Nana And Asoke – Lower Sukhumvit

Stretching from the start of Sukhumvit Road to Asok Station is Lower Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok’s most popular business and nightlife districts. Home to a wide range of markets, restaurants and some of the city’s most popular nightlife, Lower Sukhumvit is a mix of work and play.

Sukhumvit sunset from the Ibis Hotel, Soi Nana, Bangkok © [email protected]

🔍 Why Visit Lower Sukhumvit?

Lower Sukhumvit is the centre of Bangkok nightlife – Sukhumvit Soi 11 has some of Bangkok’s most famous nightclubs, while Soi Nana (aka Sukhumvit Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy at Asoke intersection are two of the city’s infamous red light districts. By day Lower Sukhumvit is a bustling mix of shopping centres and street stalls.

Lower Sukhumvit is easily accessible from the Sukhumvit Line of the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Blue Line. A wide range of hotels can be found along Lower Sukhumvit, making it a convenient part of the city to stay in.

Exploring the neon lights of Sukhumvit requires the perfect balance of style and comfort. Before you head out, check out my Thailand packing tips. I’ll help you decide which clothes to bring for the clubs and what useful tech will keep you connected during a night on the town.

🏮 Things To See And Do In Lower Sukhumvit

Benjakitti Park lake, Bangkok © [email protected]

Attraction	What To Expect
🎉 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Party Zone	Sukhumvit Soi 11 is one of Bangkok’s most popular party zones, and once the sun goes down a variety of nightclubs, pubs and roadside bars open for business. A fun place to enjoy a night out if you’re staying in the Nana/Asok area. Jump down the page for our rundown of Sukhumvit 11’s best clubs and bars.
🟠 Nana Plaza / Soi Cowboy	Lower Sukhumvit is home to two of Bangkok’s most infamous red light districts, which offer a surprisingly fun sightseeing experience. Nana Plaza is the more chaotic and seedy of the two, while Soi Cowboy offers a Blade Runner-style neon light experience that’s definitely unforgettable.
🏪 Terminal 21	Located beside BTS Asok, Terminal 21 is one of Bangkok’s newer shopping malls. Unlike the giant malls at Siam, Terminal 21 is mostly made up of smaller boutiques offering local fashion, cool accessories and other unique products. Accessible via BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit.

Attraction	What To Expect
🌳 Benjakitti Park and Forest Park	Now Bangkok’s largest park at 48 hectares, Benjakitti is actually two parks side by side. There’s the original park with its formal, symmetrical design, featuring the large Lake Ratchada and a wide walking/running circuit and city skyline views. And then there’s the forest extension which is a complete contrast: a wetland park which feels like a carefully curated wilderness. Highlights include elevated skywalks above the wetlands, mangrove and freshwater swamp forest areas, and cycling trails that connect all the way to Lumpini Park via an elevated Green Bridge. There’s also large former warehouses for ballgames. Reachable from BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit or MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
🌅 Sukhumvit-Nana Night Market	As the sun starts to set, stalls selling everything from bootleg designer clothing to travel accessories pop up along Sukhumvit Road. If you’re here to shop, be prepared to haggle – most merchants will offer initial prices at least 50% above what they should be. There’s also the SW1 night market on the corner of Sukhumvit 12, which will likely disappear when the land it’s on begins redevelopment.
👔 Tailored Clothing	Lower Sukhumvit has some of Bangkok’s best tailors. As a general rule, ignore touts outside offering deals too good to be true (two suits, five shirts and a waistcoat for $250, for example). Good options include Rajawongse Clothier (near Sukhumvit Soi 4 — favoured by embassy staff and executives, men’s suits from 12,000 baht) and Tailor on Ten (in a beautiful old Thai house, bespoke 100% wool suits from 16,500 baht).
💆 Thai Massage	Lower Sukhumvit is full of Thai massage shops, not all of which are aimed at a reputable clientele. Visit Health Land Asoke on Sukhumvit Soi 21 (right behind Terminal 21) for a variety of legit, refreshing massage and spa treatments.
🥊 Muay Thai Classes	Feel like learning Muay Thai – Thailand’s national sport? Bangkok Fight Club on Sukhumvit Soi 21 (opposite Rutnin Eye Hospital) offers Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other fighting styles for newbies and experienced fighters alike.

