After years and years of delays, Aug 12 finally sees the opening of the extension to the BTS line from On Nut all the way out to the Samut Prakan ‘burb of Bang Na. So do the locals really have webbed feet, and is there any place to eat? We sent our intrepid reporters out into the wilds to find the best shopping, bars, cultural activities and hottest property around the five new stations that run from Sukhumvit 79 out to Soi Bearing on Sukhumvit 107.

Bang Chak Station

Thai Guitar Society

1930/1 Sukhumvit Soi 60, 02-741-4943, 081-444-9804. By appointment. www.thailandguitarsociety.com
The Thai Guitar Society offers everything related to the instrument, from workshops to concerts, even field trips, to out of town guitar festivals. Private and group lessons are offered for all levels, and they often organize mini-concerts at Kohno, the restaurant next door.

Kohno

1930/1 Sukhumvit Soi 60, 02-741-4941-3, 081-444-9804. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6-11pm
With its contemporary gray décor and minimal finish, this Japanese restaurant stands out from the surrounding shophouses. Japanese fusion dishes are their selling point, like their recommended somtam yam sarai salmon (Japanese seaweed and salmon in somtam dressing, B180), and their intriguing sushi buffet deal of B189, which lets you enjoy as much sushi as you can eat in one hour. It’s also a good spot for those who like a varied musical selection, with tunes ranging from Four-Mod to traditional Japanese classics. Members and students of the Thai Guitar Society next door show off their skills on Sat and Sun, 9–10pm.

Siri Giriya Spa

4 Sukhumvit Soi 60, 02-741-5199. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.sirigiriyaspa.com
The highlight treatment of this slimming and health spa has to be the herbal hydro therapy (B850). The 25-minute treatment lets you soak in their specially prepared mix of natural Thai herbs while being massaged by the therapist to firm, heal and detoxify your skin. Other treatments include their hair spa (B550), facial treatments for men and women (B1,450) and Thai massage (120min, B750). Or you can just opt for a simple manicure (B150). They have five single and three double treatment rooms and they take reservations up to 8pm.

Kidtueng Bakery

2353-5 Sukhumvit Soi 95, 02-331-1379, 02-742-5006. Open Mon-Sat 6.30am-8.30pm, Sun 7am-8:30pm
Kidtueng Bakery is famous for its rich and creamy éclairs which they’ve been making since 1985. The best bit is they’ll make them to order, with no minimum, and they cost just B5 for two pieces. While the place looks old, and is in a really rather crappy-looking hood, their daily-baked treats make it more than worth a visit. There are only 15 tables in the shop but they’re usually empty as most clients don’t hang around: go for the takeaway option and enjoy your éclairs at home.

Symphony

Sukhumvit Soi 62, www.symphonythecondo.com
Situated right next to the BTS station this 8-story condominium offers a total of 79 units and three room types: studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom. The studios start from 35 sq meters with starting price at B1.9 million, which works out to B50,000-B55,000 per sq meter, but there are also lots of rental options available.

Punnawithee Station

Udom Suk Station

Bang Na Station

Bearing Station

Beyond the BTS

BK Asks: What does it take for you to make the journey out to Bang Na?

How did you guys become Love Me Please?
Joob: The band was started by Pun and me after he came back from America. Pun started writing lyrics and let me handle the music. Then Pun asked Donut to join and dragged Gae (Kongpun) and Gae (Thanongchai) to be our bassist and drummer.
Donut: The name actually came from a som tam restaurant that Pun, Joob and I love. It’s kind of cute and wooing at the same time.

Why do you choose a duck as your logo?
Pun: A duck can do many things, but none particularly well, just like us.

What do you do, apart from singing?
Pun: I work at publishers and do jingles for commercials. I also compose songs for soap operas at Channel 7.
Donut: I am studying at Kasetsart University.
Tum: I used to be with the band K9 for nine years. Now I work at GMM’s Work Gang as a producer. I used to produce Leo Put’s album. I also teach music at Rangsit University.
Gae (Thanongchai): I earn a living being a back-up drummer for bands. I also play for Academy Fantasia and New-Jiew duo artists.
Gae (Kongpan): I play at pubs at night and in the back-up band for Calories Bla Bla. I also do work for RS sometimes.
Joob: My main job is at GMM’s Work Gang. I used to do music with Calories Bla Bla and Bird Thongchai.

