Bangkok/Sukhumvit - major road in Thailand

Sukhumvit (Thai: สุขุมวิท) is an exclusive area in Bangkok with fancy condominiums, hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. It has attracted affluent Thais and expats from all over the world. Following the road south east, the area changes its character and becomes a residential neighbourhood similar to other suburban areas in Bangkok.

Understand

Sukhumvit Road is not only one of the longest roads in Thailand, but one of the longest roads in the world. Towards the west end it changes name to Phloen Chit Road and Rama I Road as it enters the Siam Square area, but to the east it runs most of the way to the Cambodia border. The sois are numbered from west to east, with odd numbers north and even numbers south of Sukhumvit Road. The sois on the north and south sides of Sukhumvit don't line up; for example, Soi 33 is opposite Soi 24. Confusing is that these sois also have names of their own (for example, Soi 55 is better known as Soi Thong Lo) and these sois can also have sois of their own (such as Thong Lo Soi 1).

Looking at the high-rise apartment buildings, the Skytrain and the perennial traffic jam on Sukhumvit Road, it is hard to believe that this area used to consist of rice fields until World War II. After the war, this area became developed with large contemporary villas catering to the upper class. As property values kept rising, developers have been buying more and more land and cashed them in by constructing big apartment high-rises. The construction of the BTS Skytrain in 1999, covering most of Sukhumvit Road, has increased the popularity of this district even more.

The lower-numbered sois (roughly between Soi 1 and 63) are a popular residential area for western expatriates and affluent Thais. It is densely packed with shopping centres, restaurants and hotels. The fleshpots of Nana Entertainment Plaza (in Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (between Soi 21 and 23) are also in this area, as are plenty of more (and less) salubrious bars. Also, the pavement of Sukhumvit itself has become a huge market carrying everything from luggage to fake Rolex watches, and after midnight they turn into roadside bars and pubs. Sukhumvit offers the best dining in Bangkok, from five-star dining to street stands, the variety of choices and tastes are almost overwhelming. Japanese nationals can be found in the area Soi 21 and upwards, but most tend to congregate around Soi 55. Indians have settled around Soi 12, while Arabs are grouped at Soi 3/1, which informally is known as Soi Arab. After Soi 63, Thais take over again, though this might change when the Skytrain extension is completed in late 2011.

South of Sukhumvit's sois lies Khlong Toei, known to foreigners for Thai Port FC and for the Khlong Toei Market. Khlong Toei is a borough, a market and a port, all named after the canal that flows through the area. It means "canal of pandan" as that plant used to grow along the southern bank of the canal. A large part of it was filled up to make way for Rama IV Road in 1947. South (and under) the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway are the infamous Khlong Toei slums, generally unexplored by even the most adventurous travellers. At the banks of the Chao Phraya river is the Khlong Toei Port, which has a history dating back to the ninth century, when it connected Bangkok with the cities upstream the river. Since 1981, it has lost most of its economic relevance when the larger Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya took over business.

Get in

By public transit

Skytrain

The BTS Sukhumvit Line runs, as the name suggests, over Sukhumvit Road from west to east. Sukhumvit can directly be reached by Skytrain from Siam Square or Phahonyothin. The journey from Mo Chit takes about 25 minutes to reach Asok station, while from Siam station takes about 10 minutes. If you're coming from Silom, you'll need to take the Silom Line north and change onto the Sukhumvit Line at Siam station. It takes about 20 minutes for a ride from Saphan Taksin station to reach Asok station, including the transfer at Siam. Trains leave every 5–10 minutes for a fare of about 15-40 baht.

The most important BTS stations are (from west to east) Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong, On Nut, Udom Suk, Bang Na and Bearing. Each station serves the neighbourhood of the same name. Asok is the most convenient station as it is in the centre of Sukhumvit and has a direct transfer with Bangkok's MRT metro system. In the following years, the Sukhumvit Line will be extended southwards to Samut Prakan and eastwards to Suvarnabhumi Airport's proposed second terminal. Samrong, the first station in Samut Prakan, opened in April 2017.

Metro

If you're coming from Silom or Ratchadaphisek, you can directly reach Sukhumvit by Bangkok's MRT metro system. The most convenient station is Sukhumvit, which is right in the middle of the district and you can transfer onto the BTS Sukhumvit Line. The other stations in the district are Khlong Toei and QSNCC. The metro ride from Silom takes about 10 minutes, while the ride from Ratchadaphisek takes about 15 minutes. Trains leave every 5–10 minutes for a fare of about 15-40 baht.

Airport Rail Link

The Airport Rail Link provides a direct connection between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai station, a ride that takes 26 minutes. At Phaya Thai, you have to switch onto the BTS Skytrain. As the systems are not integrated, you will have to buy a new ticket. Take a train in the direction of Bearing and get out at the station of your choice — Nana and Asok are the most widely used stations.

By boat

The Saen Saep Express Boat service is a rough, but entertaining way of getting in and around Sukhumvit. The Saen Saeb canal forms the northern boundary of Sukhumvit's sois and is a cheap alternative means of escaping the traffic jams if you're coming from Khao San Road, the eastern side of Rattanakosin or Ramkhamhaeng.

There are two lines: The Golden Mount Line runs from Panfa Leelard near the Golden Mount in Rattanakosin east to Pratunam near Ratchaprasong intersection. The NIDA Line runs from Pratunam all the way northeast along Ramkhamhaeng Road to Wat Sriboonreung. A single trip from Panfa Leelard to Nana Nua takes about 35 minutes and costs 13 baht. You must switch boats at Pratunam. Other stops along Sukhumvit's northern sois (from west to east) are Nana Chard, Asoke-Petchaburi, Prasanmit, Italthai, Wat Mai Chonglom, Baan Don Mosque, Soi Thonglor, Charn Issara and Vijit School.

If you're coming from the Grand Palace area in Rattanakosin, there are two ways to get into Sukhumvit. The fastest way is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn pier in Silom. From there, continue your way north using the BTS Skytrain Silom Line. You'll need to switch trains at Siam BTS station and continue your way east onto the Sukhumvit Line. The whole journey from Rattanakosin takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively walk for about 30 minutes, or a 5 minute taxi journey, to Panfa Leelard pier and continue your journey using the Saen Saep Express Boat.

By bus

This first tip on bus travel is one to remember: do not do it! Sukhumvit Road is probably the most congested road of Bangkok and traffic jams exist the whole day until late in the evening. Also, it is difficult to find out which bus goes where or where to get out. Better take the Skytrain, metro or express boat, even if it costs a little more.

If you insist, there are many bus routes through the Sukhumvit area. The most important one is ordinary and air-conditioned bus 25, which starts far southeast of Sukhumvit Road. From there, it goes all the way northwest along Sukhumvit Road and then rides over Ratchadamri Road and Rama IV Road to Silom. It then continues its way to Hualamphong Train Station, through either Charoen Krung Road or Yaowarat Road (depending on direction) and finally on to Tha Chang in Rattanakosin (for the Grand Palace).

From the Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take bus AE3 for 150 baht to Sukhumvit. It runs up the Bang Na-Trat Expressway and along Sukhumvit all the way up to Siam Square. It then loops back around to Nana and then back out to the airport. Another option is bus 552, which heads on to On Nut, where you can continue your way with the Skytrain. There are many stops and depending on traffic the ride can take from 1 to 2 hours.

See

Parks

• Benchasiri Park (สวนเบญจศิริ), Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong). 05:00-20:00 daily. This compact park was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992. It features a huge sculpture of a commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including children's works. Free
• Benjakiti Park, Ratchadaphisek Rd (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre), 13.7294°, 100.5586°. 05:00-20:00 daily. When the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly moved all its factory operations to Chiang Rai in 2008, the lake and some adjoining land that were part of its compound, previously enjoying semi-wild vegetation, were turned into a public park. Many splendid old rain trees were cut down in order to landscape the park, in which young trees were planted instead. Adjoining the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, it is a neat park with dedicated cycling and walking paths, fixed exercise equipment and several monuments. Free

Museums

• Green Lantern Cafe and Sex Museum, 1045 Sukhumvit (cafe) (Close to Thong Lo BTS. Take Exit 3, head in the direction of Soi Thong Lo (Soi 55)), 13.724359°, 100.578987°. A coffee shop with a Museum of Sex, devoted to the history of eroticism and the sex industry in Thailand. The proprietor's father, a wealthy property developer, has a larger sex museum, Kamavijitra, on Sukhumvit Soi 38. 2019-04-21

• Kamavijitra: The Art of Lovemaking (Museum of Thai Eroticism), 25/14 Soi Sukhumvit 38, 13.718361°, 100.577775°, +66 80 994 6683. M-F, 10:00-18:00. According to its website: "Massive collections of Siam erotic art that will blow your eyes." Make reservation one day in advance. The founder's son has a more modest exhibition at his Green Lantern Cafe on Soi 55. 500 baht 2019-04-21

