Bangkok is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it saw 22.78 million international visitors in 2023.
There are plenty of things that attract people to Bangkok. It may be the food, the weather, the culture, the nightlife, or many other aspects. It's important to understand that it's a big city, and different areas offer different experiences.
One of the most popular areas in recent years is Thonglor (sometimes written as Thonglo or Thong Lo or Thonglor). This is a modern district in the heart of Bangkok that has plenty to offer anyone. The range of bars, restaurants, and other businesses means that you'll never be short of places to go or things to see.
In this guide, we'll go over some of the best things to do in Thong Lo, Bangkok. Keep reading for more.
Getting Around in Thonglo, Bangkok
Before we start talking about all the things to do in Thonglor, let's figure out how to navigate the area. If you haven't been to Bangkok or Thailand before, you're probably asking "Where is Thonglor?".
It's important to note that Thonglor is technically a road or a "Soi", but when most people say "Thonglor" they're referring to the entire surrounding district. This is a fairly central area, so you can get to any other Bangkok neighborhood relatively easily.
If you're moving to Bangkok permanently, you may want to buy your own car. In such a busy city, however, some people prefer not to drive.
One thing that Bangkok does very well is public transport. The BTS Skytrain system is a cost-effective and easy way to get around, and BTS Thonglor is ideal for anyone living in the area. There are several train lines throughout the city, so you can take it virtually anywhere.
You can also use apps like Grab or Bolt to order a vehicle. This is ideal as you can order it right to your door and it will take you to your exact destination.
Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis on the streets of Bangkok. Just head to a relatively busy road and you should be able to flag one down quickly.
You may want to also note that Thonglor isn't too far from Suvarnabhumi Airport. A lot of people are in Thailand to travel, and internal flights are very affordable. Being close to an airport can make weekends incredibly easy.
Bars
There are plenty of things to do in Thonglo, but let's start off with one of the best. Something that attracts a lot of people to BKK is the variety, and that's very noticeable here. You'll find small local establishments, British pubs, luxury venues, and rooftop bars, so there's something for everyone.
Mikkeller
Craft beer hasn't always been easy to find in Tonglor, Bangkok, but it's quickly growing more popular thanks to venues like Mikkellar. With 30 taps and specialized bottle selections from all over the world, it's become a favorite among beer lovers in the area. The bar also puts on special event nights, so you might want to keep an eye out for these.
Octave
Bangkok has plenty of skyscrapers, and some of these have venues like Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar at the top. It sits on the 45th floor and has a full 360-degree view, making it one of the best places to soak in the cityscape. It's known for exceptional cocktails and you can opt for one of their signature drinks if you want something special.
Bangkok City as viewed from Octave Rooftop Bar. Photo: Wishva de Silva
Locker Room
Every city has its secrets, and there are speakeasy bars hidden throughout Thong Lo, Bangkok. If you can Find the Locker Room, you can enjoy their delicious cocktails in one of the most secretive bars in the city. You'll have to do your research for this one, as there are no signs on the street to indicate the entrance, but it's well worth looking for.
Restaurants
Thailand is well-renowned for its cuisine which is considered among the best in the world. There are plenty of places to eat in Thonglo, so it's worth exploring the area and trying different foods.
Bo.lan
Bo.lan is a well-known restaurant amongst both locals and visitors. It prides itself on the use of bio-diversified local products and giving back to the community. The restaurant is aiming to achieve a zero carbon footprint status in the coming years, so it's a great business to support.
On top of that, the food is exceptional; so much so that Bo.lan has earned a Michelin Star. You'll find local favorites such as Panang Curry and Khao Soi, and you can enjoy drinks here too if you wish.
Khua Kling Pak Sod
This is another great spot to enjoy authentic Thai food; particularly dishes from the south of Thailand. They have a wide selection of appetizers, spicy salads, stir-fried dishes, soups, curries, and more. Just bear in mind that the locals like their food spicy, so you may want to ask for yours to be a bit milder if you haven't adjusted quite yet.
Bacco Osteria Da Sergio
As great as Thai food is, you may not want to have it for every meal. Bacco is a very popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Thonglor.
If you're a fan of pizza, pasta, and other authentic Italian dishes, you'll love this spot. You can also enjoy one of their fantastic wines with your meal.
Beast and Butter
This burger joint started as a simple food truck in Chiang Mai back in 2014. It quickly spread across the northern city due to its popularity and has now made its way to Bangkok.
This is a great place to visit, or you can order your food to be delivered to your home using one of the many food delivery apps such as GrabFood or Foodpanda.
Malls
Something that many people don't realize until they actually arrive in Thonglor District, Bangkok is just how many malls there are. While there are plenty across the city, you can find several in Thonglo if you don't want to leave the area.
theCOMMONS
This is an open-plan community mall popular for its many cafés and restaurants. You'll find plenty of places to grab a drink or a meal alongside various homegrown shops. It even has pilates studios and a play area for kids.
They also offer various events and workshops. If you live nearby, you should keep an eye out for these.
theCOMMONS. Photo: thecommonsbkk.com
Donki Mall
For something a bit different and interesting, the Donki Mall makes for a great visit. It's a multi-story Japanese-focussed mall with a selection of stores.
On the ground level is a food court where you can get plenty of Japanese snacks and dishes. There's a two-story supermarket and various independent Japanese brands offering things like fitness equipment and cosmetics products.
Emsphere
This is one of the newest malls in Bangkok and it has plenty going on. It has brought a large Ikea into the city along with a huge selection of other stores. Whether you're after food, entertainment, clothes, household goods, or anything else, you'll find it here.
If you feel like taking a break, you can head out to the Em Yard. It's an outdoor area that's great for relaxing. The kids can play, and even pets are allowed, making it a perfect pit stop on a family day out.
Activities
Eating, drinking, and shopping can all be great fun, but Bangkok has more to offer than that. There are various activities you can find that you may want to explore.
Paintbar
Even if you've never painted before, you can have a great time here. It's a welcoming environment where you can let your creative side flow and you can enjoy some drinks while you do it. It's also a great place to make friends - just make sure you book in advance as time slots can fill up quite quickly (especially on the weekend).
Kashikiri Onsen and Spa
Everyone needs a bit of downtime once in a while. There are plenty of massage parlors throughout Bangkok, but if you want something a bit different, Kashikiri Onsen and Spa is a great choice.
It's a traditional-style oasis that's perfect for a relaxing day. It will give you a chance to get away from the chaotic city life without actually having to leave. You can choose from plenty of treatments, and their authentic wooden baths will help you feel completely refreshed by the time you're done.
Kashikiri Onsen and Spa. Photo: kashikirionsenandspa.com
Stonegoat Climbing Gym
If you feel like being a bit more active, you could visit Stonegoat, the largest indoor bouldering center in Thailand. You can get a day pass and rent all the gear you need, or they offer monthly memberships for those who want to make a hobby of it. They also offer classes, so if you haven't done it before, the experienced team can help you get started.
Living in Thonglo
One of the best things about living in Thailand is how cost-effective it is. You can find luxury Thonglo apartments for great prices and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Housearch is an online real estate platform that you can use to find the perfect home. Whether you want to live in Thonglo District, Bangkok, or anywhere else, we can help you on your journey. Take a look at what's available in Bangkok right now.
Cover photo: Sry85
