We are often asked ‘What are the best districts in Bangkok for an expat to live?’, and of course some people expect us as Real Estate Agents in Bangkok and Bangkok property consultants that we have a definitive, but of course we don’t! The truth is there is no ideal place for an expat to live in Bangkok.

For a start all expats are different, some people like high-rise Bangkok condos in busy vibrant areas, like Asoke or Nana they love to have a great city view from their windows and feel part of an international city. Others like the more intimate feel of a low-rise Bangkok condominium or apartment in a quieter area of town like On Nut.

However for expats wanting or needing to live in the Sathorn area of Bangkok near the Bangkok CBD, then Yenakart is a great place to live. Quiet, green and centally placed with access to Rama 3 Expressway, Rama 4 road, Sathorn road and Narathiwat Road, it is actually quite difficult to find a more centrally placed location in Bangkok.

It is also important to note that Yenakart has 3 points of access from the Bangkok Metro system. The first and original is the Chong Nonsi BTS station, only 5 minutes drive from the central Yenakart area, even closer is the Lumpini MRT station, which is located near Q-House Lumpini and offers residents just a 15 minute walk to most of the condos mentioned in this blog. And finally and most recently opened is the Yenakart BRT station, which only opened its doors 2 months ago on the Bangkok BRT line.

So what is on offer in Yenakart and what are the sort of condos and apartments that one can expect to find in this area of Bangkok?

Resorta Yenakart

Well fortunately Yenakart has all ranges of condos on offer, from low-cost Bangkok Studios for rent starting at THB 13 000/month to large beautiful 3 Bedroom Yenakart condos to rent at THB 100 000/month, However let’s start by looking at the low-cost condos at The Resorts Yenakart. One bedroom units can be for as little as THB 15 000/month, but some of the better furnished or more attractive units will be priced up to THB 18 000/ month.

The Resorta has a large swimming pool, attractive grounds and gardens and the usually 24hr security and car parking that one can expect from a good quality modern Bangkok condominium. The Resorta represents great value for those wanting to live in the Bangkok CBD area. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-resorta-yenakart-1240

Sathorn Plus

Moving up in terms of price is the Sathorn Plus on the Pond and Sathorn Plus by the Garden condos located on the main Yenakart road. These condos built 3 years ago by Sansiri offer practical living in the Yenakart area with access to the roof-top swimming pool, fitness room and of course security and car parking. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sathorn-plus-by-the-garden-278

These Yenakart based Bangkok condos rent for approximately THB 24 000/month for a 50sqm 1 Bedroom. Studios are slightly cheaper at just THB 17 000/month.

Sansiri Sathorn

Located near by to Sathorn Plus on the Pond and Sathorn Plus by the Garden is Sansiri Sathorn which offers Grade-A condo living in an attractive low-rise condo in Yenakart. Being a low-rise Bangkok condominium there is a nice feeling of both intimacy and quality. With the solid wooden floors, powder coated window frames and quality fittings throughout these condos are special and a 55sqm 1 Bedroom unit will rent for approximately THB 30 000/ month.

Sansiri Sathorn all offers Bangkok studio condos and 2 Bedroom condos, which can rent for THB 20 000 and THB 40 000/month respectively, and offer 35sqm and 80sqm living space. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/baan-sansiri-sathorn-275

The Lanai Condominium

As mentioned earlier Yenakart has condos for rent to suit a varied selection of tastes, budgets and requirements. The Lanai Condominium in Yenakart is a condo that offers residents an unusual choice for Bangkok. Indisputably high-end with a real 5 Star quality feel to this Bangkok condominium, it offers residents of Bangkok a resort type feel that one would only expect to experience in a location such as Samui, Phuket or even Bali.

Located near by to Sathorn Plus on the Pond and Sathorn Plus by the Garden is Sansiri Sathorn which offers Grade-A condo living in an attractive low-rise condo in Yenakart. Being a low-rise Bangkok condominium there is a nice feeling of both intimacy and quality. With the solid wooden floors, powder coated window frames and quality fittings throughout these condos are special and a 55sqm 1 Bedroom unit will rent for approximately THB 30 000/ month.

The condos in The Lanai are huge with the 3 bedroom units over 250sqm and even the 2 bedrooms can be above 200sqm. Oozing quality and opulence The Lanai condos are bright airy and sophisticated. If you like traditional South East Asian style and architecture then The Lanai could be the perfect place for you. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-lanai-320

The moment that you enter the lobby, it feels like you have been transported outside of Bangkok and magically arrived at a beautiful 5 Star resort near the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand. It is safe to say The Lanai offers its residents that no other Bangkok condominium building can offer. Of course though all this space, luxury and style does not come for free and at THB 100 000/month for a 3 bedroom, only the higher earners in Bangkok will be able to afford to live here.

