Bangkok is a haven for unique experiences, and Thonglor is the perfect starting point. An upscale neighbourhood in the Watthana district of Bangkok, Thonglor or Thong Lo is officially known as Soi Sukhumvit 55. The place has become popular in recent years thanks to its vibrant nightlife, high-end bars, and numerous shopping malls. A place where modern buildings vie for attention against charming street markets, Thonglor is home to a large share of Bangkok’s stylish eateries and shops.
Are you planning to explore one of the hippest spaces in the Thai capital? Read on to find out where to eat, shop, relax, and party hard in Thonglor.
Elevate your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Bangkok for max fun.
The best time to visit Thonglor
The best time to visit Thonglor in Bangkok is during the evenings when the market areas come alive with an assortment of vendors setting up shop. Although there are several all-day restaurants in the market area, many cafes and restaurants also open their doors for evening service. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit Thonglor in the mornings before 9 am, when breakfast stalls start to set up.
How to reach Thonglor
By MRT: Sukhumvit MRT Station is approximately 5 km away. Grab a tuk-tuk from here to reach Thonglor.
By BTS: BTS Siam is approximately 9 km away. There is a direct train to BTS Thonglor every 10 minutes.
By bus: Buses 2, 25, 3-8, 508 and 511 stop at the Thonglor Red Bus Stop.
Travelling by MRT in Bangkok? Check out our story on the best places to visit when travelling Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line.
Restaurants in Thonglor
Baan Ice
Serving Thai cuisine in an outdoor and indoor setting, Baan Ice is one of the most popular lunch spots for those who love Southern Thai food.
Opening hours: 11 am to 10 pm on all days.
Must-try dishes: Melinjo leaves with egg and crab, Sataw Beans with pork and shrimp paste, and coconut milk ice cream.
Address: 115 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Roast Coffee & Eatery
Craving a beverage after a bout of shopping? Visit this place for high-quality speciality coffee and a wide range of comfort food. Expect a relaxing ambience, outdoor seating in a vibrant garden, and a menu full of luscious desserts.
Opening hours: 9 am to 10 pm on all days.
Must-try dishes: Peruvian Chicken, Duck Confit, Raspberry Souffle, and Mussel Pot with white wine/cream sauce.
Address: 3rd Floor The COMMONS 335 Thong Lo 17 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.
Fuego
Celebrating the art of grilling, Fuego offers visitors a chance to indulge their taste buds with various Spanish and Japanese tapas. Add to that signature cocktails and an electrifying atmosphere, and you have a winner.
Opening hours: 6 pm to 12 am from Wednesday to Monday, closed on Tuesdays.
Must-try dishes: Lobster Tempura Roll, Charcoal-grilled Watermelon Gazpacho, and Pulled Wagyu Bao.
Address: The Taste Thong Lo, ตึก The Taste Thonglor ชั้น 2 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
This is one of the best places to partake in live music with entertaining DJs and musicians while enjoying stunning views of the Bangkok skyline. Located in Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, its succulent bar bites and innovative cocktails make it one of the best restaurants in Thonglor.
Opening hours: 5 pm to 2 am on all days.
Must-try dishes: Crab Spring Rolls, Torched Salmon, and Mixed Charcuterie and Cheese Board.
Address: 2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Bo.lan
Aiming to showcase Thai food heritage, Bo.lan offers set menus full of traditional Thai delicacies. Small servings, wine or beer tastings, and friendly service ensure guests leave completely enamoured.
Opening hours: 6 pm to 10:30 pm from Thursday to Sunday; closed from Monday to Wednesday.
Must-try dishes: Banana prawns with cashew nuts, Deep-fried grey mullet salad, and Stirfry Black Khorat beef.
Address: 24 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
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Things to do at Thonglor
Explore theCOMMONS
Bringing together restaurants, retail areas, and activity spaces, theCOMMONS in Thonglor is one of the hippest places to hang out in Bangkok. Home to scores of restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines, theCOMMONS is the ideal place for an afternoon hang or a lavish multi-course meal. Plenty of events keep visitors engaged, from book readings to live bands and more.
Enjoy a relaxing massage
Home to several spa and onsen facilities, Thonglor is one of the best places in Bangkok for a leisurely massage at a luxury facility. Kashikiri Onsen and Spa, Asia Herb Association, Treasure Spa Thonglor, Omroom, and Bangkok Sports Massage are some of the best facilities in the area for spending a couple of hours pampering yourself. Choose from many global treatments or traditional Thai wellness practices to feel completely rejuvenated.
