In the previous part 1 of this blog Bangkok condos and apartments to rent in Sukhumvit where highlighted. And although there are many great condos and apartments for lease in Sukhumvit it is not always suitable for all. If you do not work in or near Sukhumvit then accommodation for rent in Sukhumvit is of no use to you.

In this blog we will look at other locations suitable for expats and particularly condos and apartments teachers to rent in Bangkok. We will highlight an example for each of the following areas: Condos and apartments for rent in Ratchada, condos and apartments for rent in Sathorn, condos and apartments for rent in Thonburi and finally condos and apartments for rent in Phahonyothin near Ari.

Firstly though we will look at the accommodation for teachers in the Ratchada area of Bangkok. Ratchada also known as Ratchadaphisek has seen a huge amount of development in the last 5-6 years. What used to be a semi-industrial through road has become a thriving and inviting residential area. Highlights include the Esplanade center, the new Central Mall at Rama 9 and dozens of beautiful modern condominiums including Life@Sutthisan, Life@Huaykwang , the Ideo Huaykwang and the Ivy Ratchada.

Life@Ratchada-Sutthisan condo or sometimes referred to as just Life@Sutthisan condo to avoid confusion is a new well located condo, less than 50m from the Suthisan MRT station. Life@Suthisan condominium is a high-rise building with a swimming pool, sun-deck, gym, car park and 24hr security. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@ratchada-suthisarn-1368

Like all Life@ condominiums, Life@Sutthisan is modern, clean and well designed with a great use of space in all 3 types of units: Studio partition/ 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units.

The next location is a big jump geographically from Ratchada, but is not too far from the MRT, with the nearest MRT station being Silom MRT station. However the nearest BTS station is only 5 mins walk away at Chon Nonsi BTS station.

The Ivy Sathorn is a well located, well constructed and stylish condominium in the heart of Sathorn, which is sometimes referred to as Bangkok’s CBD. The Ivy Sathorn like Life@Sathorn and other Life@ condos is configured into Studio partition/ 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units.

The Ivy Sathorn , also like the Life@ condos uses space optimally and the lay-outs often look larger than they are and of course the higher floors offer great vies of the city lights and sky-line. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/ivy-sathorn-1506

There are many schools in the Sathorn, Silom and even Rama 3 areas and all are easily reachable from this location. The Ivy Sathorn offers luxurious living with a swimming pool, gym, car parking and security all at good value for money prices.

Just over the river from Sathorn is Thonburi and like Ratchada this area of Bangkok has seen rapid development in recent years, and in just the last 2 years has seen the development of hundreds of well constructed and well thought our condo to rent near Krungthonburi BTS station and Wong Wien Yai BTS station.

There have been several Ideo condominiums built which like the Ideo Huaykwang, offer great facilities and units. However possibly the best condominium for rent in Thonburi is Villa Sathorn The condo units to rent at Villa Sathorn are Studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms. Villa Sathorn offers the same facilities and ease of location to the BTS as Life@ condos, Ideo condos and Ivy condos, but where Villa Sathorn beats these condos in on space and therefore value for money.

Villa Sathorn has one bedroom units starting at the same price as Studios at Ivy Sathorn, Life@Sathorn etc and yet they offer 10sqm more. And quality is not compromised either, as Villa Sathorn offers not only the same facilties, a swimming pool, gym, sun-deck, car parking and even garden area, but also with excellent fixtures and fittings. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/villa-sathorn-krungthonburi-2443

Finally we look at the area in North Bangkok which is near the Ari and Saphan Kwai BTS stations. The Ideo Mix in Phahonyothin offers again another well constructed, well designed and well configured building only 5 mins walk from the BTS.

The Ideo Mix is has Studio partition/ 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units and is ideal for those want to rent a condo in the northern part of Bangkok or looking for a an apartment near Ari BTS station or Saphan Kwai BTS station. The Ideo Mix is a great blend of quality, convenience and style and perfect for those teaching in schools from Victory Monument all the way to Mo Chit, Chatuchak or Vipahividee areas. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/ideo-mix-condo-phaholyothin-1867

Travel along the BTS and MRT in Bangkok today and you’ll see the familiar site of cranes, excavators and construction, as dozens of condos, hotels, offices and shopping malls are being built in Bangkok. However standing out from the crowd of new buildings are the Life@ condominiums that offer fantastic quality and affordable living within a few minutes walking distance of the nearest BTS or MRT station.

