5 cool Bangkok neighborhoods away from the BTS or MRT
Take a visit to some of the city's best out-of-the-way areas.
Brought to you by GrabCar
9 years ago
Take a visit to some of the city's best out-of-the-way areas.
Brought to you by GrabCar
- By GROVE
- | Oct 02, 2015
1. SUAN PLU
Although centrally located, the alleys of Suan Plu can be tricky to access via public transportation. Just off Sathorn Road, this inner-city hideaway has a lot to offer, especially for drinking and dining. Serious drinkers will want to try the quality craft cocktails at Junker and Bar, run by mixologist Bard Passapong, which has recently expanded into the second shop-house next door. Just a few steps down the main drag is Smalls, a moodily lit, late-night cocktail lounge that specializes in absinthe and live jazz. If street food staples are what you’re after, Suan Plu Soi 8 turns into an affordable street food haven from around 5pm onwards, with stalls offering dishes from somtam with king crab and pork satay to pizza. New food truck Cactus BKK serves up yummy Tex-Mex right on the same soi. Here are some more reasons why Suan Plu may be your new favorite Bangkok neighborhood.
2. OLD TOWN
The oldest part of the city is way off the BTS and MRT radar, but that’s what has kept the true charm of this area alive. And it’s not just about late-night partying on Khao San Road, either. There’s plenty to see and do during the day, from art tours (RCAC, The National Gallery, Art Centre Silpakorn) to interactive exhibitions (Piphit Bang Lumphu, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall and Museum Siam) and iconic monuments (Democracy Monument, Golden Mount and the Giant Swing). Phra Athit, meanwhile, is home to some of the city’s coolest bars and eateries like Escapade Burger & Shakes, Adhere the 13th and Sheepshank plus local gems like Roti Mataba and Guay Jub Khun Daeng. Here's our guide to an Old Town staycation.
3. CHAENGWATTANA
This year Bangkok has been blessed with huge concerts by big-name international artists, from Katy Perry to Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5. But there’s more to Muang Thong Thani and Chaengwattana than Impact Arena. Book one of GrabCar's personal chauffeurs to go and explore the hipster cafes like Waft Me, Addicted Cafe & Carwash, Seven Days Cafe & Bake House and Two Spoons Tale. Muang Thong Thani is also home to notable established restaurants like Kha Moo Muang Thong, Hong Kong Fisherman and Shabu Shabu Nang Nai. Most recently, though, it’s been in the headlines for the Japanese-style cafe Little Zoo, where you can play with baby foxes as you indulge in a plate piled with waffles.
4. ARI SAMPHAN
There’s a lot more to Ari than what’s lined up by the BTS. The back-end of Soi Ari Samphan is a warren of slow-life cool, whether it’s cute coffee shops like the pioneering Pla Dib and the new Toast. Aree or restaurants like Jim’s Burger & Beer and Kimchi Hour. The highlight, though, has to be the second branch of multi-label fashion store Onion Store: Aree, which has just branched out into womenswear and also does the best coffee in the neighborhood. Come sundown, you can get quality beer at HOBs Aree at Aree Garden community mall (which also hosts a regular weekend Green Market) or venture to the new Moire Bar for some live music.
Credit: Trasher
5. RCA
Getting a cab late at night to this out-of-the-way strip can be a nightmare. But the street still packs a massive party crowd thanks to the revamp of Live RCA—now the go-to venue for Bangkok party organizers like Trasher and Kolour, and the new Ztudio Live Hall, which is bringing in amazing EDM shows headlined by world-class DJs like Vinai, Vicetone and Yellow Claw. Of course, you can also enjoy live gigs and cheap drinks at places like Mongkol RCA or Vesbar, have a late-night indie cinema break at House RCA or hit the go-kart track at Easykart.
Why GrabCar?
GrabCar makes it easier to get to these hidden gems of Bangkok, offering a classy, comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional public transport for those who don't own a car. The premium on-demand chauffeur service is simple to use—just download the GrabTaxi app, available for free on Apple iOS and Android, book GrabCar through the app and you're good to go.
GrabCar's fare (Economy) is calculated from a base rate of B50, plus trip distance in kilometers (+B10 for 0-10km and +B12 for 10km onwards). The total rate will be fixed, regardless of the traffic, and will be displayed on the app before you confirm your journey. With the unique Advance Booking Functionality, you can even plan ahead and book your car two hours in advance.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
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