Bangkok Districts Guide: Administrative Areas, Neighborhoods & Metropolitan Regions

Bangkok is divided into 50 districts (khet) and 180 subdistricts (khwaeng), making it one of the most complex and diverse cities in Southeast Asia. While these official divisions shape how the city is managed, most locals and visitors navigate Bangkok based on its well-known neighborhoods, business hubs, and historic areas.

Official Administrative Divisions of Bangkok

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA):
Bangkok operates as a special administrative area under the BMA, which oversees all districts and subdistricts.

Districts (Khet)

• Bangkok has 50 khet, similar to large boroughs or counties.
• District boundaries often follow major roads, canals (khlongs), or other physical features.
• These districts form the city’s core administrative structure.

Subdistricts (Khwaeng)

• The 50 districts are further divided into 180 khwaeng.
• These work much like tambon (subdistricts) in other provinces across Thailand.
• Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR)

The city extends far beyond its administrative borders into a much larger metropolitan area known as the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR).

This includes:

• Nonthaburi
• Pathum Thani
• Samut Prakan
• Samut Sakhon
• Nakhon Pathom

Rapid urban growth has made many of these areas feel seamlessly connected to central Bangkok.

Bangkok Neighborhoods and Functional Areas

Although official districts are important for administration, Bangkok is more commonly explored through its functional and cultural neighborhoods.

Central Business District (CBD) & Key Commercial Areas

Siam, Ratchaprasong, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathorn
Known for shopping malls, luxury hotels, offices, nightlife, and modern high-rise developments.

Historic Old City (Rattanakosin)

Home to Bangkok’s most iconic cultural attractions including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

One of Bangkok’s most vibrant historic areas, famous for street food, traditional shops, and Chinese heritage.

Residential & Industrial Zones

Outer Bangkok districts feature more residential neighborhoods and industrial areas.
These zones are increasingly connected by Bangkok’s expanding BTS, MRT, and other mass transit systems.