For more, see our Complete Guide to Phra Athit

1. Bangkok Theatre Festival 2014

The biggest gathering of the Bangkok theater community is back, in collaboration with the Banglumphu community and the BACC. Before the shows start elsewhere in the city, though, the opening performances will take place at Santichaiprakarn Park, right by the Phra Sumen Fort, on Nov 1-2 from 4:30pm onwards.

2. Hit the River

Phra Athit Road is not the easiest place to find parking, unless you want your car clamped. That means it's a good opportunity to travel by boat to Phra Athit Pier. A ride on the Chaophraya Express Boat is typically around B15-B30. If you need any more convincing, The River Festival is also taking place from Nov 1-6 at selected locations nearby six piers, with highlight cultural performances and local delicacies on offer, from Asiatique the Riverfront all the way to Wat Arun.     

Roti Mataba. Photo Ryan Snyder.

3. Eat, Eat, Eat

It’s a tough call when it comes to grabbing a bit around Phra Athit as there are many restaurants, pubs and bars. The Italian home-cooking of Mister Pas is now back at its original establishment offering views of the Phra Sumen Fort, as well. We also like the famous Roti Mataba (02-282-2119, 02-629-3353. Open Tue-Sun 9am-10pm.) for its matabas (starting from B30) and range of curries and roti with different fillings (from B15)—all made right in front of you in the open kitchen. Note that the queue is quite long during lunch hours.  

4. Go Vintage Rummaging

There are plenty of secondhand shops if you take the boat to Wang Lang Pier by Siriraj Hospital, but you don’t have to go that far as The Trapeze Swingers Store is hidden in a small alley that connects Phra Arthit and Ram Butri roads. This is undoubtedly the coolest shop in the soi. A couple share their passion for all things retro by selling their exclusive collections of old-fashioned items, rock band t-shirts, old CDs, vinyl and cassettes. 

5. Go Soy

Many of us didn’t even realise that the secnd Jay fest began on Oct 24 and will end on Saturday, Nov 1. Not that we need an excuse to go to Bean & Us for a nice and quiet atmosphere, and a cup of soy milk. The cute ice-cream set with toppings of your choice is a creative choice if you need some time to cool down from the heat of the day.

6. Dinner, Drinks and Tunes

After all the controversy on Pantip, we're still in Escapade Burgers & Shakes' corner. These are some of the best burgers and cocktails in town, if you can stand a certain surliness on behalf of the staff. Nearby Dickinson’s Culture Cafe has a solid DJ line-up almost every night. On Nov 1, it will host its miniMELA night featuring underground house music. It also does pretty good comfort food and cheap cocktails as well if you’re there earlier in the evening. For some live late-night blues, you really can't go past the classic bar Adhere the 13th (13 Samsen Rd.).