The lowdown
Sukhumvit Soi 55 is a long road leading northwards from one of Bangkok’s main artery that is Sukhumvit to Phetchaburi Road. Known locally as Thong Lo, it is translated to ‘gold road’, and there is a very clear reason for this. Over the years Thong Lo has got a bit of a name for itself. An immediate status symbol comes with saying you live or are heading out in this part of Thailand’s buzzing capital. And even with Bangkok’s notorious traffic, a day will not go by without a super car showing off its paces down Thong Lo, despite probably only getting into second gear.
By day the main drag of Thong Lo is busy and is filled with more dining options and community malls that you could shake a stick at. But once the sun goes down and the neon lights turn on, throbbing Thong Lo well and truly comes alive. A mecca for the night or even the evening owl, this is the place to be seen, the place to experience the city’s latest eateries and the place to sip on a cocktail mixed by a mixologist poured at a bar hidden behind a secret door.
Situated on the Sukhumvit line of the BTS Skytrain, much of the action is centred around Sukhumvit 55. However, the area itself spills out onto the neighbouring Sois and even south of Sukhumvit Road. Some of which are rabbit warrens, with tight streets, non-existence pavements, and taxis trying to make shortcuts to avoid the heavily congested main thoroughfares. The recent news of the planned monorail that it to be built above Thong Lo itself could not have been sweeter music to anyone’s ears. Stretching over 16 kilometres with an interchange at Thong Lo BTS, will make getting to this popular part of Bangkok even easier.
Daily life
Despite Thong Lo’s impressive night scene thanks to the new establishments that are welcomed on what feels like a weekly basis, there still remains a strong sense of community in this pocket of Bangkok. Sure the area attracts movers and shakers who want to be part of this high society lifestyle, but when the darkness falls the street vendors erect tables for diners to stop and tuck into some tasty and cheap street food.
There is a big expatriate community, many of whom are Japanese, in the area. The countless community malls are filled with everyday conveniences such as supermarkets, hairdressers, pharmacies and boutiques to meet everyone’s needs and whims. Outside of these malls retailers sell everything from furniture to baby gear, wedding dresses to the latest models of car. A range of international schools, a hospital, gyms, co-working spaces, spas, and serviced residences can all be found in Thong Lo. Adding to its appeal as a neighbourhood, it is no wonder that those who live in Thong Lo have little reason to leave.
Where to live
The choice of accommodation in Thong Lo is diverse. Despite its reputation as a party place, the character of Thong Lo with its small sub Sois means it isn’t difficult to find somewhere to live that is quiet but is still very accessible and convenient. Naturally like anywhere in Bangkok, those closest to the BTS Skytrain come with the highest price tags. Condominiums and apartment buildings are dotted all along Sukhumvit 55, run off the sub Sois and the even numbered Sois of Sukhumvit namely in and around Soi 38. Many of those situated further away from the BTS come with a shuttle service to ferry residents back and forth, but there are countless moto taxis in the area on hand if not.
Houses, whether that is a townhouse or a villa, are also in abundance. Drawing families to the area, some are situated in a compound behind grand gates and with each property boasting their own pool. Ideal for those looking to max out their housing budget, the area also has penthouses with impressive private rooftop pools and panoramic cityscapes. At the other end of the scale there are studios and smaller units ideal for those desperate to live in the area. After all anyone living vaguely in the vicinity of Thong Lo will claim to be a resident so many new projects will include its name in the title to add to its exclusivity.
Eating and drinking
New establishments are welcomed on what feels like a weekly basis, however the beauty of Thong Lo is its variety that caters for all demographics. The expat community brings with it a vast range of culinary choices. Food from every corner of the globe can be sampled to satisfy whatever your taste buds fancy, and the community malls that are dotted up Thong Lo house even more chain restaurants and cafés to take your pick from.
Many places have seating outside for alfresco dining and the majority of bars are situated on sub Sois 10 and 13 off Sukhumvit 55. But it is hard to keep up as new courtyards popping up in Thong Lo that are becoming a destination in themselves. Often housing a few different eating and drinking options it makes bar hopping even easier.
Why should I live in Thong Lo?
- If you are that person who wants to be one step ahead of the trends then Thong Lo is for you. This is a fast changing place, and the only way to keep up is to live right in the centre of it all.
- Convenience. There is no doubt that Thong Lo has everything. Start the day with a relaxed brunch, catch up on a work in one of the area’s co-working spaces, shop for food, bespoke items or the latest interior trends, work out in a gym, then finish the day off with some street food. It can all be done right here.
- There is something for everyone in Thong Lo. From eating, sleeping, shopping and socialising, the area caters for all demographics whatever your tastes or budget.
