THE Central Lumpini/Ploenchit area is a very clearly defined zone that is the closest thing Bangkok has to Orchard Road, in terms of its central location and a rare oasis of trees in a very built-up city.
A cosy upmarket estate served mainly by the Chit Lom skytrain station, it is surrounded by lots of greenery - at The Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Lumpini Park.
Fancy restaurants and cafes dot the Langsuan area. Wireless Road, home to several embassies, is the top business address.
This area is also home to some of Bangkok's priciest property, with new projects on remaining freehold plots set to achieve new records, property experts said.
That is due to the rarity of freehold plots as most of the land in the area is owned by the Thai royal family and the Crown Property Bureau, and have leases of only 30 years.
A branded residence and hotel is set to be built soon next to the Four Seasons Hotel in Rajdamri Road, offering a lifestyle for the rich and famous.
Bangkok's residential market is very much driven by lifestyle, said CBRE Thailand executive director James Pitchon. 'Despite the gloomy economic outlook and slower sales, there has been constant demand for high-end units.'
