Upper Sukhumvit – particular the On Nut and Phrakanong districts – might be more laid back than Mid and Lower Sukhumvit, but it’s quickly becoming one of Bangkok’s most interesting areas. With a huge selection of restaurants and cheap hotels, Upper Sukhumvit is a good place to stay on a budget.
Why Visit Upper Sukhumvit?
Upper Sukhumvit covers the area from Phra Khanong BTS all the way to Bang Na. Although the action is mostly found around On Nut, this entire area is full of great places to eat, trendy local bars and a huge selection of mid range and budget hotels.
The Upper Sukhumvit area is covered by the BTS, with stops covering the entire area. Traffic can be an issue during the morning and evening rush hour, although getting around is rarely difficult thanks to the BTS.
Upper Sukhumvit is cheaper and quieter than Mid Sukhumvit, with more of a local Thai feel and plenty of great places to eat, drink and explore.
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Things to See and Do in Upper Sukhumvit
Bangkok 2013 © Jonathan Lin
- Rod Fai Market
Rod Fai Market’s huge range of different clothes, accessories and vintage items make it a great place to visit for shopaholics.Located next to Seacon Square shopping mall on Srinakarin Road Soi 51, Rod Fai Market takes 10-15 minutes to reach by taxi from BTS Udomsuk. If you’re a fan of vintage fashion, you’ll find plenty to love here. - Spin and Slice Tennis
Spin and Slice Tennis School offers tennis classes and court rental for beginners and expert players alike. The complex also contains a fitness centre and children’s tennis academy. On Soi Rermjaroen, which is connected to Sukhumvit Soi 50 (Soi On Nut). - Lake Taco Cable Wake Park
Located on Bangna-Trad Road approximately 20 minutes from BTS Bang Na, Lake Taco Cable Water Park is one of two places in Bangkok to cable wakeboard and waterski. The man made lake has a four-tower cable ski, complete with a variety of ramps and rails.
Bangkok Things To Do
- Rama IX Park
Bangkok’s largest public park, Rama IX Park is located 20 minutes from BTS Udom Suk by taxi. The park is home to a variety of international botanical gardens and pagodas, making it an excellent place to escape the noise and crowds of Central Bangkok. - Thai Home Cooking Class
Khun Angsana’s Thai Home Cooking Class is different from the other cooking schools found in Bangkok. Instead of a formal school setting, you’ll learn how to cook delicious Thai dishes in her private home on Sukhumvit Soi 79. - Mega Bangna
Mega Bangna is one of the latest shopping developments in Bang Na, a residential district on the outskirts of Upper Sukhumvit. This huge shopping complex is home to Bangkok’s branch of Ikea, making it a great place for furnishing your apartment if you’re staying long term. - Seacon Square
Seacon Square might not be easy to access — it’s a 20 minute taxi ride from BTS Bang Chak — but it’s definitely big. This giant shopping mall is home to hundreds of retailers, from chains to a huge selection of local fashion designers, computer stores and more.
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Places to Eat in Upper Sukhumvit
Great Street Food © Jonathan Lin
- Sukhumvit Soi 101
The area around BTS Punnawithi is home to a wide range of street food stalls and local cafés and restaurants. Although the area itself isn’t that exciting, the numerous dining options make it a good place to stop for lunch or dinner if you’re staying nearby. - Devilish Eats
Finding good steak without a hefty price tag in Bangkok can be tough. Devilish Eats serves a range of great steaks from Australia and New Zealand cooked to your liking, as well as great mince pies and burgers. - Colors Café
Located on Sukhumvit Soi 69/1, Colors Café serves Thai and Western food, including great steaks. Prices are reasonable and the restaurant is a short walk from Phra Khanong BTS on the first side street of Sukhumvit Soi 69. - T’s Café by Maison de Baguette
T’s Café by Maison de Baguette might be located far from Bangkok’s other Italian restaurants, but its menu is every big as good as its counterparts in Mid Sukhumvit. A range of tasty pasta dishes are available at very reasonable prices, along with fantastic brunch and lunch menus. - Café Di Maria
Just 50 metres walk from BTS On Nut, Café Di Maria serves excellent wood fired pizza, tasty salads and a great selection of other Western dishes. Thanks to its extensive wine list, Café Di Maria is a good choice for romantic dining close to BTS On Nut. - Cabana Garden Pizzeria
Cabana Garden Pizzeria is an indoor/outdoor Italian restaurant offering a great selection of pasta and pizza dishes. Its relaxing, quiet location on Sukhumvit Soi 75/1 makes it a fantastic escape from the crowds around BTS On Nut. - Best Beef
Best Beef is an Upper Sukhumvit institution — an all-you-can-eat BBQ restaurant with every meat you can think of available. Meat is grilled on a tabletop barbecue and a variety of beers in draft, bottle and tower form are available.