So as you can see the little known and often forgotten area of Bangkok known as Yenakart actually offers Bangkok expats a great deal of choice and convenience, with access to not only the BTS and MRT, but also the Bangkok BRT system. In addition those with a car can access Rama 4 road, Rama 3 road, Narathiwat Road, Sathorn Road and can easily access Rama 3 Expressway.

In fact is could be that Yenakart could be one of the most ideal places for and expat to live in Bangkok.

In a previous blog we examined some of the top luxury condos to rent on Sukhumvit, however this blog will examine the top 5 luxury apartments to rent on Sukhumvit road.

So what is the difference between a condo and apartment in Bangkok, Thailand? Well a quick explanation is that Bangkok condos can be purchased or leased, where as a Bangkok apartments can only be leased. And also it is important to remember that these are apartments not Bangkok Service Apartments, which again are quite different. However for a much more detailed and in-depth explanation please see the previous blog below:

http://www.easyhomes.tv/blog/the-thailand-condo-vs-the-thai-apartment-confused

So as in the previous blog, we will now explore 5 of the best apartments in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. And of course all these apartments are close to the Sukhumvit BTS line and within easy travel of the Sukhumvit MRT station.

Baan Mela (Thonglor)

One of the less known, but beautifully designed apartments in the Thonglor area of Sukhumvit. This luxury low rise apartment block is situated just off a quiet soi in the Thonglor area of Sukhumvit road.

Those that know Sukhumvit road know that Thonglor is a high-end area of Bangkok withy many fashionable and chic cafes, shops, bars and restaurants. In fact it seems that one could eat and drink in new establishments each night of the year and never go to the same place twice.

Very popular with Japanese expats, wealthy Thai’s and well paid farang expats, a luxury apartment in Thonglor has to impress, and Baan Mela does this. With excellent fittings and finishes, this luxury Bangkok apartment comes equipped with high-end appliances, and luxury facilities such as an infinity roof-top pool, and gymnasium. Also these Thonglor apartments are spacious with 2 bedrooms measuring 160sqm. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/baan-mela-56

PS Residence (Phrom Phong)

Moving a little further down the Sukhumvit BTS line towards Siam Square, we have PS Residence. This independently owned Sukhmvit apartment is again superbly finished and no expense has been spared in both style and quality. With large spacious apartments starting at 200sqm for 2 bedrooms and 220sqm for 3 bedrooms, these really offer great living spaces.

With solid wooden floors, a Jacuzzi, roof-top terrace and swimming pool, this really is an apartment boasting plenty of luxury. And is one of best apartments to rent in Sukhumvit, a really super Phrom Phong apartment for those who want not only to be pampered, but also feel like they are living in a real home. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/ps-residence-phrom-phong–139

Baan Jamjuree (Phrom Phong)

Staying with apartments in Phrom Phong, the Baan Jamjuree is perhaps one the best apartment blocks to rent in the whole of Bangkok. This Bangkok apartment is ideal for families wanting a high quality of life on Sukhumvit road.

With large spacious apartments superbly fitted out, with built in attractive furniture, maids quarters, fantastic views and a full kitchen area. However the crowning achievements of this apartment are the incredible range of facilities. Built with families in mind, Baan Jamjuree apartment boasts not only a swimming pool, gymnasium, car-parking and security, but also a tennis court, basket ball area, and kid’s room complete with slides, rubber flooring and a ball-park.

Given the location, just 5 mins from Phrom Phong BTS station, the quality of these apartments to rent in Sukhumvit, and the range of facilities and its homely atmosphere, it is little surprise that the Baan Jamjuree is almost always full. Baan Jamjuree has proven in its short 3 year history to be one of the most popular apartments to rent on Sukhumvit road. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/baan-jamjuree-420

PS Place (Nana)

PS Place apartment in Nana is a high-end independent Bangkok apartment, and an apartment that is easily overlooked and forgotten, given the large number of apartments there are to rent on Sukhumvit road. However this Sukhumvit apartment deserves neither to be forgotten nor overlooked as it boasts some of the best quality apartments and best equipped apartments on Sukhumvit road.

With access to the Nana BTS only 2 minutes away, and large rooms boasting great quality fittings and furniture this is a great Nana apartment to rent.

