Here's why life in Bang Lamphu has never been better
Vintage shophouses and old-school dining institutions combine with hip cafes and bars to make this district one to watch.
4 years ago
While Old Bangkok is best known globally for its glitzy temples and backpacker den, Khaosan Road, nearby Bang Lamphu offers a much-needed dose of reality. With its vintage shophouses and hip cafes, bars and restaurants, this district is on the up.
Hya Tai Kee
Coco Chaophraya
Coffee & Breakfast
Start your morning like a true local at the age-old institution Hya Tai Kee with the signature kai kata (baked eggs, B85) and traditional coffee served with condensed milk (B50), or go for Coco Chaophraya’s Iced Coco signature (B80) for a unique, refreshing mix of caffeine and coconut. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Jaywalk Cafe’s blueberry cream cheese pancakes (B170) are the answer. For something a little more “back to basics,” visit the riverside Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roaster at the Bank of Thailand Museum and try their piccolo latte (B55)
Nopparat Cuisine & Gallery
Sheepshank Public House
Lunch & Dinner
Relax with classic Thai cuisine like mee krob (sweet and sour crispy noodles, B120) at Nopparat Cuisine & Gallery, or stop by Hemlock to try their traditional miang kham (B90). A trip to Phra Athit Road wouldn’t be complete without visiting neighborhood legend Karim Roti Mataba, where they have been dishing out all sorts of Thai-Muslim dishes, like beef mataba (B39) and beef massaman (B70), for more than six decades. Vegetarians and vegans: don’t fret! Joy Luck Club and May Kaidee have you covered. If you’re feeling Italian, go to Pizza Pazza for the delectable four cheese pizza (B360-630). Alternatively, pop in to Sheepshank Public House for a taste of modern comfort food, like oxtail tortellini with brown butter and walnuts (B320).
Jazz Happens
Ku Bar
Drinks
Vibe to some live blues at Bang Lamphu institution Adhere the 13th Blues Bar with a cocktail (B160-280) in hand. If jazz is more your thing, go to Jazz Happens for the spontaneous jam sessions and cold Beer Lao (B150). For craft beer geeks, Phra Athit’s YOLO Craft Beer Bar beckons with its admirable selection both on tap and in bottles. For something classier, check out hidden cocktail haunt Ku Bar and its downstairs neighbor, natural wine bar Kangkao on Phra Sumen Road. After that, you can end your night with live music at long-standing Brown Sugar next door.
Transport
MRT Sanam Chai and MRT Sam Yot are both about a five-minute taxi ride from Phra Athit Road.
Accommodation
Newly-built, The 8 Collection on Wisut Kasat Road offers 32-sq-meter rooms starting from B20,000/month. Moving across the river to the Pinklao area, Ivy Residences Pinklao offers rooms from B14,500-32,000/month, while Plum Condo Pinklao will set you back B9,000-23,500/month. Life Pinklao starts from an affordable B10,000-17,000/month.
World at the Corner
Visit
For some art appreciation, head to the National Gallery to see both Thai and Western works, or lounge around at Bangkok City Library for a relaxing weekend reading session. If you’re into history, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is the place for you, while the National Museum displays historical artifacts and was established by King Rama V. Make sure to visit two of Bangkok’s most awesome indie bookstores, Passport and World at the Corner, for slow weekend mornings and to spark the creative juices.
BK ASKS
What makes Bang Lamphu so special?
Noppadol Yingcharoen, Owner of Nopparat Cuisine & Gallery
“Bang Lamphu is a charming part of town, where you can see the beautiful remnants of what used to be Bangkok’s old downtown area.”
Anchalee Phirunthong, Owner of Jaywalk Cafe
“For me, Bang Lamphu is an escape from the busy city life. Here, you can take a stroll down the old neighborhood and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.”
Somkiat Pairojmahakij, Co-owner of Sheepshank Public House
“Bang Lamphu is a part of the Old Town that never sleeps. There’s a mix of many cultures, different styles of architecture, and food that results in vibrancy unlike anywhere else.”
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