Sukhumvit Guide | Top Attractions & Things to Do in Downtown Bangkok

One of the most well-known main drags in Bangkok is definitely Sukhumvit. It can be considered as the city’s dynamic ecosystem where the traditional charm of Thailand seamlessly blends with the sleek modernity of a global metropolis. Interestingly, Sukhumvit Road is not just a single street but one of the longest boulevards in the world, stretching over 400 kilometers from Bangkok all the way to the Cambodian border.

What makes Sukhumvit such an important neighbornood in Bangkok is because of the impressive array of international brands and towering hotels lies a network of ‘sois’ (smaller streets) each with its own distinct character, offering a deeper dive into the multifaceted soul of Bangkok. Venturing down these lanes means you’ll get to discover hidden culinary gems, from authentic street food stalls serving up aromatic Thai delicacies to sophisticated restaurants helmed by world-renowned chefs. The nightlife here is also legendary, evolving from lively pubs and trendy cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs that keep the city awake until dawn. But Sukhumvit is not solely about indulgence; pockets of tranquility can be found in its numerous spas offering traditional Thai massages and serene rooftop gardens providing a welcome escape from the urban buzz.

For those seeking retail therapy, the options are boundless. Mega-malls like Terminal 21, with its unique concept of themed floors representing different world cities, and the luxurious EmDistrict (comprising Emporium, EmQuartier, and the newly opened EmSphere) offer a curated selection of international and local designers. Yet, the charm of Sukhumvit also lies in its vibrant street markets, where you can haggle for unique souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere and the art of Thai bargaining. Exploring Sukhumvit is an adventure in itself, a sensory journey that reveals the captivating contrasts and endless possibilities that make Bangkok a truly unforgettable destination.

There’s no denying that Sukhumvit could get very busy with the nine-to-fivers rushing in and out of their sky-high offices, the visitors who are excited to explore all the good bits of the neighborhood, or even the traffics that might get on your nerve if you’re stuck in the car going somewhere. We would still highly recommend you visit here at least once to bask in the glory of Bangkok vibrancy.

Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok & Thailand

The section of Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok is actually part of a much larger route in Thailand that runs all the way from the center of the city to the border of Cambodia, making it one of the longest roads in the country. Within Bangkok, it serves as a major commercial street lined with both high rise buildings and a variety of street stalls. The road and its adjoining sub streets are collectively referred to as Sukhumvit, an area that stretches from the downtown neighborhood of Nana to the suburban neighborhood of Bearing. It is a busy district packed with locals, expats, and tourists all through the day and night.

Transportation in Sukhumvit

One of the best things about the Sukhumvit area is that it has fantastic transportation connections via the BTS Skytrain, the Metro, and the Airport Rail Link. This makes it easy to navigate the large area that is connected by Sukhumvit Road and to make your way to other parts of the city as well.

Sukhumvit mass transit options

• Skytrain: The BTS Sukhumvit line runs west to east along Sukhumvit Road. Some of the main stations on the line, each serving a neighborhood by the same name, are: Phaya Thai BTS Station, Nana BTS Station, Phloen Chit BTS Station, Asok BTS Station, Phrom Phong BTS Station, Thong Lo BTS Station, Ekkamai BTS Station, Phra Khanong BTS Station, On Nut BTS Station, Udom Suk BTS Station, Bang Na BTS Station, and Bearing BTS Station.
• Metro: Sukhumvit MRT Station on the MRT blue line provides access to the center of the downtown Sukhumvit area and is located just a three-minute walk from Asok BTS Station.
• Airport Rail Link: The Airport Rail Link is a commuter train from Suvarnabhumi Airport that connects passengers to Phaya Thai BTS Station on the Skytrain and Phetchaburi MRT Station on the Metro.

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Things to do in Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is always brimming with things to do, so you won’t have to look very hard for a plethora of entertainment and activities to fill your itinerary. In fact, you may have to be extra selective, as there is just too much to pack into one trip. To help you decide what should be at the top of your list, here is a look at Sukhumvit’s main daytime and nighttime activities, as well as some suggestions for the best places to go.

