can still have complete privacy to do your own individual thing, whether you want to party every night, read and relax or just sit back and watch TV or go on the Internet. In a private villa (provided the villa is not overlooked by neighbours) you can sunbathe naked if you wish whereas at a resort this would definitely be frowned upon.
Staff: Normally at a resort there are full-time staffs on hand daily – whose job is to change the linen and keep your villa tidy and spotless as well as clean around the resort generally. This service can be arranged at a private villa but it is not automatically included.
Security: Just like a private villa, with a resort villa you will have your own set of keys so that you can come and go whenever you like. On a resort you will normally see security staff patrolling the grounds, especially at nighttime whereas with a private villa this is very hard to come by. Normally, in a private-owned villa, you are on your own on this issue.
Pools: Some private villas don’t have a swimming pool at all but where there is, it’s obviously for your private use only. Resorts on the other hand always have one or sometimes two communal swimming pools, and for those families with youngsters it’s nice to know that other guests (and staff) are around to make sure they are safe. Also the swimming pools at a resort are cleaned daily, sometimes twice a day, whereas with a private pool you will be lucky if it’s cleaned once a week.
Catering: Most private villas are self-catering – but with upmarket villas the owner sometimes can arrange for food to be prepared by a chef – although this is not cheap. If a resort has its own restaurant you can eat there if you wish – sometimes a meal is included in your booking. Or you can eat out at local restaurants or have cooked food delivered to your villa. Or you can buy produce and supplies locally and cook the food yourself inside your own villa. Please note; not all resorts have villas with cooking facilities – so double check this aspect before you book.
Cost: A resort-owned villa should work out at less cost because of the larger economy of scale where more guests or small parties and groups can be catered for. On the other hand some upmarket resorts can be very expensive owing to their location, exclusivity and furnishings. Go for low-cost *** villa resorts if possible.
Private Villa or Resort Villa?
As they say on Samui – it’s up to you!
About the Author:
Derek Taylor runs Only In Samui, the premier Koh Samui Villa resource and rentals web site
Thai food : Tom Yum Goong - Spicy Shrimp Soup
This is a hot and sour Thai soup that is great as an appetizer or as a main dish when served with rice. Its robust fragrance is sure to tempt your tastebuds.
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1/2 pound peeled shrimp
4 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon chili oil
10 lime leaves (kaffir leaf)
3 tablespoons lime juice
4 stalks green onion
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 cup whole straw mushrooms
3 stalks fresh lemongrass
6 fresh Thai chilies (prik kee noo)
Directions:
1. Prepare the chicken stock in a medium to large sized pot, and then bring to a boil.
2. Add the lime leaves and lemongrass stalks to the pot, and reduce the heat to simmering. Cook for five minutes.
3. Remove only the lemongrass, and turn the heat to high. Add in the shrimp, mushrooms, chili oil, and the Thai chilies. Boil until the shrimp are done (about 2 minutes)
4. Remove from stove, you're almost done!
5. Add in the fish sauce and limejuice, and stir. Some like it more sour, others more salty. You decide on what makes you happy.
6. The most important step!!! Enjoy.
Tips and substitutions
Unfortunately, for the true taste, it is difficult to substitute anything for the kaffir lime leaves. The richness of the sour taste comes from the complement of the different citrus flavored ingredients.
I serve this soup directoy into individual bowls for each person.
If you don't like it hot, cut down on the chili peppers or do not cut them up, but leave them whole for decoration
Thai food : Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
This particular dish is from the northeastern part of Thailand (E-san). Combined with barbecue chicken, and sticky rice, it makes a perfect meal!
Ingredients:
1 fresh green papaya
5 Thai chilies (prik kee noo)
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 medium sized tomatoes, sliced thinly
1/2 cup green beans cut into one inch lengths
2 teaspoons of fish sauce
1 quart cup of tamarind juice
Preparation:
Peel the skin off of the papaya, then use a cheese grater to shred the papaya. The seeds are not used! After you have finished, sprinkle some salt onto the shredded papaya, and let stand for 30 minutes
Directions:
Now you will need a mortar and pestle. (You can use a regular mixing bowl, but you just don't get the right effect.) Combine all of the ingredients except for the tomato into the mortar bowl and mix thoroughly. Then add the tomato and briefly mix (do not pulverize the tomato into liquid- you want it to be kinda' "bruised")
Some important herbs and spices used in Thai cooking
Thai food is currently enjoying an international vogue. There are numerous Thai restaurants all over the world in large cities such as Los Angles, London, New York, Paris, Tokyo and many other. The following are some essential herbs and spices used in Thai cooking. The proper combination of all these ingredients is regarded as an art in Thailand, one that requires both skill and time. The preparation of a single sauce can take hours of grinding, tasting and delicate adjustment until the exact balance of flavours is achieved. Only then, can the true glory of Thai cooking be fully appreciated.
Basil (horapha, kaphrao, maenglak)
Horapha, kaphrao, maenglak are varieties of sweet basil. Horapha seems to be the nearest to the sweet basil used in European tomato dishes and Italian pesto. Horapha is used here as a vegetable and for flavouring. Fresh leaves are narrower and often tinged with reddish purple. It releases its aroma and flavour only when cooked and is used with fish, beef and chicken. Maenglak leaves are slightly hairy and paler green than Horapha. It is sometimes called lemon-scented basil but definitely has a peppery taste when chewed; it is very similar to Halian dwarf basil and is used as a vegetable and for flavouring.
