As this high-tech capital of Bangkok queues up to become one of the most futuristic metropolises in the world, a small market district thronging with visitors and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ along Sukhumvit Road is matching toe-to-toe with the city’s ambition — and its celebrated shopping avenues. Phrom Phong, a market-dense hub of anything cultural and everything upmarket, is a trailhead for every shopaholic on an expedition to buy only the best from the city.
Also, read our guide on why Phrom Phong in Bangkok should be a must-visit on your itinerary.
With the namesake BTS station serving as the getaway to this buzzing neighbourhood, the constantly busy stretch of land is home to every merchandise you can name, and in most cases, you will find a shop for it. But that’s not all. Phrom Phong’s famous culinary culture meets several hundred venturing gastronomes, transforming from a commercial hub into a fancy all-you-can-eat-or-drink boulevard. Dine in one of the best restaurants in Bangkok or unwind at some of the district’s most glamour-exuding bars. This guide is all you will need to keep when visiting.
The best time to visit Phrom Phong in Bangkok
Phrom Phong’s high season coincides with Bangkok, making November to February a fun time for both destinations. The increased influx during this period can be attributed to two reasons: one, it is the onset of the festive season in Thailand, with cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, New Year’s Eve, and Loy Krathong taking place all over the country. Second, despite this time being called the “cool season”, the temperature hovers close to 30°C, ideal for touring and escaping the chilly winters in other parts of the world.
The bustling Phrom Phong during this time is thriving, which can often translate to a more immersive experience whether you are planning a bar-hopping or bargaining for some antiques.
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How to reach Phrom Phong
While the fastest way to reach the market is by first heading to the Phrom Phong BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) station, you can also use the bus, train, taxi, or tram system in the city. If you plan to travel directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the best (and quickest) way is to rent a cab or hire a private taxi to the market.
By train: Take the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok from Ratchathewi to Phrom Phong. Trains depart every 10 minutes, and the trip takes about 15 minutes. From there, the market is a 9-minute drive or 13-minute walk.
By bus: Take the bus from opposite the Thai Airways Building to Benjasiri Park. Buses depart every 15 minutes.
By taxi: Take a taxi from Bangkok, which is the most convenient option.
Things to do at Phrom Phong
Peruse, shop, repeat
Just like life, a great shopping trip is often defined by passion and balance, which Phrom Phong has mastered over decades. Enter any of the shining shopping centres you set your sights on, and you are immediately at ease, away from the endless traffic in Bangkok. Whether you need some fabric or vintage Dior, everything is just a few minutes walk from BTS Phrom Phong station. For those willing to drive, the area is lined with boutique outlets that require you to invest a little time, with a guaranteed promise of walking out with a unique purchase. It is one of the few markets in the capital where the outdoor area is pet-friendly, Bangkok’s up-and-coming cafes erupt with Thai coffee and baked goods, and every couple of steps you take is greeted by an opportunity to dine at some of the finest establishments.
Visit ‘Little Japan’
The ‘Little Japan’ of Phrom Phong made a not-so-little dent in the street cuisine before inviting proper restaurant-style Japanese fare to the area. Home to the Embassy of Japan until 2010, the district has a solid Japanese expat presence, further amplified by places like Mensho Tokyo, Hokkaido Restaurant Genshiyaki, Kurathai Shokudo, Bankara, Sustaina and more.
Go on a beer binge-fest
The beauty of drinking a beer in Phrom Phong is that it is never just a beer, anywhere. At the Friese-Greene Club, you can enjoy classic films alongside craft beers, while O’Shea’s Bar lets you sip on one while waiting for a haircut at Tew’s barbershop. The Last Drop features daily happy hours from 4-8 pm with Asahi and Guinness, and when looking for some tap magic, Hair of the Dog boasts 13 of them. British pub staples like The Royal Oak and Robin Hood serve pints in lively settings. Additionally, Bootleg Brothers has a new microbrewery location at Escape.
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Go souvenir-hunting
While heading straight into the minimalistic world of Thai and European brands at Another Story might be the first thing you do to secure that post-trip dopamine goodie, it is also worth spending a couple of hours scouring the local market for that perfect trinket. From Thai silk to spa products or even a bag full of regional flavours to snack on, souvenir-hunting is not just another thing to do in Phrom Phong. It’s an art form that calls for dedication and some cheeky befriending.
