Looking for a central, not super-touristy neighborhood in Bangkok
Replies: 265 - Last Post: Nov 2, 2012 10:25 PM Last Post By: sjaak327
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Looking for a central, not super-touristy neighborhood in Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok for the first time and will be there for 2 nights before traveling around SE Asia. We're looking for a neighborhood that is central (would love to be able to walk to major attractions / the river) and also near a BTS station. We are an early 30's couple from Portland Oregon, both designers, would love a somewhat indie vibe and don't want to be surrounded by nightclubs, drunks, or too many tourists. Looking for something authentically vibrant.Is there such a place in Bangkok? Siam Square looks central enough and close to BTS. Any other recommendations?
1
it's going to be difficult finding an area that has character but no nightlife, drunks or tourists...You could check out Long Tho (Sukhumvit soi 55) which has a lot of higher end restaurants, but not sure if it could be considered "indie". It's close to the skytrain though.
Other than that I'd suggest Chinatown. The usual suspects of lower Sukhumvit and KSR are full of exactly what you don't want.
2
I second JJack ...stay somewhere on the BTS network, and don't consider walking ... that's crazy talk. Bangkok is huge, sweaty, chaotic and spread out.
3
There are areas where some bars are concentrated like Soi 4 Sukhumvit, Soi Cowboy and Patpong but no one is going to make you enter these bar areas against your will. You also have good restaurants, malls, travel agencies for tours, street vendors and various priced hotels. Thousands of ordinary people walk by or drive by nightlife by every day without problems. The above areas are also near rail service.http://www.urbanrail.net/as/bang/bangkok.htm
When you find somewhere without tourists around there is probably nothing in that area worth walking to. It's only 2 nights don't be so fussy you you miss the forest because the trees are in the way!
5
Siam Square? I guess 90% of all tourists pass through that area! Bangkok isn't like most capital cities - it doesn't have a "centre" as such, though the Siam Square area is one of several.Soi Ari is all you need to know. Google for info. Next to BTS skytrain, which means that almost everywhere else is a short ride away.
Walking, except in the relative evening cool, is best kept to a minimum - this climate isn't Portland, though you didn't say when you'll be here.
7
I think stay near ChaoPhraYa river is nice more if you don't like nightclubs, drunks. it's also near new shopping place the name Asiatique The Riverfront ,there's nice view at night. (Get off at BTS Taksin station)Siam Square near BTS and yes there are lots of Thai and tourists shopping, walking, day to night it's busy place all the time. (:
8
Your all in one does not exist really.Ari + Thonglor: upmarket, Thais with money and expatriates, nice restos and pubs. Close to sky train, far from river and sights.
Victory monument: busy main intersection with local spots, sky train there, far from river and sights.
Chinatown: not too far from sights, street food in the evenings, near the river, far from sky train or subway. Use river boat instead, daytime only however.
South sathorn: close to river, but not sights, close to sky train, but largely modern urban area, not much street life there.
Siam square: sky train interchange right there, far from sights and river, plenty of malls and food courts.
All places which are far from the river but close to sky train get you to the river in reasonable time of course.
Plenty of other interesting areas along sky train or sub way, along Ratchada road or Sukhumvid road past ekkamai or thonburi and wongwian yai, but none will fullfill all of your criteria.
9
If you want central and close to the river , then Banglamphu is the natural choice. The Sky Train is not that important as it only covers limited network- its over rated. From Banglamphu there are bus routes that meet up with the Skytrain stations.As for nightclubs , drunks, too touristy etc , this is not a problem as this is only concentrated on certain streets . As for Khao San road , despite its reputation , you only have to walk a few minutes away and you are back to normality.
See also this previous thread which goes into some detail about the merits of various areas to stay . - Areas To Stay In Bangkok
10
- The Sky Train is not that important as it only covers limited network- its over rated.
Strongly disagree here. It takes you to many interesting and useful places - except if you reduce Bangkok to the Grand Palace and the temples around there.
Plus I don't think that having to take a bus ride first - which can take anywhere from 15-60min depending on traffic - to get to BTS or subway is 'convenient'.
In that time frame you already covered a lot of distance across town if using the train.
Transport wise Banglampuh lacking and even if you stay off KSR that street dominates the area. If you stay in Sukhumvid soi 2 or soi 1and venture only towards Ploenchit you are few minutes away from Nana and escape it all and are back to normality as well.
Same goes for Silom or everywhere else.
Banglamphu has only two advantages, close to the river and close to the main temples. BTS/subway is not conveniently accessible from there.
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