⭐ Best Luxury Hotels in Lower Sukhumvit

Hotel	About
Ad Lib Bangkok – Booking.com | Agoda	Ultra-modern five-star hotel a short walk from BTS Nana, with a fantastic rooftop swimming pool. Despite its proximity to Sukhumvit’s nightlife, Ad Lib is a quiet and relaxing escape from the noise of Lower Sukhumvit.
The Landmark Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda	Less than two minutes’ walk from BTS Nana, this conveniently located five-star hotel has great dining options and a Fitness First health club – a relaxing escape from the hustle of Sukhumvit Road.
Fraser Suites Sukhumvit – Booking.com | Agoda	Luxurious, spacious serviced apartments on Soi 11, a short walk from Bangkok’s most popular nightspots. Includes a free shuttle service to and from BTS Nana.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit – Booking.com | Agoda	Connected to BTS Asok by skybridge – ideal for exploring the city. If you prefer to stay in, the hotel’s oasis-style pool and spacious rooms are a great place to unwind.
Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 – Booking.com | Agoda	Located on top of Terminal 21 shopping mall. A convenient location, beautiful views and one of the city’s best swimming pools make it a fantastic place to stay.

🏢 Best Mid Range Hotels in Lower Sukhumvit

Hotel	About
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – Booking.com | Agoda	Located right in the heart of Soi 11 – great for party goers but far from ideal for families. Aloft is in the same high rise as Levels nightclub. A great option for solo travellers visiting for a night out.
Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – Booking.com | Agoda	Spacious, comfortable serviced apartments on Sukhumvit 18. All apartments include full kitchens – a good choice for visitors seeking the home comforts that other hotels don’t offer.
Holiday Inn Express Sukhumvit 11 – Booking.com | Agoda	A short walk from Soi 11’s top nightclubs and bars, and a short walk from BTS Nana – a solid, no-fuss option for travellers seeking to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife.
Four Points by Sheraton – Booking.com | Agoda	A modern four-star hotel on Sukhumvit 18 offering five-star service without the price tag. Spacious, well-equipped rooms and a great pool and terrace area.
Ariyasom Villa Sukhumvit 1 – Booking.com | Agoda	A luxurious boutique hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 1, built in 1941 as a family villa. Unlike anything else in Lower Sukhumvit – a great choice for visitors seeking an experience of ‘Old Bangkok’. Has a superb vegetarian restaurant too.

💰 Best Budget Hotels in Lower Sukhumvit

Hotel	About
The Blocks Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda	Located on Sukhumvit Soi 10, a short walk from Lower Sukhumvit’s nightlife and dining. Four-person dormitory rooms and private rooms at affordable rates.
Studio Sukhumvit 18 – Agoda	Located on Sukhumvit Soi 18, a short walk from BTS Asok, MRT Sukhumvit and Terminal 21. A great choice for budget travellers who want to explore Bangkok.
Petals Inn – Booking.com | Agoda	Despite its somewhat seedy location on Sukhumvit Soi 4, the Petals Inn offers great value for money and clean, cosy rooms with free Wi-Fi. A short walk from BTS Nana.

🍻 Nightlife in Lower Sukhumvit

🎉 Sukhumvit Soi 11

Sukhumvit Soi 11 is the heart of Lower Sukhumvit’s nightlife. Home to some of Bangkok’s most popular nightclubs and a wide variety of roadside bars, the street itself is a vibe.

