Phahonyothin (พหลโยธิน), also called Phaholyothin, Pahol Yothin and other variations, is a district of the city of Bangkok.
To know
Phahonyothin is an area centered around Phahonyothin Road, a main thoroughfare that starts at the Victory Monument and runs parallel to join Viphavadi Rangsit Road north of Bangkok and continues well past Dom Mueang airport towards Rangsit, Ayutthaya, and if you drive enough, Chiang Rai. There are some places worth getting up here even though most tourists flock to Chatuchack market on the weekend.
Phahonyothin Road was originally called Prachathipatai Road (ถนน ประชาธิปไตย) and was only 22 kilometers long from the Victory Monument to Don Mueang Airport. Marshal Plaek Phibunsonhkhram extended it north to Sing Buri renaming it Phahonyothin Road in honor of General Phraya Pholphayuhasena, the second Prime Minister of Thailand (more commonly known as Phot Phahonyothin). It was later extended further to the Burma border for a total length of 1,005 kilometers. This article does not cover it all, of course, but only the small part within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Even so, however, Phahonyothin is a vast district that stretches for 30 kilometers.
Until 2006, almost all visitors arriving in Thailand landed at Don Mueang Airport which has been a major air hub for a long time which held the title of Asia's second busiest airport by passenger volume. The first commercial flights at this airport began in 1924 and it has since become a driving hub for the district's trade and many businesses and hotels have developed in the area. Thanks to this commercial activity, Bangkok developed northwards and Phahonyothin became one of the most developed suburbs of the city. Many citizens live here and make up a large group of daily commuters to the center. Going from the edges to the southern part of Phahonyothin could take up to two hours depending on traffic.
The north part is rarely visited by tourists, while the south part has the most important places of interest. Shopping is the hottest activity here and a visitor cannot say they have been to Bangkok unless they go to "Chatuchak Weekend Market" the largest market in Southeast Asia with its 8,000 stalls. Also, even if off the beaten track by foreigners, Soi Ari it has become a hip artist district full of inexpensive eateries.
With the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006, Don Mueang Airport closed completely for a year and after a complete renovation it was reopened in 2007 for domestic flights. The economic engine of the area suddenly stopped and the five-star hotels were transformed into two stars and the companies relegated to airport operations moved. Fortunately, thirty kilometers further south, commercial activity is still alive and well.
How to orient yourself
Phahonyothin: full screen map.How to get
Phahonyothin is a major thoroughfare, many people live in this area and work downtown. There are many ways to get there.
By public transport
Skytrain
Skytrain is an excellent way to get to and around Phahonyothin. The BTS line Sukhumvit Line it flows over Phahonyothin Road covering the most important areas of the district. The line comes directly from Siam Square is Sukhumvit. If you come from Silom you have to change from Silom Line to Sukhumvit Line at Siam BTS station.
The line goes from Sanam Pao, Ari is Saphan Khwai, before reaching the final destination Mo Chit, close to Chatuchack Market and the North Bus Terminal. In Mo Chit the skytrain crosses the Chatuchak Park stop of the MRT subway system so you can easily continue to Ratchadaphisek
Underground
The Metro only covers a small portion of Phahonyothin even though it runs further north than the Skytrain. If you need to go further north take the metro to Phahon Yothin MRT station and then continue by taxi or bus. The metro is also a better way to get to Chatuchak Market. Stop Kamphaeng Phet Metro MRT leaves right in front of the main entrance to the market. Even the stop Chatuchak Park get there but you have to walk to reach the east entrance. The metro ends at Bang Sue, an important station that can be used to take trains to the north or northeast.
By bus
Phahonyothin climbs north for 30km and the two metro and skytrain systems end much earlier, so you have to travel like the locals do: by bus. You can also go by taxi but it costs a lot more. Keep in mind, however, that traveling by bus to Phahonyothin is very problematic. It can take up to two hours to go from north to south depending on traffic. The most important line is the ordinary air-conditioned bus 59 active 24 hours a day. It starts from Sanam Luang a Rattanakosin and passes through Ratchdamnoen Klang Road (per Khao San Road) and the Panfa Leelard pier, the west terminal of the Saen Saep Express Boat. It then continues through Lan Luang Road, Phetchaburi Road, and heads north along Phaya Thai Road, passing the Victory Monument. From there it climbs north along Phahonyothin Road passing Chatuchak weekend market, Don Mueang airport and finally the Thammasat University campus in Rangsit.
