Ari, voted number 47 in the world's coolest neighbourhoods in 2021 by Time Out Group, must surely make it one of Bangkok's best neighbourhoods. So what's all the hype about?
According to the survey, Ari offers a relaxing vibe, green space, a mix of old and young people, and some excellent eating and cool cafes at affordable prices. During Covid, some Ari residents developed initiatives to connect and support one another. They created virtual communities like AriAround and Ari Community Facebook Group, making it even more friendly and inclusive.
This cool hipster neighbourhood is located in the Phaya Thai district. Before getting the lowdown on Ari, let's understand a little bit about the area. Phaya Thai district is nestled between Victory Monument and Chatuchak Park, slightly north of central Bangkok.
The BTS Sukhumvit line runs through the middle of this small district, including Sanam Pao, Ari and Saphan Kwai stations. Ari BTS is just 12 mins by train to the Siam shopping precinct. With its Airport Rail Link connection, Phaya Thai BTS is actually situated south in the Ratchathewi district, following district boundary changes.
Typically, Ari is not on the international tourist trail, but it is popular with middle-class Thais and expats.
It has a delightful mix of upscale affordable residential projects through to more traditional Thai housing. It offers a quieter and slower lifestyle. It also has a fabulous collection of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, nightlife and chic hangouts, art galleries, street markets and good shopping.
Several Government departments, such as the Ministry of Finance, Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Auditor General, Office of Broadcasting and Communications and some Royal Thai Army
facilities are in the district.
Restaurants and Entertainment
Fantastic restaurants and cafes are in abundance in Ari. Instagrammers delight in picturesque cafes like Bar Storia del Caffe with their Euro vintage style and leafy surroundings. Landhaus Bakery offers amazing German breads and sweet treats in an edgy and contemporary setting. Enjoy fantastic eats at Knock Knock Cafe & Bar, listening to the live beat.
Several quality eateries, like Hanazen, Shinsei Sushi, and Ma Ichi Urban Eatery, attract sushi and Japanese cuisine lovers. Hankering for a burger, Paper Butter & the Burger is hard to beat with pork or beef burgers. Mexican, Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisines - it's all here.
Thai cuisine is everywhere, from mom-and-pop style eateries and market stalls to dine-in restaurants. If you fancy more traditional Thai, Baan Pueng Chom is popular. If Khao Soi or northern Thai dishes take your fancy, Ong Tong is much loved and close to Ari BTS.
Bars and Nightclubs
Phaya Thai district offers a more low-key night scene than other lively Bangkok areas. For many people, it is perfect, with chilled live music, cool bars, and even speakeasies like The Room Key 72, where eclectic music stylishly merges with crafted drinks. The Feeling Bar morphs nightly with different music styles and offers fun drinking games to enjoy with friends.
Several fine establishments are just south of the Saphan Kwai BTS, like The Grey Area BKK with deliciously handcrafted cocktails, Eight Days a Week Home Bar featuring craft beers, and delicious bar snacks. Aqua is a courtyard-style mall with lively bars and restaurants.
Things to do
The creative arty culture is emerging in the district, too. Numthong Art Space features contemporary and hip artworks and provides an environment for artists to meet and network. 6060 Arts Space is a not-for-profit art gallery featuring changing exhibitions. Manycuts Artspace provides space for exhibitions and a community for artists, art lovers and students.
Several co-working spaces close to Phahonyothin Road provide an alternate vibe for remote workers.
Keeping fit is easy at Fly Me to the Moon Pole & Aerial studio, offering classes in pole dancing, aerial hammock and hoops, stretching and dance. Meet the friendly people at AriFit Bangkok to keep buffed.
Perhaps not on everyone's must-visit list is Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum. This restored post office building is dedicated to Thai postage stamps, providing an interesting snapshot into bygone times.
Shopping
Small and large shopping malls are located throughout the district. Big C Supercentre Saphan Kwai offers an extensive food and grocery store, specialty shops, restaurants, eateries, and entertainment. Near Ari BTS, is U'r La Villa Market, with plenty of imported foods, alcohol and groceries.
Dotted around are various malls and boutiques for something unique and special. Check out Gump's Ari, a community art space and home to Insta coffee spots and Fats and Angry restaurant.
Where to Live
Planning to live in Thailand? Ari is an excellent location on the BTS line making travel throughout Bangkok easy. It has a fantastic selection of affordable condos and inexpensive places to eat and be entertained. Buying property in Ari also makes a great investment. After all, who doesn't want to live in one of the 'coolest neighbourhoods in the world'? 
The Silk Phaholyothin 3 is just one example. Located just 250 metres from Sanam Pao BTS and 750 meters to Ari BTS, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 80 sqm condo is a corner unit on the top floor of this 8-story condominium. It's a peaceful 'hood, yet so close to Soi Ari and its well-known amenities, including fine dining restaurants, food markets, supermarket, schools and a hospital. Available to rent or buy, this condo has a swimming pool and fitness centre, also located on the 8th floor.
At Lazudi, we have an excellent range of condos for sale and rent in this highly appealing district. Contact our real estate agents to help you find your new home.
