If you've been scanning the Sathorn rental market for a condo that actually delivers on the luxury promise without the bloated price tags of the ultra-premium towers, Nara 9 by Eastern Star deserves a serious look. Sitting right on Sathorn Soi 9, this project flies a bit under the radar compared to flashier neighbors, but that's honestly part of its appeal. It's the kind of building where long-term expats and Bangkok professionals settle in quietly and stay for years. Let me break down exactly what you're getting here.

Location on Sathorn Soi 9: What It Actually Feels Like

Nara 9 sits on Sathorn Soi 9, which connects Sathorn Road to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Road. That dual access is a genuine everyday advantage. You're not trapped on one congested road during rush hour, and anyone who has sat in Sathorn traffic at 6 PM knows exactly why that matters.

The closest BTS station is Chong Nonsi, about a 10 to 12 minute walk. It's not doorstep BTS like some of the towers directly on the main road, but it's manageable. Many residents just grab a motorcycle taxi from the soi entrance for 20 baht and they're at the platform in three minutes flat.

For daily errands, you've got a 7-Eleven practically next door and plenty of street food options along Narathiwat. The Big C on Sathorn is a short drive away, and Suan Plu's restaurant scene is within walking distance. A friend of mine who rented a one bedroom here for two years said her favorite thing was being able to walk to a solid pad kra pao spot on the soi for 60 baht and still feel like she lived in a luxury building. That contrast is very Sathorn.

The Building and Facilities: Genuinely Well Maintained

Nara 9 was completed in 2014, so it's had about a decade to show its true colors. And honestly, Eastern Star did a solid job with the build quality here. The common areas still look sharp, the lobby doesn't feel dated, and the management keeps things tight. That matters more than people realize. Plenty of Bangkok condos look stunning at launch and feel tired five years later. Nara 9 has aged well.

The building is 33 floors with around 570 units. Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool with city views, a well equipped fitness center, a sauna, and a garden area on the amenity floor. The pool isn't massive, but it's rarely overcrowded because the building has a good mix of residents who aren't all trying to use it at the same time.

Security is 24 hours with key card access throughout. Parking is available in the basement, and there's a shuttle service to BTS Chong Nonsi during peak hours, which is a nice touch that not every building in this price range offers.

Unit Types and What Rents Actually Look Like

Nara 9 offers a range of layouts. One bedrooms start at about 35 square meters, and two bedroom units run up to around 80 square meters. There are also larger configurations available, though those come up less frequently on the rental market.

For current rental pricing, expect to pay roughly 18,000 to 25,000 THB per month for a one bedroom depending on floor, view, and furnishing level. Two bedrooms generally land between 30,000 and 45,000 THB per month. These are real numbers from recent listings, not developer fantasy figures.

The units themselves feature good ceiling heights and large windows that bring in solid natural light, especially on the higher floors facing the city. Kitchens are compact but functional, which is standard for Bangkok condos in this category. I recently helped a colleague look at a one bedroom on the 22nd floor here. The view toward Lumpini Park and the skyline was legitimately impressive for a unit renting at 22,000 baht per month. You'd pay significantly more for that same view in a building like The Met or Sathorn Heritage.

Who Actually Lives Here and Why It Works for Them

Nara 9 attracts a mix of Thai professionals and expats working in the Sathorn and Silom business districts. It's popular with people in banking, consulting, and corporate roles who want a clean, comfortable base without spending 50,000 plus on rent every month.

It also works well for couples or small families who need a two bedroom but don't want to move out to Sukhumvit 50 plus to afford one. A two bedroom at Nara 9 in the mid 30,000 range gives you genuine Sathorn living with space to breathe. Compare that to similar sized units at The Address Sathorn or Supalai Elite, and the value becomes very clear.

The building's atmosphere is calm and residential. This isn't a party building. If you want rooftop bars and a social scene in your lobby, look elsewhere. If you want to come home, close the door, and enjoy a quiet evening with a good view, Nara 9 delivers that consistently.

Potential Downsides to Consider

No building is perfect, so here's the honest take. The walk to BTS Chong Nonsi can feel long in Bangkok's heat, especially during the hot season from March to May. If BTS access is your top priority, this might frustrate you compared to options directly on Sathorn Road.

Some of the lower floor units facing the soi can feel a bit closed in, so try to view units on floor 15 and above if the view matters to you. Also, Sathorn Soi 9 itself can get congested during rush hour, so if you're driving daily, factor in some extra time in the mornings.

Nara 9 by Eastern Star is a strong, honest pick for renters who value quality living at a reasonable price point in one of Bangkok's most established business districts. It won't wow you with Instagram worthy infinity pools or celebrity architect branding, but it will give you a well built, well managed home in a location that makes everyday life in Bangkok genuinely convenient. If you're weighing your Sathorn options and want to see what's currently available at Nara 9, check listings and get matched to verified units at superagent.co.