Bangsaen has long been known as a cheap beach destination close to Bangkok. But apart from affordable seafood and camp beds under coconut trees, there used to be practically nothing there. In recent years, though, Bangsaen has re-emerged as a hip district driven by the demand of the young generation who gather around Burapha University. It’s now packed with cool cafes and even some nice architecture thanks to help from DBALP’s Duangrit Bunnag and Pitupong Chaowakul of Super Machine. Here’s where to check out while you’re there.

 

The newest beach cafe is situated on Wonnapa Beach, in the south of Bangsaen. This minimal Japanese- style joint has more going for it than a cute atmosphere. The desserts are handled by Thakorn Wannawong, an alumni of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, who uses his expertise in pastry to create mouth-watering creations which are served alongside cocktails and Corona beer. Highlights include the lemon merringue tartlette (B45) and their signature “Mum’s Cake” with matcha gelato (B70). Savory food provides some Thai options like shrimp dumpling and giant prawn tom yam soup (B170) and deep-fried pork belly with fish sauce (B90). Late afternoon is the best time to visit for a cold beer while watching the sunset. They often host beach parties with guest DJs spinning. Visit their Facebook for updates.

 

Founded by a group of architects about a year ago, this ever-popular cafe wins people’s hearts with its raw concrete structure and giant shady trees behind Burapha University. The vast yard is dotted with mattresses and low-rise tables where you can sit with friends and even your pet. The concrete-glass house full of old furniture sells desserts sexed up with cute presentation, like the ice cream Aladdin (B75), vanilla ice cream served with dry ice fuming out from an old-school teapot. Also expect fried ice cream and Oreo pancakes along with finger-food like cheese balls (B95) and barbecue ribs (B190).

 

After running a small coffee place for two years, Pachanon Aphiworrathamon decided to go one step further and become a coffee roaster. After studying a coffee cupping class at Pacamara in Bangkok, he started Standtall with the aim of becoming the center of Bangsaen’s coffee community. Their service offers many different brews, from slow bar to cold drip and bottled cold brew at B120/bottle. Though their coffee menu is packed with mostly standard choices like espresso (B65) and long black (B70), they also come up with new drinks worth trying like Gravity Checks (drip coffee jelly with Kahlua, honey, milk and espresso, B95). The beans are selected locally as well as from Ethiopia, Indonesia, Brazil and Guatemala. Their highlight is Rider Blend, a mix of Thai-Chiangrai, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe and Nicaragua beans. Take the blended beans home at B250 per 250g. Head there early for breakfast like khai kata (sausage and eggs, B125) and all-day comfort food like pasta with shrimp eggs in cream sauce (B145).

 

The clean eating trend is here too. Salad Mood serves salads starting at B55, with a choice of mixed leaves, five toppings and one dressing, from traditional options like Caesar and thousand islands to strawberry yogurt, spicy cream, wasabi and black pepper. They also have a small list of rice dishes such as karaage chicken, pan-seared chicken and mixed chicken with rice.

 

Bangsaen native Chuleekorn Sotaiyin has used her Swiss hotel management training to create this new fusion seafood restaurant. The bare cement walls of the loft area are filled with playful drawings of New York attractions. The menu is packed with international food like New Zealand mussel hotpot (B180) as well as Thai spices like the nam prik goong sieb (shrimp paste with crispy shrimp, B120) and stirfried seabass with black pepper (B100). Don’t leave without trying the Summer Burger (B130). The dessert highlights are the Oreo cheesecake and cheesecake brownie.

 

Currently praised as Bangsaen’s best restaurant and bar, Chariot takes its name from the century-old horse-drawn carriage at the front of the venue, donated by an old Bangsaen family. The main alfresco dining terrace is set above the rocky coast surrounded by a lofty steel structure that’s home to another open-air terrace with seats to admire the beautiful sunset. The menu is heavy on Thai classics and fusion seafood such as hor mok pla kapong (seabass curry cake with coconut meat, B280), Chariot shrimp with wasabi (B180) and stir-fried crab curry (B450). They also have a vast wine list starting at B1,190 per bottle. Live music plays every night.

 

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Old Flame Feasts

These local favorites have been around for ages and are not to be missed.