By Taxi
Traveling by metered taxi is the most comfortable and expensive way to move around the district and can be used for both short and long journeys. You must always insist on the taximeter and if the driver refuses you get out and take another taxi. A ride from Sukhumvit or Silom to the Chatuchack market shouldn't cost more than 100 baht. If we are heading north towards Don Mueang airport it will cost 200/300 baht depending on the traffic.
On the train
Bang Sue Train Station it is a good alternative to the overcrowded Hualamphong Train Station but you can only use it if you are heading north of the country. It can be reached using the MRT metro to the last Bang Sue stop. You can also take the Skytrain to Mo Chit and then continue by taxi.
How to get around
What see
Architecture
- 1 Elephant Building, 369/38 Phahonyothin Soi 26 (Phahon Yothin MRT Station, then continue by taxi), ☎ 66 2 937 3300. The Elephant Building is one of the weirdest buildings in the world and has even won awards for being one of the ugliest. 32-storey building consisting of three towers connected to the upper floors. The shape clearly resembles a gray elephant, Thailand's national animal. It even has eyes, ears and fangs so nothing is left to the imagination. The building is for both residential and commercial use, with a bank, post office, EFL school and various shops on the first two floors.
Museums
- 2 Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium (อุทยาน ผีเสื้อ และ แมลง กรุงเทพฯ), Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road (Chatuchak Park MRT Station or Mo Chit BTS Station. Inside the Wachirabenchathas park, near the Chatuchak park.), ☎ 66 2 272 4359, 66 2 272 4360.
Free. 
Tue-Sun and public holidays 08: 30-16: 30. Insect garden divided into four sections. The first section is an area with touch sensitive screens that introduce the garden. The second is a mini theater where a presentation on insects and the ecological system they make up is shown. The third section is an exhibition hall showing insect reproduction and butterfly embryos. In the last section there is a large cage with more than 500 butterflies of 20 different species on display. The garden simulates the natural insect environment with rocks, ferns, wildflowers and a waterfall. - 3 Children's Discoveries Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ เด็ก), 810 Kamphaeng Phet 4 Road (across the street from the Chatuchak market inside the park.), ☎ 66 2 615-7333, 66 2 615-7102. 50-70 baht. Tue-Fri 09: 00-18: 00, Sat-Sun 10: 00-19: 00. Interactive and discovery museums are Bangkok's new fashion and this museum is no exception. Completed in 2001 just in time for HM Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday. It is a large complex of eight galleries with 123 exhibitions and activities, spread over three buildings and an open space. The aim is to teach children subjects such as human life, science, culture, society, nature and the environment in a fun way. Also there is an exhibition in honor of Queen Sirikit. Although aimed at Thai families, families can enjoy spending time here.
- 4 MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art (พิ พิ ฒ ภัณฑ์ ศิลปะ ไทย ร่วม สมัย), 499/50 Viphavadi Rangsit Road (From the BTS Mo Chit station you can take a taxi), ☎ 66 2 953-1005, 66 2 953-1007. 180 baht. Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm. Five-story building housing hundreds of paintings and sculptures illustrating the development of Thai art since the concept of Western art was introduced. There are also special collections on Victorian-era painters as well as Chinese and Japanese artwork.
Free. 
Tue-Sun and public holidays 08: 30-16: 30. Insect garden divided into four sections. The first section is an area with touch sensitive screens that introduce the garden. The second is a mini theater where a presentation on insects and the ecological system they make up is shown. The third section is an exhibition hall showing insect reproduction and butterfly embryos. In the last section there is a large cage with more than 500 butterflies of 20 different species on display. The garden simulates the natural insect environment with rocks, ferns, wildflowers and a waterfall.
- 5 Philatelic Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ และ ห้องสมุด ตราไปรษณียากร), 2nd floor, Metropolitan Postal Bureau, 2 Phahonyothin Road (Saphan Khwai BTS Station, behind the Samsen Nai post office), ☎ 66 2 271 2439. Free. Wed-Sun 08: 30-16: 30. This museum shows the history of the Thai postal service and the development of postage stamps throughout history. The first stamps were produced during the reign of King Rama V in the late 19th century. There are also stamps from other countries on display and you can buy them on the ground floor. Next to the museum is a room that looks and acts like a post office from the past. In front of the building there are mailboxes from various periods.