Sukhumvit shopping

Sukhumvit is known as the place to go for upscale shopping in Bangkok. The Western-style, air-conditioned shopping malls and department stores are full of all the latest clothing and accessories from the biggest brands, and they are never located too far from a Skytrain station. In addition to the large luxury shopping complexes, Sukhumvit has numerous affordable malls and street-level markets where you can find a variety of everyday goods and souvenirs for cheap.

Top shopping in Sukhumvit

• EmQuartier Bangkok: A 600,000-square-foot luxury shopping complex located near Phrom Phong BTS Station, EmQuartier has hundreds of stores for the dedicated shopper to discover. You’ll find all of the most exclusive designer brands like Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and more, as well as more affordable popular brands like H&M, Zara, Super Dry, and Uniqlo. There are also more than 50 restaurants where you can stop for a rest and a good meal.
• Emporium: Also located beside Phrom Phong BTS Station, Emporium is one of Bangkok’s original upscale shopping malls. It remains among the best places in the city to find international brands and top fashions, as well as a great selection of shops selling tech gadgets and home decor. The mall also houses a bustling food court and plenty of restaurants, and there is a cinema on the top floor where you can catch a movie after shopping.
• Terminal 21: One of the coolest malls in the city, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall has a main hall designed like an airport and several floors themed like different world cities. Shop your way through Tokyo, Rome, London, Paris, Istanbul, and more far-flung locales. There are nine floors in total, all with fantastic theming and an array of unique shops. The food offerings also reflect the culture of each floor, making for a fantastic array of dining options.
• Gateway Ekamai Shopping Mall: Reached via a walkway from Ekamai BTS Skytrain Station, Gateway Ekamai Shopping Mall is a great option for those looking for a more affordable shopping experience. This Japanese-style mall has a variety of stores, affordable Japanese restaurants, and a 24-hour supermarket. There is an entire floor dedicated to health and beauty products and services, another entire floor of independent boutique clothing stores, and a section called IT City where you will find major tech retailers.
• Nana Market: To get a taste of outdoor Bangkok market shopping, head to the market that opens up every evening between Nana BTS Station and Asok BTS Station. Sometimes known as Sukhumvit Street Market, Nana Market is full of stalls selling all sorts of affordable goods, including clothing, accessories, watches, DVDs, and souvenirs. Cheap snacks and drinks are also available. Vendors typically set up around 5 p.m. and begin closing around midnight.

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Sukhumvit attractions

As it is such a modern area of the city, Sukhumvit does not have many traditional tourist landmarks. Though Thailand and other areas of Bangkok are known for beautiful temples and historic palaces, you won’t find them here among the skyscrapers and shopping malls. However, there are some must-see attractions that you should try to visit as you explore the area to get an even greater feel for the unique culture and history of Sukhumvit.

Top attractions in Sukhumvit

• Benjasiri Park: A popular green space in the middle of all of the action, Benjasiri Park is an easy walk from Phrom Phong BTS Station. Though not an overly large area, the space is optimized for a wide array of activities. There are some great sports facilities, a running track, and even a central lake surrounded by trees. Buy some ice cream and take a stroll to find all of the modern art sculptures displayed throughout the park.
• Kamthieng House Museum: A renovated traditional teak house set amidst the skyscrapers surrounding Asok BTS Station, Kamthieng House Museum offers a serene escape into Thai culture and history. Enjoy a peek at traditional Thai rural living and take the time to read the informative signs about all of the different artifacts on display. The museum can be explored in just under an hour, making it easy to add to your itinerary if you are in the area.
• Flight Experience Bangkok: Located on the second floor of Gateway Ekamai Shopping Mall, Flight Experience Bangkok is a highly realistic flight simulator that can take you soaring all over the world. There are thousands of different airports you can fly from and you can even select different weather conditions for a more exciting and challenging experience. Choose between a half hour and the more popular one-hour package and enjoy a session lead by a real pilot.

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Traditional Thai massage

Like the rest of Bangkok, the Sukhumvit area has many massage parlors where you can go for an authentic Thai massage and a number of additional spa treatments for a very affordable price. A Thai massage utilizes traditional techniques involving rhythmic compressions and assisted yoga postures to realign the body and relieve stress. When you need a break from all of the shopping, there is no better way to relax than with a Thai massage.