Bar / Club	About
Levels at ALoft	Step inside the lift outside ALoft Hotel and you’ll be transported to Levels – one of Soi 11’s hottest nightclubs. Attracts a mix of locals, expats and tourists, with one of Bangkok’s few respectable dancefloors. There are several other clubs nearby on Sukhumvit 11 – Sugar Club, Climax and Aces inside the Ambassador hotel.
Oskar Bistro	Equal parts gastropub and ultra-modern bar, Oskar offers an extensive wine list – something of a rarity for Soi 11 – and some of the best cocktails on the street.
Nest – Rooftop bar, Le Fenix Hotel	One of Lower Sukhumvit’s most relaxed rooftop bars. Simple menu of Spanish tapas and Thai classics, but the great atmosphere, good music and fantastic view more than make up for it.
Above Eleven – Rooftop bar, Fraser Suites 33F	Located on the 33rd floor of Fraser Suites with a view that puts you above Sukhumvit Soi 11. Cocktails that aren’t as ludicrously priced as Silom’s rooftop bars – a great choice for a night out.

Cockatoo Bangkok, Soi Cowboy, Bangkok © [email protected]

🟠 Soi Cowboy

Lower Sukhumvit’s second “entertainment zone” – a wild shrine to all things neon located near BTS Asok. The street’s go-go bars are mostly different takes on the same theme, but its amazing neon lighting makes it one of Bangkok’s most iconic night time experiences. You can simply stroll down the small street and check out the neon. Plenty of the go-go bars have spacious outdoor areas to grab a beer and people watch in a no-hassle atmosphere.

Nana Plaza, Soi Nana, Bangkok © travelhappy.info

🟠 Sukhumvit Soi 4 (Nana Plaza)

Lower Sukhumvit’s seedy nightlife capital. Home to the notorious Nana Plaza – 30 go-go bars crammed into three floors – this busy, brash soi also has numerous beer bars, clubs and other adults-only nightspots straggling along the street.

🍕 Places to Eat in Lower Sukhumvit

Thai food platter, Lily Fu’s, Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok © [email protected]

🍕 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Restaurants

As well as serving as Lower Sukhumvit’s party hotspot, Soi 11 is packed with great places to eat, ranging from street food to fast food to high-end dining. Some of Soi 11’s best restaurants include:

Restaurant	About
Burapa – Thai	Superb restaurant with a ground floor bar and then two dining floors above which are both modelled to feel as if you’re on the Orient Express. Sounds cheesy but it’s great. The classic Thai dishes are beautifully presented, the staff are super helpful and the cocktails pack a generous punch.
Limoncello – Italian	A Soi 11 favourite serving great Italian dishes and some of the best pizzas in Bangkok. Great wine selection and classic Italian desserts.
Lily Fu’s – Thai	A low lit, sleek restaurant with friendly staff and casual vibe. Lily Fu’s is not cheap but the chill, calm atmosphere and wide-ranging menu makes it a great spot for sharing food and time with friends.

A skull pint of Dream Alone IPA, Invite, Sukhumvit Soi 8, Bangkok © [email protected]

🍕 More Places To Eat on Lower Sukhumvit

Soi 11 is not the only place to hang out in the area – soi 8 literally opposite to Soi 11 and a 5 minute walk away has a cluster of pubs, restaurants and bars, while there are plenty of other places scattered off the main drag.