- 6 Royal Thai Air Force Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ กองทัพ อากาศ), 171 Phahonyothin Road (Take a taxi from Mo Chit BTS Station or Chatuchak Park MRT Station), ☎ 66 2 534 1853. Free. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 00. An extravagant collection of airplanes and helicopters ranging from the WWII era to the Jas Gripen fighter jet. Some of these can be accessed inside. The signs in English have improved over the years and finally you can also read about the history. There is a souvenir shop and a canteen serving Thai food at a good price.
- 7 Roll of Honor of the State Railways (หอ เกียรติภูมิ รถไฟ - State Railway Hall Of Fame), Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road (Chatuchak Park MRT Station or Mo Chit BTS Station; in the western area of the Chatuchak park [the geodata are approximate]), ☎ 66 8 1615 5776. Tue-Fri, 06: 00-12: 00; Sat-Sun, 06: 00-14: 00. Privately operated, it is a railway museum with steam engines, model trains and toy trains on display showing the history of the Thai railway since the 19th century. The museum was opened by Sanpasiri Viryasiri in 1990 and is now run by his son, Chulsiri Viryasiri who runs it with dedication. Keep in mind that the project survives only with donations even if the entrance is free, so his life is always in doubt; in addition, the State Railways of Thailand are trying to reclaim the land to turn it into a public park for dogs.
Parks
- 8 Chatuchak Park (สวนจตุจักร), Phahonyothin Road (Chatuchak Park MRT station or Mo Chit BTS station), ☎ 66 2 272 4575. Free. Mon-Sun 05: 00-20: 00. Chatuchak Park is one of the oldest public parks in Bangkok, located on land donated by the State Railways of Thailand in 1975. Construction of the park took five years and was completed in 1980. Basically the park is a long green strip of land. Phahonyothin Road. Surrounded by an artificial lake along the entire length of the park, with many bridges crossing it. There are nine Asean sculptures that enhance the park's features.
- 9 Queen Sirikit Park (สวน สมเด็จ พระนางเจ้า สิริ กิ ติ์), Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road (Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station or Mo Chit BTS Station). Free. Mon-Sun 05: 00-20: 00. This park was built in 1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. A large swimming pool inside contains three fountains and a beautiful collection of both Thai and foreign lotus plants.
- 10 Wachirabenchatat Park (สวน วชิร เบญจ ทัศ), Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road (North of Regina Sirikit park and Chatuchak park). Free. Mon-Sun 05: 00-21: 00. This large park was once a golf course used by the State Railways of Thailand. Inside you can rent bicycles and in the center there is a large playground, a swimming pool and sports equipment for children. Outside the north entrance it is possible to park for a fee and eat.
What to do
- 1 Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, 234/2 Phahonyothin Road (Phahon Yothin MRT Station; at the intersection of Phahonyothin Road and Ratchadaphisek Road), ☎ 66 2 421 6606. 150 baht. Mon-Wed 10: 30-00: 00, Thu-Sun 10: 00-00: 00. Another location of the Major Cineplex cinema chain. The ticket office is on the second floor and films are shown on the fifth and sixth floors. It's a great cinema with all the new Hollywood releases. Thai films with English subtitles are also shown.
Learn
- 2 BaiPai cooking school (โรงเรียน สอน ทำ อาหาร ไทย ใบ พาย), 8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road (Take a taxi from Phahon Yothin MRT Station), ☎ 66 2 561 1404. 2,200 baht. Mon-Sat 09: 30-13: 30, 13: 30-17: 30. Participants will have fun learning how to cook traditional Thai recipes which are taught with all the secrets and hidden tricks. Their van will pick you up at your hotel or a chosen place in the city as it is not easy to find. The teachers are fun and good instructors and will eventually give you a printed photo as a gift, as well as via email. If you join the morning classes you will still have the rest of the day to visit the city.
Shopping
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The main attraction in the north of Bangkok is the 1 Chatuchak weekend market (จตุจักร, or also "Jatujak" or "JJ", Sat-Sun 09: 00-18: 00, Tel. 66 2 272 4441), incredibly vast on 35 acres both indoor and outdoor with more than 8,000 vendors selling of everything. To put these numbers into perspective, if you stop at each stall for one minute without a break on both Saturday and Sunday, it would take two months to see it all. A good general rule is to buy immediately if you see something that interests you because you will not be able to find the same stall.
