What Campus Reviews Reveal About Thammasat University
Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus sits on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin Island. With a Google rating of 4.6 from 1,218 reviews, students and visitors consistently note the campus’s atmosphere and accessibility. A five-star review from tourist Stephen Davis says: “As a tourist your free to walk through the grounds of the University, the path following the river has good views and lots of seating. A good place to grab some food and drink from the university food hall. It’s a nice place to relax under shaded trees to cool off.” This suggests the campus offers pleasant common spaces and affordable dining – factors that matter when choosing nearby housing.
Exchange student Zara Sellick, also rating five stars, shares: “I studied abroad here and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The staff was wonderful and very accommodating. Specifically jarjar in the international bba office and professor like Sukrit Vinayavekhin and Anchada Charoenrook! If you’re considering studying here or doing exchange I 100% recommend!!” The mention of an International BBA office signals a strong English‑language programme, meaning many international students will seek housing within walking distance or easy transit.
Another reviewer, Kazi Amzad Hossain, gives five stars but notes: “Pros: Great view, good clean campus. Cons: People are less interested in speaking English.” This underscores a practical reality: while the university itself offers international courses, the immediate neighbourhood may be Thai‑dominant. For students not fluent in Thai, locating accommodation where English is understood – or near other international students – can ease daily life.
These reviews collectively paint a picture of a compact, riverfront campus with a strong student community, good facilities, and moderate English language support. Housing decisions should prioritise proximity to maximise campus amenities, while also considering access to the city’s transit network for off‑campus needs.
City Context: Bangkok’s Old Quarter and Student Life
Thammasat’s Tha Prachan campus is in Bangkok’s oldest district, Phra Nakhon. The area is dense with temples (Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho), the Grand Palace, and the bustling Khao San Road backpacker hub. It is a cultural and tourist centre, which affects the housing market: many short‑term rentals and guesthouses dominate. For a student staying a full semester or year, finding a long‑term lease can be trickier than in modern high‑rise areas like Sukhumvit or Sathorn.
The campus is directly on the Chao Phraya River, served by the Tha Prachan pier. Public ferries and the Chao Phraya Express Boat provide frequent service to other parts of the city, including connections to the BTS Skytrain (at Saphan Taksin) and MRT (at Sanam Chai). However, there is no BTS station within easy walking distance; the closest is Sanam Chai MRT (about 1.5 km southeast). Most students use a combination of walking, motorcycle taxis, public buses, or boats.
The neighbourhood itself is walkable for daily errands – small shops, street food, and convenience stores are abundant. Yet the streets can be narrow and crowded, especially near tourist spots. Students who value a quieter environment may look slightly further north along the river (e.g., Banglamphu) or west across the water (Thonburi side), where rents are often lower.
Overall, the city context demands a trade‑off: live very close to campus for the vibrant, historic atmosphere and easy access to university facilities, or live a bit further for modern amenities and a more English‑friendly environment, commuting by boat or MRT.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
All figures are indicative — confirm current rental prices directly with the operator or landlord. Rates may change seasonally, especially near the start of academic terms.
Low Budget (Approx. 5,000–10,000 THB per month)
In this band you typically find shared rooms or basic studio apartments in older buildings. Examples include rooms above shophouses within 1–2 km of Tha Prachan or on the Thonburi side (e.g., near Prachadipok Road). These units may lack air‑conditioning (only fan), have shared bathrooms, and limited furnishings. Students prioritising cost above all else can find liveable spaces here.
Mid Budget (Approx. 10,000–18,000 THB per month)
This is the most common range for international students. A private studio or one‑bedroom apartment with air‑conditioning, own bathroom, and basic kitchenette is achievable within a 15‑minute walk of campus or a short boat ride. Many mid‑budget options are in small apartment buildings along Phra Athit Road, Rambuttri Street, or Soi Samsen. Some include utilities in the rent. English is more likely spoken at these properties.
High Budget (Above 18,000 THB per month)
A few serviced apartments and newer condominiums exist near Khao San Road or along Ratchadamnoen Avenue. These offer gym, pool, security, and sometimes English‑speaking management. For a one‑bedroom unit you might pay 20,000–30,000 THB. Such properties are scarce in the Old Quarter; most high‑budget students live in central Bangkok (e.g., Siam, Phaya Thai) and commute by MRT or boat, which takes 30–45 minutes one way.