Best Thai massage in Sukhumvit

• Orchid Spa & Massage: If you’re looking to take some time off your feet in the Phrom Phong BTS Station area, then make your way over to cozy and inviting Orchid spa & massage. Choose from an array of different treatments, including a traditional Thai massage, an oil massage, an aromatherapy massage, and the spa’s signature milky oil massage. Each can be customized to your specific needs. You can also book a full spa package for 140 or 170 minutes.
• Bamboo Spa Thailand: Located just southeast of Benjasiri Park, Bamboo Spa Thailand is a new boutique spa dedicated to providing clients with a professional and comfortable atmosphere. Choose from a selection of one-hour aromatherapy massages with an optional herbal body scrub, detoxification, or herbal ball compress. The massage therapists utilize a unique massage technique that combines elements of traditional Thai massage and Shiatsu. The spa menu also includes a “4 Hands” massage performed by two massage therapists at once.
• So Thai Spa Bangkok: Not far from Sukhumvit MRT Station, So Thai Spa Bangkok is a relaxing oasis in the middle of the big city. The spa menu has a great selection of treatments ranging from a two-hour traditional Thai and foot massage to a five-hour package with all of the spa’s best services. There are double and triple rooms available for couples or groups of friends and family who want to unwind and get pampered up together.
• Bai Po Massage: A short hop away from Nana BTS Station, Bai Po Massage is known as one of the best places in Bangkok to get a foot massage at a fantastic budget price. The clean and comfortable parlor usually has a quieter atmosphere so that you can truly sit back and unwind. In addition to foot massages, you can also choose to get a traditional full-body massage, an herbal hot compress, aromatherapy, an herbal steam, and more.
• Massage@Le: An affordable salon just north of Asok BTS Station, Massage @ Le keeps things simple. The menu offers four main services: a traditional Thai massage, a foot massage, a head and shoulder massage, and an aromatherapy massage. You can choose to combine different massages or to have them accompanied by a hot compress, herbal cream, or oil. All massages are carried out using traditional Thai techniques by highly skilled and trained massage therapists.

Sukhumvit dining & restaurants

Sukhumvit easily has the most diverse selection of dining spots in all of Bangkok, as well as the largest amount of internationally renowned restaurants serving some of the finest cuisine in the world. Whether you want to try truly authentic Thai food or see what Italian cuisine in Thailand is like, this is the place to be. The most popular restaurants are typically found on Sukhumvit’s smaller side streets for a more relaxed dining experience.

Top restaurants in Sukhumvit

• Bo.Lan: Featured on the Netflix series “Chef’s Table,” Bo.Lan has a reputation for being one of the very best authentic Thai restaurants in Bangkok, if not all of Thailand. This restaurant is credited with being among the first to bring Thai cuisine to a fine dining format. Dishes are inspired by Thai street food, Thai home cooking traditions, and palace style cuisine. Bo.Lan is located only a short distance from Thong Lo BTS Station.
• Cuisine de Garden Bangkok: Serving up a tasting menu inspired by nature, Cuisine de Garden Bangkok is a playful restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The interactive dining setup encourages guests to play with their food and there are many surprises over the course of the meal. The interior of the restaurant, which is located just off the main road, whisks diners away to a forest-like setting. Bare tree trunks and small fairy lights lend the space a whimsical feel.
• Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery: Dine in a lively French bistro in the heart of Bangkok by reserving a table at Cocotte Bangkok Farm Roast & Winery. This restaurant focuses on seasonal dishes made with high-quality, local ingredients from sustainable farms. The open kitchen adds a fun and energetic vibe to the space, and the smell of grilling steaks, chicken, and lamb waft through the whole restaurant. You can also sample a fantastic selection of wine from the world’s best wine regions.
• Appia: For authentic Italian comfort food in Bangkok, make sure to pay a visit to Appia, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from Phrom Phong BTS Station. Dine on a selection of pastas and cured meats and enjoy a dessert of delectable tiramisu. Make sure you try the Italian coffee as well. The rustic interior will make you feel like you are dining in the Italian countryside and the delicious and filling dishes are sure to leave you satisfied.
• Cabbages & Condoms: Don’t let the name throw you off; Cabbages & Condoms is a fun, contraceptive-themed restaurant serving up some of the best Thai cuisine in Sukhumvit. Not only will you find popular dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum but a variety of traditional soups and curries as well. There is also a great selection of cocktails available. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on the way out for a unique souvenir!

