Sukhumvit Information

From Travelconnecxion

Sukhumvit Road

About

Sukhumvit is, in many ways, the center of modern Bangkok and not only the longest road in Thailand, but one of the longest roads in the world. Towards the west end you have Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road, but to the east it runs most of the way to the Cambodian border!

The lowered-numbered sois are densely packed with shopping centers and hotels, including the gigantic Siam Paragon and the dense warren of Siam Square opposite it, while the upper sois are a popular residential area for resident expats. Soi 55, better known as Thong Lo (Thonglor) has been described by the New York Times as the "Beverly Hills of Asia", and it boasts some of the best eateries, most fashionable shops and hippest clubs in town.

The fleshpots of Nana (in Soi 4 Nana Tai) and Soi Cowboy (between Sois 21 & 23) are also just off Sukhumvit, as are plenty of more (and less) salubrious bars. Also, the sidewalks of Sukhumvit itself become a huge market carrying everything from luggage to fake Rolex watches, and then after midnight they turn into sidewalk cafes and bars full of drunken expats and freelancers.

Arrive

With the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Sukhumvit has become a far more central location - however taking a taxi via Rama IX Road maybe be a faster way of getting into the area, rather than fighting your way through the traffic on Sukhumvit itself.

From other parts of Bangkok the area is easily accessible on the BTS Skytrain's Sukhumvit line, which runs from the National Stadium through the Silom line interchange at Siam Square up to On Nut on Soi 71, and the subway's Sukhumvit Station interchanges with the Skytrain at Asoke.

From the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport you can take the AE3 Airport Bus (150 baht) that runs up Bangna-Trad and along Sukhumvit all the way down Ploenchit to Central World Plaza (formerly World Trade Center) then loops back around to Nana and then back out to the Airport, or a number 552 bus to On Nut BTS Station.

The river boats running on the Saen Saeb Canal, initially parallel to Sukhumvit but diverging northward as it goes east, provides a cheap alternative means of escaping the traffic jams, particularly if heading west towards Wat Saket (the Golden Mount) and the rest of the Rattanakosin area.

Note that the sois on the north and south sides of Sukhumvit don't line up; for example, Soi 33 is opposite Soi 24.

Sightseeing

		Siam Square (Siam BTS Station) would like to be the Times Square of Bangkok, and it does a pretty good job. Despite the name this is in fact a warren of small sois filled with tiny shops and restaurants, mostly catering to upper class Thais, shopping-spree Malaysians, and working ex-pats (as opposed to your usual lay-about ex-pats). If you're not up for a trip to the Gap or a USD3 pink martini, it's still worth a visit just to see Bangkok-of-the-Future. The four movie theaters in the area a good night out. Less than USD4 gets you a few hours in a plush old fashion theater house - complete with air-con and assigned seats. Hollywood and Asian blockbusters are featured nightly, all with the required standing ovation to the king.
		Jim Thompson House Soi Kasemsan 2 (near National Stadium BTS Station) visit the famous house of Thailand 's late 'thai silk king ' Jim Thompson, consisting of sevesn bery old thai houses skillfully grouped into one, with an outstanding collection of Thai and Asian object 'art' also visit the unique Lacquer Pavilion at Suan Pakkard Palace, decorated with 17th-century murals in gold leaf and magnificent wood carvings. See old Thai architecture and a collection of rare antiques representing every branch of Thai art. More information.
		Erawan Shrine is at the intersection of Ploenchit and Ratchaprarop. Built to appease the spirits after a series of construction accidents occurred when the nearby Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel was being built, it's a small but photogenic and perennially packed shrine dedicated to Brahma (Phra Phrom) and named after his elephant, teak models of which are a popular donation. During the day you can see traditional Thai dancing.
		Ganesha shrines - in front on the Central World Plaza shopping center - is where Thai people go to pray for good fortune and happiness.

Entertainment

Massage joints abound around Sukhumvit.

