Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok
Sukhumvit Road is the main commercial street in Bangkok, and a shopping and dining paradise. The street is lined with modern shopping malls, luxury boutiques, and delicious street markets. It has something to offer for any traveler – from high-end fashion to unique Thai souvenirs and museums. The Terminal 21 shopping center, with its fancy and themed floors representing different world cities, is one of the main attractions. Meanwhile, the street’s many international restaurants and street food stalls allow you to explore a diverse cuisine.
Sukhumvit Road is one of the youngest districts of Bangkok, dating from the ‘60s, and is now considered one of the most sophisticated and desirable places to stay if you are a foreigner.
Many visitors to Bangkok find themselves staying on Sukhumvit Road, since it is central, serviced by the Skytrain and Metro, and has plenty to offer Western tastes, with its restaurants, pubs, malls, and English-speaking services. It’s a short taxi ride to the Siam Square transport and shopping hub or Silom business district. Many office blocks and condos are situated near Sukhumvit but it also has some low-rise leafy neighbourhoods for those who can afford them.
How to Get to Sukhumvit Road
Sukhumvit Road is located in the heart of Bangkok and can be reached from different parts of the city. You have plenty of choice which transport to take (depending on where you’re staying).
By BTS Skytrain
The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain is one of the most convenient ways to reach Sukhumvit Road. The Sukhumvit Line (Green Line) of the BTS runs along Sukhumvit Road. You can take the BTS and get off at any of the Sukhumvit Line stations, such as Asok, Nana, Phrom Phong, or Ekkamai, depending on where you’re traveling on Sukhumvit Road.
By MRT Subway
If you are coming from the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) subway, you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain at the interchange station of Asok. This way you can access Sukhumvit Road from the MRT.
By Taxi or Grab
Grab is very popular in Bangkok. Just choose the type of car you wish, and type in the destination address – and that’s it. The driver will pick you up. Alternatively, you can take a street tuk tuk or a local taxi (but make sure it has a meter).
By Airport Rail Link
If you’re arriving from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station and then transfer to the BTS Skytrain. From Phaya Thai Station, take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to reach the Sukhumvit Road.
By Bus
Bangkok’s public buses also have stops on the Sukhumvit Road. There are several bus routes that run along Sukhumvit, but they can be a bit more challenging to navigate for foreigners. That’s why we recommend traveling by Skytrain or a taxi.
By Walking
Obviously! If you are staying somewhere near the Sukhumvit Road, you can reach it on foot. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops are located on or within walking distance of the Sukhumvit Line BTS stations.
Keep in mind that Sukhumvit Road is a super long and busy street, so it’s a good idea to plan beforehand where exactly you need to go and how to reach that place.
Top Attractions at Sukhumvit Road
Sois
Like many important avenues in Bangkok, the streets leading off form part of the district. Known as sois, these are where many expats live or hotels are located, with the even numbers to your right and odd numbers on the left (going south). Whereas Sukhumvit Road itself is a major transport thoroughfare full of traffic and business, it gets quieter and more pleasant as you travel down these sois. A mere 100m from this avenue, you will find large, leafy mansions in low-rise environments, literally in the heart of the city.
Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy is a famous red light district in Bangkok, located off Sukhumvit Road. It’s situated between Soi 21 (Asoke) and Soi 23. Soi Cowboy is known for its colorful nightlife, particularly its many go-go bars, clubs, and adult entertainment.
The soi earned its name from an American who opened one of the first bars in the area during the 1970s, and the nickname “Soi Cowboy” stuck. While it’s well-known for its nightlife and adult-oriented entertainment, it’s also a part of Bangkok’s history and fun to walk in. Soi Cowboy is relatively small and pedestrian-friendly, so it’s easy to explore it on foot. It comes alive after dark, and is illuminated by neon signs and bright lights.
Soi Nana (Soi 3)
It’s another red light district, famous for its nightlife and go-go bars. It’s located near Nana BTS station.
Soi Asoke (Soi 21)
This is a major intersection with Sukhumvit Road. This area is a commercial and transportation hub with shopping centers like Terminal 21 and the interchange between the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway.
Bars and Restaurants at Sukhumvit Road
Best Rooftop: Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie
Address: 189 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.
If you love scenic views and mouth watering cocktails – there’s no better place to enjoy them than Belga. Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie is an exquisite dining and leisure place situated atop the Sofitel Hotel in Bangkok.
It’s open from 5 pm to 12 am (extended working hours until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays), the bar boasts a luxurious and vintage atmosphere. It’s a perfect setting for an upscale experience and for any size of company.
With a smart casual dress code in place (no shorts or flip flops allowed), you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city from this skyscraper. The outdoor terrace allows an almost 360-degree walk. The average spending per person starts at 1,000 baht, but it’s worth every baht.
The menu offers both Thai and Western dishes, catering to all tastes.
Best Restaurant: Indulge Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Address: 403-403/1, 407 407/1 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Nestled between the bustling Terminal 21 and the Soi Cowboy, Indulge Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Bangkok is an absolute gem. Add it to your to-do list and you won’t be disappointed! The staff here redefine friendliness – seriously, their service is always like a warm welcome.
