Reconnect With Your City: Have a fun day at the tourist-friendly quarter of Lower Sukhumvit

Explore the starting point of Bangkok’s main drag, known for the foreigner-friendly attractions, from bombastic nightclubs and international eats to massive public parks.

Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti Park I Photograph: Monruedee Jansuttipan
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy
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Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main drags. It impressively runs the length of almost 500 kilometers, all the way from Ploen Chit in the heart of the capital to as far as Trat province. But most of the fun is centered around Lower Sukhumvit, which stretches out from Soi Sukhumvit 1 to Soi Sukhumvit 20 or Asoke. This part of Sukhumvit is home to expat- and foreigner-friendly businesses, from restaurants and bars like Tony’s, to international hotel chains and entertainment spots, to world-class retail establishments like Central Chidlom.

Situated only one BTS station away from Ploen Chit is Nana, an area known for its wide range of dining venues, pubs, nightclubs, and pocket-friendly accommodations.

Marking the end of Lower Sukhumvit is Asoke, one of the busiest intersections in Bangkok, and the address of long-standing hotels like the The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok offering sophisticated accommodations for ​​business and leisure travelers, and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok which provides premium and comfortable stays for travelers. You’d be surprised, however, at the gems this neighborhood reveals, such as rare pockets of greenery and eateries serving healthy eats.

The best way to explore Lower Sukhumvit is by BTS Skytrain and on foot. That way, you can squeeze the most fun out of this lively stretch. Here’s how you can make the most of your Sukhumvit stay.

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Get some fresh air

Bangkok may be one massive concrete jungle, but it also has its share of open spaces where you can stroll (or jog if you like) among beautiful greenery. Start your morning workout with a leisurely jog at Benchasiri Park (located near Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park) or Benjakitti Park, the latter boasting approximately 480,000 square meters of green urban sprawl. 

You also have Lumpini Park located a bit out of the Lower Sukhumvit radius but still worth a visit, as it is the city’s inaugural public park with many attractions like the statue of King Rama VI and Lumphini Lake for a swan paddle boat to get a glimpse of Bangkok’s take on Hyde Park.

Get your fill of healthy fare

From time to time, we all need to fill up on some healthy, nutritious fare, and Lower Sukhumvit has a lot to offer on this front. Early birds can try Cosmos Café, which offers hearty breakfast plates such as fried chicken sandwiches, ribeye steak and scrambled eggs. Those who want to start their day with a light meal can drop by at vegan key player Veganerie and dig into their breakfast-perfect grub. If you’re craving for some crunchy French toast or Australian-style breakfasts, Toby’s is your best option. Don’t forget about Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, which displays a huge variety of international fare to suit all dietary preferences!

Discover the neighborhood’s creative side

Options for English-language activities are quite a few in Bangkok, and you can find most of them in Lower Sukhumvit. If you’re looking for stress-relieving entertainment, head to Live Lounge Bangkok and catch improv performances and stand-up comedy shows from organizers like RAW Comedy Asia. There’s also Comedy Club Bangkok (near Asoke), which regularly has gigs by both stand-up pros and amateurs. Art-wise, you have CreativBKK, an up-and-coming gallery in Nana.

Enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife

Lower Sukhumvit offers some of Bangkok’s best nightlife experiences. Some of the city’s most popular bars and nightclubs are situated in this area, such as Sugar Club and Levels Club, where you can dance the night away to pop and EDM tunes. Havana Social offers Cuban-inspired drinks and opportunities to dance the salsa, while more low-key vibes can be enjoyed at Monkey Pod and Burapa by Sri Trat. The Living Room is also a good spot for jazz lovers.

Be sure to explore international cuisines at top-notch restaurants like Argo for Georgian food, Appia for authentic Roman fare, and Mediterra for South Italian dishes.

Where to stay

With so many things to do and see, a day may not be enough for your exploration. Book a stay at the many comfortable hotels in the area and extend your trip to another day. The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok on Wireless Road, showcases a blend of contemporary and traditional Thai and European influences in its design inspired by Princess Valaya Alongkorn, daughter of Chulalongkorn, King Rama V (1853 – 1938) and the aunt of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX. The Athenee is also the first hotel in the world to achieve ISO 20121 certification for sustainable events with a dedicated green meeting floor and offers over 6,500 sqm of meeting and event space with three ballrooms and a total of 28 meeting rooms.

For chic-yet-affordable rooms, opt for Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 at the end of Soi Sukhumvit 11 or Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok on Soi Sukhumvit 15. The vibe here is youthful and casual, as demonstrated in the eating and drinking outlets Crave and W XYZ Bar. Make the best of Bangkok’s beautiful sundowner hours with mood music, signature tipples, and a snack-attack menu at W XYZ Bar that opens up for guests until late because the night is always young!

Asoke also provides elevated accommodations. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, is renowned for offering holistic well-being experiences from its Vareena Spa, WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and the hotel's outdoor pool. Authentic Japanese fare crafted from premium ingredients at Kisso Japanese Restaurant is also noteworthy. While, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, presents traditional Thai hospitality and elegance, where you can find exciting, immersive culinary experiences, including theatrical dining at Le Petit Chef, and blackout dinner Dine in the Dark.

Tips: “To explore the neighborhood, try our free tuk tuk shuttle service that covers the Nana BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT subway station, including surrounding soi/alleys, business buildings, and shopping malls. You can also download the app MuvMi, a local ride-sharing service that brings you to multiple areas around Bangkok via an electric tuk tuk. Don’t forget to explore the music scene here for a wilder night at the likes of W XYZ Bar." Lookmoo Lakthan Burarak, Concierge, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11

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