How would you describe your musical style?
Tum: A bit like The Beatles highlighting guitars and the vocals from our three singers, Joob, Donut and Pun.

What was the inspiration for “Zoo”?
Pun: I composed the song because I’d seen animals being hurt. No matter how big or small they are, they all have life. So I wrote the song based on that feeling.
Joob: We added some jokes to make it cute, like a teenage love song, so it wouldn’t be too serious.

Have you saved any animals?
Gea (Thanongchai): We mostly make donations to animal charities. Pun and I don’t even kill mosquitoes.
Donut: I donated a bit of money to help a dog with a big neck wound. Parents should teach their children to love animals.
Gea (Kongpan): When it comes to wildlife hunting, we should fix the problem at the market end. If there’s no demand, there’ll be no supply and no killings.
Joob: I once saw a dog get hit by a car. I picked it up and it died in my arms. I felt life and death when I looked into his eyes. Interview by Nat Tantisukrit

1.) Minute Maid

B18 for a 300ml bottle
A nice, undiluted color, but we found it too one-dimensionally sweet, without any of the slight tang that natural oranges possess. In fact, it reminded us of the drink Tang from when we were children, which might be the sort of consumers who will enjoy this most. They did go through the trouble of adding some natural pulp to this sugar bomb, and even though it isn’t all-natural, we can totally imagine picking this up and sipping as we go. Call us crazy.

2.) Malee 300 ML

B30 for a 300ml box
Again, this smells a bit like Tang, even though it’s meant to be 100% orange juice, and it tastes a bit weird, like overripe oranges or orange liqueur—a bit fermented and alcoholy. It also has a fair amount of pulp, but unlike the other contestants in this test, the effect is much less textured.

3.) Freshie

B135 for a 400ml bottle
This juice, squeezed daily at the Gourmet Market at Paragon, takes a way more refined palate than ours. Most of our panel was weirded out by the strange, rock salt aroma, the slightly-over-the-hill taste and the relative absence of sugar. One reviewer said it reminded them of natural orange juice at their grandmother’s home. It tasted almost like it had been pressed too hard, releasing some of the less sweet flavors of the white rind and seeds.

4.) Spring Valley

250 ML B60 for 250ml bottle
Unlike the other contenders, this one had a yellow, not orange, color, even though the consistency was suitably rich, not diluted. The aroma reminded us of hotel breakfast or airline orange juice, both pleasant memories. The flavor is a touch sour, which is nice, but we were surprised that such a thick consistency produced a juice that didn’t taste that orangey. Not really bursting with flavor.

5.) Tipco

B18 for a 250ml carton

Ah, that’s what we’re talking about. This 100% orange juice tastes pleasantly like it’s been cut with a bit of lime. It’s packed with dense orange flavor, a nice tart note and has loads of pulp. Very nice. The boxy container makes it difficult to stick in your bag and save half for later, but oh well.

6.) Tropicana Twister

B18 for 350ml bottle
Well, we can’t expect much from this drink, which only contains 20% orange juice: it smells fake, tastes fake, is very watery and sugary. It might feel like a more refreshing drink at first, but after a whole bottle of this, the sugar might just make you parched again.

Ploenchit

Shopping 4/5

ID1, at Amarin Plaza, offers some quirky budget fashion options. Central Chidlom is within walking distance and is still probably our favorite mall. It’s not so big as to get lost but still houses some more out there brands to keep things edgy. We also love its Central Food Hall, especially since the upgrade which includes the addition of a walk-in cheese room. There’s also a daytime market which attracts the office crowds during their lunch break, just opposite Central, next to Krungsri Bank.

Nightlife 3/5

Snotty and debaucherous Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar (Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, 02-168-5152) is the clear stand-out, although the old-school clubbing option in the area is Spasso (Grand Hyatt Erawan, 02-250-1826). Sita Bar at Tenface Bangkok (Soi Ruamrudee 2, 02-695-4242) is also a new hit among fresh hi-so graduates for cocktails and live DJs.

Green Space 4/5

It’s close enough to Lumpini to smell the clean air and an easy walk to its peaceful delights.