Must-try food in Bangkok’s Phrom Phong
Surrounding the roundabout and along adjacent sois, you’ll find various restaurants, street food stalls, and snacks. Despite a gradual decline of street eats since the pandemic, notable spots remain — a sidewalk of hawkers serving a chicken noodle soup stall on Sukhumvit Soi 41, Heng Heng’s chicken rice near Emporium, Rungrueng Pork Noodle’s tom yum on Soi 26, and Thong Lee’s Thai-Chinese dishes like moo pad kapi on Soi 20.
Best restaurants and bars
Phrom Phong’s dining scene thrives with highlights like Akira Back’s fusion cuisine at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, ABar Rooftop’s Victorian-inspired cocktails, and the Cantonese classics at Pagoda. Relaxed, cafe-minded choices include Sustaina Organic Shop, while Unatoto serves unagi bowls starting at just a few dollars. Italian fare is available at Mozza by Cocotte, while Sri Trat offers Thai recipes from Trat province. Other unmissable locations include Rasayana Raw Food Café, Salon du Japonisant for fine Japanese whiskeys, and Roast at EmQuartier for brunches.
The award-winning Lukkaithong, EmQuartier (MICHELIN Plate), offers Thai-infused Chinese comfort food like pork belly stew and tea shaved ice. Guay Tiew Mu Rung Rueang Tung (Bib Gourmand) is famed for Thai-style pork noodles and homemade fish balls. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jidori Cuisine Ken (MICHELIN Plate) serves authentic yakitori-style skewers. Pre-order the chicken hotpot for a standout experience.
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Shopping in Phrom Phong
The key highlight of the visit, shopping in market-dense Phrom Phong, is an experience cherished equally by locals and visitors.
- Hit the EmQuartier and Emporium, two of Bangkok’s most popular shopping malls. These are within walking distance for luxury brands (think Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Off-White) and upscale wellness, home decor, and electronic stores.
- Another hub is Emsphere, a 200,000-square metre, multi-level, open-air shopping mall featuring restaurants, cafes, and Bangkok’s first Ikea.
- Phrom Phong is known as “Little Japan”; stores like Makotoya and UFM Fuji Super offer high-quality Japanese goods.
- For local handicrafts and traditional Thai silk, explore the small shops in the area.
- For electronic gadgets, head to the lane of tech-related small businesses near the BTS station.
Also, check out our story on how to travel in Thailand on a budget.
Insider tips
- Keep your cash, cards, and valuables secure (consider a fanny pack), and carry your bag in front of you for extra safety.
- Explore the nearby EmQuartier shopping complex for high-end brands and dining options.
- Be mindful of your bargaining skills when shopping for local goods. Respectful negotiation is encouraged.
- Look for street food vendors offering authentic Thai snacks, but be cautious about the spice levels and allergies.
- For a better shopping experience, visit the market early to avoid large crowds during peak hours.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Soile Vauhkonen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
From exploring local street flavours to learning about the history of Thai silk to exploring art at the SAC Gallery and RMA Studio, there’s plenty of experience to try for every kind of traveller.
Infinity Wellbeing can be the first pick for aromatherapy massages, while Health Land Spa is where you can try traditional Thai massage and holistic treatments.
At night, visit bars like O’Shea’s Bar for happy hours, explore retro speakeasy Mutual Bar or enjoy live music at venues like Alonetogether and The Woodshed.
Yes, Phrom Phong is suitable for solo travellers, all due to its melting pot tourism and accessible environment.
Treehouse Cafe & Bar and the outdoor areas of EmQuartier are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee and snacks.
From exploring local markets to dining at outdoor restaurants in EmQuartier, there’s much more to do outside than inside when it comes to Phrom Phong.
For authentic Thai cuisine, try restaurants like Sri Trat for eastern Thai dishes or Sorn for Thai delicacies made using traditional techniques.
Phrom Phong is easily accessible by the BTS Skytrain at the Phrom Phong station, and taxis, motorbike taxis, and buses are also common modes of local transport.
One to two days are enough to explore the highlights of Phrom Phong, including its shopping malls, cultural spots, and dining options.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
