• By GROVE
  • | May 25, 2015

Hangouts and Cafes

 

1). 10Thirty Cafe

Not only is it the newest kid on the block but 10Thirty is one of the first cafes on Phahonyothin to operate 24 hours. The cafe is set in a lofty, industrial-chic space with lots of raw cement, red bricks and black steel, promising a friendly environment for relaxing and co-working. Not a fan of coffee? Just go order fruity smoothies from those cute baristas.
Phahonyothin Rd., opposite Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, 02-939-4467. www.facebook.com/10thirtycafe

2). The Artwins Canteen & Bar

The second branch of successful cooking school-turned-casual bistro by Le Cordon Bleu-graduate twin sisters, King and Kaew Pokai-udom, The Artwins Canteen & Bar at the new P9 community mall serves comfort food in a laid-back, barn-like dining room. Head there in the morning for pancakes and freshly brewed coffee or, on the contrary, drop by late for the well-curated cocktail selection.
P9, Phahonyothin Soi 9, 089-563-6542. Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sun 10:30am-midnight.

3). Anya Dharu Perfumery & Tea Shop

The finest tea room in Chatuchak Weekend Market hides behind a dark, eclectic façade. The aromatic scents of this local perfumery lure in an upscale crowd. After browsing the room diffusers, candles, incense sticks and house-blended Lann Cha teas, it’s impossible to resist the urge to pull up a chair at one of the small marble-top table and order a cup.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 3, Soi 3. Open Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
 

4). Treat Cafe and Hangout

Hang out in the Kinfolk-worthy garden or rustic Scandinavian dining room. With the two owners’ vast knowledge of coffee and talented cooking skill, you can rest assured you'll have a perfectly chill and delicious afternoon.
Treat Cafe and Hangout. 563 Senanikhom 1 Rd. (Phahonyothin Soi 32), Chatuchak, 093-264-9292. Open Thu-Tue 11:30am-10pm.
 

5). Tokyobike

Named after the famous bicycle brand from Japan, Tokyobike chose Bangkok’s cyclist neighborhood to open their first flagship store in Thailand. The brand claims to “value comfort over speed”, so slow-life enthusiasts are welcome to select your new buddy from a wide range of Japanese-quality bikes with different lovely colors.
20 Soi Ari 2, Phahonyothin Soi 7, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, 02-117-1016. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm.

6). PH1b Coffee Bar

This homey coffee bar also specializes in creative menu like white choc rum latte and white choc mocha, which you can have with a wide selection of their hard-to-resist snacks and dessert, including heavy carrot cake, orange french toast, croissant benedicts. The cafe’s classic wooden decor ensures locals come here often to pop open their laptop and enjoy a solid cup of Joe in relaxing atmosphere.
Soi Phaholyothin 11, 088-222-6700. Open Wed-Mon 9am-9pm.
 

7). Salt Smoke

This microscopic burger bar has all the airs of a pop-up (it's in a parking lot and rendered in raw cement) but is here to stay. If that sounds too rough, know that plenty of charming details, from potted palm trees to crates of fresh produce, lend the space oodles of hipster bistro charm. The WTF burger combines foie gras, bacon, a wagyu beef patty and cheese. The brioche bun is homemade, making it a surprisingly gourmet treat, as are the beef patties and the sauce.
Piyawan Bldg., Ari Soi 1. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight
 

8). Fab Cafe

Takes the form of a co-working space with product design facilities. The cafe offers 3D printing and 2D laser cutting machines along with instructors to help you out. The cafe also hosts workshops.
77/1 Ari Soi 1, Bangkok, 083-619-9983. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm
 

9). Does Mondays Have an Apostrophe Before the S?

This charmingly named shop is a haven for tote and tee lovers. The shop’s signature items are a variety of round collar shirts, to which Does Mondays wittily adds small embroidery for a look that’s simple yet really cute.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, no. 232, soi 45/1, section 3. Open Sat-Sun noon-6:30pm
 

10). TA.THA.TA

Here is another leather specialist. TA.THA.TA hand-crafts each of its products from top quality leather, and stresses that the beauty of leatherwork comes from using it daily. Products include bags, watches, belts, camera straps and key rings.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.012, Soi 47/1, Section 4. Open Sat-Sun 10:30am-6pm
 

11). Thammada Studio

If bare hands make you feel naked, give this inspiring jewelry shop a visit. In contrast to its name, Thammada ("ordinary"), you’ll find their brass works extraordinarily appealing. The settings range from alphabet plated to stones to specially designed shapes—all have quirky appeal. For more details, check out their Instagram@thammada_ design.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.291, section 2. Open Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
 

12). The Sleeveless Garden

The 3 architect-school graduates who have turned fashion designers have put all their love for good-quality leather and their design skill to create genuine leather products, using 2 designing methods: follow and oppose. Bags from this shop only use self-structured leather in order to unnecessary supporters, and the results are smart-looking authentic leather goods.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, no. 018, section 4, soi 47/1, 081-456-0315. www.thesleevelessgarden.com

Street Feasts

 

13). Sri Lueng Pochana (in Soi Rong Nung Kao)

One of the most talked about Saphankwai restaurants on social media, Sri Lueng Pochana’s claim to fame is its succulent khao mun kai (chicken rice).
 

