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.

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!

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.

Thonglor is a trendy, fashionable area of Bangkok. Crammed with stylish restaurants, shops, cafes and bars, this is a place to be seen. And if you can live in a condo in Thong lo, you are living in one of the most desired locations in Bangkok.

Thonglor BTS station in just one stop away from Phrom Phong BTS station, and so is right in the heart of Sukhumvit Road. So to rent a condo in Thonglor means that you would be in the middle of the most international area of Bangkok, amongst the most exciting and cosmopolitan people in Thailand.

Socialites, movie stars, pop stars, and the rest of the Bangkok Hi-So set frequent this area of Sukhumvit, as this Sub-district offers an image of style. And this is reflected in many of the stylish and modern Thonglor Condos.

Noble Ora Condominium, built by Noble Developments approx 5 years ago, is right in the heart of Thonglor and when built it set the standards for future developments in the Thong lo district. With a contemporary design, but with the use of great materials like solid wooden flooring, PVC coated windows and great facilities, this Sukhumvit condominium has been a favorite with stars and celebrities in Bangkok for some time.

	With a range of 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom condos this condominium in Thong Lo offers a wide range of Bangkok condos to the market. These Bangkok rentals start at just 35 000 Baht/month for a 1 bedroom condos, 60 000 Baht/month for a 2 bedroom and 75 000 Baht/month for a 3 bedroom condo unit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/noble-ora-1247
	Noble Ora Condo Thong lo, is also generous on space and facilities, with One Bedroom condos at over 80sqm, Two Bedroom condos at over 100sqm and Three Bedroom condos at over 150sqm. And facilities feature a large swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness room and saunas. As well of course car parking and 24 hour security. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/noble-ora-1248

Close by to Noble Ora Thonglor, is the DLV 20 in Thonglor, also knows as the Dalvey condo Thonglor, this trendy and fun looking Thonglor condominium building has one bedroom condo units for rent starting at low as 30 000 Baht/month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/dlv-20-thong-lo-1237
In addition this well constructed Thonglor condo has two bedroom units for just 45 000 Baht/month to rent. With a full range of facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, car parking and fitness area and of course 24 hour security, this is a good value rental unit in Thonglor. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/dlv-thong-lo-441

Moving further down Soi Thonglor, The Clover Condominium is one of the developments to be built in the Thonglor area of Bangkok. The Clover Thong Lo is a stylish contemporary low-rise condominium, with easy access to all of Thinglor’s hot spots including J-Avenue. With One bedroom unit at 25 000 Baht/month to rent and 2 bedroom units at 50 000 Baht/month, this is again a well priced property in Thong lo. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-clover-thonglor-1245

Going further towards the Thonglor BTS station, we find 2 developments built by Sansiri Developments. Plus 38 Condominium is of course located in Sukhumvit soi 38, only 10 minutes walk from Thong Lo BTS station. This condominium has Thonglor condos for rent starting at just 17 000 Baht/month for a Bangkok Studio condo. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-38-358
And with a range of one bedroom condos starting at 23 000 Baht/month and two bedroom condos from 33 000 Baht/month, these really are great value for this trendy and facshionable area of Sukhumvit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-38-thong-lo-1110

Finally if you are not interested I swimming and you are looking to rent a condo in the very fashionable area of Bangkok that is Thonglor, then Condo One Soi 40, also known as Condo One Thong lo could be perfect for you. With Studio condos starting at just 15 000 Baht/month it is hard to find better value than this brand new Sukhumvit condominium. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-thonglor-776

Thonglor is thriving, exciting district in Bangkok. Very popular with Bangkok socialites young and old, and full of trendy and fashionable restaurants, cafes, bars and nightspots. With Real Estate at a premium in this area of Bangkok, there are some very high-end apartments and condos, but even in this district there are some bargains to be had.

Let’s start with apartments in Thonglor for the purposed of this Bangkok Property Blog article. Down towards the Petchburi Road area of Thong Lo there are some great deals to be found. One such apartment is the Domain in Thonglor. This apartment in Thonglor has been created by converting a group of Thong lo Townhouses into apartments full of character. A property conversion like this may be rare in Bangkok, but in the West we are very familiar with Townhouses, Detached Houses and other buildings receiving renovations to form apartments.

With Thonglor Studio apartments starting from as low as 10 000 Baht/month in this Bangkok property, these apartments really are great value. As with every city in the world the choice of property is often dictated by location, location, location. And Thonglor is certainly a prime Bangkok location. So with over 50sqm in these Bangkok Studio apartments, and a great location it is hard to see The Domain as anything but a great deal in Bangkok. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-domain-g2-908

So can The Domain be beaten as a fantastic property deal in Bangkok’s Real Estate market? Well the answer is yes! And amazingly this Thonglor property is only a few minutes walk from The Domain. The Dreamscape apartments in Thonglor, offer residents an incredible 70sqm 2 bedroom apartment in Thonglor for only 16 000Baht/month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/dreamscapes-apartment-1235

And once again with easy access to Thong Lo’s exciting district then this offers anyone looking to reside in Thonglor a great Bangkok property deal.

Looking closer to towards the Thonglor BTS station, apartments close to the Thonglor BTS station are understandably in high demand and are often rented at premium prices accordingly. However there are some great value Thong lo apartments close to the BTS station at Thonglor, Rung Aroon Mansion is just such an apartment. Located within a 10 minute walk of Thonglor BTS station, this well maintained well priced apartment is ideal for those who like to stay. This is a great building for bachelors, couples and small families looking for Studio apartments in Thonglor or 1 Bedroom Thong lo apartments then this in an ideal building. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/rung-aroon-mansion-studio–478

If you are looking for a larger apartment in Thonglor then Sunshine Court located just 10 mins from the Thong Lo BTS station is an ideal apartment development for a large family. With a whole host of facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, basket ball court, and tennis courts and one of the largest and most tranquil garden areas in the Bangkok city center area. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sunshine-court-166

A large 2 bedroom unit can be rented for just 30 000 Baht/month and if you want to rent in Thonglor area of Bangkok, then this again really does present great value. Sunshine Court is not the newest property development in Bangkok, but with a unique style and feel this is Bangkok apartment has plenty of character and a very homely family feel.

Another mature property, again well maintained as is Sunshine Court is Surrinda Mansion, located just 10 mins walk from Thonglor BTS station. If you are looking for a large 1 bedroom with tranquil environment in or around the Thonglor area then this property could be just your style.

Located in a quiet soi, an with access to the swimming pool and garden areas these 65-70sqm 1 Bedroom apartments in this low rise Thonglor apartment block are well maintained and offer a comfortable alternative to the modern contemporary styles condos in Thonglor. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/surrinda-mansion-408