Somkid Gardens Bangkok: Classic Ploenchit Condo Reviewed

Somkid Gardens sits on Soi Somkid, just off Ploenchit Road, in one of the most quietly expensive pockets of central Bangkok. Built in the early 1990s, this low rise condo has been flying under the radar for decades while flashier towers kept popping up around it. But if you know the Ploenchit area well, you already know why people stay in buildings like this for years. The rents are reasonable for the location, the units are genuinely large, and the neighborhood has a calm, established feel that newer developments simply cannot replicate.

Location and Getting Around from Soi Somkid

Soi Somkid connects Ploenchit Road to Wireless Road (Thanon Witthayu), which means you are sandwiched between two of Bangkok's most important corridors. BTS Ploenchit station is roughly a seven to ten minute walk, depending on your pace and how much Bangkok heat you can handle. BTS Chit Lom is also within reach if you cut through the Central Embassy area.

For daily life, this location is hard to beat. Central Embassy and Central Chidlom are both walkable for groceries and dining. The Nai Lert Park Heritage Home is practically next door, and Lumphini Park is a short taxi or motorbike ride down Wireless Road. If you work in the embassy district, at one of the offices on Wireless Road, or anywhere along the Sukhumvit BTS line, your commute is minimal.

Picture this: you finish work at an office near BTS Ploenchit, grab dinner at one of the Japanese restaurants along Soi Ruamrudee, and walk home through quiet, tree lined streets. That is the Somkid Gardens lifestyle in a nutshell. No fighting through Thong Lor crowds, no sitting in traffic on Rama 9. Just a calm walk home.

Unit Sizes and Layout: Old School Space

This is where Somkid Gardens really stands out. The units here are significantly larger than what you will find in most modern Bangkok condos. We are talking two bedroom units that range from around 100 to 150 square meters, and three bedroom units that push well past 200 square meters. If you have been touring new builds where a "two bedroom" means 55 square meters and a kitchen the size of a closet, Somkid Gardens will feel like a different world.

The layouts are classic 1990s Thai residential design. Expect separate kitchens with actual counter space, proper living and dining areas, and bedrooms that fit a king bed without making you choose between a wardrobe and a desk. Bathrooms are typically larger too, with bathtubs in the master suites of bigger units.

A colleague of mine moved here from a newer studio on Sukhumvit Soi 24. She went from 32 square meters to a two bedroom unit with a balcony overlooking greenery. Her rent actually went down by about 5,000 baht. She still talks about it like she discovered a cheat code.

Rent Prices: What to Expect in 2024 and 2025

Somkid Gardens rents vary quite a bit depending on unit size, floor level, renovation status, and how motivated the landlord is. As a general guide, expect two bedroom units to range from about 30,000 to 50,000 THB per month. Three bedroom units can go from 45,000 to 70,000 THB, sometimes higher if the owner has done a full modern renovation.

For this neighborhood, those numbers are genuinely competitive. A comparable sized two bedroom in a newer building like The Address Chidlom or Noble Ploenchit could easily run 55,000 to 80,000 THB or more. You are essentially trading a rooftop infinity pool and a lobby that looks like a hotel for a lot more living space and a lower monthly bill.

One thing to keep in mind: some units at Somkid Gardens have been beautifully updated with modern kitchens, new flooring, and renovated bathrooms. Others still have the original 1990s finishes. The price gap between a renovated and unrenovated unit can be 10,000 to 15,000 THB per month, so always ask to see photos or visit in person before committing.

Building Facilities and the Honest Trade Offs

Let's be real. Somkid Gardens is not going to compete with newer condos on facilities. There is a swimming pool and basic fitness area, along with 24 hour security. But you will not find a co working lounge, a sky bar, or a fancy steam room. The common areas are clean and functional, not Instagram worthy.

For some renters, that is perfectly fine. A friend who works remotely told me he picked Somkid Gardens specifically because the building is quiet during the day. No construction noise from ongoing phases, no crowds at the pool, no music blasting from a rooftop party space. He uses a co working space at The Commons Saladaeng when he wants a change of scenery and treats the condo purely as a peaceful home base.

Parking is generally available, which is a genuine plus in this area. The building management is responsive for maintenance issues, though turnaround times can vary as with most older Bangkok condos.

Who Should Rent at Somkid Gardens

This building works best for renters who prioritize space, location, and value over brand new finishes and resort style amenities. Families with one or two kids will appreciate the large floor plans and the proximity to international schools like NIST, which is a short drive away. Couples who work in the Ploenchit or Silom area and want a calm residential feel will love it here. Solo expats who work from home and need a proper office setup in their apartment will find the extra square meters life changing.

If you need a gym with Technogym equipment and a 50 meter lap pool, this probably is not your building. But if you want a spacious, well located home in one of Bangkok's best neighborhoods at a price that does not destroy your monthly budget, Somkid Gardens deserves a serious look.

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