Restaurant	About
Lower Sukhumvit Pubs: Det5, Viva, Black Swan, Mulli’s etc	Lower Sukhumvit has a solid range of sports bars and classic pubs which also serve food. Det 5 is the most charismatic of the bunch, a beer garden serving Thai and Western staples tucked down Sukhumvit soi 8 which has been around for decades. Viva tapas bar at the top of soi 8 has evolved into a busy sports bar, but there are several other bars literally a few metres away if you want somewhere quieter. The Black Swan near BTS Asok does standard British pub fare in a small, wood-panelled space. Much more spacious is Mulli’s on Soi 11, one of Bangkok’s many Irish pubs which also shows most major sports fixtures. Compare its Guinness to that served at Fitzgerald’s and The Blarney Stone, both on Soi Nana (Sukhumvit soi 4), along with O’Leary’s on Sukhumvit 15.
Cabbages and Condoms – Thai	Great Thai food for a good cause – the restaurant raises funds for Thailand’s Population and Community Development Association. Good food, good karma.
Charlie Brown’s Mexicana – Mexican, Sukhumvit Soi 19	Originally on Sukhumvit 11 until redevelopment forced a move, long-established Charlie Brown’s serves classic dishes from burritos to fajitas, plus great cocktails. Easy to reach from BTS Asok.
Sukhumvit Soi 3 and 3/1 – Arab/Middle Eastern	Step onto Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Beirut. Home to most of Bangkok’s Middle Eastern restaurants – great for a cheap, tasty shawarma after a fun night out.
Dosa King – Indian Vegetarian	Authentic vegetarian North and South Indian food on Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, a short walk from BTS Nana. A great place for lovers of Indian food with a diverse menu that’s sure to include dishes you haven’t tried before.
Suda – Thai, Sukhumvit Soi 14	Classic Thai food in an open-air setting. Wide range of Thai dishes at low prices, making it a great stop for a quick meal around Asok. Walk down Soi 14 a little – you’ll spot it by the crowds.
Pala Pizza Romana – Italian	Located underneath the skybridge connecting MRT Sukhumvit and Terminal 21 – not the most romantic spot, but the authentic Roman-style pizza and pasta dishes are fantastic.
Na Aroon at Ariyasom Villa – Vegetarian Thai	Delicious vegetarian food in a classic 1940s setting. Serves vegetarian and organic versions of classic Thai food, with some seafood dishes also available. Located on the ground floor of the atmospheric Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel.

🚌 Getting to Lower Sukhumvit

How To Get Here	Details
🚌 By BTS Skytrain	Lower Sukhumvit is served by the Sukhumvit Line with two convenient stops. Most of Lower Sukhumvit’s nightlife is near Nana station, while offices and Terminal 21 shopping mall are at Asok station.
🚖 By MRT	The most convenient MRT stop is Sukhumvit station, located beside Terminal 21 and connecting to the BTS at Asok.
⛲ By Khlong Boat	Reaching Sukhumvit by khlong boat along Khlong Saen Saep is possible, albeit not ideal. The express boat stops at Nana Chard and Prasanmit piers, allowing access to Lower Sukhumvit along Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 21 respectively.

🗺️ Bangkok Area Guide

Bangkok has numerous areas of interest to tourists - see our Quick Guides to each Bangkok area to help you get a sense of what you can find in each district.

Area	Nearest BTS / MRT	Known For
Rattanakosin	Sanam Chai MRT	Grand Palace, Wat Po, Bangkok's historic royal core
Bangkok Riverside	Saphan Taksin BTS	Chao Phraya views, Asiatique, luxury riverside hotels
Khao San Road	Sanam Chai MRT (then walk/taxi)	Backpacker hub, cheap guesthouses, bars, street food
Siam Square / Chit Lom	Siam BTS / Chit Lom BTS	Bangkok's central shopping district, Siam Paragon, Central World, Erawan Shrine
Lower Sukhumvit - Nana and Asoke	Nana BTS / Asok BTS / Sukhumvit MRT	Hotels, restaurants, nightlife, Terminal 21 mall
Central Sukhumvit - Thonglor and Phrom Phong	Phrom Phong BTS / Thong Lo BTS	Upmarket dining, EmQuartier malls, expat-heavy neighbourhood
Silom and Sathorn	Sala Daeng BTS / Silom MRT / Chong Nonsi BTS	Business district, Patpong, Lumphini Park, rooftop bars
Chatuchak	Mo Chit BTS / Chatuchak Park MRT	Chatuchak Weekend Market - one of the world's largest
Ari	Ari BTS	Quiet, leafy neighbourhood with good cafes and local restaurants
Victory Monument	Victory Monument BTS	Transport hub, local market food, day-trip minibus terminals
Phaya Thai	Phaya Thai BTS / Airport Rail Link	Airport Rail Link terminus, budget hotels, local market streets
Upper Sukhumvit	On Nut BTS / Udom Suk BTS	Local neighbourhood, good value hotels, expat community
Ratchadaphisek	Thailand Cultural Centre MRT	Train Night Market, local bars, nightlife strip, Esplanade mall