Dotted with fine cuisines, special speakeasies and buzzy bars, Thonglor is an upscale neighbourhood on the road of Sukhumvit Soi 55. While it’s best known for rich culinary and fun nightlife scenes to most tourists and locals, there’s also a slew of other unique venues for us to discover — think community malls with Thai fashion boutiques and luxurious spas with onsen bathing. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping at a trendy store or indulging in an evening hideaway, Thonglor is no shortage of the enticing options.
Keen to explore Thonglor but wondering where to start? You’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the coolest spots in this chic neighbourhood of Bangkok for you to check out. Here are some of the best things to do in Thonglor.
Where to eat
Kitaohji Ginza
Nestled within a serene garden, Kitaohji Ginza is a secluded restaurant in the quaint alley of Thonglor Soi 8. A fine dining restaurant with a storied history in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Kitaohji Ginza has opened its 12th branch in Bangkok. The traditional Japanese cuisine serves up a course menu of specialty creations, all made from top-notch ingredients. Start off your meal with fresh sashimi, followed by your choice of charcoal grilled wagyu beef or robust steamed hairy crab. The restaurant also provides an à la carte menu, which features a selection of seafood sensations including steamed rice with sea bream and taraba crab shabu with flavourful soup.
Kitaohji Ginza, 212 Thonglor Soi 8, Sukhumvit 55, +662 714 7997
Toro Bangkok
Those who’d like to savour Spanish dishes and small fusion plates should head to Toro Bangkok. Tucked away in 72 Courtyard, the restaurant offers a lush array of tapas favourites, from meaty anchovies dressed in black vinegar to rich, velvety manchego cheese. Some small savouries are also served with a Thai-flavoured twist such as a delectable hanger steak with green curry sauce, and succulent pork jowl with mango, pickled chili and crispy fried baby shrimp. Don’t leave without trying its smoked barramundi with shrimp crackers and pastrami mousse, too.
Toro Bangkok, 72 Courtyard, Thonglor Soi 3, Sukhumvit 55, +662 392 7790
La Dotta
Soi Thonglor has plenty of pleasant restaurants, but La Dotta is a petite bistro that particularly stands out. Inspired by ’50s Italian bistro, La Dotta features vintage decorations with a bright-blue colour scheme, refined marble counter, and retro bar with neon lighting. Specialising in handcrafted pasta, the cuisine offers a plethora of perfect pasta plates including a creamy carbonara with pecorino romano cheese and a silky, smooth tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce and cooked wagyu beef. If you’re searching for a specialty spot that serves up premium pasta, this is it.
La Dotta, 161/6 Thonglor Soi 9, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, +662 392 8688
What to do
The COMMONS
As the motto reads ‘our intention is to build first a community, then a mall’, The COMMONS has a significant concept of Thonglor’s backyard, where you can spend a quality time with your family and friends in an environmental-friendly surrounding. This community mall features various noteworthy spots ranging from the gourmet restaurant and rhythm cycling studio to chic vintage store and lovely flower shop. By promoting a true sense of community, The COMMONS also provides an al fresco space for exclusive workshops. From dining to shopping scenes, this place has an activity for everyone.
The COMMONS 335 Thonglor Soi 17, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok,
Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa
In need of a wellness indulgence? Treat yourself to the restorative retreats at Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa. Located on the fifth floor of Grande Center Point Hotel Sukhumvit 55, the spa boasts blissful ambiance with warm wooden interiors throughout. Here, you’ll find a variety of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments including therapeutic massage, soothing sauna and steam. Those who take pleasure in a warm bath can also luxuriate in mineral bathtubs and authentic Japanese onsen. Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa will ensure you leave with a healthful mind and body.
Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa, Grande Center Point Hotel Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Soi 8 and Soi 10, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok, +662 042 8045
Where to drink
The Iron Fairies
Forget all your cares at this magical bar featuring an extensive selection of drinks, from Japanese to Mexican and Dutch spirits. The Iron Fairies is a cosy spot with whimsical furnishings, where you’ll get to ensconce in a comfy wicker armchair in its dark, shimmering ambiance — all while savouring stylish sips and enjoying the cool melodies from the live jazz music. Try its signature smoke in the bottle, a craft cocktail with crisp top notes of cocoa and elderflower. If you prefer a softer, sweeter boost, opt for lemongrass daiquiri, a blend of honey, herbs and sparkling Chandon.
The Iron Faries, 402 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Rd., Bangkok, +6699 918 1600
Backstage Cocktail Bar
Awarded Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Backstage Cocktail Bar is a swanky tavern not to miss in Thonglor. Drawing inspirations from bombastic Broadway, the bar features backstage mirrors with bright round bulbs and burlesque-style decorations. You’ll find its frequent and special offerings written on the mirror. Make sure you don’t miss the Mediterranean-inspired cocktail like Fiori D’Asti, a fresh fusion of Mancino Bianco and lynchee. We also particularly like its garden swing, a Tanqueray gin heightened by sweet jasmine syrup and tangy lime juice.
Backstage Cocktail Bar, L/F, Playhaus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Rd., Bangkok, +662 712 5747
Rabbit Hole
Combining contemporary designs with masculine touches, Rabbit Hole is decked out with brick, dark wood, and ironworks. Without any name sign, this secret speakeasy is hidden behind a massive wooden door. Once you enter, the space looks like somewhere on Singapore’s 28 Hong Kong Street. If you’d like to savour cocktails with fruity flavours, go for perfectly executed smoke peach and passion martini. For a bittersweet spirit, opt for a glass of Hendricks martini or Super Nikka Whisky.
Rabbit Hole, 125 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor Rd., Bangkok, +6698 969 1335
Where to shop
Shaka
Shaka is a local fashion store situated on the first floor of Eight Thonglor. Bringing young personality to the forefront, Shaka always introduces impressive collections that reflect lively and spirited women in modern days. The brand also focuses on using a variety of fabrics and making creative cuts with innovative sewing techniques. Stylish and casual, each piece from Shaka deserves a perfect place in your everyday wardrobe.
Image credit: Ei8ght Thonglor
Shaka, 1/F, E8ght Thonglor, 88/36 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Rd., Bangkok, +662 714 9351
Exhibit Mothership
Part boutique, part café, Exhibit Mothership does not only feature couture creations from new local labels and famous international brands, but also a cute café with futuristic décor. With its lifestyle concept, Exhibit will let you enjoy sweet delights in between shopping a wide range of multibrand’s fashion pieces such as chic tote bags, fluffy footwear and lovely laced dresses. Check this place out for its unique, quirky styles.
Image credit: Instagram
Exhibit Space (Mothership), J Avenue, Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Rd., Bangkok, +662 185 2673
Featured image credit: Grande Center Point Hotel Sukhumvit 55; Hero image credit: The COMMONS
Chanya Ormtavesub
Staff Writer, Bangkok
Chanya enjoys writing about everything related to fashion and beauty. If you ever catch her day-dreaming, she’s probably thinking about what to put next onto her shopping wish lists and how to make her cat happy.
