From cool art and lifestyle hubs, ‘grammable cafes, and superb street eats to glitzy riverside condos, five-star hotels, and a super-luxury shopping mall, life on Charoen Nakhon has never been more attractive. With the new BTS Gold Line soon to open, here’s what it’s like to live in one of Bangkok’s most happening ‘hoods. 

Walden Home Cafe

Cafe Sou; credit: fb.com/cafesou.bkk

Coffee & Breakfast 

Escape the hustle and bustle at quaint Cafe Sou with a velvety tiramisu mocha (B95) and a slice of coconut-lime cake (B60). Continue the slow life vibes at Vacation Bangkok over a refreshing espresso tonic (B180) and hearty pork ball brioche (B280), or make yourself at home at Walden Home Cafe with comforting chocolate and matcha lattes (hot/B70/cold B80). Hop over to Li-bra-ry, situated within a bookshop at The Jam Factory, for a signature Library Waffle (B95) and a healthy Very Berry smoothie (B105). For killer views of the Chao Phraya, don’t miss minimalist Chapter Cafe—order the cold brew-inspired Modist Brew (B150) and while away the hours out on a seating pod. Have a sweet tooth? Visit Hunny Brown for an array of exciting bubble tea creations—the Hunny Brown Caramel Hokkaido Milk Boba (B90) is a must-try. 

Hoi Tod Chaw Lae; credit: fb.com/hoitodchawlae

The Never Ending Summer

Lunch & Dinner 

Charoen Nakhon is home to a plethora of awesome street food. Don’t miss the succulent duck noodles (B60) from Hung Heng Ped Yang Ped Palo, or the generous plates of crispy hoi tod (from B50) packed with plump oysters at legendary Hoi Tod Chaw Lae. Hit up Kao Lao Siang Jee for their rich-flavored kao lao (braised beef stew; from B50) and guay jub (rice noodle soup with pork belly; from B50), or check out the delightfully comforting khao mun gai (B50) at local favorite Jaruwan Khao Mun Gai. For Thai cuisine in a chic setting, seek The Never Ending Summer, where secret recipes and rare ingredients shine in dishes like the must-try nam prik long ruea (B270) with sweet boiled pork and salted egg. Meanwhile, elegant Thiptara at The Peninsula serves elevated Thai fare like pla gao phad miang kham (deep-fried grouper topped with herbs and peanuts, B540).

Three Sixty Lounge

The 14th Barrel; credit: fb.com/thefourteenbarrel

Drinks

Beer geeks can hop to The 14th Barrel, where they offer a selection of local and imported craft beer alongside fusion food like duck breast spaghetti (B180), or visit Save Our Souls for eight taps of rotating local and imported craft beer, like Germany’s Hacklberg Hochfurst Pilsner (B260), paired with a bunch of finger lickin’-good food. For something fancier, swing by Three Sixty Lounge at the Millennium Hilton for jazz, delicious cocktails (citrus mojito, B450), and panoramic river views or The River Bar at The Peninsula. 

Transport

BTS Krung Thonburi (Green Line) and Charoen Nakhon (Gold Line) are nearby, or travel by water and get off at the Wat Suwan, Klong San, or IconSiam piers. 

NYE by Sansiri

Accommodation 

The 838 units at The River Condominium start from B25,000/month, while the 37-floor Baan Sathorn Chao Phraya goes for as little as B18,000/month for a 45-sq-meter one-bedroom condo. Closer to the BTS, The Bangkok Sathorn-Taksin offers rooms from B20,000/month, while neighboring NYE by Sansiri starts from B13,000/month. For the ultimate luxury living by the riverside, IconSiam’s super-extravagant condominiums, Magnolias Waterfront Residences and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, start at around B50,000/month. 

IconSiam

Visit 

Home to Thailand’s first Apple store and Kyoto’s Arabica flagship, luxury megamall IconSiam has it all. For more affordable food, fashion, and accessories, visit Sena Fest community mall or keep it local at Klongsan Plaza. More hip restaurants and boutiques can be found at The Jam Factory and Lhong 1919. Bored of Muji? Interior nerds shouldn’t miss Chaw Cher for affordable, high-quality Japanese furniture. 

BK ASKS

What’s special about Charoen Nakhon?
 

Dith Changsiricharoen, owner of Walden Home Cafe 
“As you walk around, you’ll see old shophouses mixed with modern cafes, plus there is still a lot of greenery amongst the sois. The slow vibes here remind me of being back in the countryside, too.”

Panjai Petra, owner of Li-bra-ry
“It’s a small yet bustling riverside neighborhood that’s still quite chilled out and peaceful. Traces of historical gems like old warehouses by the river add to the charm.” 

Arisa Songsatya, owner of Cafe Sou
“There are many hidden old communities waiting for you to discover, from Suwannaphum Mosque to Wat Suwan Temple and its school.”