Food 4/5

For breakfast and lunch, there’s BKK Bagel Bakery (Maneeya Center, 02-254-8157), the only place in the city to specialize exclusively in New York style bagels and homemade cream cheeses. Cafe Tartine (Athenee Residence, 02-168-5464), an adorable little French cafe on Soi Ruamrudee serves light salads and proper French baguette sandwiches. For dinner, there’s everything from the raucous, Mexican cantina-esque La Monita (Mahatun Plaza, 02-650-9581) with arguably the best tacos in town, to the B1,600 degustation menu at Gaggan, where Chef Gaggan Anand re-presents Indian classics in modern ways.

Walkability 3/5

Actually not bad. Major roads like Lang Suan and Wireless have lovely, wide sidewalks with not too much street vending action.

Culture 4/5

The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand has its headquarters at Maneeya Building. They frequently do panel discussions, film screenings and exhibitions regarding political and cultural matters pertinent to the region. 100Tonson is an art gallery on Soi Tonson that’s currently doing the solo oil painting exhibition by Takanobu Kobayashi and puts on some of the most political shows in town.

Connectivity 4/5

Pretty good­­—Langsuan and Wireless provide easy access to the Rama 4 and Silom areas, and there are good links to the expressways, even if these roads get choked. And there’s the Lumpini MRT and BTS at either end to get you where you need to go.

Property

• Oriental Residence: Solid wood and marble floors with teak wood fitted kitchens, walk-in closets and branded in-room appliances. Facilities include a lounge, a café, a business center with board room, an entertainment room, spa, fitness center, swimming pool with terrace, sky pool, roof deck, park and a sky terrace. Residents can also make use of their in-house concierge, housekeeping, in-room dining, catering, and shuttle services. B230,000-250,000 per sqm. 02-651-5999, www.oriental-residence.com

• Noble Ploenchit: Claims to be the most expensive land transaction in Bangkok’s history at B4.3 billion for a 4-rai area. The project will feature three buildings: 50-story, 45-story and 14-story, totaling 1,443 units and an additional 3-story building as the developer’s office. Selections start from a 40-sq-meter one-bedroom to a three-bedroom and will cost B148,000 per sq meter. 8-unit penthouses start B190,000 per sqm (around B39 million each). The construction is projected to start mid-2012 and end by the beginning of 2017. On-site facilities include private and common hi-speed elevators, swimming pools, fitness centers, steam rooms and a multi-purpose room. 02-251-9955, www.noblehome.com

Ratchada

Shopping 4/5

Ratchada has it all: Fortune Town, IT Mall, Tesco Lotus, Jusco Night Market,  Esplanade, Big C Extra, Robinson, Mansion 7, and the upcoming Central Plaza Rama 9. The real highlights, though, are the Ratchada Night Market, open every Saturday evening, and the upcoming Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchada. We also like scary malll, Mansion 7 (244/7 Ratchada Soi 14, 02-692-6311) with its cute boutiques, haunted house and kinky store, Hidden Closet.

Nightlife 4/5

Apart from gentlemen’s club Hollywood and all the dirty massage parlors, Ratchada is a crazy clubbing zone. Ratchada Soi 4, if not too dodgy for you, is good for club-hopping. Inch (behind Esplanade) offers a similar vibe to to RCA or Ekamai. There are also a number of good outdoor bars hidden in the sois. Seasons Change (775 Ratchada Soi 18, 02-277-9189), for example serves Thai dishes in a green, outdoor setting with live bands nightly.

Green Space 3/5

A whole lot of concrete, though the green fences with trees all the way down the road break it up a bit. There’s a public park near Huay Kwang Market but it’s not very nice.

Food 3/5

Lots of malls mean lots of restaurants (though most are chains). However, there’s exciting street food in front of those malls, and plenty of food stalls inside almost every soi (especially in Huay Kwang). There isn’t a lot of fine dining, though. Grill restaurants like Ko-Khun by Khun Tong (Ratchada Soi 4, 085-365-0066) or Gyu Gyu Tei (Ratchada Soi 18, 083-929-4646) are comforting while the Guay Tiew Tomyam Nai Plaew (opposite Chanhoonbumpen Schoolpen, Mon-Sat 6-10pm) has a big queue outside every day. There’s cheap street food at Huay Kwang Market, too.