• BODY Tune, Sukhumvit Soi 24 (10 mins walk from Phrom Pong BTS Station) and 56 Yada Building, Silom Road (next to Sala Daeng BTS Station) is a well-respected small chain offering an excellent traditional Thai massage for 350 baht/hour.

• Praiphana, Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55) Soi 7 and 9, tel. +66-2-392-6518, offers traditional Thai massage, oil massage and aromatherapy, nail care, no funny stuff or happy endings here. 15 minute neck and shoulder massage just 50 baht. Open 10:00-23:00 daily.

Shopping

Sukhumvit and nearby areas are the place to shop in Bangkok.

Malls

The glittering facade of MBK

• Central World Plaza, corner of Rama I and Ratchaprarop (Chidlom BTS Station) . Formerly the World Trade Center, this reopened in 2006 after a massive expansion and renovation, and is now probably the only mall in Bangkok that can give the Paragon a run for the money in both swank and size. Ice skating rink and a multiplex on the top floor, and contains large Isetan and Zen department stores.

• Emporium Shopping Center , Sukhumvit Soi 24 (Phrom Phong BTS Station) is the top competitor to Gaysorn Plaza, with lower floors dedicated to brands like Louis Vuitton and Rolex, but (unlike Gaysorn) it has more affordably priced goods on the upper levels. Emporium also has a popular food court and a good selection of restaurants on the 5th floor.

• Gaysorn Plaza, corner of Phloen Chit Road and Ratchadamri Road (Chidlom BTS Station) positions itself as Bangkok's premier luxury shopping mall: this is where you can get your fill of Armani, Gucci and Tiffany. The top floors have a good selection of antiques and Thai handicrafts, of high quality but fairly high prices too.

• Mahboonkrong, or just MBK (National Stadium BTS Station) is a vast and always packed mall full of tiny stalls (2500 of them, to be exact) selling, well, everything. There's a heavy emphasis on clothing, especially the cheap and trendy teen type, but the floor devoted to electronics is Bangkok's best place to buy a mobile phone. Gold, furniture and Thai food are also well represented, and a section of the 6th floor has been dedicated to handicrafts and souvenirs. The top floor has movie theatres and restaurants, and there's a large Tokyu department store bolted on the north side facing the BTS station. It's just across the street from Siam Square and connecting walkway through the perennially crowded Bonanza Center offers more of the same.    More information

• Narayana Phand, 127 Ratchadamri Road, between Gaysorn Plaza and Big C. A Thai handicraft center run by the government, offering a wide array of traditional crafts. Prices are fairly high and not negotiable, but clearly marked - this is a good place to see what's on offer and find out baseline prices before hitting the markets. Open daily 10:00-21:00.

• Pantip Plaza, 604/3 Phetchaburi Road. A six-floor shopping mall devoted to computer gear, and famous for its pirated media (the bootleg trade is much more low-key than it used to be, but software and DVDs are still widely available). Opens at 10:00. Closes at 20:00.

• Siam Center (Siam BTS Station) is one of the older malls in these parts, and has a good range of eating options.  More information.

• Siam Discovery Center (National Stadium BTS Station) is a newer, more upmarket addition to Siam Center.

• Siam Paragon (Siam BTS Station) . Incredibly massive shopping mall right at the heart of Bangkok, anchored by the Paragon department store and also featuring the Siam Ocean World aquarium, the largest in South-East Asia. The fourth floor has a very good (if pricy) selection of modern Thai arts and crafts, as well as a large Kinokuniya bookstore. Great eating options in the basement, including a gourmet supermarket, two food courts and a canal-lined strip of fancy restaurants.  More information.

Markets

• Pratunam Wholesale Garment District. (corner of Phetchaburi and Ratchadamri). An amazing place to shop for clothes. Although it is geared towards exporters, anyone can shop there. Everything is cheap but cheaper still if you buy 3 or more. Finding it is tricky, it is more a section of alleys all selling clothes than a real market area. Start at the North-West corner of Phetchaburi Road and Ratchadamri Road. Then walk west on Phetchaburi, you will see some clothing stores just go inside and start wandering, instead of exiting the way you came in, exit to the left and you should be in one of the alleys. You can also start at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel and wander south and east. The stores start closing around 17:00-18:00. The shiny new Pratunam center on the East side of Ratchadamri Road is too new and mostly unoccupied.

