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.

Always trying to bring you the latest Bangkok Real Estate news and moves on the Bangkok property market, this EasyHomes Bangkok property blog has decided to take a look at the new Bangkok BRT bus system, that recently opened in the Sathorn, Narathiwat, Rama 3 and Thonburi areas of Bangkok.

In May 2010, the BMA (Bangkok Metropolitan Association) opened up the Bangkok BRT (Bangkok Rapid Transit) for the public. The first BRT line runs a total of 16.5Km from Sathorn, where it links with the Chong Nonsi BTS station, all the way along Rama 3 and over the river into Thonburi, where it stops at its 12th BRT station at Ratchapruek. This offers increased benefits and convenience for 10 000’s of residents of the Bangkok condos and apartments that exist alongside the new line.

The new BRT is a blessing for those living in the Sathorn district of Bangkok, on Rama 3 road and of course those people on our near the Chaophraya River. And of course those working in Bangkok’s CBD will now find it easier to commute along thoroughfares such as Rama 3 and Narathiwat roads So let’s have a look at some of the condos and apartments that will benefit from this new convenient and great value form of Bangkok transport.

Bangkok Garden Apartment is located in Narathiwat Road, and is only a 10 mins walk from Thanon Chan BRT station. Bangkok Garden apartment is an ideal Bangkok apartment for families and children. In the heart of Narathiwat road and only 10 mins walk from Central Rama 3 shopping center. With a whole host of facilties, Bangkok Garden Apartment offers not only 2 large swimming pools, one of the largest gardens in Bangkok, a 5-a-side football pitch, basket ball court and gymnasium, but also cafes and restaurants. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/bangkok-garden-apt-58

A less expensive, but also stylish Bangkok condominium located close by to Bangkok Garden apartment, is Condo One X Narathiwat, this condominium is only 2 years old offers a swimming pool and gymnasium as well as excellent lay-outs in the condos, making ideal use of space and design. Condo One X offers great value and is also located to Thanon Chan BRT station, Central Rama 3 and is close to a quiet community with coffee shops and local shops. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-x-narathiwat-24-1161

Further up the line towards the Sathorn station there is the Yenakart BRT station, which makes life easier for those who live in the Yenakart are of Bangkok. There are some great value condos and apartments in the Yenakart district, but perhaps the pick of the bunch in terms of quality is The Lofts Yenakart, which is a Grade A condominium housing 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units.

The Lofts Yenakart features a large swimming pool, gymnasium, car parking and sun deck, but it is the quality of the fixtures and fittings that make this such a great Bangkok condominium to rent in the Sathorn area of Bangkok. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-lofts-yenakart-1422

However the Bangkok BRT does not only serve and benefit those in Sathorn, but also those on Rama 3, after all this new system stretches for 16.5Km. So those renting Bangkok condos or apartments along Rama 3 will also find the new Bangkok BRT bus system very convenient.

Lumpini are one of the biggest developers in Thailand and in Bangkok, building many convenient and well designed condominium buildings in prime and popular areas of Bangkok. LPN Narathiwat-Chaophraya condo is just such a building and is located near the Chaophraya river’s water’s edge on Rama 3 road.

For those looking for convenient and inexpensive condos living with river views and luxury features like infinity style swimming pools then LPN Narathiwat-Chaophraya is an ideal place to live. Close to Central Rama 3, Tescos and other convenient shops and restaurants, this LPN Narathiwat-Chaophraya has always offered great value for money at the river, with Studios to rent starting at just THB 11 000/month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/lpn-narathiwat-chao-phraya-196

The Bangkok BRT line then stretches over the Rama 3 bridge and into Thonburi, where in the future it will link up with the BTS when the stations are complete. However it is still convenient for those living in Thonburi and those living in Metro Park Sathorn. This is a great value Bangkok condominium and due to its location in a quiet suburb of Bangkok, just on the outside of the city center, the atmosphere is peaceful.

And at just THB 8 000/month to rent a Studio condo or just THB 10 000/month to rent a 1 bedroom condo at Metro Park Sathorn, this really is low cost living, at a high-level. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/metro-park-sathorn-878

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.