Walkability 4/5

Pretty impressive, thanks to the wide pavements. However, it can be a long hike to find a crossing spot since the pedestrian bridges are few and far between.

Culture 3/5

Thailand Cultural Center’s shows lean towards the traditional and high-brow. If you want something more light-hearted then Rachadalai Theater on the fifth floor of Esplanade puts on plays like Tawipop the Musical.

Connectivity 4/5

There are plenty of MRT lines around here, an airport link station, and three access ramps to the nearest expressway. But traffic can be extremely painful and the city center is not near.

Property

• Rhythm Ratchada-Huaikwang: A newly built project by AP Property. The building has 34 stories, a garden located on the seventh floor, six floors of parking, an infinity-edged swimming pool, gym and other recreational facilities. There are 539 units in total, and the MRT station is right in front of the project. B100,000 per sq meter. www.ap-thai.com
• The Mark Ratchada-Airport Link: A 25-story high rise located in between the airport link and MRT Praram 9. There are 420 units in total with choices of 31.75-42.55-sq-meter, one-bedrooms and 56.90-59.75-sq-meter, two-bedrooms. A library, garden, fitness room and city view swimming pool are also on hand. Expected to complete Jul, 2013. B55,000 per sq meter. www.themark-condo.com

Ari

Shopping 2/5

Pretty scarce, the best we could come up with is La Villa, a little community mall that has a few restaurants (nothing spectacular) and dessert shops and a Villa supermarket. For more comprehensive shopping, head to Chatuchak.

Nightlife 4/5

Ari now has almost everything that Thong Lor does, except in significantly less overwhelming degrees of saturation. Plus the crowd, if you’re not counting the NGO expats, is less wealthy (though no less hip) and more Thai. The nightlife is all about sinking into a comfortable sofa for cheap cocktails in lovely retro-decked house-bars like Sofa So Good (Ari Soi 5, 02-617-6451) and Alcoholiday (Arisamphan Soi 4). There’s live music in the evenings at Aree Alley (Arisamphan Soi 4, 02-278-5325) and DJs spin often at Pla Dib (Arisamphan Soi 7, 02-279-8185). Ari’s pocket-sized community mall, Aree Garden (Arisamphan Soi 11, 02-278-32580), has a branch of HOBS, too.

Green Space 4/5

Not too much to say in this department, though the many trees and relatively abundant low rise buildings makes the area feel a lot less claustrophobic. There’s also a sweet little park at the end of Soi Ari, where the road curves left.

Food 4/5

In addition to the street food and little mom and pop shops in the area, Soi Ari and Soi Arisamphan are seeing a rise in international sit-down dinner places. Pladib is the classic favorite, combining an industrial look with raw fish, art and music. Also noteworthy is the new and hot Salt (Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886) which does Japanese inspired dishes and wood-fire pizzas in an iron and glass dining room. More laid back places include the local branch of Basilico, Polka Dot Cafe (02-617-3204) at Aree Garden and the famed Somtum Bangkok (Ari Soi 3, 02-619-8659).

Walkability 2/5

Mixed. The main drag of Arisamphan is pretty easy to walk on, but once you turn into the maze-like sois that go on and on forever, pavements disappear and you’re competing with the traffic.

Culture 2/5

Baan Ari on Ari Soi 1 is a community center of sorts with a special emphasis on Buddhism. The organization offers ranges of activities like dharmma talk, praying sessions and dharmma for kids on a regular basis (02-619-7474, www. baanaree.com)

Connectivity 3/5

You’re not too far from Victory Monument and the expressway ramp there. Plenty of little sois connect Ari to Arisamphan if you have the patience to figure them out, but it’s a long trek on the BTS to elsewhere.

Property

• The Vertical Aree: An already-sold-out project by Sansiri with choices of 40-sq-meter one-bedroom to 114-sq-meter three-bedroom. This 25-story development is located in Ari Soi 1, making it an easy walk to the BTS and the main road. Facilities include swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness room and Sansiri privilege services. B93,000 per sqm. 1685, www.sansiri.com
• The Seed Atom: Another boutique double condo project by Preuksa located on Ari Soi 4, the concept is perfection of urban living. Facilities including swimming pool, fitness center, steam room, sky lounge and hotel style lobby for each building. You can choose from their 22.41-sq-meter studios to 78.1-sq-meter two-bedroom. A one-bedroom starts at B3.3 million. Your gain is a short walking distance to La Villa, BTS and all other community retails in the area. B80,000 per sq meter. www.theseedatom.com

Sathorn

Shopping 2/5

City Viva (Corner of Narathiwas Soi 6, 02-237-9150) offers worktime lunches, shopping sessions and some after-work drinking choices. The vibe is part Palio in Khao Yai and a bit of Siam Square but overall, the shopping scene is pretty scant unless you make the trek to the stalls, La Lai Sub Market.