• Kamthieng House Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เรือนคำเที่ยง), 131 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok Rd) (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 2 661-6470. Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00. Ban Kamthieng is a 19th-century ancient Thai stilted teak house where you definitely wouldn't expect it: right in the middle of Bangkok's high-rises. It was transported from Chiang Mai in pieces and assembled in Bangkok in 1964 to function as the headquarters of the Siam Society, an organisation that has the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Thailand. Beside the house itself, on display are traditional tools, arts and crafts used by Lanna farmers and fishermen from northern Thailand in olden times, as well as a large selection of Thai flora in its yard. There is a heavy focus on the cultural heritage of northern Thailand, as that's where the house and most of the tools on display came from. The only downside of the museum is that it's quite small, so don't expect to spend here longer than 30 minutes (or even 15 minutes if you're quick). 100 baht

• Museum of Thai Pharmacy (พิพิธภัณฑ์เภสัชกรรมไทย), 40 Sukhumvit Soi 38 (BTS Thong Lo), +66 2 391-6243. M-F 10:00-16:00. The museum is on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage Building. It was established to publicise about traditional Thai medicine from past to present, so that later generations would learn and treasure it. The exhibition features various topics, such as the birth of pharmacy, the evolution of oriental pharmacy and basic wisdom, the evolution of western Thai pharmacy and the evolution of herbs and natural products. Make contact in advance if you are visiting with a group. Free

• National Science Centre for Education (ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาแห่งชาติ), 928 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Ekkamai), +66 2 391-0544. Tu-Su 08:30-16:30. This is an exhibition centre about the variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as a permanent exhibition on sports science, communication technology and natural environments. One-hour shows at the planetarium start at 11:00 and at 14:30 with additional shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 and 13:30. 20-40 baht

• Thailand Creative and Design Center, 6F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 664-8448. Tu-Su 10:30-21:00. There couldn't have been a better place for this design gallery, at the Emporium, the most fashionable shopping mall of Bangkok. The TCDC, as abbreviation-loving Bangkokians call it, seeks to show and promote Thailand's design innovations. There is a permanent exhibition addressing the question, "What is design, and how it is influenced by factors like society, history, politics, economics, geography and religion?" There is also a temporary exhibition that often changes. If you want to enter the resource centre and the library, you can get a free one-day pass. You can only do this once and you must carry your passport with you. Spend the day reading amazing design books, or just using the Internet. If you want to visit the resource centre and library again later, you'll need to pay for a subscription. Free

Neighborhoods

• Soi Arab (Middle East Street), Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 (Walk West from Nana BTS, and turn North onto Sukhumvit Soi 5), 13.7425°, 100.553556°. See the mingling of Arab and Thai cultures in this dense Arab neighborhood by Nana station. The area is flush with tourists from across the Arab world. It's interestingly filled with shops for two things: agarwood, an expensive wood burned as incense in the Middle East, and Arab sandals. 2018-11-25

Do

Massage and spas

Focus on yourself and get pampered at one of the many massage establishments around Sukhumvit. If you want a more upmarket experience, you could head for a spa. Some of the better ones include:

• Bliss Massage & Spa (บลิส มาสซาจแอนด์ สปา), Sukhumvit Soi 33 (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 258-5018. 10:00-00:00 daily. Offers traditional Thai massage, head and foot massage along with a "fish spa" — wherein you immerse your feet in a tank of water and little fish nibble away at the dead skin.
• Center Point Boutique Spa (เซ็นเตอร์พอยท์ มาสสาจ บูติก แอนด์ สปา), 2/16 Sukhumvit Soi 24 (BTS Phrom Phong exit 2), +66 2 663-6696. 10:00-01:00 daily, last booking 23:30. Offers excellent traditional massage in a soothing environment. 400-1,900 baht
• Happy Feet, Sukhumvit Soi 7 (BTS Nana, behind The Park Hotel), +66 2 650-3517. 10:00-23:00 daily. This massage parlour offers excellent traditional Thai massage, oil massage, aromatherapy, foot massage and nail care. 300 baht/hr
• Hatthai Massage, Sukhumvit Rd (near exit 1 of BTS Thong Lo, close to the 7-eleven). A traditional two hour Thai massage is given upstairs, where patrons are separated by curtains, which are often opened up so masseuses can chit chat. A 90 minute reflexology foot massage is done at ground level, opposite a large television; try not to doze off. It is popular with Japanese businessmen staying at the nearby Grand Tower Inn. Beware when searching for it, as there are now two places across the street with exactly the same name. 350-400 baht/hr
• Health Land Asoke, 55/5 Sukhumvit 21 Rd (MRT Sukhumvit exit 1, BTS Asok exit 3), 13.7408°, 100.5608°, +66 2 2261-1110. 09:00-23:00 daily. Part of the reputable Health Land spa chain. Offers foot reflexology, traditional Thai, therapeutic and aromatherapy body massage. 350-950 baht
• Leyana Day Spa and Garden, Soi To Sak, 33 Thong Lo Soi 13 (BTS Thong Lo, walk into Soi Thong Lo, take a left into Thong Lo Soi 13, then a right into Soi To Sak), +66 2 874-4461. M-F 11:00-22:00, Sa-Su 10:00-22:00. This spa is specialised in half-day packages designed for couples. Getting there is quite a hike, but you can get a free transfer from the BTS station if you request this beforehand. 5,500 baht/3 hr
• Praiphana, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (BTS Thong Lo, across Thong Lo Soi 8), +66 2 392-6518. 10:00-23:00 daily. Another massage parlour, this one offers a traditional Thai massage, oil massage and aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures. For 15 baht, you can get a 15 minute neck and shoulder massage. 300 baht/hr

Other

• Kopi-O Board Game Cafe, 160 Sukhumvit Thanon 33 (BTS Phrom Phong), 13.739677°, 100.570342°, +66 86 519-3425. M 12:00–18:00; Tu–Su 12:00–22:00. A mix of expats and locals play together at this chill hangout with a wide variety of board games, as well as snacks, coffee, tea, and juice. 50 baht/hr 2020-02-02
• Pink Chili Thai Cooking Class, 250/10 Sukhumvit Soi 77, Onnut Soi 2/1 (BTS Onnut), 13.71093°, 100.603555°, +66958208659, cookingschoolbangkok@gmail.com. 09:00-18:00. Thai Cooking class in the heart of Bangkok. Fun place to learn how to cook Thai food. 1000 baht 2020-10-29

Learn

If you are one of the more sporty types who like to keep active on your vacation, the national sport of Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is a great way to stay in shape. Other learning activities include cooking and meditating.

• Chacrit Muay Thai School (โรงเรียนชาคริตมวยไทย), 15/2 Sukhumvit Soi 39 (BTS Phrom Phong exit 3), 13.7325°, 100.5710°, +66 8 9499-2052. M-Sa 08:00-12:00+14:00-19:00, Su 08:00-12:00+13:00-17:00. Accredited Muay Thai school teaching Muay Thai to novices and professionals. Academic visas can be arranged for long term foreign students. 400-800 baht/hour
• Cooking with Poo and Friends, Khlong Toei slum (Pick up in front of Emporium Suites, 622 Sukhumvit Road, near BTS Phrom Phong), 13.7302°, 100.5683°, +66 80 434-8686, cookwithpoo@gmail.com. M-Sa 08:15. A Thai cooking school operating in the middle of Khlong Toei slum. Each day has one class which includes shopping for ingredient at Khlong Toei wet market for the daily changing menu. Transfers included. Payment when booking. 1,500 baht
• World Fellowship of Buddhists, 2F, 616 Benchasiri Park, Soi Methi Niwet (BTS Phrom Phong, off Soi Sukhumvit 24), +66 2 661-1284(-90). First Sunday of the month 14:00-17:30. Offers meditation classes in English every afternoon on the first Sunday of every month. The office also provides information on places to learn and practice meditation in Thailand. Classes and information are free of charge. Free

Buy

As Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Soi Nana Nuea) up to Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asok Rd) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

Markets

The pavement of Sukhumvit Rd was for years cramped with endless roadside stalls offering many of the same items as the Patpong Night Market, such as souvenirs, accessories, knock-off clothes, pornographic DVDs, pirated films and other junk with prices somewhat better than in Patpong. However, in 2016 city officials started enforcing old regulations prohibiting street vending and only few vendors renting space at shopfronts remain. Haggling is generally expected, but it'll only save you a few more baht. This change has made the sidewalk much easier to use even with a stroller. However, Thailand is infamous for bouts of enforcement which do not last so it remains to be seen if the stalls return making the section from Soi 3 to Soi 15 tough going, again.

• Khlong Toei Market, Rama IV Rd (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center). 24 hours. Huge and surprisingly central, this market is definitely off the tourist trail. The stalls sell goods for Thais, at Thai prices. It is basically a food market with meat, seafood and farm products on sale, accompanied by the usual second hand clothes stalls. It is always open, but best experienced in the early hours of the evening.

Malls and department stores

There are plenty of malls and department stores throughout Sukhumvit Road. The best ones are Emporium and Terminal 21, but you might as well hop on the Skytrain to Siam Square. At Thong Lo, all things are cool, be it clothing, gadgets or interior design. It could be called the "Siam Square of Sukhumvit" with its hip fashion boutiques, trendy designer stores and overall swanky appearance.

• Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong exit 2), 13.7306°, 100.5691°, +66 2 269-1000. 10:00-22:00 daily. This upmarket mall, with selections of everything in design, including watches, cosmetics and clothes, is the top competitor to Ratchaprasong's Gaysorn Plaza. The lower floors are dedicated to brands like Louis Vuitton and Rolex, but (unlike Gaysorn) it has more affordably priced goods on the upper levels. Kinokunyia book store has a large selection of English language books, including travel-related ones. The top floor is home to one of the nicest cinemas in the city after Siam Paragon (and somewhat less pricey than that one) and the Thailand Creative and Design Center. Emporium also has a popular food court and a good selection of restaurants on the fifth floor. A very upscale happening (and crowd), this place challenges the idea of food courts as being simple places to have a snack after shopping. Park Food Hall serves an extensive three-course meal with wine in a dimly-lit atmosphere. You can also go to the regular food court, which is comparatively small and hidden behind the other restaurants, but cheap and often packed. At peak hours it's difficult to get a seat if you're alone. The prices have been increasing over the past years though.
• EmQuartier, 637 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong exit 1), 13.7311°, 100.5693°, +66 2 269-1000. 10:00-22:00 daily. After opening in 2015 EmQuartier remains the newest upmarket mall in Bangkok after the plans for EmSphere have been shelved. The mall uses unusual architectural features to differentiate itself: there is a 40 m waterfall, an indoor tropical garden, the SkyCliff view point on the 45th floor, and a hanging garden enclosed in a spiral walkway that connects 9 floors of restaurants topped with a Japanese one with a rooftop terrace. Otherwise the mall has the usual stuff: restaurants, shops with hundreds of foreign and Thai brands and an IMAX cinema.
• Gateway Ekamai, Sukhumvit Soi 42 (BTS Ekamai exit 4), 13.7191°, 100.5854°, +66 2 108-2888. 10:00-22:00 daily. This mall is the southernmost one on Sukhumvit Rd before the border with Samut Prakan. It titles itself as a Japanese lifestyle mall and houses some peculiar businesses like a weird maid cafe with a concept imported from Japan and Snow Town theme park where you can play with snow and even get downhill skiing lessons.
• J Avenue, 323/1 Thong Lo Soi 15 (BTS Thong Lo), 13.7344°, 100.5821°. 07:00-00:00 daily. Opened in 2004, this four-story upscale "lifestyle mall" that is typical for the swanky Thong Lo neighbourhood. It is an open-air mall with giant rain trees inside. Its modern architecture and hip designer shops are catering to Thong Lo's Japanese crowd (that's what the J stands for).
• K-Village, 93-95 Sukhumvit Soi 26 (BTS Phrom Phong, then taxi), 13.7205°, 100.5687°, +66 2 258-9919. 10:00-22:00 daily. The so-called "lifestyle malls" are popular in Bangkok. K-Village has been around since 2009. Touted as a "neighbourhood lifestyle mall", apparently this should be a small village where you can meet and know people. In practice, it's just another upscale mall with supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, spas and (of course) a lot of fashion stores.
• Nana Square, 49 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana), 13.7425°, 100.5525°, +66 2 253-0192. 10:30-22:30 daily. Quite a generic shopping mall, but at a convenient location. It has everything you would expect from a typical Bangkokian mall, including a food court, Starbucks, Watsons and dry cleaner.
• Ploenchit Center, 2 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phloen Chit), 13.7424°, 100.5515°, +66 2 656-8600. Although the name might suggest otherwise, this shopping centre is not on Phloen Chit Road, but can be found at the western edge of Sukhumvit Road. The ground floor has the typical chain stores (Starbucks, McDonald's, Boots), as well as lower-priced clothing outlets, jewellery shops and a supermarket. Most tourists don't make it out this far, so most of the visitors are local office workers from surrounding buildings. The sixth floor is one of the cheaper food courts in the area with a good selection of Thai dishes. It uses with a coupon system.
• Robinson, 259 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), 13.7380°, 100.5594°, +66 2 651-1533. 10:00-22:00 daily. Robinson is the well-known department store that is spread all over Bangkok. Its food court, while still decent, is a bit more expensive than the others, and you may need to order twice to get full. It's in the basement floor of the building.
• Terminal 21, 288 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (BTS Asok), 13.73806°, 100.56043°, +66 2 108-0888. 10:00-22:00 daily. The curvilinear glass-and-steel façade resembles a 21st-century airport. The basement level has a Caribbean theme and is where you will find the gourmet market, take-away food outlets, market-style food vendors as well as banks and bookstores. The ground floor is named Rome, with international and local fashion labels such as Kipling, Fox, CC:OO, Nike, Jaspal, Adidas and Levi's. Paris on M floor takes you to a faux Champs-Élysées. The 1st to 3rd floors are home to smaller shops by local independent labels. Women's fashion is on the 1st floor (Tokyo) and men's fashion is on the 2nd floor (London). The 3rd floor (Istanbul) is for gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, toys, beauty products and home décor. San Francisco is on the 4th and 5th floors, with more than 50 restaurants and cafés. If you like food courts, head up to Pier 21 on the 5th floor. This is perhaps one of the best food courts in Bangkok for price, taste and variety: dim sum, grilled seafood (fast food style), Hainanese chicken rice, delicious pad thai, roast duck noodles and vegetarian options. Desserts include mango sticky rice, shaved ice dessert and ice creams. SF Cinema City operates an eight screen cineplex on the 6th floor. Two screens have digital 3D capabilities.

Tailors

If you know where to go, Sukhumvit offers some of the best bespoke tailoring in Bangkok. Never go to custom tailor shops that get your suits and shirts ready in 24 hours or less. If you want good quality, go to a reliable tailor which will ask for two to five sittings. The entire process will take about a week. For more information on bespoke tailoring, see the Buy section of the main Bangkok article.

• Crown Tailor, 13 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana, just inside Soi 8), +66 2 2535541. M-Sa 10:00-20:00. Highly regarded as one of the best places to get a suit on Sukhumvit Rd. It is definitely worth the visit for good quality material at affordable prices.

• Jhasper Fashion, 155/32 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana exit 3, walk 50 m into Soi 11), +66 2 6512522. M-Sa 10:00-20:30. Good tailoring store for men's and women's suits, trousers, shirts and dresses.

• New Landmark Boutique, 102 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana, at the corner with Soi 4), +66 2 6568190. M-Sa 11:00-22:30, Su 14:30-20:00. A favourite among European flight crews. The owner visits Europe about once a year for orders. Very good advice, high quality and fair prices. Across Sukhumvit there is another "Landmark Tailor" not affiliated with this one.

• Rajawongse Clothier, 130 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana, near the Landmark Hotel), +66 2 2553714, jesse@loxinfo.co.th. M-Sa 10:30-20:00. To quote Denis Gray, from The Associated Press: "A stop at Rajawongse Clothier has over the years become a must for visiting statesmen, ambassadors and generals, along with some of the world's top spies and secret service agents."The changing room walls are filled with business cards of customers over the years: American embassy employees from across Asia are common. The back wall also has photos of Jesse, the owner, with George H. Bush who stopped by.

• Savile Row Tailor, 625 Sukhumvit Soi 22, +66 22354427. M-Sa, 09:00-21:00. Savile Row fabrics range from cottons and linens, to cashmere and merino wool. They can also can use kid mohair for suits, and Egyptian cottons and Oxford for shirts. Overcoats can be sewn from Italian cashmere.

• Fashion Galleria Bangkok, Suite 108, River City Shopping Complex Yotha Road, Next To Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel Bangkok 10100 Thailand (Talad Noi), +66816250606. Fashion Galleria offers true bespoke tailoring experience at competitive pricing in Bangkok. 350$ 2017-03-12

• Tailor On Ten, 93 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana exit 4, walk down to the end of Soi 8, on the left), +66 8 01439447. M-Sa 10:00-19:00. Good quality tailor, owned and managed by a Canadian who produces beautiful suits and shirts. Their prices are competitive and they carry a wide range of fabrics.

Book stores

Sukhumvit has a number of specialty stores frequented by tourists.

• Asia Books, 221 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 15 and 17, towards Nana from Robinson Department Store), 13.7384°, 100.5587°, +66 2 651-0428(-9). M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa-Su 08:00-20:00. Every nook and cranny is packed with books in this Sukhumvit branch of Bangkok's oldest English-language bookstore. It remains a good source of maps and books on Thailand and Southeast Asia although the original shop has grown to a chain that seems to have an outlet in every big shopping mall in addition to online sales.
• Dasa Book Cafe, 714/4 Sukhumvit Rd (Between Soi Ari and Soi 28), 13.7288168°, 100.5696°. Daily, 10:00-20:00. Great collection of used English, French, German, Scandinavian, and Finnish books, 15,000 in all. General fiction and guidebooks can be found on the ground floor; mystery, children’s, history, politics and non-fiction are on the first floor; horror, true crime, sports, philosophy, psychology, nature, and language books are found on the third floor. Prices range from 50 to 3,000 baht, although most books are priced around 200 baht. Used books are usually priced at half the price of new books. Owners are Kaweewut Wuttiwibhu and Donald Gilliland. 2017-11-23
• Sun Books, 593/5 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong exit 5, between Soi 33 and 35), 13.73166°, undefined°, +66 81-751-2659. 09:30-07:30 daily. If you don't have time to go to Khao San Rd, Elite Book House is a worthy alternative for buying second-hand English-language books. They have a small selection of English fiction books but mostly store Japanese books. 100.56828 2017-04-05

Art

Sombat Permpoon Gallery, 12 Sukhumvit Soi 1 (BTS Phloen Chit), +66 2 2546040. 09:00-20:00 daily. Sells both paintings and sculptures by established artists and those of the new generation. There are more than 10,000 artworks by Thai artists on sale.