After World War II the market was around Sanam Luang to Rattanakosin but when it got too big it was moved north of Bangkok in 1978. Today it has around 200,000 visitors a day spending around 30 million baht. This market has a good mix of both local and foreign goers. It started as a market for cheap things but over the years it has become an oasis for specialized shops with slightly higher prices.
Getting there is simple, you get off at the station Mo Chit of the skytrain or Kamphaeng Phet of the metro that goes down in the southwest area. Also the MRT station Chatuchack Park is an option. The market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, opens at 09:00 and closes at 18:00 although it becomes less interesting after 16:00. To avoid the crowds and the heat it is advisable to go there early and possibly avoid rainy days because the canopies of the stalls are not suitable for tropical rains. Also keep in mind to check personal items as there are pickpockets in the crowd.
As you can imagine, finding your way here is a world apart. The only recognizable landmark is the clock tower in the center of the complex, so in case you get lost you can use it to meet again. In theory, the market is divided into 26 numbered sections according to the goods on sale but you will still get lost in the maze of 69 soi and dozens of other alleys. For a detailed map of the market you can buy the Bangkok map by Nancy Chandler to the Teak House Art in section 2.
Describing what they sell here might fill a separate chapter and giving a complete description of all sections is nearly impossible, but rough grouping into 10 categories can be done. This grouping should be used as a general guide as goods for sale overlap within sections and some sections are difficult to categorize, especially section 2 which has mixed products ranging from home decor, used clothes, furniture, crafts and plants. Anyway here is a grouping:
- Period items (section 26)
- Art (section 7)
- Books (section 1 and 27)
- Ceramics (section 17 and 19)
- Clothes (sections 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21 and 23)
- Crafts (sections 8, 22, 24 and 25)
- Home decor (section 2)
- Pets (sections 9, 11, 13 and 15)
- Plants (section 3 and 4)
- Used clothing (section 5 and 6)
There pet section it is beautiful to look at with many puppies and bunnies for sale but it is highly controversial as many of these shops are the front of the trade in protected and even endangered animals that are sold over the counter. Many of these animals are illegally imported from other countries and Chatuchak serves as a sorting center for animal collectors interested in Bucerotidae, Snakes, Turtles and anything you can think of. These practices are not as visible as they once were, as a result of a series of more thorough checks. A raid in 2003 found 5,000 illegal exotic animals for sale at the market, although the deal is typically conducted here with delivery somewhere else. If you don't want to see crocodiles for sale in small cages or cock fights, then skip this section.
Chatuchak is a good place to buy all sorts of Thai handicrafts, silk and vintage items. Many of these shops are in the southwestern part and the prices are much cheaper than in Silom. It is expected to to bargain for each small item that you want to buy but in general you can not get more than 150 baht discount. Buying antiques is fun, almost all items for sale are fakes as the originals require a permit to be exported.
The area around section 27 is good for daily needs. There are toilets, a smoking area, plenty of ATMs to change money and an abundance of food stalls lining the west, south and east of the main road serving Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Isaan food.
Meanwhile, other entrepreneurs have tried to make money by following the flow of the Chatuchak market by opening other markets:
- 1 Chatuchak Plaza (จตุจักร พลาซ่า), 599 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, ☎ 66 2 618 4071. Mon-Sun 09: 00-18: 00. The two downsides of the weekend Chatuchak market are that it is sometimes too hot and that it is only open on weekends. Chatuchak plaza tries to accommodate these complaints by giving a similar experience of the original market, it is open daily and has air conditioning. It does a good job but when you walk here you miss the original.
- 2 JJ Day & Night, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road (on the other side of Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from Chatuchak Market), ☎ 66 2 618 4442. Mon-Thu 10: 00-20: 00, Fri-Sat 10: 00-21: 00. A large shopping mall with nothing of interest. The corridors are quite small and you can shop for cheap clothes however a lot of things happen outside.
- 3 JJ Mall, 588 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road (North of Chatuchak Market, after Chatuchak Plaza), ☎ 66 2 618 3333. Mon-Sun 10 am-9pm. Large, well-developed and well-maintained air-conditioned shopping mall. Each floor has different merchandise for sale: the ground floor has handicrafts, paintings and home decorations; the first floor has clothes, accessories and jewelry; the second floor has wellness products and a large food court.