Nightlife 3/5

Although not the hot spot it once was, Sortrel (Narathiwas Soi 17, 02-676-4359) has an easy-going vibe. You can even doodle on their paper table tops with the provided crayons. If you prefer more privacy with a comfy outdoor deck, cross the street to Olive Keeper (138, Narathiwas Soi 10, 02-286-6754). Met Bar (Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333) and Vertigo & Moon Bar (Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200) serve selections of cocktails with exotic Bangkok views at sky-high prices. Wong’s Place (Soi Sribamphen, 081-901-0235) opens until very, very late at night.

Green Space 5/5

Lumpini Park!

Food 5/5

The jewel in the crown of this neighborhood is arguably David Thompson’s Bangkok branch of the Michelin-starred Nahm (Metropolitan Hotel), which does an old-school, slow-cooking intensive set dinner at B1,800 per person. Other fine dining options are also abundant, thanks to the line of five-star hotels on Sathorn Road. There’s also Eat Me (Soi Phiphat 2) which also is an art gallery. More laid back options include Pandanus (Sathorn Soi 1, 02-287-4021) which has that seaside villa feel and Secret Garden (in front of Sathorn Soi 5, 02-286-2454), a group of white glasshouses surrounded by a huge garden. And of course, you’re a pedestrian crossing away from Soi Convent and its street food.

Walkability 2/5

Sathorn Road is very wide, and crossing on foot to Lumpini Park can be a death-defying, but overall, the sidewalk and footbridge situation is pretty decent, even though the lack of sufficient trees makes it a sweaty experience.

Culture 4/5

There are some good culture options, and some are free. The Goethe Institute (18/1 Soi Goethe, Sathorn Soi 1, 02-287-0942) has regular German classes, art exhibitions and more, while Alliance Francaise (29 Sathorn Rd, 02-670-4200) also has film screenings and art exhibitions. They even have a mini arts school, offering classes in French, photography, design and dance. Their selected French films screening is highly recommended.

Connectivity 4/5

MRT Lumpini, BTS Chong Nonsi and the BRT line. Traffic is hellish though and twisting sois get even busier. Very central.

Property

• The Address Sathorn: Only 100 meters from Sathorn Soi 12, the project focuses mainly on comfort and security. Facilities include infinity-edged pool, kid’s pool, fitness center, steam and sauna. B120,000 per sqm. 02-610-3333, www.ap-thai.com
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences: 194 units located on the soon-to-be newest and highest city’s landmark, the 314- meter-tall, Mahanakhon. The 77-story high-rise will house 5 components: residences, retail, an outdoor plaza, a luxury hotel and the popular Dean & Deluca cafe and market. The building has a direct link to BTS Chongnonsi. You can choose from two-to-five bedrooms. Other facilities include a 3-floor terrace bar, restaurants, private dining facilities, and a rooftop outdoor bar with a 360- degree view. B250,000 per sq meter. 02-234-1414, www.maha-nakhon.com

On nut

Shopping 2/5

Shopping in On Nut is limited: Tesco Lotus and a Carrefour/Big C. Down the stairs from the BTS station, however, is the pleasant On Nut Square which offers Pratunam-style clothes and accessories. It’s the best market in the neighborhood and the crowds after work prove it. There’s also the famed On Nut wet market between On Nut and Phrakanong BTS stations.

Nightlife 2/5

Not much to explore. On Nut Square spares a zone for live music and draught beers. Not unlike Indy Trees Bar at Cheurpleng Road, Melon Mint (Soi 37-39, 02-721-3400) offers basic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. Other than that, the main drag is littered with dodgy karaoke bars.

Green Space 1/5

Very few trees along the street, and a journey to the gorgeous Suang Luang Rama 9 Park is at least B100 in a cab from the BTS.

