It’s that time of the year again when organizations in various industries and countries decide on their highlights of the year. Their best employee, best achievement or department. At EasyHomes we look at our own market the Bangkok property market and look at the best condos and apartments in Bangkok for the year.

This year there have been some surprising results and some expected results. Among the highlights we will review are The Wind Asoke 23, Life@65 Ekamai, Siri@Sukhumvit in Thonglor, S and S condo and Villa Sathorn. These properties have all been stand-out performers in what is fast becoming a very competitive market with many excellent condos and apartments on the market.

Let’s start with The Wind Asoke 23 located in Asoke only 500m from both the MRT and BTS stations. A truly excellent location for an excellent building.

A fantastic modern building built in a contemporary tropical style with 1 bedroom Bangkok condos to rent in Asoke, 2 bedroom condos and 3 bedroom condos for lease as well. With a infinity swimming pool, 24hr security, car parking, sun deck and fitness room this Bangkok condominium offers all the facilities associated with luxury condos in Bangkok. However the quality in The Wind 23 Asoke is of such high caliber that it stands out as true gem. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-wind-23-asok-1573

The Wind 23 condo has been a slow-burner in the Bangkok condominium market, but once it was discovered by the general market the reaction has been understandably positive. The location is ideal for those wanting to commute around Bangkok with access to both the MRT and BTS only 500m away.

The second condo to look at is a previous favorite condo of ours, the forever popular Life@65 condo in Ekamai. If you are looking for a good quality, great value condo to rent on Sukhumvit then the Life@Sukhumvit 65 is ideal. With excellent views, a large roof-top swimming pool and great value condos for lease on Sukhumvit road. And only a 5 mins walk to both Ekamai BTS station and Phrakanong BTS station, Life@Sukhumvit 65 or Life@65 (as it is referred to by locals) this is an ideal condo to rent in Bangkok if you are a bachelor, bachelorette or a couple. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sukhumvit-65-ekamai-2238

The next condo we will review is a total departure from Life@Sukhumvit 65, and rather than catering fort mid-range tenant looking to rent a condominium in Bangkok our next condo Siri@Sukhumvit located near Thonglor BTS station caters for the high-end market. Siri@Sukhumvit offers one bedroom condos, two bedroom condos and three bedroom condos for rent. And if you are looking to rent a condo near to Thonglor BTS station, this is hard to beat.

Siri@Sukhumvit offers a fantastic lobby and incredible facilities, with a huge gymnasium and fitness studio, and probably the best swimming pool in the Sukhumvit area. With so many great condominiums to rent in Sukhumvit then it is a compliment indeed that Siri@Sukhumvit is picked out as having the best or at least one of the best swimming pools in Bangkok.

In keeping with its high-end market, Siri@Sukhumvit has great finishings and excellent style. A large building it looks and feels impressive the moment you enter Siri@Sukhumvit. So if you are looking to rent a condo or apartment in Thonglor and you have a good budget it is hard to look beyond Siri@Sukumvit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/siri@sukhumvit-thonglor-1458

This year 2011, was the year that the BTS received its first major extension since its inauguration in 1999. Yes we know that it added two more stops in Krungthonburi BTS station and Wong Wien Yai BTS station 2 years ago, and more about them in a while, but with the extension of the BTS from On Nut BTS station to Bearing BTS station this has been a significant increase opening up the east side of Bangkok’s city center. And with the advent of these stations has come a large amount of condo and apartment development from low-rises to high-rises the landscape on the east side of Bangkok’s city center has altered considerably.

However there has been one condo that has caught our attention more than others and one that has shown that just because it is built in a less established and fashionable part of town, it does not have to be of lower quality. In fact S and S condominium, or S&S condominium, or S & S condominium – depending on how you spell it, is of better quality and style than many condos seen in mid-Sukhumvit, Sathorn or Silom.

S & S condominium is set on a large piece of land and takes advantage of that by offering a large swimming pool and a large garden area including a children’s play ground. For those looking to rent a condo in Udomsuk or Punniwithee near the BTS stations. S & S condo houses Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom condos and the value is very high given the location of the condominium. S&S condo is located near to the shopping area featuring international restaurants and international supermarkets. If you are looking to rent a condo on the new BTS extension then renting a condo in S&S condo would be a good choice. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/s–s-condo-udomsuk-1911

Finally looking at renting a condo in Sathorn area we review Villa Sathorn which is located only 50m from Krungthonburi BTS station. Villa Sathornhouses Studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units, so caters for most of the market. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/villa-sathorn-krungthonburi-2160

With fantastic views and with river views Villa Sathorn is a great place to rent a condo in Bangkok.

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!

2010 saw over 4 000 Bangkok condominium units transferred on Sukhumvit road alone. This is a massive number of condos to rent on Sukhumvit, making Sukhumvit a very attractive area to rent a condo in Bangkok. Of course like with anything, some Sukhumvit condominium buildings stand out as better then others, whether this is due to value for money, quality, style, facilities or location. Here we will review the best condos completed on Sukhumvit for 2010, based on the ones that impressed our clients the most and the reasons why.