There are numerous Life@ condos in Bangkok, with some of the most popular being Life@Sukhumvit 65, Life@67, Life@Sathorn, Life@Sutthisan-Ratchada, Life@Huay Kwang-Ratchada, Life@Lat Prao-Ratchada and Life@Ari-Phaholyothin. We’ll look at some of these condos individually below.

If you are looking to rent a Life@ condo on Sukhumvit road then you would be looking at leasing a Bangkok condo in either Life@Sukhumvit 65, also known as Life@65 or in Life@Sukhumvit 67, also commonly known just as Life@67. Although situated in close proximity to each other and the Ekamai and Phrakanong BTS stations the two buildings are certainly not twins. Life@65 is a high-rise with a fantastic roof top swimming pool and sundeck 28 floors above the Bangkok city center, whilst Life@67 is a stylish low-rise with a large fitness studio and gymnasium as well as some beautifully designed condo units. So although the two buildings largely consist of 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom condos, they cater for 2 different markets. Those who would like to lease a condo in the low-rise Bangkok condominium will go for Life@67, whilst those wanting to lease a high-rise Bangkok condo will opt for the Life@65. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sukhumvit-65-ekamai-1502

Whilst Life@65 of course offers fantastic and stunning views across Bangkok’s city center, Life@67 offers the more intimate and homely feel of a low-rise building. Renting a condo in Life@67 offers residents the feeling of both luxury and comfort, with Life@67 condo units often being a little larger than those at the Life@65, and of course with fewer units within the building the facilities will be quieter. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@67-sukhumvit-1322

Moving away from Sukhumvit Road, but still remaining on the Sukhumvit BTS line and heading North we come across Life@Phaholyothin-Ari which although built in a very similar format to Life@65, offers lower priced and therefore better value units given its location is away from mid-Sukhumvit road.

Renting a condo in Life@Phahonyothin-Ari is an excellent choice for those wanting to live in the Northern part of Bangkok’s city center. With excellent access to Vipahvidee Road and expressways, Bangkok’s older airport at Don Muang, Phatumthani where many factories are situated and even the road to Ayuthaya. Not forgetting Mo Chit, Saphan Kwai and of course the relaxing streets of Ari filled with great restaurants. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@phahonyothin-ari-1297

However if we move away from Phahonyothin Road and in indeed the BTS Sukhumvit line, we can look at a fantastically located Life@Sathorn condominium in Chong Nonsi. For those looking to rent a condo on the Silom BTS line, one could do a lot worse than choosing a condo to rent at Life@Sathorn in Chong Nonsi. Again a high-rise condominium the Life@Sathorn building offers great views of the Chong Nonsi and Sathorn areas of Bangkok, i.e. Bangkok’s CBD districts. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sathorn-chong-nonsi-1660

With international offices housing the likes of RBS, PWC, Standard Chartered, Aberdeen Insurance, Bank of China and many other international finance, insurance and marketing corporations this is a great location for those working in ‘the City’.

Moving away from Sathorn and indeed the BTS lines of both Sukhumvit and Silom, we get on to Bangkok’s underground train, Bangkok’s subway called the MRT. The MRT runs predominantly along Ratchadaphisek Road, also commonly known as Ratchada amongst many locals and long-term expats.

For those looking to rent a condo along the MRT line or looking to lease a condo in Ratchada then the many choice of Life@ condos offer some of the most attractive options. With many choices mentioned earlier, it is possible to consider Life@Ratchada-Sutthisan, Life@Ratchada-Huay Kwang and Life@Ratchada-Lad Prao with the knowledge you’ll find a well designed, well located stylish condo and probably some great views as well!

