State Tower Sathorn: Sky Bar Building Condo — Is It Worth Renting?

You've probably seen State Tower without even knowing its name. That iconic golden building on Silom Road, the one with the open air rooftop bar where they filmed The Hangover Part II. Lebua at State Tower is famous worldwide, but what most people don't realize is that the building also has residential units available for rent. So the real question is: can you actually live in the same tower as Sky Bar, and is it a good idea?

Let's break down what it's really like to call State Tower home, from the views and the vibe to the noise and the price tag.

What Exactly Is State Tower, and What Are You Renting?

State Tower is a 68 story mixed use skyscraper on Charoen Krung Road, right where Silom meets the Chao Phraya River. It opened in 2001 and remains one of the tallest buildings in Bangkok. The tower combines the Lebua hotel, serviced residences, office space, and privately owned condos all under one roof.

The residential units you'll find for rent are typically one bedroom or two bedroom layouts ranging from about 70 to 130 square meters. Some owners rent them out as standard condos, while others list them as serviced apartments. Expect to pay somewhere between 25,000 and 55,000 THB per month depending on the floor, the size, and whether it comes furnished with hotel style amenities or basic condo fittings.

Picture this: you're a consultant working on a six month contract near Sathorn. You want river views, a central location, and something that feels a cut above a typical condo. State Tower checks those boxes fast. But there are trade offs, and you should know about them before signing anything.

Location: Close to Everything, But With a Catch

State Tower sits at the Silom end of Charoen Krung Road, which puts you within walking distance of Saphan Taksin BTS station. That's your gateway to the BTS Silom Line and the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Sathorn Pier. Commuting to Siam, Asoke, or even across the river to ICONSIAM is straightforward.

The catch? The immediate neighborhood is not exactly a vibrant residential area. Charoen Krung in this stretch is more old school Bangkok, with narrow sois, street food vendors, and aging shophouses. If you're used to the polished sidewalks around Thonglor or Phrom Phong, this will feel very different. That said, you're only a short walk from the Silom business district, Robinson Bang Rak, and the cluster of restaurants and bars along Soi Charoen Krung 36.

One real scenario to consider: if you work in the Sathorn or Silom corridor, your commute could literally be a 10 minute walk. That alone saves you thousands of baht per month compared to sitting in a taxi from Sukhumvit every morning.

The Views Are Unreal, But So Is the Tourist Traffic

Let's talk about the best part first. High floor units at State Tower offer some of the most dramatic panoramic views in all of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River bends right below you, and on a clear evening the sunset turns the whole sky orange and pink. If views matter to you, very few condos in this price range can compete.

Now the flip side. Lebua's Sky Bar and Sirocco restaurant sit on the rooftop, and they attract hundreds of tourists every single night. The lobby can feel more like a hotel check in area than a residential entrance. Depending on which elevator bank your unit uses, you might find yourself sharing space with groups of visitors dressed up for rooftop cocktails.

A friend who rented on the 40th floor for a year said the novelty of telling people "I live in the Sky Bar building" wore off after about two months. After that, it was mostly about the elevator wait times on weekend evenings and the occasional noise from events. Something worth thinking about if you value peace and quiet at the end of a long day.

Building Condition and Facilities: Aging but Still Impressive

State Tower is over 20 years old, and it shows in some areas. The common hallways have that slightly dated feel you find in a lot of early 2000s Bangkok towers. Some units have been fully renovated by their owners with modern kitchens and updated bathrooms, while others still have the original fixtures.

Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and 24 hour security. Because of the hotel component, maintenance standards in shared areas tend to be higher than your average standalone condo. You also get the indirect benefit of hotel level services like housekeeping and laundry if you negotiate that into your lease.

Compare this to a newer building like The Lofts Silom on Narathiwat Road or Supalai Elite Surawong nearby. Those buildings offer more modern finishes and dedicated residential lobbies. But they don't give you 60th floor river views or the bragging rights of living in one of Bangkok's most recognizable towers.

Who Should Actually Rent Here?

State Tower works best for a specific type of renter. If you're an expat professional who prioritizes river views, proximity to Silom and Sathorn offices, and a unique living experience over brand new finishes, this could be your spot. It also suits short to medium term stays where the serviced apartment options add real convenience.

It's probably not ideal for families with young children, since the building lacks the kid friendly facilities and community feel you'd find at places like Baan Sathorn Chaophraya or The Met. And if nightlife noise or tourist foot traffic would bother you, you'll want to look elsewhere.

State Tower is one of those buildings that photographs better than it lives, but for the right person, it delivers something no other condo in Bangkok quite can. Do your homework, visit the specific unit, and check which elevator bank serves your floor before committing.

If you want to compare State Tower listings with similar options along the river or in the Silom and Sathorn area, try searching on Superagent at superagent.co. The AI matching tool pulls up units based on your actual priorities, so you can see how this building stacks up against the competition in minutes.