Renting in Nana can be seen as unsuitable for families, but the location of PS Place is away from the bars and nightlife of Nana, plus the facilities cater to families with play areas equipped with slides, swings and soft play areas. Ideal for youngsters to play and learn. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/ps-place-nana–135

SM Grande (Nana)

Moving away from Sukhumvit apartments suitable for families to rent, to an apartment that is ideal for couples that enjoy and appreciate luxury. SM Grande in Nana has saunas, a Jacuzzi, beautifully fitted apartments to rent and a great swimming pool and sundeck. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sm-grand-nana–146

If you are looking for a luxury apartment in Nana to rent then SM Grand could be ideal. If you like the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Nana and like the idea of renting in Nana, then this apartment offers both the convenience of the Nana BTS station, the luxury of a 5 star hotel and then pleasure of living in the heart of one of the most exciting sois in Sukhumvit.

As a property agent in Bangkok, I am often asked, as are many Bangkok Real Estate agents and brokers, ‘Where is the best place to live in Bangkok for an expat?’ Well there is no direct answer to that one, as everyone’s needs are different, but time and time again, Sukhumvit is seen as the most popular choice for expats in Bangkok.

I think Sukhumvit is such a popular place to rent a condo or apartment, because of its wide geography, large choice of restaurants, bars and cafes, and finally due to the fantastic choice of condos and apartments.

There are so many condos and apartments on Sukhumvit that the choice can seem endless to those who are just starting to explore the area. However this article is designed to help cut through a lot of the confusion and focus on some of the best quality condos to rent on Sukhumvit at this time. We are not going to be looking at renting a Sukhumvit apartment at this time, as we will save that for a future Bangkok property blog.

So the next question to ask then is ‘What are some of the best luxury condos to rent on Sukhumvit Road?’ Well here we will look at 5 of the best. These condos are in no particular order and as you will see cover all manner of styles, requirements and locations along Sukhumvit road.

The Lakes Condominum – Asoke

The Lakes Condominium is located near both the Sukhumvit MRT, and Asoke BTS stations. The location alone is therefore a massive selling point. As it means that residents can get around Bangkok city center on the Metro System with real ease. However The Lakes also offers so much more. With great views of the Queen Sirikit Lake, 5 star facilities and a roof top pool and gymnasium.

Also The Lakes offers highly spacious condos, with floor to ceiling windows, solid wooden floors and excellent fittings.

It is small wonder The Lakes condominium has been a favorite amongst expats for over 5 years and its popularity looks set to continue for many more years as occupancy levels are almost always at 90 – 100%. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-lakes-317

Bangkok Citismart Condomnium (BKK Citismart Condo)

Staying in Asoke, the Bangkok Citismart Condominium, also known as the Bkk Citismart condo, is another quality and well established Bangkok condominium in the heart of Sukhumvit. This was on of AP Properties first condos and is located within a 2-3 minute walk of Asoke BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station.

With a New York style design and a fantastic quality finish Bangkok Citismart condo offers high-end condo living in a very convenient mid-Sukhumvit location. Within easy reach of mix use towers such as Exchange Tower, Interchange Building and Jasmine Towers, residents have a lot on their doorstep. But if you live in Bkk Citismart condo you will also have enough to keep you busy without even having to leave this Sukhumvit condominium.

With a large swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, two saunas, two steam rooms, a squash court and a gymnasium on two levels, Bangkok Citismart condo really offers one of the widest and best quality set of facilities for expats whom are renting on Sukhumvit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/citi-smart-asoke–45

Sansiri at Sukhumvit (Sansiri@Sukhumvit)

For a long time now the name Sansiri in the world of Bangkok property and more particularly Bangkok condominiums, has been synonymous with quality, class and luxury. Sansiri have built some fantastic condos in the Sukhmvit area such as Sansiri 10, Sansiri 13, Baan Sansiri Twenty Four and of course Sansiri Residence 24. All these condos offer high-level of luxury.

However in 2007 Sansiri launched its flagship on Sukhumvit, called appropriately enough Sansiri@Sukhumvit. This Bangkok condo is located just 5 mins walk from the Thonglor BTS station and therefore gives residents access not just to a BTS station, but also to Thong Lo itself, one of the best neighborhoods in Bangkok.

Sansiri at Sukhumvit has great facilities including a large swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms. All designed in Sansiri’s signature luxurious contemporary design. Sansiri at Sukhumvit offers clean bright condos but with that overwhelming feeling of luxury and style.

Sansiri@Sukhumvit only opened in early 2010 and so if you are thinking of renting a condo at Sansiri@Sukhumvit, then if you are likely to be the first to occupy any of these brand new units. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/siri-at-sukhumvit-1361

Emporio Place Condominium

Another brand new condominium located on Sukhumvit Soi 24, which is the same soi as the famous and extremely popular Emporium shopping center, which has clearly influenced the name of this luxury Sukhumvit condominium project.