Life@Sukhumvit 65 or also known as just Life@65 is one of the best new condos to rent in Bangkok, never mind being one of the best new condos to rent on Sukhumvit. Located in Ekamai near the Ekamai BTS station Life@Sukhumvit 65 is a high-rise condominium building nearly 30 storey’s tall. With facilities such as a large swimming pool, roof top fitness area and saunas, as well as the usual 24hr security and car parking associated with quality Bangkok condos. However what makes Life@Sukhumvit 65 so popular with expats is the combination of all the above coupled with an excellent location. Just 5 mins walk from the nearest BTS station, and just 10 minutes walk from a cinema, supermarket and shopping mall.

Life@Sukhumvit 65 offers superb views of Bangkok and the surrounding Ekamai areas, and is only 15mins travel to Siam Square via the BTS. With small 1 bedroom condo units starting at just 15 000 Baht renting this Ekamai condominium is great value. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sukhumvit-65-ekamai-1445

Also staying in the same location, renting a condo in Ekamai has never been so attractive. With so many Bangkok condos to choose from depending upon your requirements and budget, the choice is varied. One of the best is Life@Sukhumvit 65’s sister building Life@67, located in Sukhumvit soi 67 is another excellent condo to rent in Ekamai.

Some of your clients prefer to rent a Bangkok condo in a low-rise building, whether this is due to a fear of heights or just the more intimate feeling a low-rise condo can offer. For this reason Life@67 can offer a great quality Ekamai condo for rent in a well constructed and styled low-rise building.

Ekamai is an excellent place to rent a condo, due to its combination of amenities, location to the city center and its value for money, with Bangkok condos for rent in Ekamai still lower than those in other areas of Sukhumvit such as Thonglor or Phrom Phong. Life@67 condominium once again offer all the facilities one can expect from a quality Bangkok condominium, such as swimming pool, fitness area, saunas, car parking and security. Again there are excellent quality 1 and 2 bedroom condos available starting at approx THB 20 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@67-sukhumvit-67-1222

Moving along the BTS line we will look at two condos to rent in Thonglor. Both opened at the turn of the year in 2010, these condos for differing reasons have proved to be both popular and highly rated by our clients in 2010. Siri@Sukhumvit is a high-end Bangkok condominium located just 2-3 minutes walk from the BTS Thong Lo station. With a beautiful large lobby, excellent views and well appointed condo units, this striking building has proved to be popular with clients looking for both the convenience of the BTS and luxury of a Grade A condominium.

As always Siri@Sukhumvit condominium offers first class facilities with a dramatic and attractive swimming pool, fitness area, saunas, steam room and car parking. All of which are completed with high-level finishes. And within such a short walk of Thonglor BTS station the convenience is hard to beat. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/siri@sukhumvit-thonglor-1458

Further inside Thonglor road it is The Clover Thonglor, an excellently located mid-range condominium in the heart of Thong Lo. The Clover is a cluster of low-rise condos grouped around 2 large centrally located swimming pools.

The winning appeal of The Clover Thong Lo, is not just the styling and facilities, but also the fact that if you want to rent a condo in Thonglor, then The Clover Thonglor represents exceptional value for money. With small 1 bedroom units starting at just THB 17 000/month and larger 1 bedroom units at approximately THB 25 000/month it is hard to beat in this up market and trendy district of Bangkok. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-clover-thong-lo-1253

And then looking around in the immediate location there are 2 supermarkets within 5 minutes waking distance, dozens of cafes and dozens of restaurants not to mention convenience stores. This is the heart of the Japanese district of Bangkok and perhaps one of the most up-market and trendy areas to live in.

The next location we will look at it is for those who are looking to rent a Bangkok condo in the Phrom Phong district of Sukhumvit. The Emporio Place Phrom Phong is located within 400m of the Phrom Phong BTS station and The Emporium shopping plaza. This high-end Grade A condominium offers the chance to rent in one of the most convenient and luxurious areas of Bangkok.

With access to Sukhumvit Road, Rama IV road, Rama IV expressway and many Sukhumvit sub sois, Emporio Place is one of the best located condominiums on Sukhumvit. And with 3 buildings all located around a central area, it offers those wishing to rent a condo in Emporio Place a wide range of options. With large studios, 1 bedrooms, 1 bedroom duplex units, 2 bedrooms, 2 bedroom duplexes and 3 bedrooms, there really is a wide-range of choice for those looking to live in the Emporio Place.

As with the previous Sukhumvit condos for rent we have reviewed, Emporio Place offers a good selection of facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room, BBQ area, car parking and security. In addition to this The Emporio Place also houses coffee shops, restaurants and other light high-end retail. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-emporio-place-phrom-phong-1671

Travelling along the BTS one more station we come to Asok BTS station, which interchanges with Sukhmvit MRT station. For those looking to rent a condo in Asoke, then the latest and best condo to be built in the Asoke area is The Wind 23 Asok.

The Wind 23 in Asoke is a stylish, and chic luxury condominium with excellent finishes throughout the building. The Wind 23 offer the renter access to both the MRT and BTS lines within just 5 mins walk of the condo. With facilities that include an infinity swimming pool, basketball court, fitness room, saunas, mutli-layered terracing, and a tuk-tuk service to the BTS/MRT this offers a great way to rent a condo in Asoke. The Wind offers both 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom condos with large windows and excellently appointed fittings. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-wind-23-asok-1501

So these are our choice of the best new condos to rent on Sukhumvit and ones that have proved extremely popular with our clients over the last 12 months. With the quality and locations of these properties so high, we look forward to see if it is possible for condominium developers to step up the new condos not yet complete to an even higher level…it will be a tough task!