Life@Ratchada Suthisan is located in central Ratchada and is only 2 MRT stations from The Esplanade shopping center, a luxury shopping plaza boasting a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, ice rink and many shops and restaurants. In addition to this are a Carrefour, a Robinson’s department store and a Jusco supermarket. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@ratchada-suthisarn-1368

Life@Ratchada-Suthisan offers small 1 bedroom units, larger 1 bedroom units and 2 bedroom units, and of course some fantastic facilities including a large swimming pool, gymnasium and car parking. And all this located less than 50m from the Suthisan MRT station.

If you are looking to rent a condo in Bangkok, then there has never been a better time to do it. With more choice available than ever before, more convenience and more style and quality, you can join the good life, and a Life@ condominium is an excellent way to go!

In the last 10 months since the start of 2010, there have been 35 new major condominium projects opened in the Bangkok city center with a total of 8 898 units, so that is a massive amount of brand new Bangkok condos opened in 2010. Of course in addition to these major Bangkok condominium projects there have of course been a number of lesser projects. These are mainly done by smaller independent Bangkok property developers and although some these Bangkok condominium buildings end up being of good quality, most do not, so for the purpose of this blog we have overlooked these smaller Bangkok condominium buildings.

On the whole the best Bangkok condominiums in terms of quality, location, amenities, facilities, design, fittings and maintenance are developed by many of the Bangkok property developers listed on the SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand). In this article we will concentrate on the best new condominiums developed in the Sathorn area and Bangkok.

Starting over the river, there has been a wave of brand new condos for rent in Krungthonburi and Wong Wian Yai areas of Bangkok next to the 2 new BTS stations opened in May 2009. Examples of these have been The Hive Taksin, Q House Krungthonburi and Villa Sathorn. As well as smaller condos like The Citrine Wong Wian Yai, My Condo Wong Wian Yai and The Ideo Krungthonburi.

However hear we will concentrate on Villa Sathorn, which is a high-rise Bangkok condominium with over 40 storey’s, housing over 600 units with breathtaking views of the Bangkok city center, the Chaophraya river and the surrounding areas. In fact with very few high-rise buildings located close to the Villa Sathorn condo, it seems that almost all the units have access to spectacular far reaching views.

Villa Sathorn has a swimming pool, gymnasium and large raised garden area and jogging track and of course houses the usual secure car parking facilities associated with modern Bangkok condominiums. With Studios, 1 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms, Villa Sathorn covers a large part of the Bangkok property market. Perhaps though the best part of Villa Sathorn in the location, only 50m from the Krungthonburi BTS station. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/villa-sathorn-krungthonburi-1557

Moving over the Chaoprhraya river into the Sathorn area of town, we find 2 new equally matched Bangkok condominiums, offering a great choice of mid-range mid-market condos to rent in Sathorn. If you are looking to rent a modern attractive condo in Sathorn, then The Ivy Sathorn and Life@Sathorn should be on your list of choices.

Both modern and well designed high-rise Bangkok condominium buildings they are located only 250m from Sathorn’s most popular BTS station. The Chong Nonsi BTS station which links with the Bangkok BRT line is a convenient stop for many of Bangkok’s large office buildings housing RBS, Standard Chartered, PWC, Bank of China and many other multi-national firms.

The Ivy Sathorn and the Life@Sathorn, both offer similar properties to rent in Sathorn, with small 1 bedroom units starting off at 35sqm, larger 1 bedroom units at 41sqm and 2 bedroom condos at 65sqm. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sathorn-chong-nonsi-1525

The Ivy Sathorn and Life@Sathorn both have a large swimming pool, raised sun deck, fitness room, car parking and full 24hr security. Along with spacious lobbies, stylish fixtures, gardens and communal areas for all to enjoy. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/ivy-sathorn-chong-nonsi-1507

These 3 brand new Bangkok condominium buildings, Villa Sathorn, The Ivy Sathorn and Life@Sathorn all offer a good range of condos starting as low as THB 15 000 a month to rent in Sathorn.

In the next article we will look at the best of the brand new Bangkok condominium buildings opened in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok.

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