Located within 350m of the Phrom Phong BTS station and the Emporium shopping plaza, this condominium really is located in a top residential area of Bangkok. Consisting of 3 towers, this cleverly designed condo allows most condo units to have access to 3 different viewing angles, so that each unit can attract a lot of light in through the large windows in most rooms.

Also to add to the intelligent design the architects of the Emporio Place condominium have designed in duplex units for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units, as well as many single level condo units. Therefore offering anyone wanting to lease a condominium at the Emporio Place great choice of units.

Of course like the above condominiums this Sukhumvit condo comes with a great range of facilties such as a large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, high-end light retail shopping plaza, Children’s playground, sauna and steam rooms. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/emporio-place-phrom-phong-1200

Athenee Residence

Last but certainly not least, the Athenee Residence Condominium is also built by TCC Capitalland the developers in charge of the Emporio Place condominium project. And is located in Ploenchit within an easy walk of the Ploen Chit BTS station, therefore allowing quick access to both Chit Lom, Siam square and the rest of Sukhumvit.

When built this condo set a new bench mark in luxury and was widely acknowledged as one of the best quality condos in the whole of Bangkok. With ceiling to floor windows, extensive facilities including a large swimming pool, tennis court, garden area, gymnasium, saunas, Jacuzzi and steam rooms.

This all glass structure is almost futuristic in design, but the quality and style of the design makes sure that the futuristic image does not detract from the feeling of quality and luxury this Sukhumvit condominium exudes. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/athenee-residence-ploenchit-1277

Of course these 5 luxury Sukhumvit condos are not the only ones in Bangkok, and I am sure there will be readers of this Bangkok Real Estate Blog that disagree with some of the choices here, after all beauty and quality are difficult to quantify and are subjective. But in my opinion, although there are arguably other Bangkok condos that can be placed in this list as well, it is hard to disagree that these 5 Bangkok condominium developments are top class.

Regardless of how one spells the district, Asoke or Asok, it still remains that this district is a logistical hub of Bangkok city center and a great place to rent a condo or apartment.

Asoke junction is connected to both the Sukumvit BTS line and the Ratchada MRT line via two stations: Asoke BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station. This makes a condo in Asoke one of the best choices for renting in Bangkok city center.

There are plenty of advantages to renting a condo in Asoke, an obvious advantage is that when you rent a condo or apartment in Asoke, is that you have easy and fast access to so many parts of the city. From On Nut to Mo Chit along the BTS Sukhumvit line, and from Hualomphong to Bang Sue along the MRT line. All these journeys in either direction can be achieved in under 30 minutes from the central Asoke area.

Also of course it is possible to change at Siam Square BTS station only 4 stops from Asoke BTS station and travel as far as National Stadium station or over the river to Wong Wian Yai BTS station, again only 30 minutes away from your Asoke condo. Renting an apartment or condo in Asoke gives you unrivalled access to Bangkok city center.

Of course it is worth remembering that Asoke itself is an important district in Bangkok, with its own importance as a commercial center, with its own CBD. Many large towers and office blocks are found in Asoke’s CBD, including, the Grammi Building, Exchange Tower and Asoke Towers.

The Wind in Sukhumvit soi 23 is a brand new condo located within 5-7 minutes walk of both the BTS Asoke and Sukhumvit MRT station, a high-end well constructed and extremely chic condo, the Wind has one bedroom condos and two bedroom condos. One bedroom condos start at 50sqm and rent for THB 35 000/month, whilst two bedroom condos start at 75sqm and rent for THB 55 000/month. In keeping with a luxury Bangkok condo the Wind condo in Asoke has an infinity swimming pool, a well equipped gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms. It also has 24hr car parking and a luxurious marble cladded lobby area. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-wind-23-asoke-1121

Keeping with the theme of luxury, on the other side of Sukhumvit road lies the Lakes Condominium, a great condo with an excellent positioning so many units can enjoy a view of the Queen Sirikit lake and the Queen Sirigit park. With a fantastic roof-top swimming pool and sun deck more than 25 floors up and a well lit gymnasium overlooking the lake and the city.

The Lakes has one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom condo units and in keeping with Grade A luxury these Bangkok condominium units rent for luxurious prices, starting at THB 45 000/month for a one bedroom, THB 75 000/month for a two bedroom and over THB 85 000/month for a three bedroom unit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-lakes-317

Again the Lakes condominium is located within 10minutes walk of both Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations. And with spacious condos, great location and views and of course pure quality, the Lakes condominium is favourite with many expats in Bangkok.

