You’ve seen the photo. It’s usually a sun-drenched shot of a glass-walled infinity pool that seems to spill directly into the Bangkok skyline. It's the kind of image that makes you want to book a flight immediately. But here is the thing about 137 Pillars Residences Bangkok: most people actually confuse it with its more expensive sibling, the "Suites" side of the building.
If you just show up thinking you’re getting that specific 360-degree rooftop pool you saw on Instagram, you might be in for a surprise.
The Residence vs. Suite Confusion
Basically, the building is split. The top floors are the "Suites"—thirty-four massive rooms named after Thai royal periods like Ayutthaya and Thonburi. The rest of the tower belongs to the 179 units of the 137 Pillars Residences Bangkok.
The Residences are designed for people who want to actually live in the city, not just pass through it. You get a full kitchen. You get a washing machine that actually works. You get a separate dining area. It’s the "swankiest apartment-share you’ll ever have," as some guests put it. But the catch is the pool. The Residences have their own beautiful infinity pool on the 27th floor. It’s great. It’s stunning. But it is not the 24-hour rooftop pool reserved exclusively for the Suite guests.
If that’s a dealbreaker, you’ve gotta book a Suite. If you want a 70-square-meter apartment with a kitchen for half the price, you stay at the Residences.
Why the Name 137 Pillars?
It sounds like a marketing gimmick, doesn't it? It’s not. The brand actually started in Chiang Mai. The original property there was a 19th-century teak homestead that served as the headquarters for the Borneo Company Limited. Back then, the wealth and status of a Thai house were measured by the number of pillars it stood on.
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The original house had exactly 137 pillars.
When they built this tower in Bangkok's Phrom Phong district, they brought that history with them. They even brought the names. Jack Bain’s Bar, a staple of the Chiang Mai property, exists here too. It’s dark, moody, and feels like a colonial-era gentleman’s club tucked into a modern skyscraper. It’s weird, but it works.
Living on Sukhumvit Soi 39
Let’s talk about the location. Sukhumvit Soi 39 is... well, it’s a lot. It’s the heart of Bangkok’s upscale Japanese neighborhood. Honestly, the traffic can be horrendous. If you try to take a Grab or a taxi during rush hour, you might as well bring a book.
To fix this, the hotel runs a shuttle. It’s not a beat-up van, though. It’s a customized white London Cab. It looks ridiculous and wonderful at the same time. It’ll drop you off at the EmQuartier mall or the Phrom Phong BTS station.
Pro tip: Use the shuttle. Don't try to walk it in the 35°C heat with humidity that feels like a wet blanket.
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What You’re Actually Getting
Inside the 137 Pillars Residences Bangkok, the vibe is "refined quiet."
- The Kitchens: These aren't just "kitchenettes" with a microwave. You get four electric hobs, an oven, and a full-size fridge.
- The Bathrooms: Marble everywhere. They have separate walk-in showers and bathtubs.
- The Bedding: 300-thread count linen. It's not the 400-count you get in the Suites, but unless you’re a literal princess, you won’t notice.
- The Perks: You still get access to the Nitra Serenity Centre (the spa) and the gym.
The gym is fine, but it’s mostly cardio equipment. If you’re a powerlifter looking for a squat rack, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s more of a "I should probably run for 20 minutes before I go eat five plates of Pad Thai" kind of gym.
The Food Situation
You have to try the Bangkok Trading Post downstairs. It’s a bistro/deli that is almost always packed with locals. That’s usually a good sign. It doesn't feel like a stuffy hotel restaurant. It’s airy, lots of glass, very "brunch in London" but with better coffee.
On the 27th floor, there’s Nimitr. It’s fine dining, modern Thai. It’s beautiful, especially at sunset, but it’s pricey. Honestly, you’re paying for the view as much as the food.
Is It Worth the Money?
In 2026, Bangkok is overflowing with luxury hotels. You have the Four Seasons on the river, the Rosewood in Ploenchit, and a million boutique spots in between.
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So, where does 137 Pillars Residences Bangkok fit?
It’s for the traveler who hates the "big hotel" feel. If you want to be able to make your own breakfast, wash your own gym clothes, and feel like you have a luxury pied-à-terre in the city, this is it. It’s more private than a Marriott and more functional than a standard 5-star hotel room.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, do these three things to actually get your money's worth:
- Request a High Floor: The views are the whole point. If you’re too low, you’re just looking at the side of another apartment building.
- Book the Shuttle Early: The London Cab is popular. If you have a specific train to catch or a dinner reservation, let the concierge know 15 minutes ahead of time.
- Explore the "Soi": Don't just stay in the hotel. Walk (carefully) around Sukhumvit 39. There are some of the best Japanese ramen shops and hidden cocktail bars in the city within a 10-minute radius.
137 Pillars Residences Bangkok isn't perfect—the traffic is a pain and the pool situation can be confusing—but as far as "luxury apartment living" goes, it’s hard to beat in this part of town.