Food 4/5

Being residential and a bit of a manufacturing area, On Nut offers scrumptious street food along the road. Stop by around Soi 13-17 during 4-11pm and try local favorites like pork satay, guay tiew tom yam and fried prawns. Khao tom shops around Soi 18 are also very popular. Head to Little Big (opposite Tesco, 02-742-6159) if you’re not a big fan of street food and choose from their long list of comfort Thai dishes. For café lovers, don’t miss Coffaholic (02-730-3266) for its lovely atmosphere, or go to Kaiteki Yakiniku (02-730-2440) for an unlimited Korean-style BBQ beef (both at The Curve, Soi 17).

Walkability 2/5

The street is too hot and polluted. Most of the sidewalks are broken or filled with street stalls.

Culture 1/5

Loads of temples along the street with the most famous being Wat Mahabhut (Soi 7), where you can wai the legendary Mae Nak Prakanong. Not a lot else.

Connectivity 2/5

The traffic is bad especially at peak hours. But the BTS line and the expressway (Sukhumvit Soi 62) are very handy. For intra-soi travel, there’s pok-pok, songtaew and motorcycle taxis. It’s far from the center, though.

Property

• Diamond Sukhumvit: 485 units under a contemporary concept with three room types, from studio to 2-bedroom. A one-bedroom starts at B3.1 million. Residents get wide windows and spacious room designs and it’s only a 250-meter walk from BTS Onnut. The project is expected to completed end of 2011. 02-331-9888, www.diamondsukhumvit.com
• IDEO Verve Sukhumvit: A 30-story building with a joint-less glass window design, it stands right in front of the BTS. There are four elevators, a swimming pool, a kid’s pool, a spa pool, a fitness center, a garden and a few retail shops down on the ground floor. Room selection starts from 30.51-sq-meter one-bedroom to 63.74-sq-meter two-bedroom. 02-316-2222, www.ideocondo.com

Lat phrao

Shopping 4/5

MRT Lat Phrao is home to two major shopping malls: Union Mall and Central Plaza Ladprao, facing each other at the Lat Phrao intersection. Union Mall is home to heaps of cheap teenage fashion as well as chain restaurants. Its highlight is the newly-organized fourth floor, with one third of the space dedicated to young Thai designers. Central Plaza Ladprao is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a total facelift. In September, the six-month renovation will be complete and locals will welcome back an old friend along with new brands like Uniqlo and Topshop/Topman. Further to the west is Chatuchak Weekend Market and Talad Rotfai, which is the new indie sweetheart.

Nightlife 2/5

Hidden in Lat Phrao Soi 8 is the long-running Budda Bar (02-513-4919), a chill-out joint for the local indie crowd with nightly live bands. Going further, across from Soi 33, Kin Deum Latphrao (084-611-7474) is a neighborhood favorite for its open-air space—perfect for big groups watching football matches on their large screen. In Soi 71, Hua Hin (02-514-2422) makes you feel like you’re by the sea with its white wooden stools and tables, raw cement and green trees.

Green Space 3/5

Although not exactly in Lat Phrao, Chatuchak Park next to BTS Mochit and the even-larger Vachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rod Fai) next to MRT Kampaengpetch are a great lung for the neighborhood. The parks get packed every evening and weekend when you see hundreds of people chilling or riding bicycles. The newest addition there is the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (www.bia.or.th) meditation center, free for those seeking true inner peace.

Food 3/5

Opposite Union Mall there are no fancy restaurants but great street food. Jiang Hai (02-938-7682) is famed for its tasty kanom jeen nam ngiew (rice noodle with Northern style soup). In front of the Petronas Petrol Station at Soi 15 is a street noodle stall where you must try the yam bamee haeng moo daeng (yellow noodles with roasted pork). At the corner of Ladprao Soi 33, stop by Khao Tom Ped Auan (086-377-5350) and try the Thai and Chinese dishes. On the main road in front of Soi 35/1 you’ll see two air-con shophouses of Haan Tha Din Daeng selling crispy and juicy fire-grilled goose.

Walkability 3/5

Thanks to the recent renovation, Lat Phrao foot paths are now large and smooth and covered with trees, so that you can even walk from Union Mall to MRT Lat Phrao, or further, if it’s not too hot or cluttered with street vendors.

