With an exquisite blend of modernity and charm, Thonglor is where Bangkok’s population heads for great bars, cool cafés and some of the city’s most stylish hangouts. Discover Hive Life’s top picks in our guide to Thonglor.
Few of Bangkok’s neighbourhoods have changed quite as much in recent years as Thonglor. Once a residential area and the preserve of the well-heeled, it’s now a design hub, drawing creative crowds and the happening establishments that come with them. Often described as the city’s hippest area, stroll around the meandering streets outside the Hive Thonglor and you’ll find a bustling area packed with places to hang out at any time of day – or night! Here are Hive Life’s best picks in our guide to Thonglor.
Best Coffee Shops in Thonglor
A coffee shop, lifestyle brand and organic farm rolled into one, Patom Organic Living believes everything tastes better when the flavours tell a story. Behind every cup of coffee is a local farmer and a soul-stirring mission to support the backbone of the country – with a roasted coconut latte that is quite possibly the best in town (not to mention their organic desserts which are to die for). Among the handful of reasons that make the café worth the visit is its beautifully designed space: a glass house surrounded by greenery in the heart of the city.
Insider Tip: Get ready to get your hands dirty. Patom holds various workshops such as terrarium and organic scrub-making classes too!
Address: 9, 2 Phrom Phak Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: Tue – Sun: 9.30 am – 6 pm
Whether you prefer a clean pour-over, traditional espresso or brewed drinks, Roots is serious about its crafted coffees. This tiny café is located in Thonglor’s popular complex The Commons and is more of a pick-up-and-go style. Taking it up a notch, they change their selection and specials regularly to keep customers intrigued. Their Springtime cold brew, a clever mix of mango puree, fresh star apple juice and passion fruit, was the well-deserved winner of this month’s barista’s choice competition.
Insider Tip: In the mood for something different? Try out their monthly special fruity cold brew poured from the tap.
Address: The Commons (Market Fl.) Thonglor 17, Sukhumvit 55 Bangkok 10110
Open From: Mon – Thu 8 am – 7:30 pm, Fri – Sun 8 am – 8:30 pm
patom.com
Roots
Best Restaurants in Thonglor
The locals all know that Baan Ice is the best lunch spot for southern Thai food at wallet-friendly prices. Although it serves up a cuisine mostly known for its sourness and heat, this restaurant also has something for first-time spice eaters – think sea bream with turmeric. The recipes are as authentic as it gets with local ingredients brought in from Nakorn Sri Thammarat daily.
Insider Tip: Get your taste buds going and try the Grandma’s Khanom Chine and Stir-Fried Satau Bean and Shrimp in Shrimp Paste.
Address: 115 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: 11 am – 10 pm
Want to indulge in a bit of home-cooked pasta? This eye-popping little blue house, inspired by a retro 1950’s Italian diner, won’t disappoint. Located on Soi 9, a quiet and sleepy street, this tiny spot has only 25 seats with an open kitchen, allowing customers to watch fresh pasta being made right in front of them. The taste? The real Italian – and delicious – deal.
Insider Tip: Leave some space for dessert. Their fried doughnut stuffed with Nutella is heaven.
Address: 161/6 Thong Lo 9 Road, North Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 11 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 11pm
FB: @baanice.restaurants
ladotta.co
Local gems like Saew noodles are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the city. Just a one-minute motorbike ride from the Hive Thonglor, this two-generations-old noodle spot is practically an institution. Preserved as it was when it first opened its doors 30 years ago, stop by this family-run business to see its noodle master stirring their magic broth outside its doors. With dishes ranging from THB 35 – 50, this place is worth queuing up for.
Insider Tip: Spice up your noodle soup by adding either the crispy pork rinds or crispy fish-skin to give it some extra punch. No parking though.
Address: Klang Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Best Bars in Thonglor
If you’re someone who prefers a luxurious drinking den, then Backstage should definitely be on your list. With a spot on Asia’s Top 50 Best Bars, this theatre-themed tavern, inspired by the old-school glamour of Broadway has been taken over by six of Bangkok’s leading bartenders who wow customers each night with their sensational cocktails. With all the fun taking place hidden out of sight behind heavy red curtains, this place feels decadent, mysterious and the perfect setting for a glamorous night out.
Insider Tip: Start your evening off with a Pink Me Up cocktail – the bartenders’ recommendation to get your night going.