• Street market on Sukhumvit offers many of the same items as the Patpong night market (although usually at somewhat better prices). Haggling is generally expected. Also, many tailor shops can be found here.

• Foodland supermarket, Sukhumvit Soi 5 (Nana BTS Station, opposite Amari Boulevard) has everything you'd expect to find in a supermarket at reasonable prices - and best of all, it's open 24 hours a day.

• Fuji Supermarket, Sukhumvit Sois 33 & 39, is a Japanese supermarket specializing in imported foods and snacks that cannot be found in other supermarkets. Also has a small baker, Sushi restaurant, photo shop, and Takoyaki stand.

Food courts & Restaurants

There is an absolutely ludicrously large selection of places to eat in and around Sukhumvit and its side sois (streets), although prices tend to be a little on the high side by Thai standards. With practically every cuisine in the world represented, this is the place to break your phad thai diet and sample some of the best Japanese, Lebanese, or Indian food you will ever eat.

Budget eateries

• Hong Kong Noodle, Soi 10 Siam Square. Serves up cheap and tasty wonton noodles , a selection of dim sum  and more Cantonese favorites in modern if utilitarian surroundings complete with air con, table service, etc. Excellent value. Open 10:00-22:00.

• Soi 38. Under Thong Lo BTS Station, opposite Sukhumvit Soi 55. Not a restaurant in itself, but you'll get the best street food in Bangkok. Just sit at a table and order whatever you like from the numerous foodstalls (they'll figure out the bill for you). You can find the most delicious mango & sticky rice (khao niow ma muang) in town.

• Between Soi 1 and Soi 3 A set of street food stalls with the best one furthest from the street. Good things to order include "Crispy fish in Chili Sauce", Tom Yum Soup and any of their Thai salads (such as mixed seafood salad). Also any Chinese-style fried vegetables is also good.

Thai restaurants

• Once Upon A Time, 32 Petchaburi Soi 17, tel. 02-252-8629. In a dubious-looking alley opposite Pantip Plaza, but worth hunting down despite the unlikely location. The restaurant is in an old Thai house with a garden, filled with photos of classical Thai film stars, and serves very good Thai food. Check out the special rooms upstairs on your way to the bathroom. 

• Lan Som Tam Nua, also known as Som Tam Paradise, Siam Square Soi 4. If Thai food isn't spicy enough or you have yet to sample som tam (raw papaya salad), check out this trendy yet very friendly and very Thai restaurant specializing in northern Isaan food. For the full-on Isaan experience, order raw mango salad ( tam ma-muang), spicy pork salad ( laap muu ), grilled chicken ( kai thot) and sticky rice   ( khao nio) - No English menu, but the staff are glad to help. Warning: This is real Isaan food and thus very spicy!

• Baan Khanitha, at 36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (Asoke BTS Station). Well-known if mildly touristy restaurant in an old Thai house, the primary concession to Western tastes being the lack of chili. On the expensive side with most mains (esp. seafood) in the 200-400 baht range, but the food is generally excellent and the presentation spot-on. Best known for their pomelo salad ( yam som-o) and red curry with duck ( kaeng daeng ped).

• Cabbages and Condoms, 6 Sukhumvit Soi 12 (between Nana & Asoke BTS Stations). Run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, the odd name referring to the founder's belief that condoms should be as cheap as veggies; and no prizes for guessing what you'll get after dinner instead of an after-dinner mint. The food is competent but toned down for the foreign palate, 

• Lemongrass, 5 Sukhumvit Soi 24. A very good if slightly expat-oriented Thai restaurant. Pomelo salad and tom yam kung are both excellent.

