Park Lane

If you’ve been going in and out of Ekkamai recently, you can’t have missed this new community mall not too far from the Sukhumvit intersection. You might say, “Another community mall? Big deal.” But it feels pretty different from the likes of J Avenue or K-Village with its exclusive and contemporary Greek vibe and, compound-style set up, where every shop has its own unique entrance and interior designs.
Shops are separated into three sections over two floors. Zone A is where all the food is, and without needing to take a closer look, you’ll notice that Japanese dominates here, with a repertoire that includes Yamagoya ramen, Moshi Moshi yakiniku, sukiyaki-shabu Donabe, Honmono sushi bar and Omu in Building 3 for Japanese dishes made out of omelet and rice. Craving something else? Head to Wan Chai Cafe for Hong Kong cuisine. Fans of overseas beers should check out Pint on the 1/F, and those partial to wine have Salute Bistro & Wine Bar to investigate.
Apart from all the fancy restaurants, there’s a spa on 2/F, OPI Boutique (nail salon) on 1/F, MaxValu Supermarket play center on 3/F, and Scuderia Golf Park on 5/F. You can expect numbers of concept fashion stores selling trendy clothes and glossy brand names bags for young hi-so ladies. And if money’s not a concern, you might like to swipe your card for some bling at Beauty Gem or David English. Our pick? Kin&Co., a one of a kind stationery store selling paper and more that you won’t be able to find in chains like B2S. We also like Second Floor, a multilabel store selling imported brand name fashion bags and clothings.

Ready to spend half your paycheck on your poodle? Bring your baby dog to Twinkle, a Japanese pet shop and café located in building C. Here they not only groom and style your dogs, but also serve your little friends with pet-friendly snacks. They also offer a 5-star pet accommodation or help you find a pet-friendly property. For mothers, 3/F offers lots of activities for your tots, including an indoor playground (B90-B180 for entry) while you go enjoy your time shopping or getting a hairdo at Heads Up or Seat for Set.
18 Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai), 02-382-1580. BTS Ekkamai. Open Daily 9am-10pm. www.parklanebangkok.com

Baan Ekamai

Competing with the other hi-so community malls popping up all other town, Baan Ekamai isn’t just content with being tiny. The stuff it sells is also truly distinct thanks to cheaper prices and a retro/secondhand vibe. You could say Baan Ekamai is a bit like Siam Square getting its own micro-community mall.
Baan Ekamai’s two houses are in matching pink, green, and blue pastels. A wooden deck extends from one of the houses, with outdoor seatings and a ping pong table. There’s a tiny parking that might fit only 3-4 cars. Throw in five shops and that’s it:
Cocue Basics. In the pink house on the right, you’ll find huge stock of new and secondhand vintage-style fashions from the renowned Cocue Basics from Siam Square to get that funky, manly to girly layered look.
Heidi’s Secret. On the first floor of the blue house, check out renowned Thai designers Heidi’s Secret’s streamlined take on the sweeter side and some punky gimmicks.
Him&Her. By the staircase, you’ll find a little closet of a boutique selling both new and secondhand clothes that only the hippest of hipsters will dare wear. The shop is co-owned by the young Thai celeb Ploi Horwang, and without doubt, her bold style is what you’re going to get out of that cupboard. Hence the name, outfits for guys are also available.
Zud Rang Ma. Climb up to 2/F and you’ll see a small shop selling indy records and some old rare vinyl starting from B50-B30,000
Felice. Once you’re done with the shopping, head to Felice’s cute balcony for some pastas and desserts (B180 to B260), cocktails and wine starting from B180—there’s indoor seating, too.
Despite its size, Baan Ekamai provides a welcome home for Ekkamai’s cool kids to socialize and share their interests in fashion, food, music, and art. But with a selection this bold, you better have a strong personal style to carry it off. Car park’s limited though, so better come by a cab.
77, Soi Chamchan (connecting Thonglor and Ekkamai), 081-855-5777. Open Daily 11am-11pm. baanekamai.blogspot.com