For the untold Nimman evangelists, having a home base in their most beloved part of Chiang Mai is paramount and, by this token, Hillside 3’s geographic situation is undeniably its greatest asset. Like its equally long-established and charismatic successor, Hillside 4, Hillside 3 condo is a constituent of the V Group real estate portfolio and, relative to the location, offers affordable rental opportunities in the midst of a neighbourhood otherwise bloated with overpriced developments. As one of only a precious few residential constructions above 10 storeys in an already densely packed area, Hillside 3 towers above its surroundings and, from outward-facing units on higher floors, still commands an imposing outlook over either of the city or nearby peaks of the Thanon Thong Chai mountains.

For all its lofty elevation, Hillside 3 is scarcely visible from Nimmanhaemin Road being poised at the very end of a small soi [side street or lane] 100m or so distant from Chiang Mai’s busiest main drag. Yet while affording a surprisingly peaceful refuge, the condo is just moments away from the inexorable hustle and bustle that is Nimman with its voguish restaurants, bars, cafés, retail outlets and vibrant social scene. Without even leaving the soi, in fact, residents enjoy near doorstep access to two 7-Eleven convenience stores, a Thai massage parlour, a Japanese katsu restaurant, a couple of hole-in-the-wall native eateries, the vegetarian ‘Anchan Restaurant’ as well as the wildly popular, inexpensively priced and decidedly understated ‘Burmese Restaurant and Library’ (though nowadays patrons would need to supply their own reading material!) deservedly famed for its signature tea leaf salad and authentic Shan curry dishes. Digital Nomads seeking a fully fledged co-working space are particularly spoilt for choice as there are no less than four such environments within a 15 minute walk of Hillside 3; sharing the very same soi as the condo is MANA while slightly further afield are Addicted To Work, the Nimman branch of Punspace and, adjacent to which, the very latest addition to Chiang Mai’s present complement of shared work spaces, The Brick. A mere 10 minute stroll from Hillside 3 lies the contemporary Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre ahead of which is the southern limit of the multi-lane Super Highway and the intersection with one of the city’s principal arteries, Huay Kaew Road; from where, travelling west, the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is easily reachable by way of Chiang Mai University’s main campus or, heading east from the northern end of Nimmanhaemin Road, to the ‘Old City’ and beyond.

A handful or so of low-key security guards patrol the condo premises round-the-clock supplemented by video surveillance cameras fitted in all common areas of the property. Although units are outfitted only with conventional door locks, access to the building and, inside, triple lifts (elevators) is within direct sight of staff on the reception desk open between the hours of 9AM and 5PM seven days a week. Skirting Hillside 3 are just over 50 designated car parking bays with separate spaces for motorbikes and can be used by residents free of charge. Wireless internet is provided throughout the single building and reasonably priced at 30 baht for an hour’s use of WiFi, 150 baht a week, 350 baht per month or, best value of all, 900 baht a quarter; alternately, residents can arrange installation of private home broadband through either of the appointed Internet Service Providers 3BB or Sinet (albeit at their own expense).

Immediately outside of the main entrance is the ‘Bow’kery Bakery House’; open daily, they serve a variety of hot and cold drinks together with a respectable selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, organic salad pots and desserts. Despite the absence of a communal swimming pool on condo grounds, a small gym housing a modest assortment of decent quality fitness equipment is located at the far end of the lobby with a day rate of 50 baht, monthly fee of 300 baht or, for a year’s membership, 1500 baht. Adjoining which is a serviced wash shop with a second laundering facility featuring several coin-operated, self-service washing machine, tumble drier and water-vending dispenser available on the opposite side of the lobby. Next door to which is a diminutive but adequately stocked minimart along with a yoga studio.

Of the 370 units within the Hillside 3 complex, the preponderance are residential in nature and occupy floors 2 through to 11 with those condos on the first four levels boasting an attached private balcony. Hillside 3 accommodates largely studio units of 35 to 47 sq m and 1 bedroom units of 63 to 87 sq m although, on occasion, 2 and 3 bedroom units (with corresponding number of bathrooms) appear on the market and range from a cosy 62 sq m to a positively palatial 596 sq m top floor penthouse suite. While some units exist in their original –aged- condition, remodelled condos come fully furnished and air-conditioned throughout with the degree and specification of furnishings, diversity of electrical appliances and home wares as well as the design and style of interior decoration very much influenced by the individual owner’s preference.

Besides a relatively minor contingent of Thai residents, the condo remains the stronghold of foreigners from temporary stays by young location-independent professionals to long-term commitments by western retirees.

Take a look at our current sales and rental offerings at Hillside 3 condo.

Are you currently living at Hillside 3 or have ever stayed there? If so, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think by posting a comment below!