Bang Kruai, Thailand

With a population of 136,668, Bang Kruai is no sleepy suburb. This district in southern Nonthaburi province is a dense urban enclave, where residents must navigate persistent bureaucratic headaches to get anything done. Neighboring districts like Bang Yai and Mueang Nonthaburi may offer more natural habitat for the region's endangered parakeet species, but Bang Kruai itself is firmly rooted in the concrete jungle. For those seeking an authentic urban Thai experience, complete with all the red tape that entails, Bang Kruai could be a good fit. But those in search of a slower pace or greener scenery would do better to look elsewhere.