Eat

Budget: under 100 baht, mid-range: 100-500 baht, splurge: over 500 baht (meal for one + soft drink).

There is a huge selection of places to eat in and around Sukhumvit and its side sois, although prices tend to be on the high side by Thai standards. With practically every cuisine in the world represented, this is the place to break your pad thai diet and sample some of the best Japanese, Lebanese or Indian food you will ever eat.

Budget

While not as much an institution as in Siam Square, the food courts in any mall or department store are a good option if you're trying to survive Sukhumvit on budget and want air-conditioning. Just like in Siam Square, food courts come in many varieties, from basic snack places to more upscale dining. The Emporium Mall, Ploenchit Center and Robinson all have decent food courts (see Buy). Most food courts use some variation of a coupon system; unused coupons are always refunded.

There are some cheapie sois with excellent street food if you know where to go:

• Soi 38 Night Market, Sukhumvit Soi 38 (BTS Thong Lo exit 4). 20:00-03:00 daily. Soi 38 gives you some of the better street food in Bangkok. Not a restaurant in itself, just sit at a table and order whatever you like from the numerous foodstalls (they'll figure out the bill for you). You can find the most delicious mango and sticky rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง khao niow ma muang) in town. Also try the herbal fish ball noodles. 30-60 baht
• Talat Na Sukhumvit Soi 1 (ตลาดนัทสุขุมวิท ซอย1), Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phloen Chit). Between Soi 1 and Soi 3 is a set of street food stalls with the best one furthest from the street. It is called Oowan Im (literally 'fatty is full'), but is sign-posted in English with just the word "Seafood" on an otherwise Thai sign. Seafood is their specialty — good things to order include the "crispy fish in chili sauce", tom yum soup and any of their Thai salads (such as mixed seafood salad). The Chinese-style fried vegetables are also delicious.
• Roong Roeng (ร้าน รุ่งเรืองก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมู), 10/3 Sukhumvit Soi 26 (BTS Phrom Phong), 13.728242°, 100.570496°. No frills place selling tom yum pork noodles or Sen Lek Hang Tom Yum in Thai. Popular among the local office workers. Does not see many Western tourists, though staff can communicate in basic English. 50 baht

Budget restaurants are generally hard to find, but the following are favorites among Bangkok's large expat population:

• Ramen Ichiban, 3/7-9 Sukhumvit Soi 24 (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 258-6314. An authentically Japanese greasy-spoon noodle joint specializing in ramen soup. For less than 100 baht, the large bowl is a good value. 80-150 baht

Mid-range

Fusion

Thai food with a modern twist has become particularly popular the last years. Fusion restaurants are centred around the H1 complex on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lo).

• Be your Guest' Café, 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53 (BTS Thong Lo exit 1), +66 8 1637-9047. 11:00-18:00 daily. Delicious diverse cooking experience with dishes from all around the world. Soup, salad, sandwich, mains, as well as a selection of typical French, Thai and fusion food are served. The café also provides a large choice of food for take away and delivery. The Villa is also a three-bedroom guest house in a relaxing tropical garden with private pool. 300 baht
• Greyhound Café, 2F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 255-6964. 10:00-22:00 daily. An extremely modern restaurant of concrete and brushed steel, offering a fusionesque menu of food ranging from authentic Thai to Italian pasta to Elvis burgers. Mains are around 300 baht, although the lunch sets are cheaper. 300 baht
• Thyme Bistro & Martini Bar, 1F, Kingston Suites Bldg, 39/3-7 Sukhumvit Soi 15 (BTS Asok), +66 2 120-8288. 06:30-23:00 daily. A restaurant located in Kingston Suites Bangkok, its dishes could be described as "fusion", as it offers local, international and some popular Mediterranean dishes. The asparagus rolls are recommended, as are the Martinis. 300-400 baht

Thai

• Cabbages and Condoms, Sukhumvit Soi 12, Khlong Toei (BTS Asok), 13.7362431°, 100.5577226°, +66 2 229-4610. 11:00-22:00 daily. Run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, the odd name refers to the fact that the NGO promotes agricultural production as well as condom use; and no prizes for guessing what you'll get after dinner instead of an after-dinner mint. The food is competent but toned down for the foreign palate. A bit expensive for what you get but it's for an excellent cause. 300 baht
• Kinnaree, 43 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana), +66 2 256-0328. 11:30-15:00, 18:00-00:00 daily. Very nice Thai ambience and decoration, great in the evening. Lounge bar and private rooms upstairs. The different sets of lunch menus are reasonably priced. The food is excellent and includes dishes hard to find elsewhere. Some dishes could be more spicy by Thai standards though. 200-400 baht
• Ruen Mallika, 189 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (BTS Phrom Phong, a far hike into Soi 22, take a right at the 7-11 and after about 300 metres it is on your right), +66 2 663-3211. 11:00-23:00 daily. A very good restaurant in an "antique" Thai house with a leafy outdoor section. The menu is a huge picture book which should help in ordering. The staff are very friendly and wear traditional Thai outfits to complete the ambience. 450-650 baht

Asian

Finding your way around the mindblowing variety in Sukhumvit might feel a bit daunting at first. One way to approach the area is to visit its ethnic food neighbourhoods. Little Japan is located near Sukhumvit Soi 33 and across the street at Sukhumvit Soi 24, with Phrom Phong BTS station straddling the two. There is also a smaller concentration of Japanese restaurants along Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lo), notably the Nihonmura ("Japan Village") in Thong Lo Soi 13.

• Akiyoshi, 2F, Taksin Square Bldg, 1521/1 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phra Khanong), +66 2 714-0791. M-F 11:00-14:00, 17:30-22:00, Sa-Su 11:00-22:00. The two must-tries here are the Japanese-style sukiyaki and the shabu shabu. The employees will light up a burning pan on your table and you can just throw in the ingredients yourself. The food is really delicious, and they will serve until you're full. The ambience is best-suited for a group of people. But better make a reservation if you're coming after 18:00, as it's often packed. 400-500 baht
• Grande Teppanyaki and Grande Ramen, 25/17-19 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (BTS Thong Lo), +66 2 714-1020. Two small Japanese restaurants facing each other, popular with Thais and Japanese. Sub-100 baht lunch menus are particularly good value. 130 baht, subs 80 baht
• Le Dalat, 47/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 2 258-4192. 11:00-14:30, 18:00-22:00 daily. Two Vietnamese restaurants, two locations about a block apart and across the street from each other. When it's a nice day outside, take a seat in the beautiful tropical garden which is wonderful. The traditional interior You can get lunch for about 250 baht, which is a good value. Service can be rough, be especially wary for the overcharge at the end. 450 baht
• Nihonmura (นิฮมมูระ), 87 Soi Thong Lo 13 (BTS Thong Lo). Nihonmura, commonly known as Japan Village, is a dining complex with about a dozen quality Japanese restaurants. 350 baht
• Nobu, 414 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (BTS Thong Lo, between Thong Lo Soi 12 and 14), +66 2 392-5297. 11:00-14:00, 18:00-00:00 daily. This is a nice local restaurant. They are very good for lunch with a large selection of Bento (boxed lunch) specials. Getting dinner here is a lot more expensive than lunch. It is focused on fresh seafood and dishes from the Osaka region of Japan. It's always crowded with Japanese expats that live in the area. 300 baht
• Tenderloins, 9 Sukhumvit Soi 33 (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 258-4529. 10:00-01:00 daily. This Australian barbecue restaurant calls itself a "contemporary upmarket sports bar and steak house", and even they have to admit that it is a weird combination. They serve up a good grill, although a bit on the pricey side. Their 250-baht lunch sets might be a better idea. Reserving a table is recommended, especially at weekends. 250-500 baht
• Xuan Mai, 351/3 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (BTS Thong Lo, across the street from Mercedes-Benz Thong Lo), +66 2 185-2619. Tu-Th 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00, F-Su 11:00-14:00, 17:00-00:00. Excellent and varied Vietnamese menu, served by the owner, a charming lady who was a former Vietnamese beauty queen and FBI operative before moving to Bangkok to open a restaurant. It has an open kitchen, so you can see the cooking in action. 250-450 baht
• Vientiane Kitchen, 8 Soi Napha Sap Yaek 1, Sukhumvit Soi 36 (BTS Thong Lo, at the corner of Soi 36 and Soi Napha Sap Yaek 1), +66 2 258-6171. 12:00-00:00 daily. This relaxed-looking Lao restaurant serves very good Lao food. It has a nice ambience featuring a band playing music from Laos. 150-300 baht

Indian and Middle Eastern

Soi 3 and Soi 3/1, a short walk from Nana BTS station, are known as Soi Arab for the heavy concentration of Middle Eastern businesses in the area; in some spots you will see more signs in Arabic than in Thai! Thanks to a demanding clientele and heavy competition, the food here is some of the best this side of Lebanon.