Walk vs. Transit Trade‑Off
Choosing where to live involves three main commute options:
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Walking (≤15 min): The immediate vicinity of Tha Prachan includes Phra Chan Alley, Phra Athit Road, and Thanon Chao Fa. Walking to campus is easy and free, and you can use the university food hall and library. However, rooms here tend to be older, noisier, and more expensive relative to size. You also sacrifice access to super high‑speed internet (check coverage) and modern gyms.
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Bicycle or Motorcycle Taxi (5–10 min ride): Areas like Banglamphu (north of Khao San) or the Thonburi riverbank (e.g., Charoen Nakhon Road) are a short hop. Bicycles can be parked on campus. Motorcycle taxis cost around 20–40 THB per trip. This opens cheaper and quieter options while still being close.
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Public Transport (15–30 min): Living near MRT Sanam Chai (1.5 km from campus) or board a boat from Tha Prachan pier to points south (Sathorn, Silom) or north (Phra Arthit, Nonthaburi). The MRT gives access to Sukhumvit and the rest of Bangkok. This trade‑off yields modern apartments, English‑speaking environments, and better facilities, but adds travel time and cost (about 30–60 THB per trip with boat + MRT).
Most students I’ve spoken with (based on online reviews and forums) recommend prioritising a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk or a short boat ride, as the campus location is excellent for experiencing Bangkok’s culture, and the university provides many services. Only choose a longer commute if you strongly need modern amenities or a fully English‑speaking neighbourhood.
Shortlist Logic: How to Filter Nearby Residences
Since the data includes no specific residence names, I outline a logical filtering process you can apply when searching for housing near Thammasat University.
Step 1: Define your non‑negotiables
- Budget ceiling (see bands above).
- Maximum commute time (e.g., 20 minutes door to door).
- Must‑have amenities: air‑conditioning, private bathroom, internet, English‑speaking landlord.
- Lease length (semester vs. full year).
Step 2: Identify search zones Using a map, mark these zones around Tha Prachan:
- Zone A (within 400 m): Phra Chan Alley, Thanon Maha Rat, Phra Athit Road (north section). Most expensive per m², highest convenience.
- Zone B (400 m–1 km): Soi Samsen, Thanon Chao Fa, Banglamphu area. Good balance of cost and walkability.
- Zone C (1–2 km): Thonburi side across Phra Pinklao Bridge, or near MRT Sanam Chai. Requires transport, but cheaper and quieter.
Step 3: Use online platforms (but do not name them per guidelines) Search each zone using keywords like “studio”, “apartment”, “monthly rent”. Filter by price. Check photos for air‑conditioner, window, and furniture. Read reviews mentioning noise, safety, and responsiveness of the landlord.
Step 4: Verify the commute Walk from the property to campus during the time of day you will usually travel. Check if the route is well‑lit at night. If using transport, note the frequency of boats or MRT trains (every 5–10 minutes during peak).
Step 5: Contact and confirm Always ask: “Is this a long‑term rental for students? Can I sign a contract for 6–12 months? Are utilities included? Is there a curfew?” Then confirm the total monthly cost including electricity and water.
This shortlist logic avoids brand names and focuses on your own needs. Because the campus is in a unique historic area, personal inspection is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus safe for students living nearby? Yes, the immediate area is generally safe, with a heavy tourist and police presence around the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. Petty theft can occur, so secure your belongings in shared spaces. Many apartments have keycard access. Always lock doors and windows, especially on lower floors.
2. What is the best month to start searching for housing for the 2026 academic year? Start searching two months before your term begins. For a semester starting in August 2026, begin looking in June. For a January 2027 start, search in November 2026. Early booking gives you more choices, especially in the mid‑budget range. Confirm the moving‑in date with the landlord.
3. Can I commute from other parts of Bangkok to Thammasat every day? Yes, but plan for 45–60 minutes one way. Many students live along the MRT Blue Line (e.g., Sanam Chai, Itsaraphap) or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn Pier. If you live near BTS stations (e.g., Saphan Taksin), combine BTS + boat. A monthly transport pass may cost around 1,500–2,500 THB. The trade‑off is more time but access to a wider variety of accommodation and amenities.
Data as of March 2026. All rental figures are indicative and should be confirmed directly with the operator.
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