-
RESTAURANTS
Bangkok is home to dozens of world-class restaurants and one of the hottest tables in town is Sühring – headed up by twin brothers Thomas and Mathias, who serve a sophisticated menu of modern German fare.
Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find food from every corner of the world – from Kiwi cuisine at Kai, Latin flavours at the Clandestino Cantina, all-American favourites at Bunker, and delicious pizza and pasta dishes at Sorrento and Di Farina.
The aptly named Charm Eatery serves a mix of Western and Thai food, and often hosts live bands in the evenings. But if you’re looking for a more authentically Thai experience, head to the Supanniga Eating Room, which cooks recipes passed down from the owner’s grandmother – or Plaagut, which specialises in delicacies from the south of Thailand.
-
CAFÉS
Coffee-lovers should head to Marabica Café, which sources its beans from the mountains of Chiang Mai – or to Bhava Café, which infuses its coffee with nitrogen and serves it straight from a keg.
Other hidden gems include the chic Luka Café for delicious international fare, Roots for locally-produced Thai coffee, and Rocket Coffee Bar for lazy brunches and day-long lounging.
-
NIGHTLIFE
You’ll find a fun, ex-pat crowd at Le Cafe des Stagiaires, Marcel, Revolution and the Lady Brett Tavern, which styles itself on a traditional European pub.
But for something more exotic, try the House on Sathorn – an old colonial mansion steeped in history – where you can book a table in the sumptuous dining room or sip a drink in the stunning open-air gardens.
If you’re in the mood for music, head to the Bamboo Bar for jazz and blues. For a touch of Californian cool, check out Cactus. Or scale the dizzy heights of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, where you’ll find Three Sixty – a sleek-lined cocktail bar on the 32nd floor, with soaring windows and some of the most magnificent views in the city.
-
RELAXATION
Close to Charoen Rat is the reasonably-priced Health Land Sathorn – part of the largest spa and massage chain in Thailand. But for something more special, those in the know head to Erb Spa in the Warehouse 30 or the palace-like Divana Virture Spa, which offers medical beauty services as well as all the usual pampering.
-
SHOPS
There are two nearby department stores – Central Plaza Rama 3 and Tree on 3 – and a useful local mall, the Up Rama 3.
Further afield, you’ll find some of Bangkok’s best shopping in the streets of Sathorn and Silom, which really come alive at night. And don’t miss the unique experience of Asiatique – a large open-air shopping centre that boasts a giant Ferris wheel and lies on the banks of the Chaopraya River.
-
HOSPITALS
There are four well-regarded hospitals in the area, all offering international-standard care and facilities – St. Luis Hospital, BNH (Bangkok Nursing Home), Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital and Samitivej Thonburi Hospital.
-
SCHOOLS
The Charoen Rat neighborhood is not short on good international schools. International Pioneers School and Garden International School both offer an internationally- accredited curriculum, whilst St. Andrews International School and Shrewsbury International School Bangkok are two of the most renowned in the city.
-
TRANSPORT
Traffic can be an issue elsewhere in Bangkok, but major expressways connect Charoen Rat to the rest of the city and make it easily accessible by car or taxi. There’s also the option of taking the BTS Skytrain or one of the many local bus routes – both popular, cheap and convenient ways to get about town.
-
BUSINESS
The nearby financial district of Sathorn offers prime commercial and corporate facilities – most notably, Empire Tower and Sathorn Square. Other well-known complexes include AIA Sathorn Tower, Chartered Square and Bangkok City Tower.