- 4 Or Tor Kor Market (ตลาด อ.ต.ก., also known as Aw Taw Kaw Market or Direct Farmers Marketing Organization Market), Kamphaeng Phet Road (Exit 2 of the Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station), ☎ 66 2 279 2080. Mon-Sun 06: 00-20: 00. Just next to Chatuchak, few tourists come to the best place to buy high quality plants and vegetables that come straight from the growers. The prices are a bit higher than in any other small neighborhood market also because it is cleaner here and the products are of better quality. There is also a food market which is worth a visit
- 5 JJ Green Market (Siam Gypsy Market or Chatuchak Green Night Market) (Mo Chit BTS Station), ☎ 66 92 461 5951. Wed-Sun 18: 00-01: 00. Very trendy night market among young people with lots of food and goodies.
How to have fun
There are many bars dedicated to young Thais open in the market area Or Tor Kor near Chatuchak. Very close to the Kamphaeng Phet MRT station there are at least twenty small pubs, bars and restaurants open every day of the week.
Bars and pubs
- 1 Ari Bar (Babar areas), 36/6 Phahonyothin Soi 7 (Ari BTS Station), ☎ 66 2 279 7560. Very simple and quirky neighborhood bar with eclectic music. The sign says "Aaari babar".
- 2 Cafe Dee Dee, Ari Samphan Soi 2 (At the corner of Soi Ari Sampan and Ari Sampan Soi 2 [the geodata are approximate]), ☎ 66 2 278 4113. Mon-Sun 10 am-7pm. Typical lezioso café quite common in Bangkok. Homely atmosphere and everything is decorated with flowers. A good place to stop for some Thai coffee or tea accompanied by a cake or sandwich.
- 3 Dbaa, Ari Soi 2 (Inside Soi 2 on the left if you come from Soi Ari [geodata leads inside Soi 2]). Trendy bar in the neighborhood and popular with the locals.
- 4 Tawandang Microbrewery (Rong Beer Yereman), 51 / 199-200 Moo 1 Khwaeng (On the corner of Ram Intra & Yu Yen, in soi Ram Intra Soi 34), ☎ 66 2 944 5131, 66 2 944 5132. Mon-Sun 17: 00-01: 00. This is the second location of the German brewery. The original location is on Rama III Road near Silom. Very famous among the upper middle class Thailadans. They serve cheap food and there is a stage with lots of shows and good music. To find it is a bit difficult, ask about the "Rong Beer Yereman" (German beer hall) and they should understand. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Discos
- 5 Lesla, Chit Chat Club, Chok Chai 4 Soi 58 (Lat Phrao MRT Station [approximate geodata]), ☎ 66 2 618 7191. 150 baht. Sat 19: 00-01: 00. Lesla is a growing community of lesbians that organizes events. Every Saturday night there is an event held in the Chit Chat nightclub in the Lat Phrao neighborhood.
Where to eat
The trendiest spot in the north of Bangkok is the area around Phahonyothin Soi 7, better known as Soi Ari (or Areas). Other restaurants can be found in nearby Rama VI Soi 30 also known as Soi Ari Samphan. Many musicians and artists have moved to this neighborhood and the bars and restaurants are dedicated to them. Just outside the BTS Ari station the busy streets are divided into further soi, with Ari Soi 1 featuring a very busy market full of food stalls, as well as the hippest and most expensive areas around Soi 2 and 3. .
Moderate prices
There is a large variety of street restaurants on Phahonyothin Soi 7 (Soi Ari). Just outside the BTS station and around the corner on Soi Ari are tons of stalls selling Bangkok's best street food, ranging from Chinese wonton noodles to Isaan specialties like Som Tam, Larb, Gai Yaang as well as Pad Thai, and sweets. Thais. Other banquets cover the entire repertoire of Thai cuisine, all for 20-30 baht per dish.
- Crispy Pork and Beef Noodle, Phahonyothin Road (Ari BTS Station, north of Soi 5). 50 baht. Mon-Sun. Two very famous local eateries with regular customers seven days a week. The main courses cost less than 50 baht and have a simple but very good menu, even if only in Thai.
- 1 Deli House, Phahonyothin Soi 7 (Ari BTS station, just after Ari Bar). 50-90 baht. You wouldn't expect to find a European-style pastry baker in this neighborhood. They also have other European snacks, such as German sausages.
- 2 Jud Leeo (จุด เลี้ยว), 557 P-4 Phahonyothin Soi 19 (in front of the Rasa Tower), ☎ 66 2 937 0197. 50-90 baht. Mon-Sun 11: 00-22: 00. Outstanding Thai curries plus other dishes served by friendly, English speaking waiters. There are trees that provide some shade and make dining here very pleasant.