The crowd at Indulge is a fascinating mix of locals, jet-setters exploring the city, and savvy professionals taking a break from the nearby offices. The vibe is cosmopolitan and lively.
The interior of Indulge is a visual treat. It blends chic design with comfort, perfect for Instagram shots. The strategically chosen location adds to the allure, making it a convenient stop for both tourists and locals out on the town.
From tantalizing Asian flavors to comforting Western dishes, there’s something for every palate. Oh, and vegetarians, rejoice! This place is a haven for you with its thoughtful and delectable vegetarian-friendly options.
Prices lean towards the upscale side, averaging more than 1000+ baht per person. But trust us, this experience is worth the price. They also have happy hours in the morning and afternoon, where prices are lower.
Best Nightclub: Lucy Club Bangkok
Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 3, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Lucy Club Bangkok is a fantastic new nightclub known for its great international music and friendly staff. To get in, they charge you around 400 Baht, but that includes a free drink to start your night off right. You’ll find the entrance in the basement of a hotel, giving it a bit of a hidden gem vibe.
What’s cool about Lucy Club is that it’s not overly crowded, so it’s best to arrive late, around midnight, for the peak party experience. The club is committed to maintaining a clean environment, and this includes well-kept bathrooms for guests.
If you’re looking for a place with a lively atmosphere, good tunes, and a more intimate setting without the overwhelming crowds, Lucy Club Bangkok is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great spot to have an enjoyable and memorable night out in the city.
Shopping
Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok is a bustling hub for shopping lovers, featuring a diverse array of shopping malls that cater to various tastes and budgets.
One standout destination is Terminal 21, known for its innovative concept of representing different cities on each floor, offering a global shopping experience with a mix of international and local brands.
Adjacent to each other, Emporium and EmQuartier form a luxury shopping complex, with Emporium renowned for its high-end fashion and designer boutiques, while EmQuartier complements it with a modern design and a diverse selection of brands.
CentralWorld, although not directly on Sukhumvit Road, is easily accessible and stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s largest shopping complexes. It houses a wide range of shops, from international brands to local retailers, and provides a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience.
Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok isn’t just about high-end shopping malls; it’s also a bustling hub for street shopping. If you stroll along the sois, you’ll find a vibrant and eclectic mix of stalls and vendors along the sidewalks.
Parks
There are some green spaces and smaller parks nearby where you can connect with nature in the heart of Bangkok.
Benchasiri Park: Located in the Phrom Phong BTS Station area, Benchasiri Park is a popular urban park along Sukhumvit Road. It was established in 1992. Despite its relatively modest size, it offers a tranquil escape with jogging paths, a large pond, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The park is adorned with sculptures and art installations, providing a serene oasis amidst the city’s vibrancy. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or even a quick workout.
Benjakiti Park: While not directly on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park is a nearby green space situated around the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It features a scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city. The park is popular for jogging, cycling, and simply unwinding by the water. In the evening, the park is illuminated, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxing stroll.
Sukhumvit Road Areas
Essentially, Sukhumvit Road runs some 45 blocks from Nana to On Nut (though it continues all the way to Samut Prakarn at the river mouth, and resurfaces as far away as Pattaya!). The overhead Skytrain runs the length of this stretch of the avenue. At the top end is Nana, one of the go-go areas of the city, where tourists pick their way among pavement vendors hawking all sorts of cheap goods. Many good restaurants and pubs here suit a Western taste. This area is also ethnically diverse, with Arabian and African quarters.
Upper Sukhumvit Road
The top section from Nana to Asoke is the tourist area – running about eight blocks to Soi 20 and the major intersection with Rachadapisek Road and Metro. Here you will find big hotels, Nana Plaza, and many girlie bars, restaurants, pavement vendors, and foreign quarters. It can be chaotic, busy, and sleazy in parts, but is the hub of evening activity.
Mid-Sukhumvit Road
The middle section features Ekkamai and Tong Lor; two adjacent avenues that contain many of the trendy bars and clubs where wealthy young Thais like to hang out. It is also the residential area of choice for expats since there are many quieter sois off Sukhumvit Road, with decent houses, gardens, and parks, along with the posh Emporium Mall and restaurants and pubs. Lots of hotels are also situated here.
This is perhaps the most sensible place to stay in Bangkok if you wish to be near foreigner-friendly amenities, yet prefer to avoid the busy and sleazy bits at the top end of Sukhumwit. The choice of hotels in this area, and all along Sukhumvit, is excellent, and they are conveniently located.
Lower Sukhumvit Road
The lower end of Sukhumvit Road seldom sees tourists and is a more affordable area for Thais and expats to live, where you can get more for your money, yet still be near the Skytrain. On Nut, with its Tescos stores, is the center of activity, but Sukhumvit runs for another 15 blocks, lined with malls and businesses.
Since the Skytrain runs the length of Sukhumvit Road, it remains a popular area to stay. If you alight at a Skytrain station, there are always motorcycle taxis waiting to take you down the sois. This has been Bangkok’s fastest developing area for some time and remains one of the more central and convenient areas with a large choice of condos and services.
