Nana & Asok: The Expat Epicentre of Bangkok
By REVR Editorial4 min read
Nana & Asok: The Expat Epicentre of Bangkok
Category: area-guide
Read time: 10 minutes
Target keywords: Nana condos Bangkok, Asok property, Sukhumvit 11 living, condos near Asok BTS, Terminal 21 Bangkok area
Nana and Asok are the beating heart of Bangkok's expat community. Stretching from Sukhumvit Soi 1 to Soi 23, this district contains the highest concentration of foreign residents, international restaurants, and nightlife venues anywhere in the city. It's not the quietest neighbourhood — but for energy, convenience, and short-term rental potential, nothing beats it.
The Transit Powerhouse
Asok BTS and MRT Sukhumvit stations form Bangkok's busiest transit interchange. This connectivity is the district's single biggest asset.
| Transit | Line | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| BTS Asok | Sukhumvit Line | 2 stops to Siam |
| MRT Sukhumvit | Blue Line | Links to Silom, Chatuchak, Hua Lamphong |
| Asok–Ratchada intersection | Highway access | Expressway entry |
From Asok, you can reach Siam in 4 minutes, Thonglor in 6 minutes, and Silom in 8 minutes by BTS. No other district offers this level of centrality.
Property Market Overview
| Property Type | Price Range (THB) | Entry Point |
|---|---|---|
| Studio condo | 3.0–5.0M | 3.0M THB |
| 1BR condo | 4.5–8.0M | 4.5M THB |
| 2BR condo | 7.0–15M | 7.0M THB |
| 3BR+ | 12–30M+ | 12M THB |
By Sub-Area
| Sub-Area | Avg. 1BR Price | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhumvit 1–11 (Nana) | 4.0–7.0M THB | Nightlife, hotels, busy |
| Sukhumvit 15–23 (Asok) | 5.0–8.5M THB | Corporate, shopping, dining |
| Soi 21 (Asok–Montri) | 5.0–10M THB | Quieter, office-adjacent |
Who Lives Here
The Expat Community
This is where most new arrivals to Bangkok start. The combination of:
- English-friendly neighbourhood
- International restaurants (every cuisine imaginable)
- Proximity to corporate offices
- Easy access to BTS and MRT
Makes Nana–Asok the default landing zone for foreigners. Most stay 1–3 years before migrating north to Thonglor or Ekkamai.
Corporate Short-Term Tenants
Asok's proximity to the Ratchada and Sukhumvit business corridors creates strong demand for short-term (1–6 month) corporate rentals. Companies house relocating employees here while they find permanent accommodation.
Digital Nomads and Tourists
Short-term rental demand is exceptionally high. Sukhumvit 11 and Soi 8 are popular with digital nomads who value walkable nightlife and co-working spaces.
Rental Market — The Star of the District
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent (Long-Term) | Short-Term Yield Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 15,000–25,000 THB | +50–80% |
| 1BR | 18,000–35,000 THB | +40–70% |
| 2BR | 35,000–60,000 THB | +30–60% |
| 3BR+ | 60,000–120,000 THB | +20–40% |
Nana–Asok has the strongest short-term rental market in Bangkok after Sathorn. Studios near BTS Sukhumvit achieve 70–85% occupancy year-round.
Why Yields Are Strong
- Year-round tourist demand — Sukhumvit is Bangkok's primary tourist corridor
- Corporate relocation — Companies pay premium rates for short-term executive housing
- Medical tourism — Bumrungrad Hospital (Sukhumvit 1) attracts international patients
- Nightlife economy — Entertainment venues drive short-term rental demand
The Micro-Neighbourhoods
Nana (Sukhumvit 1–11)
The liveliest stretch of Sukhumvit. Nana Plaza and surrounding entertainment venues dominate the nightlife scene. Good for short-term rental investments, less ideal for families.
- Condo highlight: The Landmark, Manhattan Chidlom
- Best for: Investors, nightlife seekers, short-term rentals
Asok (Sukhumvit 15–23)
More corporate and family-friendly than Nana. Terminal 21 shopping mall anchors the area, and Soi Cowboy adds evening entertainment. The presence of corporate offices along Asok–Ratchada creates strong long-term rental demand.
- Condo highlight: Interchange 21, Le Raffine, The Room Sukhumvit 21
- Best for: Corporate executives, families, long-term investment
Asok–Montri (Soi 21)
The area directly behind Asok intersection, parallel to Ratchadaphisek Road. Quieter, more residential, and popular with Japanese expats (Japanese restaurants and grocery stores are concentrated here).
- Condo highlight: Ashton Asok, Circle Living Prototype
- Best for: Japanese expats, families wanting quiet with urban access
Why Buy Here Now
Nana–Asok is a mature market with stable pricing. Capital appreciation of 3–5% annually is typical — not spectacular, but consistent. The value proposition here is rental income, not capital growth.
The key metric: Units within 500m of Asok BTS have vacancy rates below 5%. Corporate tenants are the primary driver — a company lease is typically 12 months at a premium rate, and companies almost always renew.
REVR Insight: If you're buying for rental income, focus on studio and 1BR units within walking distance of Asok BTS. These have the shortest vacancy periods and the highest yield-to-price ratio in the district.
Use our Rental Yield Calculator to compare expected returns for properties in Nana and Asok.