Cinnamon (ob choei)
Form the bark of a tree, the type of cinnamon used in Thailand is of only one kind, that from the Cassia tree. It is used in meat dishes and particulary in massaman curry a garnish.
Bird Chilli (phrik khi nu)
The smallest of the chillies, of which the kind called phrik khi nu suan is the hottest. Take care when chopping them, and do not rub your eyes. Chillies stimulate blood circulation and are reputed to help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Chilli (Phrik chi fa)
Phrik chi fa are finger size, growing 9-12 centimetres in length, and ether yellow, red or green. Not as hot as the bird chilli. There is no discernable difference between the colours.
Citron (som sa)
Citron (Citrus medica var limetta) is a round dark green fruit. Its thick, very aromatic skin is much used for flavouring. Sour orange juice and orange peel would make the best substitute.
Cloves (kanphlu)
Cloves (Eugenia aromatica) are the dried flowerbuds of an evergreen tree native to the Molucca Islands. They are almost as expensive as saffron because crops often fail, they are much used in Western cooking and the oil is antiseptic. Cloves are used in massaman curry and to chew as a relief for toothache.
Coriander (phak chee)
The leaves are often chosen for decoration, with stem and roots for seasoning. Heavily used in Asian kitchens, the Thai kitchen is the only one to use the roots as well.
Cumin (yira)
Seeds look like caraway and fennel, but taste quite different and have to be heated to release their aroma. Only cumin is used in Thai cooking, mainly in the making of curry pastes.
Galangal (kha)
Resembling an upturned claw, this member of the ginger family is a pale pink rhizome with a subtle citrus flavour. It is usually added in large pieces to impart flavour to fish or chicken stock, or used in making curry pastes. Fresh young ginger can be substituted, but you will not end up with the same flavour.
Garlic (krathiam)
Thailand is literally overflowing with garlic plants. Whole cloves, smashed garlic and garlic oil are used in almost every Thai dish. To make garlic oil, chop a handful of garlic, and fry it in plenty of hot oil until golden. The oil and the fried garlics can be stored in a jar for garnishing soup and for tossing with noodles and rice.
Ginger (khing)
Resembling a flat hand, ginger has over 400 members included in its family. Always choose young fresh ginger if available. Easily grated, it is eaten raw or cooked and is used widely in many Asian cuisines. Young ginger. pounded with a little salt, pepper and garlic is good too as a marinate for chicken or beef. Ginger is acknowledged to improve digestion and to counteract nausea and vomiting.
Krachai
No English common name for Krachai (Kaempferia pandurata). The tubers of this member of the ginger family look like a bunch of yellow brown fingers. Krachai is always added to fish curries, and peeled and served as a raw vegetable with the popular summer rice dish, khao chae.
Kaffir Lime Leaf (bai makrut)
From the kaffir lime, which has virtually no juice these fleshy green and glossy leaves resemble a figure eight. Imparting a unique flavour, they can be finely shredded and added to salads, or torn and added to soups and curries. Can be substituted with other lemon-flavoured herbs, but the best option is to freeze the leaves when you can find them, as they retain all their flavour and texture on thawing
Lime (manao)
The whole fruit is used. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and is used to enhance the flavour of chilli-hot condiments, as well as create some very special salads and desserts, and adorn most dishes as a condiment.
Lemongrass (takhrai)
This hard grass grows rapidly in almost any soil. The base of 10-12 centimetres length of the plant is used, with the green leafy part discarded. Young tender lemongrass stalks can be finely chopped and eaten, but older stalks should be cut into 3-5 centimetres lengths and bruised before being added only as a flavouring agent. It is indispensable for tom yam. Lemongrass oil will sooth an upset stomach and indigestion.
Mint (bai saranae)
This mint (Mentha arvensis) is similar to the mint used for mint sauce in England and is used in Thai food as a vegetable and a flavouring.
Nutmeg (luk chan)
The nut is enclosed in a very hard brown shell. It is used in the making of massaman curry paste.
Pandan Leaf (bai toei)
Long narrow green leaves of a herbaceous plant used for flavouring and colour. There is no substitute of the flavouring and colour. There is no substitute for the flavour but green colouring may be used as a substitute for the colour.
Pepper (prik thai)
Black, white and green peppercorn types. Black is milder and more aromatic than white. Green peppercorns have a special taste all their own and are available al year round but are best towards the end of the rainy season. Used as flavouring.
Sesame (nga)
Identical to sesame seeds the world over. In Thai cooking, sesame seeds are used for oil and for flavouring. These tiny seeds are rich in protein.
Shallot (hom daeng)
These small, zesty, Thai red onions are sweet and aromatic. An essential ingredient in many Thai dishes because of their taste and appearance, they can be substituted with European shallots, small red onions or small brown onions.
Spring Onions (ton hom)
These green onions (Allium fistulosom) are used for garnishing soups and salads and as vegetables.
Turmeric (khamin)
These small, bright orange roots are used for the colouring in yellow curries. White turmeric, a different type, is used as a raw vegetable and resembles ginger. It taste only slightly peppery and has a pleasant tang.