- 3 Khrob Khreung (ครบ เครื่อง), 5-7 Ari Samphan Soi 10 (in front of the Ministry of Finance [approximate geodata]), ☎ 66 2 278 3279. 40-90 baht. Mon-Sun 09: 00-15: 00. Famous for its Kuay Tiow Yam Bok rice noodles with fresh vegetables and pork or shrimp (30baht). It also serves Chinese Dim Sum, Satay pork steak with peanut sauce and many other dishes. There are no signs or menus in English.
- 4 [link previously not working]Pad Thai Areas (ผัด ไทย อารีย์) (The Soi between Phahonyothin Soi 6 and 8 [the geodata leads roughly where their Facebook page indicates]), ☎ 66 2 270 1654. 45-95 baht. Mon-Sun 10 am-8pm. Run by a friend of the royal family (note the photo of the princess on the wall) it serves succulent Pad Thai, and other variations, at slightly higher prices than on the street.
- 5 Pathe, 1130 / 6-7 Phahonyothin Road (Phahon Yothin MRT Station, on the corner of Phahonyothin Roadd, Lat Phrao Roadd, & Viphavadi Rangsit Road), ☎ 66 2 938 4995. 50-120 baht. Daily, 10: 00-01: 00. Pathe is the Thai equivalent of a 1950s American-style restaurant. Nice atmosphere with a classic turntable playing background music. On the wall there are photos of music stars from the 1950s-70s. They also serve good food.
- 6 [link previously not working]Som-Tum Bangkok (ส้มตำ บางกอก), 9 Soi Ari 3 (Ari BTS Station, near Ari Soi 3), ☎ 66 2 619 8659. 50-70 baht. Mon-Sun 11: 00-23: 00. Inside a soi with a lot of greenery it takes its name from its special Som Tum dish (green papaya salad) with dishes costing from 45 baht and up. They also serve Isaan dishes for under 100 baht and you can choose to sit outside or inside.
- 7 Wake Up Cafe, Phahonyothin Soi 9 (Inside a soi near Shinawatra Tower 2 [geodata bring in Soi 9]). 70 baht. Mon-Sun. Surprisingly this is an oasis of greenery on the outside, well kept on the inside. Main courses cost around 50 baht as well as a cup of coffee.
Average prices
- 8 Baan Mae Yui (บ้าน แม่ ยุ้ย), 53/1 Ari Samphan Soi 1 (A 10-15 minute walk from the Ari BTS station), ☎ 66 2 619 9952. 200 baht. Mon-Sun, 10 am-9pm. Within a narrow residential street, this little gem has over time become the neighborhood's favorite restaurant, and you have to wait to be seated on weekends. The menu has homemade Thai dishes, some of which are prepared the old fashioned way and very hard to find in other restaurants, other than the daily specials. The dinner and Sunday menu also has a few Western dishes, such as steaks, pasta and roasts. Homemade pastries and ice creams are worth taking away.
- 9 Baan Puengchom (บ้าน พึง ชม), 38/1 Phahonyothin Soi 7 (in a small soi opposite Ari Soi 2 and Ari Soi 3), ☎ 66 2 279 4204. 150 baht. Mon-Sun 12: 00-22: 00. Located in a small garden with some rabbits it also has the possibility to eat inside with the air conditioning. It is often full so if you don't book it will be very likely that you will eat outside. The surroundings couldn't be better, the food is good and the prices decent.
- 10 Bale (บา เล่), 67/19 Lat Phrao Soi 35 ([the geodata are approximate]), ☎ 66 2 938-1518, 66 2 938-1519. Mon-Sun 18: 00-01: 00. Located inside the soi, this restaurant is actually a huge renovated house, and is very popular with young professionals. It hosts a group of 8 violinists, and serves wine and beer.
- 11 Basil, Baan Yosawadi Building, 34 Phahonyothin Soi 7 (Ari BTS Station), ☎ 66 2 619 8188. 300 baht. Mon-Sun 11: 30-14: 30, 18: 00-23: 00. The third location of this chain of Italian restaurants. Good pizzas and a good selection of wines at decent prices, both by the glass and by the bottle.
- 12 Lay Lao (เหลา เหลา), 1271 / 6-7 Phahonyothin Road (Between Soi 7 and 9), ☎ 66 2 271 4260. Chinese style seafood restaurant always full until the small hours. The atmosphere and service aren't great but everyone agrees that the food is great and at the right price. The menu in English is available but as a local restaurant it is advisable to go there with a Thai friend.
