Don Mueang
ดอนเมือง
Northern gateway — budget-airline hub and Bangkok's original international airport.
Don Mueang is the far northern suburb of Bangkok that grew up around the city's original international airport, which today is the main hub for budget airlines. It suits airline crew, frequent regional flyers and budget renters who want low rents and a short trip to check-in, and who can live with being a long way from the centre.
Don Mueang at a glance
Living in Don Mueang
Life here revolves around the airport and the main roads that serve it. Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and the elevated tollway run alongside the runways, with markets, shophouses, street food and local restaurants in the residential areas around them. Weekdays are commuter-heavy and the traffic can be serious; the sound of departing jets is part of the background. Weekends are quiet unless you head out to the malls, IT Square in Lak Si being one long-standing option, or take the train into town. Expect a Thai suburban routine rather than expat amenities, with few bars, gyms or international cafés nearby.
Renting in Don Mueang
Most of the housing is condos, apartment buildings, townhouses and gated housing estates aimed at Thai buyers and airport staff. One-bedroom units typically rent for 9,000–18,000 THB a month, and newer condos close to Red Line stations tend to sit at the top of that range. Demand from airline and airport workers keeps buildings with a short commute to the terminal popular. Check flight paths and noise before you sign, and see how overall costs compare in the Bangkok cost of living guide.
- 1 bedroom
- ฿9k–฿18kTHB / mo
Typical furnished condo listings in Don Mueang and neighbouring blocks, compiled by BKK Oracle editors from DDProperty, Hipflat and agent listings. Utilities are extra.
Getting around Don Mueang
The SRT Red Line has its own Don Mueang station, connected to the airport terminal, with trains running south to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at Bang Sue, where you can change to the MRT Blue Line. Beyond that, most people rely on buses along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, taxis, Grab and the Don Mueang tollway, the quickest road route into central Bangkok. The A1 airport bus runs to Mo Chit for the BTS.
Who Don Mueang suits
- Airline crew and frequent flyers on budget carriers
- Budget renters putting low rent ahead of a central location
- Commuters working along the Red Line or Vibhavadi Rangsit
- Long journey to Sukhumvit, Silom and central Bangkok
- Aircraft noise and heavy traffic on main roads
- Very few international restaurants, bars or expat services
Areas near Don Mueang
Helpful guides for Don Mueang renters
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Read guideDon Mueang FAQs
Is Don Mueang a good area to live in Bangkok?
Don Mueang is a good fit for airline crew, budget nomads and budget flyers. It sits in Bangkok's budget rent tier, with one-bedroom condos typically at 9,000–18,000 THB a month.
How much is rent in Don Mueang?
Typical furnished condo rents in Don Mueang are one-bedrooms 9,000–18,000 THB a month. Electricity, water and internet usually add 2,500–5,000 THB a month, and most landlords ask for a two-month deposit plus the first month upfront.
What is the nearest BTS or MRT station to Don Mueang?
No BTS or MRT station sits within easy walking distance of central Don Mueang, so most residents rely on buses, taxis, Grab and motorbike taxis. If a daily rail commute matters, look at the nearest areas on the BTS or MRT network.
Which airlines fly from Don Mueang Airport?
Don Mueang mainly handles low-cost carriers, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, flying domestic and regional routes. Full-service international flights mostly use Suvarnabhumi on the other side of the city, so check which airport you will use most before choosing a place to live nearby.
How do you get from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi Airport?
A free shuttle bus runs between the two airports for passengers with a connecting flight ticket, and taxis and Grab are available for everyone else. Allow plenty of time, as the drive crosses the whole city on expressways and can take well over an hour when traffic is heavy.
Is it practical to live in Don Mueang and work in central Bangkok?
It is possible, especially since the Red Line opened, but it is a long commute. A typical route is the Red Line to Bang Sue and then the MRT, or the tollway by car or taxi, which is fast outside peak hours and slow during them. It works best if your office is in the north of the city.