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Sukhumvit nightlife

If there is one thing Sukhumvit is known for, it’s the fantastic nightlife scene. Find upscale lounges where you can enjoy a swanky evening dressed your best or head to one of the many bars and pubs for a more laid-back time. Some of the best clubs that the city has to offer are also found along Sukhumvit Road, where you can dance the night away with a diverse crowd of local and visiting partygoers.

Top nightlife spots in Sukhumvit

• Levels Club & Lounge: If you want the full nightlife experience all in one space, then head to Levels Club & Lounge. This venue has three zones that combine the elements of a bar, a lounge, and a club. House music is the norm here, but the club brings in a wide variety of DJs spinning all sorts of eclectic mixes. As it is located on the sixth floor, the terrace bar provides some nice views out over Sukhumvit.
• Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar: For truly panoramic and sweeping vistas of Bangkok, you’ll want to go for cocktails at the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar. It is located high up on the 45th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and spans multiple additional stories. Look down upon busy Sukhumvit Road as you sample a selection of signature cocktails and top wines. The circular bar at the very top offers a full and unobstructed 360-degree view.
• Beam: An underground, European-style dance club with an industrial warehouse feel, Beam is all about the music and dancing. This lively club has a large dance floor and a fantastic party ambiance created with the help of a dazzling LED laser show and fog machine. The speakers blast deep techno and house music from a lineup of critically acclaimed international DJs. It is a popular choice for late-night partying in the Sukhumvit area.

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Sukhumvit hotels & accommodations

The Sukhumvit area is certainly not lacking for places to stay. In fact, it is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok. The accommodations are sleek and modern, offering everything that a traveler could need to enjoy their stay. Some of the biggest hotel names are located along this road, combining their world-class facilities with true Bangkok hospitality. High-speed internet, great restaurants, pools, spas, and more all come standard at these hotels.

Okura Prestige Bangkok

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Best hotels in Sukhumvit

• The Okura Prestige Bangkok: A contemporary high-rise hotel, Okura Prestige Bangkok offers plush accommodations near great shopping and nightlife. The rooms offer skyline views and plenty of extra amenities, like a minibar, flat-screen TVs, saunas, and more. You’ll also find an infinity pool up on the 25th floor and plenty of fantastic dining options. It is located just beside Phloen Chit BTS Station, making it easy to get to and from the airport or explore other areas of the city.
• Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Enjoy easy access to both the Skytrain and the Metro by staying at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from Sukhumvit MRT Station. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows for fantastic city views and the decor is an upscale fusion of French and Thai influences. Enjoy delicious meals at one of the four different restaurants, take advantage of the pool and gym facilities, and unwind after a day of exploring in the hotel spa.
• Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21: Located inside of the Terminal 21 Shopping Mall shopping center, Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 is in a great spot for shopping, dining, nightlife, and convenient transit links. The rooms and suites are spacious and come with mini bars, tea and coffee makers, and pillowtop mattresses. Amenities include a gym, a tennis court, an infinity pool, a spa, and even a golf putting range. The hotel also offers free breakfast to start your day off right.
• Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit: Situated just off the main road, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit puts you in the middle of all of the action. The standard rooms come with a range of complimentary amenities and one- or two-bedroom suites are available as well. A stay at this hotel also provides access to a gym, a pool, a sauna, and a hot tub. Power up with a free breakfast buffet and be at Thong Lo BTS Station within minutes.
• Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: Only a five-minute walk from Asok BTS Station on the Skytrain, Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok offers upscale rooms with great city views. Head to the spa after a day of shopping or take a midday dip in the rooftop swimming pool. Don’t worry about having to search for nearby dining options, as there are a total of three restaurants and five bars at this hotel, plus plenty more within easy walking distance.

Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21

Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit

Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok

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