If you have spent any time walking along Sukhumvit Road near Asoke intersection, you have probably noticed The Esse Asoke. It is that dark, angular tower that looks like it was designed for a sci-fi film set in Bangkok. Love it or hate it from the outside, this condo has become one of the most talked about rental addresses in the city. But does living there actually match the aesthetic? I have been inside multiple units, talked to tenants, and spent enough time in the lobby to give you an honest renter's perspective.

Location: Asoke Without the Chaos

The Esse Asoke sits on Sukhumvit Soi 21, just a short walk from BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit. That interchange alone makes it one of the most connected spots in all of Bangkok. You can get to Siam in ten minutes, Silom in fifteen, and Chatuchak in about twenty. Try doing that from most other neighborhoods.

What really makes this location work for renters is the immediate surroundings. Terminal 21 is basically across the street, so groceries, food courts, and quick shopping runs are effortless. Exchange Tower and Interchange 21 are right there too, which means if you work in the Asoke corridor, your commute might literally be a five minute walk.

Here is a real scenario. A friend of mine works at a consulting firm in Exchange Tower. She rented a one bedroom at The Esse Asoke and her door to desk time dropped to eight minutes on foot. She used to commute 45 minutes from On Nut. That lifestyle upgrade alone was worth the higher rent for her. If you are weighing different areas, our guide to the best areas to live in Bangkok breaks down how Asoke compares to other popular neighborhoods.

The Units: Compact But Thoughtfully Done

The Esse Asoke was developed by Singha Estate, and you can tell they spent money on the interiors. Units come in one bedroom and two bedroom layouts, with the one bedrooms typically ranging from 31 to 36 square meters and the two bedrooms going up to about 75 square meters.

Let me be straight with you. The one bedroom units are tight. If you are coming from a spacious house or a larger condo, 31 sqm will feel snug. But the layouts are smart. Floor to ceiling windows make the space feel larger than it is, and the built in storage is better than what you find in most Bangkok condos at this price point. Kitchenettes are minimal, more suited for reheating and light cooking than full Thai meal prep.

The two bedroom units are a different story. They feel genuinely livable, with proper separation between rooms, decent kitchen counters, and enough space to have people over without everyone bumping elbows. If you are a couple or someone who works from home and needs a dedicated office area, the two bedroom is the sweet spot here.

Facilities and the Day to Day Experience

This is where The Esse Asoke really earns its reputation. The rooftop infinity pool is stunning. It overlooks the Asoke skyline and feels like something out of a boutique hotel. The gym is well equipped with Technogym machines, and there is a co-working lounge that actually gets used, not just photographed for brochures.

One tenant I spoke with, a digital marketer who relocated from Singapore, told me he uses the co-working space almost daily. He saves on external coworking fees and loves that he can go from his desk to the pool in two minutes. That kind of convenience adds real value beyond just the square meters of your unit.

Security is solid with keycard access on every floor, 24 hour guards, and CCTV throughout. The lobby feels more like a hotel reception than a typical condo entrance, which matters if you have clients visiting or simply appreciate that extra layer of polish. Building management is responsive, though like many newer Bangkok condos, turnover in staff can mean inconsistency from month to month.

Rent Prices: What You Will Actually Pay

Let's talk numbers. As of 2024, one bedroom units at The Esse Asoke typically rent for 25,000 to 35,000 THB per month depending on floor level, furnishing, and whether the owner has upgraded anything. Two bedroom units range from 45,000 to 65,000 THB. Corner units and higher floors with unblocked views push toward the top end.

Is that expensive? For Asoke, it is mid to upper range. You could find cheaper one bedrooms nearby at places like The Lofts Asoke or Rende Sukhumvit 23, but you would be trading newer finishes and better facilities. If you are comparing luxury options, check out our overview of luxury condos in Bangkok to see where The Esse sits in the broader market.

One thing to watch for: some units listed online have inflated asking prices. The actual closing rent is often 10 to 15 percent lower than what you initially see on listing platforms, so always negotiate.

Who Should Rent Here and Who Should Not

The Esse Asoke is ideal for young professionals, couples, and expats who prioritize location and lifestyle over raw space. If you work in the Asoke, Nana, or Phrom Phong area and want to walk or take one BTS stop to the office, this place makes a lot of sense. The building attracts a mix of Thai professionals, Japanese expats, and Western remote workers, creating a cosmopolitan but quiet atmosphere.

Who might want to look elsewhere? Families with kids will find the one and two bedroom layouts too compact, and there is no dedicated play area. Pet owners should also note that The Esse Asoke has restrictions on pet size and type, so confirm with building management before signing. If you need more family oriented options, our guide to family friendly condos in Bangkok might be more helpful.

Overall, The Esse Asoke delivers on its promise of sleek, well located city living. It is not the biggest or cheapest option on Sukhumvit, but for renters who want a polished home base in one of Bangkok's most connected intersections, it consistently ranks among the top choices. If you want to compare available units and get current pricing without the runaround, Superagent at superagent.co can match you with verified listings at The Esse Asoke and help you negotiate the best deal.