The coolest neighborhoods in Bangkok to visit

There’s a great deal stirring in Chong Nonsi thanks to the Bangkok government’s 980-million-baht development plans to create the area’s very own canal park. Slated to open in five phases, the 9km park will be home to hundreds of exciting new businesses. For now, you can explore the first phase of the project, which stretches for 200m from Sathon to Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 7. It conveniently connects you from the BTS Station to King Power Mahanakhon, the tallest building in Thailand, where you can head up to the 78th floor for a bird’s-eye view of the city from its acrophobia-triggering “glass trays”.

Located within King Power Mahanakhon, you’ll find The Standard, one of the city’s chicest new openings. The Standard’s Asia flagship comes equipped with 155 rooms, a terrace pool, and everything else you might require for a perfect stay in the city. Every corner of the hotel is decked out in eclectic works of art, providing fun, fresh and playful inspiration at each turn.

You’re spoilt for choice at Chong Nonsi with Supanniga Eating Room, The House on Sathorn, Eat Me Restaurant and Lek Seafood only a stone’s throw away. For those that can’t do without a morning cuppa, head down to Luka or Baan Plan Cafe for a slow start to your morning before kicking things up at night at the award-winning Vesper Cocktail Bar.

Strategically positioned between Victory Monument and Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ari is the place to be if you want to pack your holiday with a never-ending list of things to do. This hip little ‘hood has also made a name for itself as an up-and-coming arts district with interesting galleries like Numthong Art Space and Many Cuts to visit.

Don’t expect five-star big chains here. Ari is definitely one for the budget traveller with local boutique hotels like Craftsman priced under $100 a night. Backpackers will also find even cheaper alternatives like The Yard priced under $50 a night. Now, who said going on vacation had to be expensive?

You’ll want to start your tour of Ari in the morning when the fresh loaves of bread and croissants first hit the shelves at Landhaus Bakery. Grab lunch at Ongtong Khaosoi or Lay Lao for a taste of authentic Thai eats at a reasonable price before washing it down with your choice of coffee at Nana Coffee Roasters or cocktails at The Key Room No. 72.

While Ekkamai might be situated further away from the bustle of central Bangkok, it’s more than worth the extra effort to visit. Massages at Healthland (or of the area’s many new spas), check. Piping hot bowls of 50-year-old beef soup, check. Wild nights out at the hottest club, check. Ekkamai truly has it all.

The newly opened Ascott Thonglor is conveniently located between Ekkamai and Thonglor for a taste of what both great streets have to offer. And next to the Ascott is the tried and true Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit – both are situated along the main road for easy access to the rest of the city by BTS, taxi or bike.

You’ll never go hungry in Ekkamai with so many options to choose from. Get your local fix at Arunwan for pork offal soup, Wattana Panich for beef broth that’s been bubbling for 50 years or Hom Duan for an assortment of curries and khao soi. There are also plenty of cute cafés to check out that we’ve covered in our Bangkok café guide for you to explore and enjoy!

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