Thong Lor has become the hot spot in town over the last few years, known for its excellent choice of upmarket and fashionable restaurants, along with plenty of trendy spots to drink the night away. As a large percentage of the Japanese expat population lives here, there are plenty of excellent izakaya, ramen, and sushi joints, and even a restaurant and shop village known as Nihonmura (Japantown).
Some of Bangkok’s best eateries, both for food and vibe are to be found in trendy Thong Lor. For upscale but very down to earth Thai food there is Soul Food Mahanakorn, and just around the corner is the more simple Pochana 55, packing in faithful locals for great food night after night. Japanese is all the rage here, ranging from hole in the wall ramen shops to some of the freshest sashimi spots in town.
Thong Lor has an amazing collection of drinking spots, from Japanese izikaya watering holes to loud nightclubs packed with young Thais to quiet and sleek expat bars. Some of the best cocktails in town are to be found here, like the Brazilian caiparinhias at the Retro Bar or the exotic mixes using Thai ingredients (like a lycheegrass collins) at Soul Food Mahanakorn.