• Akbar, 1/4 Sukhumvit Soi 3 (BTS Nana), +66 2 255-6935. 09:00-00:00 daily. Being two decades old, this mid-sized Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurant is one of the most established restaurants in Bangkok. It serves good quality food at reasonable prices. Its location next to Soi Arab is ideal as you can compare with other restaurants in the area. Try the Akbari Chicken. 150-200 baht
• Al Hussain, 75/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 (BTS Nana), +66 2 252 0240. 12:00-23:00 daily. Indian and Middle Eastern specialties. Pokhara fritters and other good things.
• Beirut Restaurant, B1, Ploenchit Center, 2 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana), +66 2 656-7377. In an unlikely location, next to a supermarket in an otherwise nearly desolate shopping mall, Beirut gets negative points for ambience but serves up very good Middle Eastern fare. The basic shawarma in a pita is a nice simple snack. Don't confuse this one with the Lebanese restaurant on the ground floor (Café de Beyrouth), which is much more expensive. 90-220 baht
• Indian Host, 30 Soi Sukhumvit 22 (BTS Phrom Phong, next to Grande Mercure Hotel), +66 2 260-1115. 11:30-23:30 daily. This restaurant has contemporary North Indian cuisine and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes. Its food is authentic and much like you'd taste in India. The tender lamb Raan is their signature dish. 200-400 baht
• Khana Khazana, 153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 (BTS Nana), +66 2 255-2289. 11:00-00:00 daily. Pure Indian vegetarian restaurant with North Indian, South Indian and Gujarati food. 200-500 baht
• Masala Art, Unit-L 205, 2F, Thonglor Eight Building, 88 Thong Lo Soi 8 (BTS Thong Lo), +66 2 713-8357. 11:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00 daily. This is a luxury North Indian restaurant with its own philosophy. Masala is the Indian word for spice, and the "art of spices" means that there should be a natural balance of spices to get healthy, herbal and delicious food. This restaurant offers a fixed lunch and dinner special. It boasts a great decor, as well as authentic (and spicy) Indian food. Prices can be steep though, especially if you opt for a three-course meal. 220-450 baht
• Mrs Balbir's, 155/1-2 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 (BTS Nana, next to Business Inn Hotel), +66 2 651-0498. Tu-Su 11:30-23:00. The curries are some of the best in all of Bangkok, and a good value compared to other Indian restaurants along Sukhumvit. It has fewer than ten tables, but that just gives it a cosy and personal feeling. Try the chicken tikka, it's delicious. 250-400 baht
• Shahrazad, 6/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 (BTS Nana), +66 2 251-3666. 10:00-02:00 daily. Great Middle Eastern, Malaysian and Indian food. Its dishes are well-served by hijab-clad Thai waitresses with many Arab expats hanging out here. It's been open since 1983 and one of Soi Arab's oldest and most respected restaurants. Its decor is very basic, but the food is amazing. 150-350 baht
• SriGanesha, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 13 (BTS Nana), 13.742818°, 100.557662°, +66 86 820-5875. 10:00-22:00 daily. Authentic Southern Indian dosas, idlis, etc., tucked into a narrow stall on the ground-level plaza of the Sukhumvit Suite building. 100-350 baht

European

• Heidelberg Restaurant and Bar (ร้านอาหาร ไฮเดลเบิร์ก), 21-21/1 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana, down Soi 4, then on the left across from 7-Eleven), 13.74044°, 100.55311°, +66 2 252-3584. 24 hours daily. A Swiss-German restaurant. Pricey but food is good and ample. Drink elsewhere, except if you want a drink at 04:00. The Thai offerings can be had much cheaper, but some of the European offerings are difficult to find elsewhere. Free Wi-Fi. Also has a few nicely appointed rooms from 1,850 baht. Breakfast 120-180 baht, dinner 170-400 baht
• Limoncello (พิซเซอเรีย ไลมอนเซลโล), 17 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana), +66 2 651-0707. 12:00-14:00, 18:00-00:00 daily. A bright, airy pizzeria; the best Italian-style pizza in Bangkok, very thin and crispy with a great range of toppings. Amazing desserts too (try the profiteroles!). Avoid the house wine, though. As is usual in Thailand, wine is very pricey, and at 1,300 baht it is not worth it. 250-450 baht
• Stable Lodge, 39 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana), +66 2 653-0017. Daily, 07:00-00:00. Unlike other places, this restaurant (and hotel) focuses on traditional Danish and Scandinavian food, though some Thai and international cuisine is available. There's a Scandinavian all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with open sandwich selection on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00 and 15:00. Every evening from 18:00 is an all-you-can-eat international barbecue buffet. Aside from these discount offerings, a la carte is overpriced and not worth it. The hotel is a well-known meeting spot among Scandinavians with a nice family atmosphere. It costs about 1,800 baht for a clean and quiet room with swimming pool. 300 baht
• Pala Pizza Romana, Asok BTS/Terminal 21 (Under the northside stairs leading from Asok BTS to the MTR), 13.73685°, 100.560967°. 08:00-23:00. Busy casual Italian diner hiding under Asok BTS with pizza by the slice, pastas, and many others. Great for good-value Italian and the crowds passing by. THB75 for a pizza slice 2017-08-24
• Peppina, 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33 (BTS Asok or BTS Phrom Phong), 13.737717°, 100.567575°, +66 2 119-7677. Sa Su 11:30-23:00, M T W Tu F 11:30-15:00/17:00-23:00. Neapolitan pizzas, local seafood, and imported cured meats and cheeses served in a hip atmosphere. Beer, wine, and cocktails too. 300-600 baht

American and Tex-Mex

• Bourbon St, 9/39-40 Soi Tana Arcade, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (BTS Ekkamai), 13.722415°, 100.584452°, +66 2 381-6801. 07:00-01:00 daily. This place serves some surprisingly authentic Cajun food. Premium prices are charged for dinner but the two or three-course lunches at 230-290 baht are a good value. On Tuesday evenings they have a Mexican buffet starting at 18:00 which is somewhat cheaper than regular prices. The original location at Washington Square off Sukhumvit Soi 22 has closed. 230-690 baht
• Charley Browns Mexicana, 19/9-10 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Rd, +66 2 044 2553. M 17:00-00:00, Tu-Su 11:30-00:00. Certainly the oldest Mexican restaurant in Bangkok and probably one of the best. They have special offers on most days, including half priced margaritas and sangrias on Tuesdays and Cheap Charley Brown's night on Sundays (they match the cheap prices at Cheap Charlies who is closed that night). A tip are the 150-baht lunch sets, which is a steal. Free WiFi. 400-500 baht
• Ronny's New York Pizza, Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana), +66 2 255-2626. 13:00-02:00 daily. Self-proclaimed as the first New York-style pizza place in Bangkok. It's open till late, so that's good, but generally the place is not special. The staff are pleasant, but the quality of the pizzas leave much to be desired. Serve only full pies until 17:00, then slices also. Bring your laptop for free Wi-Fi. 300-450 baht
• Mexicano, 1F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18 (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 2 261-7100. 17:00-01:00 daily. One of Bangkok's few Mexican restaurants. It is on the expensive side, but every day of the week (except Mondays) there is a live Latin American band playing. 300-500 baht
• Sunrise Tacos (ซันไรซ์ทาโก้ แม็กซิกัน กริลล์), 236/3-4 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asok), +66 2 229-4851. 24 hours. Mexican grill with traditional favorites like nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and satisfying salads. The meals are fresh and they have 24 hours delivery available. It is a popular expat place. They have another branch in Emporium. 100-250 baht

