Hip Apartments in Thailand You'll Want to Call Home

Thong Lor, in Bangkok’s Watthana district, has become the epitome of artsy hipness. The contemporary apartments – all with kitchens and some with verandas – put you in the heart of Thong Lor’s galleries, clubs and eateries. The rooftop pool, spa and fitness centre afford you marvellous views over the city. If you don’t fancy cooking in your flat, the on-site restaurant saves the day with a wide selection of Thai and Western cuisine.

This hotel, situated in busy Sukhumvit near the Emporium mall, puts you moments away from all of the shopping you could desire. Cheerful suites (thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows) come with kitchens or kitchenettes. You can even order different pillow preferences, from ultra-soft microfibre to massage pillows. While Thai food is delightful, if you need a break from the local fare, the Emporia Restaurant cooks Cantonese dishes, including dim sum lunches. For those who prefer liquid lunches, the pool bar will soon become their favourite haunt.

Sriracha is a world-famous Thai hot sauce. Si Racha, on the eastern shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is where this fiery concoction comes from. The Balcony Seaside Sriracha – with studios plus one- and two-bedroom suites – is a superb locale to form your base. This apart-hotel doesn’t border pristine beaches, but rather a busy port where Thai culture and seafood abound. The property features a Japanese marble-tiled onsen, steam and sauna rooms, plus a state-of-the-art fitness room, enormous pool, as well as a playground for the little ones.

Sukhumvit is Bangkok’s chic shopping centre. If you book a place at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, you’ll be in the thick of things here. With 185 serviced dwellings (one, two and three bedrooms, plus penthouses), all come with fashionable living spaces, kitchens and washing machines. For a gastronomic treat accompanied by panoramic cityscapes, Above Eleven Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – on the 33rd and 34th floors – offers garden-inspired decor, with a creative menu, amalgamating Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.

Si Racha is known for industry, whereas its southern neighbour Pattaya is famed for its beach life. Nevertheless, Si Racha has its charms too, as does Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha. This apart-hotel features roomy flats, from studios to two-bed executive suites (all able to accommodate an additional bed). Guests have access to the launderette, rooftop pool and sauna. If you want to switch up your breakfast routine, the morning meal here leans toward Japanese food.

Hill Myna Condotel – near Bang Tao Beach – offers a calming reprieve from the livelier side of Phuket. The on-site restaurant serves European, Indian and Thai cuisine, so your palate will never get bored. Studios and suites ­– all with dining and kitchen spaces – come with delightful green mountain views, which add to the enveloping appeal of this property, making you want to extend your stay.

Will Bangkok be home for a while? If so, these suites can be your home away from home. Clean, modern and conveniently located, this property is minutes away from Terminal 21’s nine levels of chic fashion boutiques and its abundance of local and international cuisine. Benjakitti Park is only a few blocks south, which is handy for a calorie-burning walk, jog or cycle around the picturesque city pond.