Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok’s longest and most lively road in the capital, consists of all kinds of hotels, restaurants from all over the world, local stores to world-class shopping centers and every prime business function of the country. The BTS skytrain runs right along Sukhumvit providing easy access along its length and to other parts of the city. Sukhumvit’s streets (Soi) locates the color of nightlife and party option.
What to do
People who stays at Sukhumvit would never can stay still in their rooms. Shopping:The Emporium shopping centre, located at Sukhumvit Soi 24, offers top brands from all over the world, fine dining, food court, beauty salon, book store (international), music stores, etc. But if you prefer local market and bargain, street vendors selling Thai souvenir and clothe operate along the central part of Sukhumvit around the main hotels during the evening. (click here for Shopping in Bangkok)
Enjoy the night: Most party lovers will direct to Sukhumvit after dark to seek a place to hang out. You will never be alone, when you are on Sukhumvit. All kinds of pub, bar, lounge, karaoke, disco and even cabaret, here they are – on Sukhumvit. (click here for Nightlife in Bangkok)
What to see
Kamthieng House
The Kamthieng House is of great interest to all who have an interest in Thai society. It is the center-piece at the Siam Society, which promotes the preservation of heritage, culture, arts and the environment.
This superb example of Northern Thai architecture is more than 160 years old and has been preserved in excellent condition. It has been handed down through generations of the Nimmanahaeminda family before being generously donated to the Siam Society by Nang Kinhaw Nimmanahaeminda. With the financial support of the Asia Foundation, the house was relocated from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in 1964.
The house is built on wooden stilts with the underneath area used to display a rich assortment of agricultural implements such as plough and harvesting equipment made of wood, reeds and bamboo.
The Kamthieng House is stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life. There are beautiful hand-woven fabrics, ornate wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and religious items. This outstanding collection serves as an ethnological museum. This has fulfilled on of the goals of the Siam Society which had it written into the rules when it was formed in 1904.
The Siam Society occasionally grants permission for small receptions for 25 to 30 people to be held in the gardens with the house as a backdrop.
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station. Subway to Sukhumvit Station Opening time : Tuesday to Saturday (except public holidays) 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission fee : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht. Tel : 0 2661 6470-7 Website :www.siam-society.org
Benchasiri Park
This compact park on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24 was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992. It features a huge sculpture of commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including children works. Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission : Free
Museum of Thai Pharmacy
The museum is located on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage Building at 40 Soi Santisuk, Sukhumvit 38 Road (diagonally opposite Soi Thong Lo). It was established to publicize traditional Thai medicine from past to present for later generations to learn and treasure. The exhibition is featured by various topics; namely, 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. The museum is open on weekdays during Open : Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Advance contact in writing is required for a group visit) Admission : Free Tel : 0 2391 6243, 0 2712 1627
Science Centre for Education Situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this is an exhibition centre on a variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as permanent exhibitions of sports science, communication technology and natural environment.
Open : Exhibition: Tue to Sun (except public holidays) from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Planetariam : 1-hour shows at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Additional shows on Sat & Sun at 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. Admission : Exhibition and Planetariam - Adult 40 baht, Child 20 baht Tel : 0 2392 5951-9
Where to dine
Cosmopolitan cuisine is the theme of Sukhumvit Road, one of the Bangkok's most stylish thoroughfares. There is no shortage of eating placces on Sukhumvit Road. European, American, Italian, French, British, German, Mexican, Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants living along the road and presenting a variety of options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit 55, also knowm as Soi Thonglor, and its labyrinthine branches are also full of restaurants of every kind. Sukhumvit Sois 23, 24, 47, 49 and 63 are typically sophisticated restaurant streets.
Ana Garden (Thai) Soi Thonglor 1-3, Sukhumvit 55
T.02-391-1762
A cozy outdoor restaurant that feels a bit like dining in a tropical rainforest. The garden setting is relaxing and peaceful. The food at Ana garden is delicious and features Thai dishes. Ana Garden is popular with young professionals from the media and entertainment industries. In the evening after 22.00 it is a great place to enjoy the music while enjoying a drink with some friends. If you are looking for a romantic spot to spend the evening, Ana Garden is for you.
Bei Otto(German)
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20
T.02-260-0869
This famous bar and restaurant is located in Sukhumvit Soi 20. The much lager premises are the setting for a splendid European restaurant, a German restaurant and bar, together with a bakery and delicatessen. The menu has something to please everyone’s taste, with sausages, bread, cakes and pastries are all made on the premises so that the freshness and quality are always guaranteed.
Bourbon Street(American Cajun)
Washington Square, Sukhumvit Soi 22
T.02-259-0328
Doug Harrison’s restaurant has been dishing up Cajun Creole delights inspired by Louisiana’s Bayou country fro almost 20 years. Signature dishes are Black bean Red Fish, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Red Bean & Rice and variety of crawfish dishes. The restaurant does a lot of catering and opens early for breakfast.
Crepes & Co (French & Mediterranean)
Sukhumvit Soi 12
T.02—653-3990
set in a beautiful preserved wooden house with a lush garden, this Creperie is noted for its friendly service and management. Extremely popular with Thais and local expats always seem to be filled with happy customers. A full selection of traditional French crepes as well as selected Mediterranean specialities is offered. Rotating promotions feature authentic Moroccan, Greek, and Spanish dishes. The popular brunch, served “any day, any time’, is a weekend institution for many.
Duc De Praslin, Belgium (Chocolate)
10 Sukhumvit Soi 49-14
T.02-712-6937
We produce fresh, with no preservatives fine hand crafted Belgian chocolates following traditional Belgian recipes. All raw materials are processed under careful and utmost hygienic conditions. In purest traditions, you will find these different assortments in “Bollotins packaging”. We take orders for occasion like Birthdays, weddings, exhibitions, company’s celebration etc. Available in 50, 100, 200, 500 gms packaging. Home delivery possible.
Kacho (Japanese)
The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Sukhumvit 22
T. 02-261-9000 ext 5111/2
Occupying 1,000 sq.m. on the top floor with 10 private rooms for up to 100 persons, the Kacho restaurant serves very fine traditional Japanese cuisine as well as Kaiseki menus. Our Japanese chefs always ensures that his food quality, both in taste and presentation, is as high as its location.