14). Sanan  (BTS Saphankwai, Phahonyothin Rd.,near a bridge crossing to Chatuchak Market)

This long-running place is best known for its khao tom pla (rice and fish in hot, clear soup) and fresh seafood offerings.

15). Abu Ibrohim (Soi Praditpat 14)

Perhaps the only restaurant in the area that offers serious halal food, Abu Ibrohim is tucked behind a discreet wooden facade where loyal customers flock for the famed goat curry.
 

16). Little Space by Dao

For those not satisfied with the normal market finds, this studio will make your own designs. Little Space by Dao offers made-to-order wooden furniture like tables, chairs and cabinets starting from B15,000. There are also some ready-made items.
#041, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 089-494-0576. Open daily 9am-9pm
 

17). Big Tree Antiques

Here’s where stylish bars and restaurants get their furnishings. Specializing in rare antique items, Big Tree Antiques offers various goods ranging from vinyl records to postboxes, glassware, even full-sized superhero models (starting from B18,000) and much more.
Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1, 085-334-9559. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm. www.facebook.com/BigTreeAntiques
 

18). Yarnnakarn

This home decor shop stands out from others for its contemporary ceramic goods crafted by talented artists with diverse skills in production who gather to create a great work of imagination and skills. Products include a series of knobs and hooks in small garden-animal shapes, animal trophy urns, nostalgic paper pots, etc.
#029-027, Zone MRT Khamphengphet Exit 1,099-152-4635. Open Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. www.fb.com/yarnnakarn
 

Playgrounds for Art Enthusiasts

19). Chatuchak Weekend Market “Art Zone”

JJ Market is vast, but art lovers know where to go: Section 7. At this remote section at the far-right corner of the bazaar, young and veteran artists gather to display everything from old paintings to watercolors, etchings, charcoals and sculptures. Prices vary depending on your bargaining skills.
Phahonyothin and Kamphaeng Phet Rd. Open Sat-Sun, 10am-7pm
 

20). Numthong Gallery

This is the new location for one of Bangkok’s best-known dealers, Numthong Sae Tang. With years of experience in the art business, he curates masterpieces from both established and emerging Thai and international artists, including Montien Boonma, Chatchai Puipia, Vasan
Sitthiket, Kamin Lertchaiprasert and Michael Shaowanasai. Ari Soi 5, Phahonyothin Soi 7, 02-617-2794. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. www.gallerynumthong.com
 

21). Sala Sudasiri Sobha

Founded by Nat Yontararak, an award-winning classical pianist, composer and teacher, this is the city’s most intimate concert hall. The venue, tucked down a dead-end lane, offers a quiet location and a classic architecture to enjoy the
masters in style.
158/20 Ladprao 41 Yaek 7-2 Chatuchak, 02-541-8662, 80-407-8231. www.salasudasirisobha.com
 

Keep fit at Rodfai and Chatuchak Park

22). Yoga

Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (aka Suan Mokkh) is in collaboration with Thai Yoga Institute (Folk Doctor Foundation) to organize free yoga lessons. Classes are held in Suan Mokkh, which is located at the entrance of Rodfai Park, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-6:30pm and the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am-noon. Yoga mats are provided. For more information, contact 02-732-2016-17.
 

23). Vachirabenjatas Sport Centre

Here, you’ll find plenty of activities on offer. With an annual fee of only B40, you can gain access to the sport center’s full facilities, including swimming pool, outdoor courts for football, basketball, petanque and more. Registration hours are 10am-4pm. Bring a copy of your ID card and a medical certificate. For more information, contact 02-272-4844. You can use most of the facilities for free but there are some exceptions.
• Swimming: B15 per 1:30hr. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm.
• Tennis: B35 per hour. Court reservation can be made from 10am daily.
• Gym Free of charge. Open Tue-Sun 9am-8pm.
 
 

24). Running or Cycling in the Parks

The Chatuchak area is a runner's paradise with not one but three amazing parks to choose from. It's home to all the best runs, like the yearly TMB Park Run. Runners enjoy the convenient access--two MRT stations and one BTS--and the great food in the neighoborhood to refuel after an epic run. If you do all three parks--Chatuchak, Suan Rot Fai and Queen Sirikit--that's a full 10K!

 


 

Brought to you by Sansiri. Find out more about living in Chatuchak at thelinebkk.com