Lan Luang and its surrounding areas are filled with old shop-houses and government buildings—most of which have been there since early in Bangkok’s conception—leaving little space for newer residential apartments or condos. While there are some apartments for rent, most are quite rundown and a little shady-looking. We recommend checking out 1. Baan Pahn Fah (Phra Sumeru Rd., 02-629-1396), which offers 28-sq-meter rooms for B6,000 a month. For something a little classier, 2. Ratchadamnoen Condominium (Nakhon Sawan Rd., 02-282-9071) has rooms from 40 to 67-sq-meters, ranging from B7,000 a month to B15,000 a month. For more choice, try the nearby Khao San and Phaya Thai areas. Those looking to live the shophoused dream might need to look further afield to Charoenkrung or Banglamphu, because new dwellings on the market

are few and far between here.

 

 

 

The area’s old buildings are charming to some, run-down to others. That said, the footpaths are quite spacious and well-maintained, and the streets are laid out in a manner that’s inviting for walking. The area also houses a great many museums, such as the 3. King Prajadhipok Museum (Lan Luang Rd., 02-280-3413), 4. Nithas Rattanakosin Museum (Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd., 02-621-0044) and the 5. Varadis Palace Museum (Lan Luang Rd., 02-282-9110). Cultural sites like 6. Sunthorn Thammatarn Temple (Soi Lan Luang 1, 02-629-9089), 7. Ratchadamnoen Stadium (Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd., 02-281-4205) and the 8. Nang Lerng Horse Tracks (Phitsanulok Rd.) are also big tourist attractions.

 

 

 

There’s plenty of good street food around here, like Pad Thai Thip Samai, also known as 9. Pad Thai Pa Tu Phee (02-221-6280). However, if you’re looking for something a little classier, the crew behind much-loved drinking and dining spot 10. Seven Spoons (Chakkaphatdipong Rd., 02-629-9214) have you covered, with their excellent Mediterranean-tinged cuisine. Definitely try their juicy bacon-wrapped porkchops (B440) or their chewy lentil fritters (B140). Cocktails start at a little over B250 each. The same people are also behind the tiny, tiki-themed bar 11. Mad Moa (Chakkaphatdipong Rd., 085-155-2601), home to a delicious wagyu burger (B240), and underground craft beers, as well as 12. Pollen Baked Goods (Chakkaphatdipong Rd., 087-040-5736), which does a great assortment of French country-style pastries. Another hot neighborhood haunt is 13. White Line (Thammanoon-Withi Rd., 081-540-6057), which serves up sophisticated bar food and awesome music.

 

 

While traffic conditions during the day are relatively mild, they can slow to a painful crawl at night, especially on weekends when people flock to Khao San. There are also no nearby BTS or MRT stations, so taxis are the transport of choice to get to and from the area. Walkers shouldn’t have much of a problem, as the pavements are generally wide and uncluttered.

 

Like most old-town areas in Bangkok, the residents of Lan Luang have been there basically forever, having inherited their

shop-houses from their families. Residents tend to be older here, though Thammasat University students enrolled at the Pra-Chan Pier campus are a common sight. Tourists on their way to Khao San can also be found quite regularly.

 

 

14. Mission Hospital Bangkok (Phitsanulok Rd., 02-282-1100)

 

15. Bo-Bae Market (Soi Damrong Rak)