Between Asok, Rama 9 and Pratunam, the Makkasan area is one of Bangkok's best-connected: the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi, the MRT at Phetchaburi and quick access to Sukhumvit. Ideal for frequent travellers or anyone working centrally, with rents that vary widely by building.
Makkasan is not the best-known area among expats, which is a pity. Lying between Asok, Rama 9 and Pratunam, it offers a rare location: an Airport Rail Link station, an MRT interchange and quick access to Sukhumvit. We group three neighbouring sectors here that share these strengths: Makkasan, Phetchaburi (along New Phetchaburi Road) and Ratchaprarop, further north-west towards Pratunam.
1.Atmosphere: who is it for?
The area is above all urban and practical. There are few pedestrian streets or neighbourhood cafés like in Ari: people come for the location. The main roads are very busy, but the recent condos often have good views and full facilities.
Makkasan and its neighbours suit:
- frequent travellers, who appreciate reaching the airport by train;
- professionals working in Asok, on Sukhumvit or along the MRT;
- singles and couples looking for a well-located studio or one-bedroom.
If you dream of calm and greenery at the foot of your building, compare with Ari or the side streets of Phrom Phong.
2.Getting around: the area's big advantage
Three gateways shape the area:
- ARL Makkasan: the Airport Rail Link station, connecting the centre with Suvarnabhumi airport in roughly half an hour depending on the timetable;
- MRT Phetchaburi (Blue Line), linked to ARL Makkasan by a walkway: Sukhumvit (Asok) is one stop away, Rama 9 one stop the other way;
- ARL Ratchaprarop, the next stop towards the centre, near Pratunam, before Phaya Thai, where the Airport Link meets the BTS.
So from here you can reach Asok, Silom, Rama 9 or Siam quickly without a car. Just check the real walking distance: some condos are a few minutes from a station, others require crossing big avenues.
3.Daily life
Around Ratchaprarop you are on the doorstep of Pratunam, one of Bangkok's big shopping districts, known for its clothing markets, Platinum Fashion Mall and Baiyoke Tower. It is lively and commercial, with plenty of street food.
On the Makkasan and Phetchaburi side, daily life revolves around convenience stores, street markets and the malls of Asok and Rama 9, one stop away. Condos in the area generally have a pool, gym and round-the-clock security.
4.What budget?
As of 10 October 2026, our catalogue has three rental listings in this area, from 18,000 to 75,000 THB a month:
| Area | Property | Size | Advertised rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phetchaburi | 1 bedroom (Life Asoke Rama 9) | 28 m² | 18,000 THB / month |
| Ratchaprarop | 1 bedroom (XT Phayathai) | 42 m² | 24,000 THB / month |
| Makkasan | 1 bedroom (Circle Living Prototype) | 84 m² | 75,000 THB / month |
The gap is wide and mostly reflects size and the standard of the building. A compact one-bedroom near a station remains affordable, while large high-end units are in a different league.
5.Our listings in the area
The properties below are those in our catalogue in Makkasan, Phetchaburi and Ratchaprarop. If you need a different size or budget, the team can widen the search to neighbouring areas: Asok, Rama 9, Huai Khwang.
6.What to check before renting in the area
The area brings together very different buildings, from small functional studios to large high-end apartments. Before deciding, keep a few points in mind:
- which station you will really use: ARL Makkasan, MRT Phetchaburi and ARL Ratchaprarop serve different lines. Depending on your office, one will be far more practical than the others;
- noise from the main roads: New Phetchaburi and nearby expressways are very busy. A high floor or a bedroom facing away from the road often makes the difference;
- how close you are to Pratunam: lively and handy for shopping, but very crowded by day. Some love it, others prefer to stay a little further away;
- lease terms: deposit, advance rent and minimum length vary from one listing to another. Get them confirmed before committing.
Tell us how you get around day to day: we will point you to the right station, then the right building.
7.In short
Makkasan, Phetchaburi and Ratchaprarop form a central, very well-connected area, often cheaper than Sukhumvit for the same size. A logical choice if you travel a lot or work in Asok, as long as you check the walk to the station.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the airport from Makkasan?
The Airport Rail Link connects ARL Makkasan with Suvarnabhumi airport in roughly half an hour. Check the official timetable and frequency before an early or late flight.
Is Makkasan far from Sukhumvit?
No: from MRT Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit station (BTS Asok interchange) is one stop away.
Is the area pleasant on foot?
The main avenues are noisy and not always easy to cross. Choose a building close to a station and check the actual walking route.
General information updated on 10 October 2026; check your contract and with the Find Easy team.