• Food Centre Soi 5 (Nana BTS Station). Simple, well visited restaurant serving Thai and western food. Thai dishes are reasonably original, with little concession to the western taste. Rapid service. 

Fusion restaurants

For Thai food with a twist, the hip districts of Siam Square and the H1 complex on Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55) are the best places to go hunting.

• Bed Supperclub, 26 Soi 11 Sukhumvit, tel. 2651 3537, One of Bangkok's trendiest bar/club/restaurants with sparsely minimalist yet jaw-dropping decor. Visiting on weekends is recommended, as you'll be treated to a 4-course surprise meal and a weekly-changing floor show. Reservations are essential (by telephone or online), as only a single serving is served nightly at 21:00; be sure to request a bed and arrive at least 30 minutes early. Dietary restrictions can be catered for if informed in advance. But the bill for all this is steep: the 4-course meal will set you back 1000 baht plus drinks at around 200 baht a pop.

• Greyhound Cafe, Emporium 2F (Phrom Phong BTS Station) and also Central Chidlom 2F (Chid Lom BTS Station). An extremely modern restaurant of concrete and brushed steel, offering a fusionesque menu of food ranging from authentic Thai to Italian pasta to Elvis burgers. 

• Holy Pizza, Soi 7 Siam Square, Siam Square at its best: hip, irreverent and innovative, with Thai pop art on the walls and thin-crust Italian pizza married to ingredients that would make the Pope blanch. Try the fairly conservative Vatican's Choice, or get more experimental with chicken larb pizza.

Italian restaurants

Bangkok has a surprisingly large number of Italian restaurants, and the best are both very good and affordably priced (at least by Western standards).

• Gianni, 34/1 Soi Tonson, off Ploenchit. One of Bangkok's best and most authentic Italian places. Formal but romantic atmosphere with shared couches and such, you'll want to dress up a little. 

• La Buca, Soi 1 Sukhumvit. This little Italian restaurant is possibly the most authentic in Bangkok. The Italian owner changes the Menu weekly, and a good selection of wine is available. Romantic, but on the expensive side, ranging 400-800 baht per person, without wine.

• L'Opera, 53/1 Soi 39, Sukhumvit Road, 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5PM-23PM. Established 1984, this is the oldest genuine Italian restaurant in Bangkok, and most likely also in Thailand. Though long established as THE Italian place to eat amongst the Thai stars, politicians and local business elite, the atmosphere is relaxed and caters as much to the tourists and middle class. The food prepared by the Italian chef is top class and they stock a wine selection to match it. Awarded for their selection of wines four years consecutively by the Siam Wine Society in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990.

Japanese restaurants

Bangkok's Little Japan is located near Sukhumvit Soi 33 and across the street at Soi 24, with Phrom Phong BTS Station straddling the two. There is also a smaller concentration along Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55), notably the Nihonmura ("Japan Village") in Thong Lo Soi 13. 

• Ichiban Ramen, Soi 24 Sukhumvit. An authentically Japanese greasy-spoon noodle joint specializing in ramen soup.

• Grande Teppanyaki and Grande Ramen. Thong Lo (Sukhumvit Soi 55 - on the left, a short walk from Thong Lo BTS Station). Two small Japanese restaurants facing each other, popular with Thais and Japanese alike. Sub-100 baht Lunch menus particularly good value, but the beef curry with real steak  is a deal at any time of the day.

• Fuji. This Japanese restaurant chain can be found in Emporium, Siam Center, Central World Plaza, and Siam Paragon. 

Korean restaurants

While Korean restaurants can be found scattered throughout town, a particularly heavy concentration lurks in Korea Town, the informal name of Sukhumvit Soi 12's Sukhumvit Plaza (a short walk from Asoke BTS Station). These are extremely authentic though and you may have a little trouble ordering if not familiar with Korean food.

• Shilla. 4/10-16 Sukhumvit Soi 22, A Korean barbeque place aimed for Koreans, with self-service bulgogi grilled at your table and a large menu featuring all the Korean favorites.