Splurge

• Baan Khanitha, 36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS Asok), +66 2 258-4181. 11:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00 daily. Well-known if mildly touristy restaurant in an old Thai house, the primary concession to Western tastes being the lack of chili. It is on the expensive side with most mains (especially seafood), but the food is generally excellent and the presentation spot-on. Best known for their pomelo salad (ยำส้มโอ yam som-o) and red curry with duck (แกงแดงเป็ด kaeng daeng pet). 1,000-1,500 baht
• Basil, 1F, Sheraton Grande Hotel, 250 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asok), +66 2 649-8366. 18:30-22:30 daily. Exceptional traditional Thai food with a twist in this trendy and sophisticated restaurant. It is definitely expensive, but the food is very good and there's a romantic ambience. Try the massaman curry, a delicious dish from southern Thailand. Bring your wallet though. 1,000 baht
• Indus, 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26 (BTS Phrom Phong), +66 2 258-4900. 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:00 daily. The food is mainly authentic north Indian with a wide range of spicy Indian tastes. An impressive list of vegetarian dishes is also available, as well as wines from around the world. Its impressive sandstone walls and wood carvings make a great interior. Or go outside, experiencing an amazing world of your own, not even noticing it is right here in downtown Bangkok. It is recommended to make a reservation by phone. 1,000 baht
• L'Opera, 53/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39 (BTS Phrom Phong, walk into Soi 39 and continue until the second red light, the restaurant is on the corner on your left), 13.736775°, 100.571431°, +66 2 258-5606. 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:30 daily. Established 1984, this is the oldest genuine Italian restaurant in Bangkok, and most likely also in Thailand. Though long established as the Italian place to eat amongst the Thai stars, politicians and local business elite, the atmosphere is relaxed and caters to tourists and middle class as well. The food prepared by the Italian chef is top class and they stock a wine selection to match. It is expensive by any means, 1,500 baht is a normal price for a bottle of wine. 1,500-3,000 baht
• La Buca, 220/4 Sukhumvit Soi 1 (BTS Phloen Chit exit 5), +66 2 253-3190. 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:30 daily. This little Italian restaurant is possibly one of the most authentic in Bangkok. The Italian owner changes the menu weekly, and a good selection of wine is available. Romantic, but on the expensive side, even without wine. 500-800 baht
• Maru, 95/5-6 Thong Lo Soi 3 (BTS Thong Lo), +66 2 712-5001. 17:00-00:00 daily. A highly praised Japanese restaurant. Prices are extremely high although between 17:00-19:00, they offer reasonably priced dinner sets for around 500 baht. 500-3,000 baht
• LukKaiThong Royal Cooking @ The EmQuartier District, Room No. 6A04-05, 6th Floor, The EmQuartier Department Store, No. 693, Sukhumvit Road (BTS Phrom Phong), 13.731244°, 100.569233°, +66 2 003-6301, +66 2 003-6302, lukkaitong@gmail.com. 10:00-22:00 daily. An upmarket restaurant that serves Thai-Chinese cuisine. Popular dishes include the river prawns, stewed pork belly and Thai tea shaved ice. 200-800 baht
• The Gardens of Dinsor Palace, Soi Chumbala, Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Ekkamai, exit 1), 13.72247°, 100.58205°, +66 2-714-2112. 08:00-23:00 daily. Set in the grounds of a former royal mansion in Ekkamai, this restaurant is surprisingly affordable for its luxurious setting. There is a large variety of dishes, their sophisticated French mains are particularly worth it. While not very well known among individual visitors, it does attract tour groups, which could negatively affect the otherwise splendid atmosphere. 500 baht 2018-07-21

Drink

The Sukhumvit area contains more watering holes than can easily be counted, and touts are not as big of a problem here as in Patpong. However, the scene is oriented towards Western ex-pats and wealthy high-society Thais, for more of a local ambience (and local prices) head a bit north to Ratchadaphisek instead.

Go-go and beer bars

Soi Cowboy (off Asok Road) and Nana Entertainment Plaza (Soi 4) are packed full of go-go bars much like those in Patpong. Soi 33 is packed with hostess bars, which are more upscale than the Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza bars and do not feature go-go dancing. Since the establishments are jammed side by side on the streets (or along the interior courtyard, in Nana Plaza), it's easy to go go-go bar hopping: they all come in different sizes, music, lighting and dancer physiques. You'll probably find one to fit your preferences.

While the places all operate with more or less the same concept, the following have been around for a while and are unlikely to rip you off:

• Angel Witch, 2F, Nana Entertainment Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana). 19:00-02:00 daily. A single stage, with choreographed shows most evening at 22:00 until 00:00. Not as heavily packed outside of showtimes, nor the best place for a single man on the hunt, but an excellent "gentler" introduction for couples and those merely curious to see the sights. Beer 150 baht
• Beer Garden Soi 7, 15 Sukhumvit Soi 7 (BTS Nana, about 100 m up the soi on the left), +66 2 255-7858. 10:00-02:00 daily. Not a go-go bar, but basically a pick-up joint where men easily get numerous young and not so young ladies for a night, particularly at weekends. It is popular as there is no "barfine" here. It can also be a nice place to relax with moderate Western music, if you tell the ladies to go away. They serve German and other beers, including wheat beer (Franziskaner). You can eat European food at the tables or just have a drink at the bar.
• Long Gun (Lucky Star), Soi Cowboy (BTS Asok). 19:00-02:00 daily. Not the largest or flashiest bar — indeed, it has seen better days — but is reputed to be the oldest bar in the Soi and by extension the oldest go-go bar outside of Patpong. It's got a somewhat less frenetic atmosphere than some of the bigger bars, and may be worth a visit as well as a piece of (possibly apocryphal) history. Beer 120 baht
• Rainbow 4, 2F, Nana Entertainment Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana). 19:00-02:00 daily. Squeezes two stages into a small space, and is always packed with girls and punters. Beer 160 baht
• Suzie Wong, Soi Cowboy (BTS Asok). 19:00-02:00 daily. Small and unprepossessing at first sight, the only hint of a Chinese theme are the cheongsams of the waitresses, but this go go and its sister operation Sheba's across the street are famed for putting on some of the best shows in Bangkok. Beer 130 baht

Bars and pubs

Looking for a place to watch your favorite sport on the big screen? Sukhumvit from Soi 2 to 33 offers plenty of choices. The stereotypic bars here are British pubs with rugby on, selling lots of beer and pub grub (be it grill menus or other simple snacks). The workers are young Thai hostesses in tight outfits who serve Western ex-pats that generally are older than 40.

• Bradman's Sports Bistro, 4/6 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 8 6807-1384. 10:00-02:00 daily. An Australian bar and bistro with many TVs everywhere for watching different kind of sports. There are several sound rooms, so customers can watch different sports at different parts of the bar. The owner is actively involved in the business, and sometimes asks his customers which sport should be on.
• Bully's (บลูลี่ส์์ ผับ), 8 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana, next to the JW Marriot Hotel), +66 99 616 0008. 14:00-00:00 daily. A typical Sukhumvit-style bar with drinks, food, pool table and football screens. Beer is averagely priced and always cold, but a bottle of water is expensive at 80 baht. Excellent pub-style food.
• Gulliver's Traveler's Tavern, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 5 (BTS Nana), +66 2 655-5340(-42). 12:00-01:00 daily. A large, western sports bar with English-speaking staff serving Western and Thai food and drinks. There are large flat screen TVs all around, so a variety of sports are shown simultaneously (baseball, football, rugby, golf, etc). Plenty of pool tables are in the rear, with female Thai players ready beat you. Unusually for Thailand, children are not admitted, making this place no good for families.
• Old German Beerhouse, 10, 23 Soi Sukhumvit 13 (BTS Nana), +66 2 168 7898. 08:00-01:00 daily. The only place that looks like a German Brauhaus. The beers served are Warsteiner and Erdinger, but they also have the Frankfurter Apfelwein (a sort of German cider). Along with the beer go their simple Thai or European dishes for 120-200 baht. Free WiFi is also available.
• The Robin Hood, P.B Building, 597-597/1-3 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 (BTS Phrom Phong, across the Emporium), +66 2 662 3390. 09:00-00:00 daily. English pub with pub grub and daily happy hour specials. Australian and British sports on large flat screen TVs. Popular with ex-pats.
• The Sport Corner, 394/2 Sukhumvit Soi 20 (BTS Phrom Phong, at the corner of Soi 20 just behind the 7-11), +66 2 077 9757. 14:00-01:00 daily. The Sport Corner offers numerous big flat-screen TVs, both indoors and outdoors, showing sports from around the world. Friendly, hassle-free hostesses, along with affordable drinks, Thai and Western food, make it a fun place to cheer your favourite team on.

Wine bars

With a growing interest in foreign as well as local wines, there is a growing number of wine bars in Bangkok and many of these are in the Sukhumvit area. Most of these are trendy establishments with selections of exclusive French, Italian, Spanish and other international wines.

Superhip

Soi 11 and 23 have some of the trendiest clubs in town. These venues are all about seeing and being seen, popular among the well-to-do Thai and expat crowd. Soi 55 (Thong Lo) and Soi 63 (Ekkamai) also have their fair share of places to spend the night, but these are somewhat more modest and have more in common with traditional bars.

Fairly strictly applied dress codes apply to the following listings, so no flip-flops, shorts or sleeveless shirts. Always bring your passport as club owners must (and will) check it upon entry.

• Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS Asok, then enter Soi 23, pass Soi Cowboy on the left, then take the first turn to the right), +66 2 261-4446. 22:00-03:00 daily. Glow is Bangkok's top spot for underground house music. The crowd is usually less posey and more fun than at the other 'top' clubs. This place is popular with international visitors looking for a funky "European-style" clubbing night. Thursday nights are dubbed "No Problem Disco", while on weekends their parties have different themes on rotation.
• Long Table, 25F, Column Bldg, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16 (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 2 302-2557. 17:00-02:00 daily. A swanky superhip bar and restaurant, one of the "see and be seen" venues of Bangkok. Its interior design is very impressive. Located on the 25th floor, it has an excellent view of Bangkok's skyline. If you're coming for dinner, all visitors dine at one long table that is touted as the longest dining table in the world. The food could best be described as fusion, an interesting mix of Thai and international cuisine. Dinner 1,500-2,000 baht
• Narz (นาร์ท), 112 Sukhumvit Soi 23 (BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit), +66 2 258-4805. 19:00-late daily. Catering mostly to moneyed Thais, this funky dance club is most reminiscent of the clubs in Ibiza. There is a whole lot going on with on-stage-performances, shiny disco balls and light shows. It is one of Bangkok's top clubbing spots, and a place to see and be seen, especially if you're into trance or house music. It is renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold's venue of choice. Narz is also known for staying open far later than most other places that close at 02:00. 500 baht
• Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, 2 Sukhumvit Road Soi 57 (BTS Thong Lo), 13.723251°, 100.580378°, +66-2-7970000. 17:00-02:00. While far off from the city center, the 360 degrees views on the top floor remain nothing short of spectacular. Three floors with beautiful lighting and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. This all comes with a price though. 2018-07-21

Sleep

Budget: under 1,000 baht, mid-range: 1,000 baht to 2,500 baht, splurge: over 2,500 baht (standard double room).

Property values in Sukhumvit are among the highest in Bangkok, and accommodation is priced to match. There are plenty of four and five-star hotels that cater to those with a lot of money (including business travellers). Guest houses à la Khao San Road are hard to find, and will set you back at least twice as much.

Another market is the sex industry. Some hotels nearby Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy offer "short time" stays. This short term option is cheaper, but can only be used for a couple of hours. It is meant for sex tourists and locals who want to spend a couple of hours with their "date". These hotels generally are quite cheap, but they can feel seedy and are not recommended for overnight stays.

Many other hotels explicitly hang up signs banning sex tourists; many of these don't allow you to bring in any Thai lady (which can lead to an awkward situation if you just want to bring a friend or your Thai girlfriend), while others will allow them only if they are present with an ID card at the time of initial registration.

Budget

• Pridi Hostel, 71 Pridi Soi 35 (BTS Phra Khanong), +66 8 9103-1388. Pridi Hostel is a family-run establishment in a renovated building in central Sukhumvit. It is clean, has bathroom and shower facilities, and serves a nice breakfast of fruit and toast. There is a small convenience store with snacks and smoothies on the ground floor, and a lounge area with cable TV, internet terminals and a sofa. There are private rooms and dorms available. Nalin, a Thai woman who speaks English, runs the day-to-day business and happily advises where to go. 500 baht per person
• Royal Express Inn Bangkok, 4/3, Soi Sukhumvit 8, Sukhumvit Rd (a few minutes’ walk from Nana BTS Skytrain Station.), +66 2 251-5615. An inn with 19 cheerful, modern, & cozy rooms, with all rooms featuring a comfy king size-bed, wall-mounted flat screen TV, en suite bathroom & Wi-Fi. From 990 baht
• Soi 1 Guesthouse, 220/7 Sukhumvit Soi 1 (BTS Phloen Chit), +66 2 655-0604. This is one of the best backpacker hostels in the Sukhumvit area. There are 4-bed and 8-bed mixed and female-only dorm rooms, as well as 3- or 4-bed private rooms with shared baths. All rooms have air-conditioning. The dorms have a very social atmosphere, so this is not just a place to sleep, but to meet and hang out with other travelers (and the owner, an American called David who has lived in Bangkok for 15 years). Don't expect to sleep: people will turn on the light and ask you to come along with them to party. If that's not for you, then you're best off at another hotel. There is a 24-hour reception, common room, bar with food served, pool table, Internet (1 baht/minute). The Wi-Fi, lockers and long-term storage are free of charge. The owner arranges, on request, pub crawls and enjoys taking groups of guys out to Soi Cowboy. His advice is sage. Read his 4-page treatise on how to spot a ladyboy, which is pinned in the bar toilet. A downside is the price of the beer, which is three times the price paid at the 7-Eleven 10 m away, and bringing outside drinks in is forbidden. 400 baht per person
• Som's Guesthouse, 295/13-14 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (BTS Phrom Phong, walk down soi 22 and take a left into the side street after the Imperal Queen's Park), +66 2 259-1043. A basic guest house with nine rooms that have cable TV, fridge and hot shower. Six of them have air-conditioning, while the other three only have a fan. Furniture looks shabby and old, but it suffices if you're on a budget. 800-900 baht
• Star Light Hotel (27 Hotel), 81 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (BTS Phrom Phong, walk into Soi 22 and take a left into Soi Som Soong, the soi that comes right after Washington Square), +66 2 258-2272. This is an old, no-frills Thai-Chinese hotel near Washington Square. As is usual, there are "short time" and overnight options. Rooms for both these types have air-conditioning. Don't expect anything more than just a cheap room. 350-500 baht
• Royal Asia Lodge, 91 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana), +66 2 251-5514. This is quite a simple hotel that just gets the job done for a lower mid-range price. Furniture looks old, the faucet needs to be fixed and the swimming pool is small. As it is about 800 metres from the main road, it is quieter and cheaper than other hotels. To make up for the distance, there is a complimentary tuk-tuk service that runs to Sukhumvit Road 24 hours a day. 1,100 baht
• Royal Ivory, 73 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana), +66 2 656-7517. This hotel is mid-way along Soi 4, but still a 10-15 minutes walk from the main road: if you're too lazy than there is a free shuttle service. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and quiet, which given its location is a plus, but they look a little run down. air-conditioning and TV with satellite TV channels. The pool is small, but OK for a quick dip. The restaurant has a large TV screen, a pool table and serves good local food. Near the sleazy Nana Entertainment Plaza, so there are lots of Western men with bar girls around. 1,300-1,800 baht

Mid-range

There is plenty of good quality, mid-range accommodation on Sukhumvit. It is possible to book on a weekly basis and get a large discount at many places.

