This prestigious neighborhood continues to grow in popularity, meaning some pretty lofty rents. 1. AP’s The Address (Sukhumvit Soi 28, 085-844-2487) offers one-bedroom units from B45,000 per month, while the more luxurious 2. Emporium Suites (622 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-9999) combines a five-star hotel with luxury serviced apartments. For purchase, 3. Marque (02-262- 1111), an ongoing condo project by Major Development, has 147 units starting from B36 Million. Perhaps even more alluring are the older, low-rise condominiums, a number of which can be found on Sukhumvit Soi 26, like 4. AA Court (081-173-770), 5. Neo Aree Court (02-204-1600) and 6. Bamboo Court (081-173-7700). Rent starts at around B20,000 in these places, though units are in hot demand—it might take regular phone calls for several months before something becomes available.

 

Gorgeous, hi-so 20-somethings, Japanese families and perpetually bar-bound British expats all appear to coexist in relative harmony. What the area may lack in tradition, it makes up for with residents who look like they’re always busy—part of the allure. Spot the hipsters munching on almond brownies and working on their Apple laptops at 7. Casa Lapin (Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-000-5546), the young professionals dropping in for the morning drip coffee at 8. Ceresia Coffee Roasters (Sukhumvit 33/1, 098-251-4327) and the Japanese housewives doing their weekly groceries at 9. UFM Fuji Super (593/29 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-0697).

 

This area is not just Japanese izakaya and quality coffee shops—Phrom Phong arguably offers Bangkok’s widest range of dining choices. Luxury mall Emquartier is hogging the headlines with all its new restaurants, the highlights of which are probably 10. Crab and Claw (7F, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 095-564-5422), with its focus on authentic New England-style seafood including lots and lots of imported lobsters, and Korean barbecue specialist 11. Bulgogi Brothers (8F, Emquartier, 689 Sukhumvit Rd., 098-246-0888). Another recent addition to the neighborhood is 12. Bahn Mi Bo (Ellsie Boutique Mall, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 096-886-0052), a food truck-turned-restaurant serving Vietnamese specialties like pho (B150), spring rolls (B85) and, the highlight, banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches, B90). Sukhumvit sois 31-33 are also home to some of the Bangkok’s very finest establishments, from the molecular fusion of 13. Aston Gastro Bar (68 Sukhumvit Soi 28, 02-102-2323) to the authentic Neapolitan-style pizza of 14. Peppina (27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-119-7677) and other homey Italian dishes of 15. Appia (20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056).

 

While there’s not much in the way of clubbing, there’s no shortage of places to get a drink, from English-style pubs 16. The Robin

Hood (Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-662-3390) and 17. The Royal Oak (Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-662-1650), which hosts stand-up comedy from the Bangkok Comedy Club every Friday night, to some of the city’s finest izakaya. 18. Hanakaruta (Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-7339), 19. Walden (2/F, 7/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-8087) and 20. Yoichi Nikka (6/11 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-4270) are all top spots to imbibe prize-winning Japanese whiskey, while 21. Woodball (Sukhumvit 33/1, 02-662-0417) is where to follow up with a bout of karaoke. Yet more hedonistic delights can be sought in nearby Thonglor and Sukhumvit Soi 22.

 

Your options for escaping Sukhumvit’s notorious smog are limited to either the malls or the enticing 22. Benjasiri Park (between Sukhumvit Sois 22 and 24). We do like that the likes of Sukhumvit Soi 26 have sidewalks you can actually walk on, along with decent greenery and shade. Special shout-out to 23. Quartier Water Garden (5F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd.), too, an entire floor of the mall dedicated to artificial waterfalls and ponds amid a lush green garden.

 

BTS Phrom Phong is huge and well connected to the local malls, though Emquartier’s opening has really tested its capacity. The MRT is only one station away, too. If you own a car, beware, rush hour can last till well after 9pm. At least there are plenty of motorcycle taxis on hand to whisk you through the interminable traffic.

---

What Else

24. Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (133 Sukhumvit 49, 02-022-2222)

25. The Adler Subhashok Gallery (160/3 Sukhumvit 39, 02-662-0299)

26. Dasa Books (4 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-661-2993)

27. Villa Market (595 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-1000)

28. Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Demonstration School (Secondary) (Sukhumvit 31, 02-260-9986)