Hotels in Upper Sukhumvit
Best Mid Range Hotels in Upper Sukhumvit
- Viva Garden Serviced Residence
A modern, comfortable four-star hotel located moments from BTS Bang Chak, Viva Garden Serviced Residence offers spacious rooms and a great swimming pool and gym, making it a great place to relax and unwind while exploring Bangkok. - Baan Montida Serviced Residence
Baan Montida Serviced Residence offers spacious rooms, many with balconies, and a great location near BTS Punnawithi. This hotel includes a swimming pool, fitness centre and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. - Jasmine Resort Hotel
A modern resort hotel located immediately next to BTS Phra Khanong, Jasmine Resort Hotel is stylish, comfortable and ideal for travellers aiming to explore Bangkok. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax and enjoy views of the Phra Khanong area. - Olive Residence
With a convenient location on Sukhumvit Soi 64, Olive Residence is an affordable, modern three-star hotel within easy walking distance of BTS Punnawithi. Rooms range from studios suitable for solo travellers and couples to two-bedroom suites ideal for families. - Golden Pearl Hotel
Located on Sukhumvit Soi 101, Golden Pearl Hotel is a 10 minute walk from BTS Punnawithi and close to several local dining options. With an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, it’s a comfortable choice of accommodation within 30 minutes of Central Bangkok by BTS.
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Best Budget Hotels in Upper Sukhumvit
- Refill Now! Hostel
Refill Now! is a comfortable, convenient and affordable hostel on Sukhumvit Soi 71. Although it’s a reasonable distance from the nearest BTS station (around 25 minutes to walk) the clean, modern and minimalistic dorms and private rooms make it a good choice for budget travellers. - Chan Cha La 99 Hostel
Chan Cha La 99 is a clean, simple and cosy hostel conveniently located just a few minutes from BTS Bang Chak. Female-only and mixed dorm rooms are available, as well as private rooms with shared or en suite bathrooms. - Pridi Hostel
Pridi Hostel is a comfortable hostel located on Sukhumvit Soi 71. Although it’s a reasonable distance from the BTS Skytrain, nearby bus services will get you to BTS Phra Khanong in 10 minutes or less, making this a great low-cost accommodation option for budget travellers. - VX The Fifty Hostel
Located on Sukhumvit Soi 50 about 10 minutes on foot from BTS On Nut, VX The Fifty Hostel is a good low-cost accommodation option. Shared dorms and private rooms are available in a range of conFfigurations, from 8-bed dorms to cosy double rooms.
Nightlife in Upper Sukhumvit
Beer © Matthias Hiltner
- On Nut Market Beer Garden
Once part of the much missed On Nut night market, On Nut Beer Garden has moved to Sukhumvit Soi 18 and is a short walk from On Nut BTS. Now called “New On Nut Market”, it doesn’t quite reach the same scale as the old market but is still a fun place to enjoy a drink and live sports coverage. - W District
Outdoor mall W District is located right beside BTS Phra Khanong, and it’s a great place for a fun night out. From the beer garden to the Zeppelin sky bar, which offers fantastic views, this funky modern mall starts filling up at 6 pm and offers a great experience late into the night.
Getting to Upper Sukhumvit
- By BTS Skytrain
Upper Sukhumvit is serviced by the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. There are several BTS stops in the area, with the majority of Upper Sukhumvit’s attractions located around Phra Khanong, On Nut, Punnawithi and Bang Na stations.
Bangkok BTS and MRT Map
Bangkok Area Guide
- Quick summaries of what's interesting in each major Bangkok area:
- Ari
- Khao San Road
- Rattanakosin
- Phaya Thai
- Ratchadaphisek
- Siam Square
- Silom Sathorn
- Nana and Asoke
- Chatuchak
- Victory Monument
- Riverside
- Sukhumvit
- Thonglor
