Of the two neighbouring regions in the Watthana District of Bangkok, fashionable and vibrant Thong Lo, short for Thonglor, often steals the limelight. Known for its sophisticated and trendy lifestyle, Thonglor, based around Soi Sukhumvit 55 (Thong Lo Rd), is characterised by its upscale restaurants, stylish cafes, boutique shops, and upscale residences. While Ekkamai, centred around Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai Rd), has a slightly more laid-back atmosphere. Though it still offers diverse dining, shopping, entertainment and living options.
Ekkamai’s trendy culinary scene means eating heartily, swigging refreshing drinks and sipping lattes are the norm. The area also hosts art galleries, vintage shops for rummaging, boutique stores, and lifestyle shops, catering to those looking for unique and curated experiences. Hip and vibrant Ekkamai is popular among locals and expats living in Thailand who appreciate a more relaxed yet still upscale environment.
Connectivity across Bangkok is a sinch, with the BTS Ekkamai and Ekkamai Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) at the southern end and Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service at the northern end of Ekkamai Rd. Within about 20 minutes by train, boat or road, you can reach:
- Bangkok’s mega shopping malls like Siam Paragon, Central World, Central Embassy and more;
- Udom Suk BTS with bus connections to Mega Bang Na Shopping Centre;
- Business districts around Rama 1, Silom, Ploenchit, Lumphini, Sukhumvit and more;
- Entertainment and nightlife zones of Nana and Asok.
Things To Do
Perhaps most unique to Ekkamai are the vintage clothes, footwear, household and decor shops. Slow fashion aficionados can check out (un) Fashion Vintage Collection selling vintage shoes, handbags & belts. Y50, an architectural salvage store, has a range of things you didn’t know you needed, and nearby Hawaii Five-O presents an exciting range of furnishings. Paya Shop features modern Thai-styled furniture, homewares and fabrics.
Also in the district are mainstream shopping centres, including Major Cineplex near the BTS, a Big C Supercenter, and Donki Mall, satisfying all your day-to-day needs. You can also find fitness centres and massage and spa salons.
Food and Drinks
The district is brimming with affordable eats and tasty treats. Thai food is plentiful, with some excellent Isan restaurants, including Hom Duan and Tamnak Isan Ekkamai. Here Hai (Thai) Restaurant features delicious seafood. Plus, all the offerings of street vendors and outlets in the shopping malls.
International cuisine is well represented. Fancy some Japanese at Teppen Bangkok Ekkamai, Koreans drop into Bangkok Banjom or have an Indian nosh up at Spicy by Nature. Get a fix of Lebanese food at Hummus Heads on Soi Thonglor 10. There are Italian, fusion, sushi, vegan, and keto restaurants, even the ubiquitous KFC.
Coffee and tea lovers have many choices, with cool cafes dotted along Ekkamai Road, side sois and in the malls. Try a brew and pastry at Ink & Lion, or get a kick start with a Pacemaker at Kaizen Coffee Ekkamai.
Those looking for night vibes might slip in with friends to Dusk Till Dawn Bar & Social Club or the neon-lit Cassette Music Bar. Specialising in beers, meads, and ciders from around the world, plus wines and spirits, is Mikkeller Bangkok, and they have some great eats too. Tuba combines fine food, music, local craft beer, and cocktails with eclectic and fascinating interior design.
Where to Live
This area features primarily condos with studios priced from the 3 million baht mark to jaw-dropping multi-bedroom penthouses over 100 million baht. Rental properties are aplenty, making this location popular with tenants and investors.
New projects are rising, and plenty of resale condos are available. If you are considering moving to Thailand, our Lazudi Bangkok team has extensive experience in this magnificent city. Here are some of their picks.
Condo 2 Bed, 2 Bath, with Outstanding Recreation Facilities
This beautifully designed 82 Sqm condo is located at KHUN by YOO inspired by Starck. Each bedroom has commanding views, and the bathroom has exquisite marble floors, walls, and quality sanitary ware. The open-plan living and dining space opens onto the balcony. 
This 27-story building, completed in 2020, provides recreational facilities for all ages. A Child’s Play Area, a separate Kid’s Pool, a heated 30m infinity edge pool with fantastic city views, steam and sauna, a fitness centre with world-class equipment, communal lounge spaces, a Games Room and gardens. A favourite activity of residents is watching a movie in the Screening Room, with excellent sound from B&O. You can feel safe and relaxed with Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, CCTV, covered parking for 100%, EV stations, and mailboxes.
Condos with 1 and 2 Bedroom, 300m to BTS
At Siamese Exclusive Sukhumvit 42, one and two-bedroom condos are available for sale and rental. Ranging from 35 Sqm, the units are well-designed with open-plan living areas, a kitchen fitted with essential appliances, and sufficient storage and countertop space. The bedrooms provide a relaxing space to unwind and rest, and the bathroom is finished in neutral clean tones.
The development, completed in 2020, comprises 450 condos and is 32 stories. The onsite amenities include a rooftop swimming pool with sweeping city views, a well-equipped gymnasium, covered car parking, a garden and 24-hour security. And the location is exceptional, with easy access to trains, buses, Sukhumvit Road, shopping malls, and restaurants.
3 Bedrooms with Space and Luxury
Ready to move in. The ESSE Sukhumvit 36, by renowned developer Singha Estate Public Co Ltd, is yet another shining example of their top-notch projects. On the 38th floor, the stylish, fully furnished three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 116 Sqm residence boasts delightful river and city views. It is a superb location, just meters from the BTS Skytrain.
This 43-floor tower is well endowed with health and well-being amenities. Gardens situated on four floors provide generous green space for chilling. Meet friends or have some ‘me’ time in one of the lounges, and the Residence Lounge has room for private parties. Watch a movie at the Sky theatre or have a ‘cook-up’ on the BBQ Deck. The complex has a swimming pool, onsen, steam room, kids room, gym, virtual bike and golf simulator.
