It may have been a long couple of years in the making but when Play condo finally flung open its doors in March 2016, it certainly seemed true that good things do come to those who wait! The handiwork of a distinguished local property developer better known for crafting top-quality townhouse projects, Malada’s maiden condo fuses their characteristic modern minimalist architectural design and green, energy-saving technologies with maximum functionality whilst, for its largely foreigner inhabitants, being desirably positioned just moments away from Chiang Mai’s snazziest and buzziest dining, shopping and entertainment quarter.

In keeping with the developer’s concept of constructing homes in the bestest spots, Play is conveniently located on –but well back from so as to shield from traffic noise- one of the city’s prime thoroughfares, Huay Kaew Road, so condo residents are assured of everything they could conceivably need and so much more within a stone’s throw. A definite plus for those who might thirst for an ice-cold brew (or several!), the property lies within easy staggering distance of the longest surviving and arguably most quintessential British style watering hole in town, ‘The Pub (CNX)’; founded almost half a century ago, the creaking old timber structured inn was once a favoured hang-out for local tobacco merchants and, for a brief time, the setting for Chiang Mai’s only Cuban restaurant! For a packed selection of great value edibles as well as an eclectic miscellany of shoestring-priced homewares, fashion, mobile phone accessories and other consumer goods, rock up at Kad Rincome on the opposite side of the road; mostly frequented by Thai teens, the nightly market is delightfully laid back. For a more contemporary retail experience instead, condo denizens can head next door to the ultramodern and perennially popular Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre; sheltering over a hundred shops and restaurants under its roof, the complex features an international standard multiplex cinema [movie theatre], a library café (‘CAMP’) open around the clock, a couple of food courts, fitness facilities, a branch of Chiang Mai’s native Rimping Supermarket, a handful of sky bars and an observation deck on level six (‘Nimman Hill’) and, each week, an open-air “Night Out Market” with pop-up stalls offering not only a medley of mouth-watering and low-cost nosh but also rock-bottom togs. And for those left wanting for still more, across from the mall is the most happening street in the whole province, Nimmanhaemin Road. Along with its offshoot sois [lanes], the swish Nimman neighbourhood teems with more franchised and independent coffee houses per square metre than anywhere else in the city, blessed with half a dozen fully fledged co-working spaces in addition to a varied helping of cosmopolitan eateries; not to mention laying claim to many an art gallery, boutique store, health clinic, wellness centre, and, after dark, classy beer, wine and cocktail lounges. Or else for a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban habitat, an effortless 20 minute hoof along the main drag from Play condo stands Chiang Mai University’s main campus with its the particularly eye-catching Ang Kaew reservoir behind which rise the verdant peaks of the biologically- and ethnically-diverse Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

With the wellbeing and safety of its residents the utmost priority, the condo grounds are entirely enclosed except for a sole barriered point of entry/exit overseen morning, noon and night by a posting of suitably uniformed security guards. Beyond which, an electronic keycard system is in effect to limit access to the interior of the single building and supplemented throughout all shared areas –indoors and out- by closed-circuit surveillance cameras; and for extra reassurance, Play’s friendly and helpful juristic staff are on duty at the front information desk in the sofa-adorned foyer every single day of the week between 8AM and 6PM. The on-site parking capacity is especially plentiful accommodating 50 cars altogether with separate spaces reserved for both motorcycles and push bikes with a choice of either under-building bays or, mostly, a partially covered lot directly in front of the condo. Besides the option of fixing up a paid home broadband connection through the service provider, TOT, residents benefit from free-to-use wireless internet in communal parts of the condo. Like the rooftop which can be reached by the passenger lift [elevator] and boasts a decently sized al fresco saltwater swimming pool (with integral jacuzzi jets!) from which to glimpse the positively awe-inspiring panoramic view overlooking the city and towards the rugged Thanon Thong Chai mountain range; about the water’s edge, and just ripe for kickin’ back, are a gathering of adjustable aluminium recliners in the company of a matching pair of cushioned see-through hanging egg chairs. Those preferring to break a sweat, on the other hand, can tackle the clubhouse sauna or, for a more exhaustive bodily workout, the up-to-date and well stocked gym. Facing which is the glass-panelled “Sky Lobby” complete with utilitarian furnishings conducive to work or play.

Though there’s no studio units to speak of, Play condo does encompass 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom units starting at a rather snug 30 sq m to a more abundantly proportioned 45 and 49 sq m whereas 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suites exist in either of 59 or 95 sq m but, bar none, are all arranged in a combined living/dining/kitchen format. Spread across floor two upwards of the 7-storey low-rise development, each and every one of Play condo’s 65 units comes move-in-ready with attached private balcony, air-conditioning and, as an added security precaution, equipped with a digital door lock. Presentation throughout is urbane, comfortably inviting, luxuriously appointed and finished using grade A materials from SCG. Outfitted with near full height windows, the profusion of natural light let in serves only to emphasize the warm tones of the fittings, fixtures and décor.

Why not cast an eye over our available sales and rental units at Play condo below.

Are you currently staying at Play condo or have you ever lived there? We’d be only too pleased to hear what you personally think of the place so by all means post your feedback below!