Vietnamese restaurants

• Le Dalat, Sukhumvit Soi 23. Two locations about a block apart and across the street from each other.

Hotels

Accommodation in almost all price ranges can be found within this area.

Budget

A few cheapie hotels can be found elsewhere along Sukhumvit. 

		A-ONE BANGKOK HOTEL (Pratunam,WorldTrade Center)A-One Bangkok Hotel is perfectly located in Bangkok's newest hub for both business and pleasure activities. If you are looking for a comfortable 'home away from home' then this hotel is a reasonable choice. More information
		BANGKOK CITY INN (Pratunam,WorldTrade)Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels in the Land of Smile, a country of ancient culture, historic temples, palaces, silks & gems, and charming hospitality. More information
		THE BEST BANGKOK HOUSE (Pratunam)The Best Bangkok House lets you explore at your pleasure the exotic city of Bangkok. A short walk from the hotel will lead you to many exciting attraction. Lively entertainment various shopping facility are as your reach, after which our worm accomodation awaits you. More information
		SAWASDEE SUKHUMVIT INN (Sukhumvit Rd.) Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn is rich in antiques an friendly atmosphere. All 44 rooms are air conditioned, and each has a large bed, period furniture and large windows. We also offer you a 24 hours room service to suit your needs. In addition, Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn is the place where your business and relaxation meet effortlessly. Our efficient staff will ensure your comfort and happiness at all times More information

Mid-range

There are many good quality but cheaper places on Sukhumvit. 

		ST JAMES HOTEL(Sukhumvit Soi 26)The St. James Hotel is located in the heart of the lively business and recreation area of the Sukhumvit 26, the St. James Hotel offers a convenient location, comfortable accommodation and value for money. More information
		CITY LODGES (Sukhumvit)Bangkok, the city of angels, is one of Asia's most exciting cities. It does not have a centre so much as it has districts - which can make it confusing for the first time visitor. One excellent place to start getting to know Bangkok is the Sukhumvit Road area. This commercial, entertainment and shopping district is a quick drive on the expressway from the airport. More information
		AMARI ATRIUM HOTEL(Pratunam,WorldTrade)A modern first-class hotel, located close to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and Bangkok's main commercial and shopping district of Sukhumvit Road, the Amari Atrium Hotel is ideally placed for both business and leisure travelers to Bangkok. More information
		INDRA REGENT HOTEL (Pratunam,WorldTrade)The 439-room Indra Regent Hotel is situated in central Bangkok, right in the shopping district and a few minutes from major historical and tourist attractions.The Indra Regent Hotel offers spacious accommodations, deluxe furnishings and exceptional comfort. More information

Luxury

Bangkok's luxury hotels are concentrated on and near Sukhumvit. Your options include:

		BAIYOKE SKY HOTEL(Pratunam,World Trade)The Baiyoke Sky Hotel -Thailand's tallest hotel, rising 88 storeys above the Bangkok skyline, strategically located in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by bustling market and entertainment attractions. Easy walking distance to the major shopping centers: Central World Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza, Peninsula, Sogo Department Store, Siam Square, MBK Centre etc. More information
		AMARI BOULEVARD HOTEL(Sukhumvit Rd) Whether visiting Bangkok on business or pleasure, the Sukhumvit Road area is one of the city's most exciting destinations. Whilst located at the centre of the city's commercial district, the area also offers excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options. The Amari Boulevard Hotel is right in the heart of Sukhumvit. It is comfortable, convenient and is well-known for its personalised service More information
		CENTRE POINT( sukhumvit 10)The Sukhumvit area is prestigious and the one most highly sought after by leading Thai families and expatriates alike. And Centre Point Sukhumvit 10 is right in the heart of it. More information
		AMARI WATERGATE (Pratunam,WorldTrade)Amari Watergate Hotel,Bangkok : In a prominent location in pratunam,bangkok's bustling shopping &commercial district, the569 rooms Amari watergate hotel combines the luxury of well appointed, spacious rooms & recreational facilities. Executive floor, superior banqueting & business. More information