The hype over Ari hasn’t died down. Before COVID-19 hit, this neighborhood in the northern part of Bangkok was known as an upscale residential district located near the Victory Monument, Siam, and Chatuchak, and as an area for hip drinking and dining establishments.
During the pandemic, Ari became even more popular for its local community initiatives, where residents and business owners would come together to carry out virtual gatherings and creative pop-up ventures. As a result, Ari has become hipper than ever. More visitors have started to show up to experience its modern restaurants and cafés, its old-but-gold eateries that have stood the test of time, and creative venues like Gump’s and Somewhere.
For its inviting establishments and many attractions, Ari deserves all the love and accolades it can get. Allow us to guide you as you reconnect and explore the area we nominated as Bangkok’s coolest neighborhood in 2021.
RECOMMENDED: Discover 8 Bangkok hidden bars near train stations or click here to explore more diverse neighborhoods.
Eating is an essential part of the Ari experience. Start your day with a hearty brekkie at Soi Ari 1’s Landhaus and get your fill of German pastries and Austrian fare, or at Bar Storia del Caffè, which serves filling breakfast plates in a retro-style setting.
To get your caffeine fix, make your way to Bonci, which serves creative dirty coffee, or the cozy F.I.X. Coffee at community space Somewhere on Soi Pradipat 17.
Bangkok won’t be what it is without its massive open-air markets, and if you only have time to visit one, make it Or Tor Kor.
Located right next to Chatuchak Weekend Market (or a short seven-minute walk from BTS Saphan Khwai), Or Tor Kor offers agricultural products grown by local producers across the country, from fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and red meats you can cook at home, to flowers and plants, and delicious street food.
Prior to the emergence of hipster establishments in the area, Ari and its neighboring areas were already boasting plenty of old-school restaurants serving simple yet amazing pan-Thai fare around the clock.
At Or Tor Kor, you have Sood Jai Kai Yang, a long-standing restaurant that has been churning out hot and spicy northeastern food like grilled chicken, som tum (papaya salad), and laab (spicy minced pork salad) for over three decades.
Take a short walk from BTS Ari to Baan Puengchom and fill up on notoriously stinky stir-fries and other spicy Thai dishes. Not a fan of tongue-burning food? Try the wholesome Mae Yui on Soi Ari 1 for classic homemade dishes like massaman curry and chilli paste with salted egg.
Ari may not be as art-forward as Charoenkrung, but the hip neighborhood is shaping up to be a hub for creative minds moving into the area and opening up venues for cool kids and art enthusiasts.
Ari’s legendary star is Numthong Art Space on Soi Ari 4. This art establishment was founded by famed art dealer Numthong Sae-tang, renowned for his discerning eye in contemporary art across various genres and for contributing to the success of numerous modern Thai artists. The space has exhibited the works of art legends like Montien Boonma and Natee Utarit, while also showcasing newfound talents.
A quick tuk tuk ride away on Soi Pradipat 17 is creative community space Somewhere, which regularly hosts creative workshops and exhibitions.
After a long day of reconnecting with Ari, you have one mission left: treating yourself to a fulfilling dinner at one of the neighborhood’s renowned restaurants. If you consider yourself an adventurous eater, then surprise your palate at Phed Phed, which serves up fiery Isan fare with modern tweaks.
A more communal feast can be had at JOHA, known for its sizzling Busan-style dishes, whereas Dai Lou is a more elegant affair suitable for family gatherings over Cantonese food. There’s also Ong Tong Khao Soi where you can have a low-key evening savoring modern versions of northern Thai-style egg noodles with curry and chicken.
If you want to cap off the night with a drink, wander over to these hip watering holes. Have some serious concoctions at the loft-style Frank Mansion, or you can also take an evening walk to feel the breeze to Knock Knock Cafe and Bar on Soi Ari 7 and chill out amidst homey and vintage vibes.
The BTS Skytrain system remains the best way to access Ari. Make the most of this fast and convenient transport to get to and from classic luxury hotel JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok and new affordable luxury hotel Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20.
If you’re more of a traditionalist with a penchant for sophisticated elegance, JW Marriott is ideal for you. Located less than a five-minute walk from BTS Ploenchit or Nana, the impeccably designed five-star oasis offers spacious guest rooms and many dining outlets like the Michelin-recognized New York Steakhouse, the Japanese-influenced Tsu Restaurant and the elevated Cantonese Man Ho Restaurant.
If you’re more of a traditionalist with a penchant for sophisticated elegance, JW Marriott is ideal for you. Located less than a five-minute walk from BTS Ploenchit or Nana, the impeccably designed five-star oasis offers spacious guest rooms and many dining outlets like the Michelin-recognized New York Steakhouse, the Japanese-influenced Tsu Restaurant and the elevated Cantonese Man Ho Restaurant.
The brand-new Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20, the latest opening under the Courtyard brand in many years, also provides super easy access to the BTS. Situated down Soi Sukhumvit 20, in the heart of bustling Asoke, the freshly-opened hotel offers comfortable beds and Marriott-standard facilities at affordable prices – allowing you to have more budget to spend in Ari and beyond!
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