Connectivity 4/5

Traffic is bad but the sub-sois all interconnect making getting around possible. MRT Lat Phrao and Phaholyothin are a plus.

Property

• Haus 23: The 27-story futuristic-looking condominium is perched on the main road in front of Soi Lat Phrao 23, a short walk to MRT Lat Phrao. With 236 units, selections range from studio and 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom and duplex suites (24-61.5 sq meters). Prices are from B1.9 million and it’s scheduled to be completed in the next two years. 085-777-2323, www.haus23condo.com
• M Ladprao: Located right opposite Central Plaza Lat Phrao and next to Union Mall, M Ladprao is one for shoppers. The 44-floor building houses 313 rooms, ranging from one bedrooms to penthouses (32-168 sq meters). It’s Sky Chillaxation space on the rooftop has one of the best 360-degree panoramas of the area. Prices are from B120,000 per sq meter. 02-267-2000, www.signatureofme.com

Thonglor

Shopping 2/5

As one of the nightlife and social hubs of Bangkok, the main Thonglor drag, as well as its numerous subsois, are awash in community malls like J Avenue, Marketplace, Eight Thonglor, Penny’s Balcony, Grass Complex, Baan Ekamai and, most recently, Seenspace. The upside is that, if you need groceries, supermarkets like the giant Tops at Marketplace and the new Foodland at Eight Thonglor are readily available. The downside is that, there isn’t much in the way of shopping here, unless you’re into browsing the one or two standalone girly shops per community mall or buying a wedding dress. Still, there are a couple of offbeat gems: Pantry Magic (02-713-8650) at Eight Thong Lor stocks mouth-watering kitchen gadgets and equipment, while Goose (Thonglor Soi 13) is a high end paper and scrapbooking store.

Nightlife 5/5

There’s something for every one from restaurant-bars where you can eat and drink the night away, like Soul Food Mahanakorn (02-714-7708), Fat Gutz (Grass Complex, 02-714-9832) and the newly-rebranded Wine Republic (02-714-7599), to high-energy night clubs like Muse, Demo and Funky Villa (all on Thong Lor Soi 10). There’s tons of bars, too, like Iron Fairies, good ol’ HOBS at Penny’s Balcony and their new venue Brew at Seenspace as well as the all-time classic retro bar Shades of Retro on Soi Tararom 2.

Green Space

Does the astroturf at Grass Complex count?

Food 5/5

It’s a foodie paradise, with fancy eateries like 4 Garcons on Thonglor Soi 13, Beccofino (Soi 4, 02-392-1881) and Bussaracum (opposite Thonglor 25, 02-714-7801), and more modern places like Roast Coffee & Eatery (Seenspace, 02-185-2619) and White Cafe. There are also classics like the Vietnamese Xuan Mai (opposite Mercedez Benz showroom, 02-185-2619) and the Thai Reua Thong and Thon Kreung. Street food is abundant, too, with the famous Hoy Thod Choa Le (085-128-3996) close to Sukhumvit Road and the Thai-Chinese shophouse Boon Tong Kiat (02-390-2508) selling khao man kai

Walkability 3/5

So-so. The sidewalks are consistent, but narrow and cluttered with street stalls. At least it’s a pleasant enough walk at night, when it’s less crowded. Most of the sub-sois are without pavement, so entering them on foot can be a bit death-defying as can crossing the four-lane main drag.

Culture 4/5

Located early on the soi, the Pridi Banomyong Institute (between Soi 3 and Soi 5, 02-381-3860) focuses on academic and cultural activities which include an annual political seminar, an exhibition space for independent artists, selected film screenings and a second floor auditorium called The Crescent Moon Space which always come up with quality plays. Within walking distance from the BTS is the famed bar and gallery WTF and sister event space Opposite (Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246), which has become a gathering place for artists and hipster farang, with programming that includes sculpture, live music dance parties and the high-quality open mic night called Bangkok Poetry.

Connectivity 2/5

Poor. The main drag is usually pretty busy making it tough to get to the expressways or the BTS, unless you go by bike. Most sub-sois are even worse.

