Why Thonglor remains Bangkok’s epicenter of cool
Why Thonglor remains Bangkok’s epicenter of cool
World class cuisine, quirky bars and top-notch facilities means you’ll never want to leave Thonglor
Thonglor has long been a desirable address, not only for its hi-so credentials but also for sheer cool factor.
Favoured by expats and well-heeled Thais alike, the area has become almost synonymous with eating out – such is the abundance of new eateries and bars cropping up routinely.
With the ever-increasing high-end facilities available, cool also meets convenience. In 2020, Thonglor will boast even better connectivity, with the addition of the Monorail Grey Line.
Living
High-end
Due to be completed by October 2016, over 70 percent of the 173 units of this high-rise, 22 storey project from Major Development have been snapped up already.
With one-bedroom, 29 square metre units starting from THB4.3 million (USD124,000) and two-bedroom 55.5 sqm from THB8.6 million (USD248,000), this high-end development includes a skyscape gym with aeroboxing, a floating sky lounge and a sky pool lounge.
Luxury
Located right on Sukhumvit 55 in the very heart of Thonglor, and due to be completed in Q3 2019, this luxury project from Gaysorn Property and represented by CBRE, offers ultimate privacy with low density design of only 84 units and private lift access for each unit.
Residents can enjoy abundant facilities including a multipurpose and private dining area, BBQ and open recreation area, fully-equipped fitness and yoga studio, male/female steam room, library and a 22-metre swimming pool with separate kids’ pool.
Two- and three-bedroom apartments are available as well as three-bedroom duplexes, measuring between 111 and 349 sqm. Prices start at THB33.6 million (USD970,000), with a rough guide of USD8,741 per sqm.
Its also a conveniently short walk to The Commons (below).
Weekend hangout
theCOMMONS opened in early 2016 and instantly became one of Thonglor’s hippest spots. The loft-life mall works a bit like a high-end food court, as well as having upstairs floors with a vintage shop, a florist and a yoga studio.
Gastronomic highlights include Soul Food 555 for truly great Thai cuisine, Roots – the destination for coffee aficionados and The Beer Cap, for niche craft beers.
Worth a special mention is Roast which sits upstairs and serves legendary brunches and also delivers a top-notch caffeine fix courtesy of Roots Coffee. Don’t expect to be seated straight away on a Sunday – it’s notoriously popular.
Incidentally, theCOMMONS has recently been shortlisted for Best Retail Architectural Design at the Thailand Property Awards.
More: 6 places that prove Sathorn is Bangkok’s chicest CBD
Education
Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
Bangkok Prep’s vision is based on the aim: “To be the best mid-sized international school in Thailand.”
It is also one of the most conveniently located international schools in Bangkok, being adjacent to Thong Lo BTS station in the heart of Sukhumvit.
At just 14 years old, the school, which follows the National Curriculum of England, has become a true leader for International schools in Bangkok. Taking kids from nursery school all the way up until Year 13, many graduating students go on to top global universities including the London School of Economics (LSE) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Students can already benefit from state-of-the-art-facilities, but an expansion is also underway. A new secondary campus is due to be completed in August 2017, and will feature high-quality learning spaces, an Aquatics centre, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, a 400-seat auditorium, a theatre, a large outdoor sports field and tennis courts.
Eating
This upscale Italian eatery is known for its elegant ambiance and authentic flavors courtesy of chef Luca Appino, who has been Thailand based since 2004.
Situated on the second floor of The Terrace 49 building in Sukhumvit Soi 49, La Bottega has a cozy indoor space, with warm walls and wooden floors and an attractive outdoor terrace if you don’t mind the heat. Knowledgeable staff know their way around the menu. There is also an extensive wine list.
We’ve got our eye on the gratin fresh anchovies with Bronte pistachio and Ragusano cheese, the risotto with mullet roe bottarga, and the tiramisu with marscapone.
Drinking
In a piece about Bangkok night life, CNN wrote:
“If one could go on a glamorous club night in ancient China, it might resemble a place like Sing Sing Theater.”
This seems about right, and Sing Sing, as it’s more commonly known, has become one of Bangkok’s hottest nightclubs since it opened in 2015.
Designed by the renowned Ashley Sutton, Sing Sing, found on Sukhumvit 45, takes inspiration from the Chinese brothels of yesteryear. Lit by lanterns and with wrought iron staircases, guests can expect to be entertained with anything from live music, burlesque shows and bizarre performance art.
Read next: 5 reasons why Sheung Wan is the Brooklyn of Hong Kong
Source: Property Report