Discover the chillax spots in Sathorn central business district

The CBD doesn’t have to be all work and no play, thanks to these trendy restaurants, bars, and upscale lifestyle spots.
Chong Nonsi Park
Chong Nonsi Park | Photograph: Monruedee Jansuttipan
Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy
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Now one of Bangkok’s major commercial CBDs, Sathorn started out as a thoroughfare that connected the roads of Charoenkrung and Rama IV back in the late 19th century. The area only started to see more development in the 1970s, during the reign of King Rama VII, thanks to the arrival of foreign business and multinational companies. 

These days, Sathorn is one of the city’s most intriguing neighborhoods, with streets lined with towering skyscrapers that see countless white-collar workers rushing to their next meeting or to grab a quick lunch.

As in any other CBD in major metropolises, the bustle of the daytime hustle gives way to a vibrant dining and drinking scene come nightfall. Sathorn has an impressive selection of upscale establishments that cater to global tastes and attract discerning nine-to-fivers, from  swanky restaurants to hip cafès to friendly neighborhood bars. The presence of art and cultural venues also adds to the area’s appeal. 

Read on to discover the best of what Sathorn has to offer for the next time you visit Bangkok.

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Have a lazy morning and then indulge in some sightseeing and art appreciation.

Weekday mornings are undeniably hectic in the central business district, with peak hour traffic and the ocean of people rushing to punch in. Avoid the chaos by staying in your hotel room until the rush subsides and then filling up on energy for the long day ahead with a hearty breakfast at The Kitchen Table.

Start your day of exploration by getting good views—and photos—of the architecturally iconic buildings within Sathorn’s concrete jungle. The best spot to take it all in at once is the Sathorn-Narathiwat pedestrian crossover, which is an iconic landmark itself. From there, a short walk will lead you to the House on Sathorn, a neoclassic mansion dating back to the 1920s. The original structure and intricate décor details have stood the test of time since then. Meanwhile, Srifuengfung Building on the other end of Sathorn (close to MRT Lumphini) is renowned for its durian-like design.

After beholding Sathorn’s architectural wonders, make your way to Bangkok CityCity Gallery, which exhibits contemporary artworks by up-and-coming local artists; and Sathorn 11 Art Space, a quirky venue where you can appreciate art while boozing up with cocktails from its in-house bar. Gallery VER is another venue that provides a platform for artists to display their innovative installations.

Get your fill of refreshments at modish cafés

Settle down for a bit and refresh your mind and body at one of Sathorn’s cool cafés. A short walk from BTS Surasak is Luka on Pan Road, which healthy gourmands frequent for a hearty brunch and coffee. You also have Rocket Coffeebar, a roastery known for its specialty coffee concoctions; and Jam, which conceals a music venue underneath its ground-floor café and art space.

Soak in a Japanese-style hot spring

A long day of walking deserves some rest and rejuvenation. Only a three-minute walk from BTS Saint Louis is Yunomori, a wellness center that’s known for being the first in the city to offer an authentic Japanese-style onsen experience using mineral water from the thermal springs of Ranong.

But it won’t be long before the neighborhood welcomes a new onsen on the sixth floor of Le Méridien Bangkok at the hotel’s Lifestyle Floor.

Indulge in an amazing epicurean experience at highly creative restaurants.

Sathorn’s dining scene strongly focuses on international flavors and sophisticated presentation, courtesy of both local and foreign culinary personalities.

One-Michelin-starred Saawaan transforms Southern Thai fare into an inspiring feast; the award-winning Le Du by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, which reinvents old-school recipes using ingredients from all over the world and the long-established Issaya Siamese Club, by famed Thai chef Ian Chalermkittichai. 

Expand your gastronomic horizons at other international eateries like Keller, which churns out European cuisine with Asian influences, and Il Bolognese, known for serving traditional Italian dishes following old recipes. For communal feasting, come to Korean rooftop restaurant Super Seoul Café, and make your way to Paii at the majestic The House on Sathorn for refined Thai seafood dishes.

Cap off the night at the sleekest and coolest watering holes.

Drinking in Sathorn is all about cool bars manned by the city’s top mixologists, expensive tipples and refined ambience. The district boasts a long list of must-visit bars such as Sinnerman on Pan Road where you can sip bespoke cocktails in a dark and mysterious setting; and The Bar at The House on Sathorn, which offers elegant tipples in one of the rooms of a 19th-century neoclassical mansion. (Fun fact: It’s one of the very few remaining mansions from that era.) Make sure you get to try one of the playful cocktails, which celebrate Thai ingredients like galangal and lemongrass.

Party on at Smalls on Soi Suanphlu, which hosts live musical performances; or take one for the road at Le Café des Stagiaires, a venue that’s popular among expats and foreign tourists.

Where to stay:

Revel in la dolce vita in Sathorn with an elevated stay at Le Méridien Bangkok. This five-star establishment on Surawong Road lets you explore Sathorn with ease thanks to its BTS-accessible location bordering the central business district and other famous areas like LGBTQ+-friendly Silom, posh Ratchadamri and trendy Siam.

Le Méridien Bangkok has stepped into a new era with refurbished guest rooms that are sleek, modern and spacious. The thoughtful design extends into the hotel’s public spaces as well, with decorative pieces that evoke the art and culture of Thailand, such as the I-Jud dog sculpture by Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch. On the F&B front, the hotel is known for its excellent breakfast and has other establishments like Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ where you can relish barbecued fare together with ice-cold craft beer. You can also unwind at the spa on the Lifestyle Floor with a European-style treatment.

Towering over one end of Surawong Road, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse is where you can have an elevated and enriching experience with a playful twist. Sleek and sophisticated spaces reveal encounters and opportunities that reflect the lively spirit of Bangkok. Pop by the infinity pool on the 18th floor for an invigorating swim with killer views. Marvel at the brilliant beauty of the setting sun from M Club on the 31st floor as you sip on a refreshing sundowner. And discover the evening’s many possibilities, starting with a delectable Chinese meal paired with a creative cocktail at Yao Rooftop Bar, and continue to please your tastebuds with Chef Yuichi Mitsui’s Japanese delights at the newly-opened Zen-inspired dining room Kissuisen.

Check out a different kind of fun and vibrancy at W Bangkok. Here at Sathorn’s five-star destination, you can fuel (and refuel) your burning passion for traveling and lifestyle exploration through its delightful yet bombastic vibes evoked in its spacious rooms and sophisticated social hubs like The Bar at The House on Sathorn, Paii, and W Lounge.

Look forward to fun events throughout the year like its popular extravaganza pool parties and opulent brunches with DJ sets. Plus, the hotel is situated near not one but two BTS stations—Chong Nonsi and Saint Louis—that take you around the major destinations in Bangkok within minutes!

Tips: "Besides cool cafes and star-studded eating spots, the alleys of Sathorn are home to a number of art galleries and exhibition spaces that artful minds should check out. Close to W Bangkok is the long-standing H Gallery, while Luka Cafe down the street occasionally hosts art shows that complement the cuppas. Across the road in Sathorn is Bangkok CityCity Gallery, one of Bangkok’s hottest spots, where contemporary and pop arts are celebrated."  Nattachai Rattanasiriwech, W Insider

Visit this page to explore more neighborhoods. 'Reconnect With Your City' and fall in love with Bangkok's diverse districts.

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