Joanna James
As one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Bangkok is an eclectic mix of diverse and exciting neighbourhoods. From a backpacker's haven to scenic riverside avenues, here are seven local streets that every visitor should check out during a holiday in the Thai capital.
Shopaholics looking for the best area to engage in their favourite pastime must head over to the decidedly fashion-forward Rama I Road. Home to some of the top malls and department stores in Bangkok, this particular street is chockfull of shopping centres that cater not only to luxury shoppers but also those on a budget. Some of the retail hotspots everyone should experience down Rama I Road include vast compounds such as Siam Square One, Siam Discovery and CentralWorld as well as MBK and similar mid-range malls.
As the home base of all backpackers visiting Bangkok for the first time, Khao San Road is not only a great place to explore backpack culture but also wine, dine and shop "on a shoestring". Stretching across a kilometre, the internet cafes, restaurants, bars, spas, markets, tattoo studios and shops down Khao San Road mostly cater to tourists with tight purses. This makes it the perfect area to pick up affordable souvenirs and keepsakes or enjoy local craft beers on tap.
Travellers based at Emporium Suites by Chatrium or any other accommodation hub in Sukhumvit can't afford to miss out on Sukhumvit Soi 38. As a street food lover's dream destination, the finest street-side delicacies Bangkok has to offer are all available down this bustling street. Although the area is cramped with small kiosks and metal tables with tiny chairs, locals and tourists alike head to this part of the city after sundown for a delicious meal. Offering the perfect alternative to dining in a fine dining venue or a high-end hotel, Bangkok Sukhumvit Soi 38 is the go-to spot for classic Thai treats.
Located near Khao San Road, Soi Rambuttri is a decidedly more affluent entertainment hub, unlike its neighbouring street. Offering fine dining enthusiasts an eclectic mix of trendy bars, restaurants and hotels, its Banyan tree-lined avenue is ideal for long walks in the afternoon.
Perhaps the most coveted entertainment district in all of Bangkok, Thonglor is where young and high-rolling locals head for an up-market night out on the town. The boutiques, nightclubs, restaurants and drinking holes in Thonglor are geared towards those with deep pockets who don't mind shelling out a few thousand baht at a single venue before moving on to another.
Running alongside the River of Kings or the Chao Praya River, this Bangkok street offers visitors easy access to some of Thailand's top heritage sites and landmarks. The Grand Palace and iconic temples including Wat Phra, Wat Arun and Wat Kalayanamit are situated across the river from Maha Rat Road.
Frequently referred to as RCA, the Royal City Avenue can rightly be dubbed the nightclub capital of Bangkok. Boasting some of the best clubs in the city, the area is spread out across 4 blocks and includes large concert venues and party districts offering varied after-dark distractions for hardcore revellers.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
