Cheap Bangkok Condos: What's the catch?

When I was researching Bangkok, I kept seeing influencers promoting the luxury condos available throughout the city for usually around $500–$1000 USD a month.

These places look amazing—gyms, co-working spaces, rooftop bars with killer views, pools, and all the amenities you could want. Honestly, the price and convenience of these condos were one of the reasons I decided to move to Bangkok.

Well, here I am, writing this in my Bangkok condo, and while it is just as nice and convenient as they said, I’m paying $1,500 per month for it. That’s double or even triple what those viral TikToks promised. So why am I paying so much?

Why I’m Paying $1,500 for My Bangkok Condo

Well, it’s because I’m renting the condo through Airbnb.

Here’s the deal: most of those cheap condos are only available with a 1-year minimum rental contract. In other words, they’re not an option for short-term stays. They are proper long-term rentals, ideal for expats or locals settling in Bangkok for years—not passing through for a few months.

A lot of influencers promoting these condos call themselves digital nomads, but they’re not really “nomads” - they don’t move around much. Many of them have lived in Bangkok for 5+ years.

For someone like me—a digital nomad moving countries every three months (90 days)—these luxury condos aren’t an option. I can’t commit to a year-long contract, and I’m guessing most people coming to Bangkok are in the same boat.

So, the viral social posts marketing these condos are a bit misleading. Realistically, you’re not going to get a $500/month condo.

Alternative options to Bangkok’s condos

1. Use Airbnb

This is what I did. I got a condo anyway, but it came with a much higher price tag. Expect to pay $1,500–$2,000 USD per month for a modern, high-rise condo in popular areas like Sukhumvit.

A Quick Note About Airbnb in Thailand

Airbnb is technically banned for stays under 30 days unless the owner has a hotel license (which most don’t). However, stays longer than 30 days are perfectly legal. Ignore the myths that Airbnb is completely illegal—just be aware of the grey area for short stays.

2. Get a hotel

If having a kitchen or a proper apartment setup (desk, sofa, etc.) isn’t important, a hotel might be your best bet. Hotels are often cheaper than Airbnb and still offer modern rooms in great locations.

This wasn’t an option for us as a couple because:

• We need space to work and take calls.

• We prefer to cook occasionally—eating out three times a day gets expensive and unhealthy.

If all you need is a bed and a clean room, a hotel is a solid option.

3. Get a serviced apartment

Serviced apartments are a great middle ground between a hotel and an Airbnb. They offer the comforts of an apartment—like a proper kitchen and workspace—along with hotel-like services, such as concierge, cleaning, and fresh linens and towels.

However, the downside is cost. Serviced apartments are often more expensive than hotels and, in many cases, even pricier than Airbnb. They’re ideal if you’re looking for convenience and don’t mind paying a premium for it.

4. Apartments on Renthub.in.th

This is the most budget-friendly option, and this is actually where local Thais get their short-term rentals.

The downside is that they’re not very modern. You won’t find the new luxury condos that have been going viral on social media.

These apartments are going to be smaller buildings (closer to road pollution and insects) and the rooms will frankly be a bit uglier. Also, they often won’t have a gym, pool, coworking, or many of those other amenities.

It’s great if you are looking for the most budget options though. I’d probably stay in one of these if I was a single guy in my 20s.

5. Facebook groups and in-person

This is where you’ll find the best deals on the newest and nicest places. But it will take some leg work and negotiation.

• Bangkok lease takeover is a well-known group for foreigners who have rented a place (perhaps for a year) and want to pass it on to someone else so they don’t lose the deposit. You can also post there yourself if you’re seeking, and you may be contacted by agents.

• Bangkok Condo is another group that specialises in short-term condo rentals.

Finally, you can just go to condo buildings you like and ask at the reception if they have short-term apartments available. I haven’t tried this yet, but I’ve seen it recommended online and you could find some gems.

So, while Bangkok’s $500 condos might look good on social media, the reality is more nuanced for short-term stays.

If you’ve got other tips or know of alternatives, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!