Moving further down the Asoke road, towards Asoke’s CBD is the Supalai Premier Place Asoke. Like the Lakes condominium, Supalai Premier Place Asoke boasts one bedroom units, two bedroom units and three bedroom units, as well as a roof-top swimming pool and gymnasium all 25 storey’s high.

However Supalai Premier Place is great value and a one bedroom condo in this building starts at THB 23 000/month for a spacious 55sqm condo. Two bedroom condos start at THB 35 000/month and are 90sqm in area. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/supalai-premier-place-asoke-1279

Finally opposite Supalai Premier Place is the LPN Grand Park View condo, or Lumpini Grand Park View condo in Asoke. This well located condominium has Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom condos and offers great views from the rear of the Asoke condominium building.

With Studios starting at THB 18 000/month and one bedrooms at just THB 22 0000/month this offers an inexpensive way to rent a condo in Asoke. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/grand-park-view-661

Condos in Ekamai have been developed fast and in large numbers over the last 5 years. There have been luxury Bangkok condos built in Ekamai close to the BTS Ekamai station, and there have been many mid-range units built also within walking distance of the BTS sky train Ekamai station. Many of the condos are in well designed modern chic Bangkok condominium blocks offering great facilities like swimming pools, fitness studios and sun-deck areas.

A lot of these condos units in Ekamai, have been bought as buy-to-let properties, particularly in the mid-range Ekamai condos, so renting in Ekamai can offer plenty of choice. In the blog we will look at some of the best mid-range condos on offer to rent in Ekkamai.

Plus 67 condominium is located in Sukhumvit soi 67, and is within a 10 minute walking distance of either the BTS Ekamai or the BTS Phrakanong station. Built in a contemporary style, this Bangkok condominium offers residents a roof-top swimming pool, a large fitness studio and a roof tope sun deck, as well as great surrounding views of Ekamai and Sukhumvit.

With Bangkok studios for rent at only THB 12 000/ month and one bedroom condos for rent for THB 18 000/ month, these really are great value. One bedroom condos are over 50sqm in size and two bedroom condos for rent for THB 27 000/ month offering the residents almost 80sqm of space. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-67-sukhumvit-1195

Another great building in the area is also built by Sansiri whom built Plus 67, and is called Condo One 67. Built in a similar style to Plus 67, this Bangkok condominium is also a low-rise and also located in Sukhumvit soi 67. Again residents can take a short 10 minute stroll to either Ekamai BTS station or Phrakanong BTS station. And Condo One 67 also offers condos to rent in Ekkamai in the form of Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units. With no swimming pool available in this building, rental prices are a little cheaper with one bedroom units renting from THB 16 000/ month and two bedroom units renting from just THB 23 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-sukhumvit-67-1191

Further up in the same Sukhumvit soi is Life@67, built by AP Properties, this low-rise Bangkok condo offers a feeling of more luxury than even Plus 67. With fantastic facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, parking and luxurious lobby this really is a condominium with class.

Of course though the prices reflect the quality and these Bangkok condos rent for THB 17 000 for a small One bedroom of 31sqm, and larger one bedroom units rent for THB 23 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@67-sukhumvit-67-1222

This Bangkok condominium also houses two bedroom units, cleverly set out to maximize the 65sqm they cover. And these Ekamai condominium units rent at approx THB 30 000/ month. And once again this building offer residents a short walk to the BTS Ekamai, in fact as it is a little closer to the BTS Ekamai than Plus 67 then the walk can be done in well under 10 minutes.

The Life@67 condominium located of course in Sukhumvit 67, has a much larger big brother. Unlike Life@67 which is a low-rise condominium, Life@Sukhumvit, is located very nearby in Sukhumvit soi 65 and is even closer to the Ekamai BTS station.

Life@Sukhumvit is a high-rise housing over 500 units and again like Life@67, these units are divided into small one bedroom units at 31sqm, larger one bedroom units at 41sqm and two bedroom units at 65sqm.

With so many units there are a few big advantages to Life@Sukhumvit, one is that the facilities are impressive and beautifully designed, featuring a roof top swimming pool and sun deck.

Also renting a condo at Life@Sukhumvit is great value, with larger one bedroom condos of 41sqm renting at just THB 20 000/ month and the two bedroom 62sqm units renting at just THB 28 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sukhumvit-65-ekamai-1190

Again living in Life@Sukhumvit is very convenient as Sukhumvit soi 65 is very close to the BTS Ekamai station.