- 13 Pla Dip (ปลา ดิบ), 1/1 Rama VI Soi 30 (On the corner of Ari Samphan Soi 7, 20 minutes walk from Ari BTS station), ☎ 66 2 279 8185. 300 baht. Mon-Sun 18: 00-00: 00. Surprisingly chic decor and popular with Bangkok hipsters and indie music fanatics, this bar / restaurant hosts bands on weekends. Very creative menu focused on fresh fish prepared with "fusion" styles. It costs a lot for the neighborhood with some triple-digit priced dishes.
- 14 Suan Kularb (สวน กุหลาบ), 162 Rama VI Soi 30 (A 10-15 minute walk from the Ari BTS station), ☎ 66 2 617 0425. 80-300 baht. Mon-Sun 11: 00-23: 00. An institution in the Ari district, very popular with the locals and many come here from other parts of the city. An extensive menu of Thai and Chinese dishes with prices around 80-150 baht, although the fish is much more expensive and is also translated and has photos.
- 15 T-House, 33 Phahonyothin Soi 5 (Ari BTS Station, once you enter the soi walk for 50 meters and it is on the left), ☎ 66 2 270 1309. 250 baht. Mon-Fri 11: 00-14: 00, 17: 00-22: 00; Sat-Sun 11: 00-22: 00. Very good Vietnamese restaurant. The outdoor courtyard is shared with Dragon Place, the Chinese restaurant next door. You can park, it's clean and the service is good. Must try is the Saigon crab soup.
Where stay
There are many sleeping options not far from Don Mueang Airport.
Modci prices
- 1 Bansabai Hostel, 8/137 Moo 3, Soi Sahakon 15, Lat Phrao Soi 71, ☎ 66 2 932 9200. 700-800 baht. This "hostel" is not really a hostel but a three-star hotel. It is incredibly difficult to find as it is well within the soi of Lat Phrao and 16km away from the Victory Monument, so budget for the taxi. The staff do not speak any foreign languages very well but they help with everything, they are very present and hospitable and the area is very quiet. Per quello che costa si hanno molti servizi: stanze molto grandi e molto pulite, un balcone, aria condizionata, frigorifero, televisione via cavo, servizio in camera e un mini-bar non troppo costoso.
Prezzi Medi
- 2 Amari Don Muang Airport, 333 Chert Wudthakas Road, ☎ 66 2 566 1020. 1.100-6.725 baht. Albergo di lusso accanto all'aeroporto Don Mueang connesso ai terminal da un ballatoio. Dall'apertura dell'aeroporto Suvarnabhuni la qualità è peggiorata e anche se è ancora un buon albergo la colazione (non inclusa nel prezzo della stanza) e i servizi non sono all'altezza di una volta. C'è un solo ristorante aperto dei quattro originari. Comunque la piscina è ancora buona.
- 3 [link not working]Mystic Place, 244/2-18 Pradiphat Road (Stazione BTS Saphan Khwai), ☎ 66 2 270 3344. 1.700-2.100 baht. Albergo molto pacchiano. Ogni stanza è stata disegnata da un progettista d'interni diverso, quindi c'è da aspettarsi molto contrasto anche tra i colori, l'arredamento in plastica e luci colorate per creare ambienti e tonalità diverse.
- 4 Rama Gardens, 9/9 Viphavadi Rangsit Road, ☎ 66 2 561 0022. 1.600-4.400 baht. Un albergo grande e piacevole con stanze grandi e pulite. Un atrio elegante, giardini molto belli e una grande selezione per colazione. Comodo se si vola dall'aeroporto Don Mueang oppure se si vuole stare vicini a Ko Kret.
High prices
- 5 Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phahonyothin Road (Stazione MRT Phahon Yothin), ☎ 66 2 541 1234. 3.500-8.000 baht. Lontano dal centro ma vicino a un centro congressi, un centro commerciale e con un facile accesso alla metro e la linea veolce "expressway". Probabilmente il posto meglio connesso in queta parte della città.
How to keep in touch
Internet
Non è facile connettersi a Phahonyothin. C'è una connessione Wi-Fi gratuita vicino S&P al pian terreno della Shinawatra Tower III (1011 Viphavadi Rangsit Road, vicino alla stazione MRT Phahon Yothin).
Other projects
Commons contains images or other files on Phahonyothin