• Ambassador Hotel, 171 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana), +66 2 254-0444. The hotel is very big with 750 rooms. Rooms in the tower wing (2,400 baht) has a better view, but the rooms in the main wing are cheaper (1,600 baht). Rooms look a bit worn, but it seems renovation is in progress. No in-room safe. The pool on the roof is especially nice. 1,600-6,000 baht
• The Davis, 88 Sukhumvit Soi 24 (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center), +66 2 260-8000. Run by massage parlour magnate-cum-politician Chuwit Kamolsivit, this is one of the best deals in Bangkok. A boutique hotel at lower splurge prices (1,400 baht/night for a month's stay). Each room is furnished differently yet tastefully. The primary negative is the location very deep down Soi 24, quite a hike (15-20 minutes) from Sukhumvit itself. 2,800-4,100 baht
• Dynasty Inn, 5/4-5 Nanatai, +66 2 252-4522, front@dynastyinn.com. A few metres from the better known Nana Hotel. Free Wi-Fi, excellent coffee shop, on-site travel agent and beauty salon. 1,080-2,000 baht depending on room and season
• Kingston Suites, 39/3-7 Sukhumvit Soi 15 (BTS Asok), +66 2 120-8288. Classic looking rooms and very spacious with all the mod-cons expected. As it is off the main road, it makes for a quiet stay. There's limited choice for breakfast, but the buffet is good. 1,600-2,000 baht
• Legacy Express, 29 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Phloen Chit), +66 2 655-7474. This luxury hotel has 63 big rooms with jazzy colours, an LCD TV and a bathroom. There is a 7-Eleven on the ground floor as well as a small restaurant. "Short stay" also available. 1,300-2,300 baht
• Majestic Suites, 110-110/1 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Nana, at the corner with Soi 4), +66 2 656-8220. This hotel is directly around the corner from Nana Entertainment Plaza and close to the BTS station. The rooms are modern and well-maintained, but some people may find the "single studio" rooms for 1,350 baht small. There is ample space for 100 baht more in the "single superior" rooms. Free internet. Not to be confused with the newer, larger and pricier Majestic Grande nearby on Soi 2, although they share ownership and guests at the Suites can get a pass to use the pool and health club at the Grande. 1,350-2,100 baht
• Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 Bangkok - A Chatrium Collection (โรงแรมมายเทรียณ์ สุขุมวิท 18 กรุงเทพ – เอ ชาเทรียม คอลเลคชั่น), 26 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey (Get off at Sukhumvit MTR or Asoke BTS station), 13.73296°, 100.562598°, +66 2302 5777, info.mhsc@chatrium.com. Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm, check-out: 1200 hrs or noon. 131-room hotel with outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. THB 2,500 2021-03-17
• Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection (โรงแรมมายเทรียณ์ โมด สุขุมวิท 15 กรุงเทพฯ -เอ ชาเทรียม คอลเลคชั่น), 81 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey – Nua, Wattana (Get off at BTS Asoke Station to walk to Sukhumvit 15), 13.745555°, 100.558602°, +66 2 651 3355, info.mmsb@chatrium.com. Check-in: 1400 hrs, check-out: 1200 hrs (noon). 82-room hotel with outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and a restaurant (Uzzie Restaurant - breakfast buffet or a la carte style and all-day dining on Mediterranean cuisine available). THB 2,200 2021-03-17
• Nana Hotel, 21/4 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana), +66 2 255-2525. A relic of the past. The kind of place that still has sand-filled ashtrays dotted around the entrance, the lobby, at each elevator. The rooms are quiet, clean, pleasantly decorated, and serviced daily. There's an antiquated bathroom with atrocious plumbing, refrigerator, in-room safe and TV. In-house bar and disco. It is a decent lower-end option, if you are not bothered by the nearby hotspots for sex tourism, and staying in a hotel that also offers an hourly rate. Very good breakfast buffet free with room and great swimming pool. Wi-Fi is 300 baht for a 24 hr, 60 baht for 1 hr. 1,490-3,290 baht
• On8 Sukhumvit (โรงแรม ออนเอท สุขุมวิท), 160/1-162 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana), 13.740266°, 100.555784°, +66 2 254-8866. The staff are friendly, almost like a small family. Decent breakfast and the menu whilst small is varied. Plenty to keep you busy around the hotel with a night market, spas, local restaurants and pubs. Free internet. From 1,652 baht
• Salil Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 8, 50, 50/1 Sukhumvit Soi 8 (BTS Nana), +66 2 253-2474)). This is a small and stylish boutique hotel in the Nana area of Sukhumvit. It has all the modern room facilities you'd expect, including TV, air-conditioning and a water boiler for noodles or tea. There's no lift, so good luck carrying your luggage upstairs. Breakfast is included. 1,690-2,500 baht
• Salil Hotel Thonglor Soi 1, 44/14-17 Sukhumvit Soi 53 (BTS Thong Lo, walk up Soi 53, then take a right into Soi Thong Lo 1 and then a left into a small street), +66 2 662-5480. A boutique hotel in the Thong Lo area with 40 rooms that are decorated in colour-vintage style. Air-conditioning, fridge, free WiFi, LCD TV, DVD player, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. It is close to Thong Lo's BTS station and the party areas of Soi 55 and 63. Inclusive of breakfast. 1,690-2,190 baht
• Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn, 123 Sukhumvit Soi 57 (BTS Thong Lo), +66 2 714-0703. Sawasdee has many different discount offers, it's quite a trouble to figure it out, but you might save a bit. It is a basic no-frills hotel on the lower end of the mid-range price category. It has 44 decent rooms with air-conditioning, a large bed and windows. They offer good service and the atmosphere overall is relaxed. The coin-operated internet terminals in the lobby cost 10 baht for 15 minutes. 1,000-1,200 baht
• Swiss Park Hotel (โรงแรมสวีส พาร์ค), 155/23 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana, turn right just after the Grand Business Inn), +66 2 254-0228. This is a well-managed hotel with clean and comfortable rooms. Rooms numbered up to 6 on each floor are more desirable as they have a view, while the others look out onto a building site that seems to have ground to a halt. Free WiFi in the lobby. 1,400-2,800 baht
• Woraburi Sukhumvit, 128/1 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana), +66 2 656-7029. This is a decent and clean lower-end hotel with a swimming pool. It is at the end of the soi, but that's actually a good thing as it's quieter than other hotels in the area. If you order more night at once, they give you a discount. Also, if you order from Booking.com, you can save 200 baht per night compared to booking from the hotel's own website. 1,050-2,500 baht

Splurge

Several of Bangkok's luxury hotels are concentrated on and near Sukhumvit. To splurge in Bangkok is cheaper than you initially think. Your options include:

• Amari Boulevard (now known as the Boulevard Hotel) (โรงแรมอมารี บูเลอวาร์ด), 2 Sukhumvit Soi 5 (BTS Nana), +66 2 255-2930. A distinctively triangle-shaped and conveniently located four-star hotel with two wings, the Krung Thep wing being newer, better and pricier than the older musty Siam wing. Service is not great and every time you exit the hotel you are assaulted by taxi cab drivers and prostitutes. There may be better choices on Sukhumvit Road, but assuming that you've not come to this part of Bangkok for a quiet 'get away from it all' break, the location is great. It is right in the thick of the action, with many of Sukhumvit's attractions a short stroll away. 2,300-8,500 baht
• The Continent Hotel, 413 Sukhumvit Rd (MRT Sukhumvit or BTS Asoke exit 6), 13.736482°, 100.562034°, +66 2 686-7000, enquiry@thecontinenthotel.com. 3,000 baht
• JW Marriott Hotel (โรงแรม เจ ดับบลิว แมริออท), 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2 (BTS Phloen Chit), +66 2 656-7700. Marriott's flagship in Bangkok, a very short block from Nana Plaza (which explains the colourful clientele). Opened in 1997 and decorated in Thai style, complete with bellboys wearing pith helmets and funny trousers. 4,960-60,000 baht
• Park Plaza Sukhumvit, 16 Ratchadaphisek Rd (BTS Asok), +66 2 263-5000. The rooms are nice, clean and spacious. There's a swimming pool at the top of the hotel, from which you have stunning views of Bangkok. Free WiFi throughout the hotel and an extensive breakfast is included in the price. 2,420-4,950
• Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, 18 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana), +66 2 120 8888. A modern hotel on the trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11, close to all the action, shopping and nightlife. Spacious, comfy and clean rooms, generally with a good view. There's an excellent poolside area with plenty of deck chairs for lounging, although the sun is blocked by a large building most of the day. The Splash Bar by the pool serves nice drinks and the breakfasts are varied. If you're a football fan, there is a Manchester United Restaurant and Bar at the hotel, but if not, plenty of restaurants and bars are within walking distance. 2,600-6,200 baht
• Solitaire Hotel, 75/23 Klongtoey-Nua Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana), +66 2 081 3999. A splendidly quiet and luxury retreat. It has spacious rooms with extremely comfy beds along with large 42" TVs and a kitchenette. You can treat yourself to a massage at the Ananda Spa. Free WiFi throughout the hotel. There's also a free tuk-tuk shuttle service to Nana and Asok BTS stations. A downer if that it's often not possible to book just one night (must be two or more). 3,500-4,300 baht
• S15 Sukhumvit Hotel, 217 Sukhumvit Soi 15 (BTS Asok), +66 2 651-2000. This boutique hotel is right in the middle of Sukhumvit. It's not particularly big, but looks very good. It has a professional atmosphere in an informal way, friendly and relaxing. The restaurant is good too, although choice is a little limited. No pool, but offers a compact gym with steam and sauna. 2,600-5,500 baht
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asok), +66 2 649-8888. High rise five-star hotel ideally located right by Asok BTS station with a walkway connecting the station directly to the hotel. Expect all the usual five-star facilities, including some superb restaurants such as the renowned Italian restaurant Rossini's. 6,800-18,000 baht
• The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asok), 13.738048°, 100.557319°, +66 2 207-8000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: noon. Like the Sheraton, the Westin is part of the prestigious Marriott group of hotels. Probably not quite as opulent as the Sheraton, but also noted for some fine dining at the excellent Japanese restaurant, Kisso. 4,600-9,800 baht
• Emporium Suites by Chatrium (โรงแรมเอ็มโพเรียม สวีท บาย ชาเทรียม), 622, Sukhumvit Soi24, Klongton, Klongtoey (Get off at BTS Phrom Phong Station, use the direct covered link and walk through the adjoining Emporium Shopping Complex to get to Emporium Suites by Chatrium), 13.730194°, 100.56877°, +66 2664-9999, info.es@chatrium.com. Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm, check-out: 1200 hrs or noon. 378-room hotel located in Emporium Shopping Complex building and next to Benjasiri Park, is one of the Chatrium Hotels & Residences hotels with outdoor swimming pool, Fitness Center and one restaurant (The Emporia Restaurant, offers all-day dining with a breakfast buffet, Cantonese cuisine & dim sum lunch, and an a la carte menu, opens from 06:00 to 23:00). THB 4,600 2021-03-17

Connect

Sukhumvit is packed with Internet cafés, pubs and bars offering free Wi-Fi and computer access at rates as low as 0.5 baht/minute. Trying to print something will probably shed a whole new light on your experience. Be wary of key loggers which reputedly are epidemic at Thai Internet cafés. There have also been cases where memory cards get infected with a virus when plugged into an Internet café computer.

Go next

• If you came here for Soi Cowboy and Nana Entertainment Plaza, Soi Patpong in Silom offers more of the same. If you just came out of Long Table and want to continue your night the superhip way, Silom is also the way to go.
• Unlike most foreign travellers, the locals tend to go out in Ratchadaphisek. You might want to check out Royal City Avenue (often abbreviated as RCA), an entertainment paradise with bars, clubs and theatres, or one of Ratchada's popular sois.
• Quite similar to Sukhumvit and right next to it is Siam Square, Bangkok's hippest shopping and entertainment district. It is only 10 minutes away by Skytrain.
• Going east on Sukhumvit Road (Hwy 3) will take you across the town border to Samut Prakan with sights like Erawan Museum and Ancient Siam only 100 m off the highway. If you push onward you will end up in Pattaya and finally in Trat near the border of Cambodia.