Address: PlayHaus Thonglor 205/22-23 (Thonglor), Soi Sukhumvit 55 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 7 pm – 2 am
FB: @mandymanlovefood
FB: @backstagecocktailbarbkk
Still feeling stressed after work? Perhaps having an award-winning bar located right next to your office will help you shrug the day off. Liberation has gained a reputation as one of Bangkok’s most progressive bars with its bold and twisting cocktail menu that celebrates Thai ingredients.
Insider Tip: A special part of the menu is called ‘Plot-twist’, featuring creations made with waste food products. That may sound a little unappetising, but when this lot have worked their magic, they’re well worth a try.
Address: Piman 49, Soi Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 7 pm – 1:30 am
With the nights drawing in, there’s nothing more appealing than going to a magical cocktail bar with exceptional and innovative drinks and one of the best live music bands in the city. Another outpost of the internationally renowned bar designed by Ashley Sutton, Iron Fairies’s dark and broody decor and secret doors give the place a mysterious fantasy atmosphere. Even the drinks are with names straight out of a fairytale.
Insider Tip: A must-try cocktail is Smoke In The Bottle. Make sure to search for the glitter bottles hidden around your tables and chairs. You will find some golden dust to sprinkle on your friends.
Address: 394 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok, 10110
Open From: 6 pm – 2 am
FB: @liberationbkk
FB: @ironfairiesbkk
What To Do in Thonglor
This open-plan community mall is Bangkok’s up-and-coming hippy hangout spot thanks to its artisan cafés and restaurants. And, if you’re thinking the last thing Bangkok needs is another mall, The Commons exceeds typical expectations. Forget Starbucks and McDonalds, this place features some of the city’s most progressive and successful restaurants and cafés, all offering high-quality drinks and the finest foods. On top of that, you’ll also find a play area for kids, pilates studios, and a smattering of local homegrown shops.
Insider Tip: Stay updated on their Facebook page. Events and workshops such as jazz nights and coffee tastings happen regularly.
Address: 355 Sukhumvit Road, Thonglor 17 Alley, Klong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, 10110
Open From: 8 am – 1 am
Everyone deserves some downtime. If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual Thai massages parlours, this Japanese spa will leave you feeling truly recharged. Tucked away on Sukhumvit Soi 49, Kashikiri Onsen and Spa is a traditional-style oasis that will help you disconnect completely from the chaos of city life. With its long list of treatments and authentic wooden baths, you’ll want to slip into your own yukata (light cotton robe) and never get out of it.
Insider Tip: Their signature package is a Nihon-Thai Blend Sensation that includes an aroma hot oil or candle massage with a Bamboo Muscle Relaxant Retreat.
Address: 84 Klang Alley, Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 10 am – 10:30 pm
thecommonsbkk.com
FB: @onsen49
The only rule at this wonderful hangout is that you have to have fun. This no-experience-required painting bar is a place where customers can knock back some drinks whilst crafting their next great masterpiece in an art session. Just a couple of doors down from the Hive Thonglor, its blend of creativity and nightlife forges friendships and sparks new passions – no wonder the concept is becoming a quite a trend.
Insider Tip: Book slots ahead of time as sessions fill up quickly, especially during the weekends.
Address: 6/F, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Thonglor, Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: Tue – Fri, 2 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat: 10 am – 10:30 pm, Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Thailand’s first local multi-label fashion store with over 100 brands sourced from Instagram, SOS gives online fashion labels a platform to showcase their work. Offering everything from clothing to bags, shoes and accessories and with new brands arriving regularly, this multi-label shop promises to keep you on your toes.
Insider Tip: Their second branch at Siam Square is also worth a visit with more collections and brands for you to explore.
Address: Thonglor 16, Sukhumvit 55, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110
Open From: 1 pm – 9 pm
FB: @PaintbarBangkok
IG: @sos.senseofstyle
Looking to dress to impress? You’re in luck. Local label Shaka is known for its unique, creative and high-end designs that use innovative sewing techniques. Dresses, blouses and even overalls all express individuality, fun and the brighter side of life.
Insider Tip: Once you are done shopping at Shaka, take a walk around the lifestyle mall at the Eight Thonglor that is home to over 40 different brands, cafés and restaurants.
Address: L207B, 88/36 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok, 10110
Open From: 10 am – 9 pm
shakastyles.com