Go mall hopping
Thonglor in Bangkok is home to plenty of shopping malls, big and small, ideal for people from all walks of life. Some of Thonglor’s best and most opulent shopping malls include theCOMMONS, Marché Thonglor, EmQuartier, Park Lane, Donki Mall, Seenspace Thonglor, and Nihonmura Mall. A variety of international brands, local specialities, and plenty of entertainment options make it one of the best places to spend an evening in Bangkok.
Explore flea markets
Thonglor is one of the rare spots where high-end shopping malls rub shoulders with down-to-earth flea markets. Thonglor’s best street and flea markets include W Market, Food Street Soi 38, and Bangkok Farmer’s Market. Pick up vintage clothing, accessories, pre-loved books, and brand-new items here.
Pick up stunning souvenirs
Souvenir hunting holds a special place in our hearts, and Thonglor’s markets are perfect for finding unique treasures to bring home. Shops selling Thai silk, spa products, replicas of antiques, homemade condiments, carved soaps, and Benjarong porcelain ware abound here, as do a multitude of stores selling the ubiquitous fridge magnets.
Relish decadent dishes
Whether you are looking to enjoy a fantastic seafood platter or planning to walk around the local market to sample street food, Thonglor has you covered. From sticky mango rice to perfectly grilled steaks to traditional Thai delicacies, the food options at Thonglor are sure to leave you wanting more.
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Nightlife in Thonglor
Thonglor is quickly becoming one of Bangkok’s most popular places for vibrant nightlife. It has everything from unique cafes and rooftop restaurants offering panoramic city views to upscale bars and lounges offering a luxurious setup and Michelin menus. You can go bar-hopping and try classic cocktails with quirky twists or enjoy a multi-course Thai dinner at a fancy restaurant. You could also visit local markets to sample street food and other delicacies. Either way, nightlife in Thonglor is all about food, drinks, and shopping.
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Shopping in Thonglor
There are several malls and smaller shopping centres in Thonglor that you can explore. From places such as the Big C Supermarket and Tops Supermarket to the classy Market Place Thonglo, this area houses some of the biggest global and local brands in the retail world. Pick up handmade Thai food paste to try your hands at your favourite recipes, or get a few spa products infused with the goodness of local ingredients.
You could also find stunning lacquerware, jewellery, ceramics, apparel, accessories, and stoneware to take back home as souvenirs. The famed Thonglor Flea Market, starting from the bustling Soi Thonglor Pier, is a revelation in itself, offering a vibrant and fully immersive cultural experience.
Love shopping? Check out our story on the Chatuchak market in Bangkok, one of the best night markets in Thailand.
Insider tips to follow while visiting Thonglor
- Exploring the food scene is one of the most significant aspects of visiting Thonglor, so try at least a few eateries here.
- Several bars and pubs offer live music and events. Research beforehand to find out which ones you want to attend.
- While most restaurants don’t have a strict dressing policy, remember to keep it stylish, keeping in mind Thonglor’s chic reputation.
- Request milder spiciness levels when ordering off the menu.
- Quirky shop fronts are an ideal place for selfies. But seek permission before snapping away.
- While walking is the best way to explore the vibrant space, you can also hop on a tuk-tuk if you have a specific destination in mind.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Takeaway juices and cool beverages are readily available across the markets of Thonglor.
(Feature image credit: marche_thonglor/Instagram)
Related | Experience Authentic Thai Culture At Bangkok’s Iconic Floating Markets
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Walking is the best way to explore the markets of Thonglor. However, for the rest of Thonglor tuk-tuks are ideal.
Interesting decor of shopfronts, vibrant street markets, rooftop restaurants, and cosy bars are some of the best places for photography in Thonglor.
For vegan dishes, head over to TheCommons, where some restaurants offer vegan or vegetarian options.
Yes, there are a couple of dedicated parking spaces in Thonglor, where vehicles can be parked at hourly rates.
Yes, Thonglor is a family-friendly place with shopping spots, entertainment options, and eateries.
Some shopping malls hold occasional shopping fests or other themed events from time to time, especially around Thai festivals as well as global celebrations such as Christmas and New Year.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