Property

• D’25 Thonglor: Located on Thonglor Soi 25, this low-rise condominium has eight stories and underground parking. There are 98 units in total and it is expected to be done by late 2012. The whole concept is inspired by the art of origami and is combined with the subtle use of exposed concrete. Facilities include a water garden courtyard, outdoor lounge, salt-water swimming pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, fitness, golf putting course and video phone security. B98,000 per sq meter. 082-416-2525, www.d25thonglor.com
• Quattro by Sansiri: With a great location in Thonglor Soi 4, the project features 28 and 36-story buildings with 446 units in total, ranging from a 49.50-sq-meter 1-bedroom up to a 295.5-sq-meter penthouse. Facilities include double pools, kid’s pool, fitness, garden, terrace and a 24-hour concierge service. B160,000-210,000 per sq meter. 1685, www.sansiri.com

Phrom phong

Shopping 3/5

It’s hard to look past the monolith that is Emporium, a fave with local hi-sos and expats thanks to its impressive range of imported goodies like designer bags and Italian meats. Of course that means nothing is cheap either. Not too far, the al fresco joys of K. Village (top of Sukhumvit Soi 26) offer some more boutique local and Japanese-focused stores but at similar high prices. Our personal favorite though has to be the serene space of secondhand bookstore Dasa (714/4 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-661-2993) which consistently offers up hard to find literary gems at great prices.

Nightlife 2/5

If you like Japanese izakayas or English style boozers then you’re in luck. If you don’t, then this neighborhood is surprisingly lacking in the party department. There are a few hidden gems like Sugar Lust (59/27 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 084-011-4115) and Ambrosia (99/391 Sukhumvit Soi 24, opposite Davis Hotel, 02-086-817-5215) but most just head up the road to Thonglor for their drinking.

Green Space 4/5

Perhaps the biggest highlight has to be Benjasiri Park, right next door to Emporium; it’s a refreshing escape from the smog of Sukhumvit. Having recently received an upgrade there are some great playgrounds, swimming pool, an exercise circuit, not to mention the jogging track, basketball/takraw courts and the skateboard mini ramps as well as the calming influence of the central lake surrounded by intriguing pieces of art. It gets wonderfully busy too with people making full use of the facilities.

Food 4/5

We already mentioned the heavy Japanese influence on the hood but there’s so much else to enjoy. If we had to choose then Imoya (Sukhumvit 24, 02-663-5185) would probably win, thanks to its down home authenticity and old school izakaya vibe. It’s also a good brunch hood with Ohana Cafe (Sukhumvit 24, 02-661-1930) and Gastro 1/6 (RMA Institute, Soi Namthip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22) both scoring highly with us. For simpler breakfast fare, the pastries at Le Blanc (Soi 39, 02-259-4353) are lovely. For Thai, Bo.Lan (Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-260-2962) is still head and shoulders one of the best places in town. 

Walkability 2/5

The bicycle lane running down one side of the sidewalk just underlines the laughable state of the sidewalks which are uneven, and usually blocked by countless street stalls. That’s just on the main drag, step into the sois and the sidewalks often disappear altogether.

Culture 3/5

TCDC sits atop the Emporium and consistently has some of the best exhibitions in town, not to mention its cool library and awesome views, but it’s really a bit of a lone light in an area devoted to the god of retail.

Connectivity 4/5

Traffic on Sukhumvit is shocking pretty much 24-7 and it’s a trek to the expressway. At least the skytrain is a big saving grace and we can’t help but love the use of little pok-poks on many of the sois 39 and 49 instead of bikes.

Property

• Via Botani: The newest condominium on Sukhumvit 47 is right between Thong Lor and Phrom Phong BTS stations. The eight-story building is limited to 137 units and has 24-hours security, a gym and a swimming Pool. Hurry up, though, because Sansiri apartments are a hot commodity. There are currently only 1 bedroom apartments available and the project is expected to complete by March 2013. B135,000 per sq meter. 1685, www.sansiri.com
• The Emporio Place: This 364-unit luxury condominium is only a short walk away from BTS Phrom Phong and is easily accessible via Sukhumvit Road and Rama 4 Highway. Each unit has three exterior walls which maximizes the view, daylight and ventilation. Emporio is equipped with 24-hour security, swimming pools and saunas, sun deck areas, a library, and a gym. B120,000-130,000 per sq meter. 02-344-6666, www.tcccapitalland.co.th/emporioplace