The once-quiet enclave of Phra Khanong is a neighbourhood as full of local gems as it is still packed with local charm. Read our guide to Phra Khanong for its best tucked-away spots.
Take a look beyond the large condo development projects cropping up in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong neighbourhood and you’ll find a diverse community that’s helping this enclave at the quiet end of Sukhumvit thrive. Still true to its quaint, informal roots, the area has a unique character that blends local finds with cool imports and a friendly, neighbourly vibe. All a short walk from the Hive Prakanong, here are our top tips for the area.
Owned and managed by three siblings who decided to turn their home into a hostel, Local Time offers great artisanal coffee in a space that feels more like someone’s living room than it does a café. With no online advertisements, this place relies heavily on word of mouth and is loved by locals. Sip a coffee and relax in the lounge area, taking time out by playing one of their video games for an escape from the daily grind.
Insider Tip: Get your healthy lunch to go with a food box packed with delicious things such as honey garlic chicken with zucchini and rice prepared by the chef – and oldest brother.
Address: Sukhumvit Soi 69, Phra Khanong, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 8 am – 5 pm
This development is easily the area’s most interesting spot in the neighbourhood where you can enjoy a cold beer after a long day. With countless food trucks such as burgers, BBQ skewers, Thai street dishes, pizzas, bars and takeaway restaurants scattered around the edge of its easy-going beer garden, this communal hub brings a night market vibe together with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to give you the perfect spot for post-work sundowners and eats.
Insider Tip: Take a trip down adjacent side streets for yet more delicious food stalls. Right next to the market is Hof Art Space, a premier contemporary art gallery showcasing the works of established and emerging local artists.
Address: 1599 Sukhumvit Road, Pridi Banomyong 3 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 4 pm – 12 am
FB: @localtime.bangkok
w-district.com
You’ll know you’re close to this Korean BBQ restaurant because you’ll see the smoke and hear the sizzling emanating from its doors. Just footsteps away from W district, its all-you-can eat buffet comes in at the affordable price of only 299 THB – keeping this place full and lively on any evening.
Insider Tip: Booking in advance is highly recommended – this place gets packed!
Address: 71 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: 12 pm – 3 am
Fancy a home-cooked Thai meal for dinner? Just minutes away from the Hive Prakanong, you can spice things up with an authentic Thai cooking class. Offering up much more than some culinary skills, this homey joint brings together everything from a market tour to authentic dishes to give you a real taste of Thai culture – and a great evening out!
Insider Tip: When you’re finished with your lesson, enjoy the rest of your evening at Aroon’s bar with specialty cocktails made with Thai liquor.
Address: 3/19 BTS Phra Khanong Sukhumvit 71 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 9 am – 4 pm
IG: @b_ombie
FB: @aroonbangkok
Whether you like your rums neat, mixed or in a piña colada, Marumba will impress you. Run by the team behind local tipple Three Monkeys Rum, this noisy, lively joint is the place to head for good times and great cocktails mixed by the experts.
Insider Tip: Get their signature King Kong mojito served in a giant glass to start your night of bar hopping.
Address: 69/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: Tue – Sat: 6 pm – 3 am
FB: @MARUMBA
Anyone with even a passing interest in Bangkok’s craft beer scene has heard of “Wishbeer Home Bar.” Located just near Phra Khanong skytrain station, this spot has the largest selection of imported beers and ciders in Thailand. Very popular among the after-work crowd, check out its specials to try something new each time you come.
Insider Tip: Here’s the secret – happy hour runs from 5 pm – 8 pm, featuring a 25% discount off tap or draught beers.
Address: Soi Sukhumvit 67, Khwaeng Phra Khanong Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Open From: 10 am – 12 am
There’s something about an old-fashioned record store that warms the heart – and that’s definitely the case with this spot located just opposite the Hive Prakanong. Maybe it’s the rock and roll, or the jazz oldies on loop, but this café and shop takes your morning coffee experience to a whole other level. With decor that feels just like stepping back in time into your music-buff friend’s dorm room, this is a place to while away some time, browsing through records as you have your morning caffeine fix.
Insider Tip: You need to know where you’re headed to find this hidden spot. Look for the small record sign in front of the building to find your way.
Address: Sukhumvit Soi 69, Phra Khanong, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 8:30 am – 5 pm
FB: @WishbeerHomeBar
FB: @plloyh1984
Take it from the locals – Craftsman Barber Shop is one of Bangkok’s coolest places to get your new look. Established in 2015, this barber shop combines an old school feel with contemporary cuts. With its friendly, talented and knowledgeable staff, the experience here won’t shave too much off your wallet either.
Insider Tip: You can enjoy a glass of whiskey whilst getting your haircut at their second location, Craftsman Voyage.
Address: 71 Craftsmanbarber Soi Pridi 3, Soi Sukhumvit 69, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 1 pm – 10 pm
Get your adrenaline going, the laughs flowing and the calories burning at AMPED Trampoline Park. This Singapore-import is known for its huge trampoline beds – with prices starting from THB 240/ hr on weekdays and THB 290/ hr on weekends. Head here to bounce your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Insider Tip: If you are looking to burn some real calories, ask for the unlimited bounce package for just THB 399.
Address: 36/3, Chavanich, Soi Sukhumvt 69, Sukhumvit Rd., Prakanong Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open From: 10 am – 9 pm
craftsman-barber-shop.business.site
ampedthailand.com