Ari shouldn’t work, but it does.
Most guides will tell you Ari is Bangkok’s trendiest area, full of photogenic cafes and leafy streets. Although that is true, it misses the point. What makes Ari special isn’t the gentrification, or the cute cafes, it’s how the old and new have learned to coexist. In Ari you’ll find authentic street stalls thriving in the shadow of aesthetic (and expensive) coffee shops, each serving their own loyal crowds.
This Bangkok neighbourhood changes personality throughout the day like a chameleon: 7 AM brings local office workers grabbing quick breakfasts before the Instagram crowd wakes up. By 10 AM Digital nomads claim their favourite cafe corners for the day. The lunch rush at 12 PM reveals the neighbourhood’s true diversity, everyone from construction workers to creative directors crowding the same noodle stalls. 6 PM: After-work drinks blur the lines between locals and expats even further. where construction workers slurp khao soi next to digital nomads, where traditional family recipes compete with Instagram desserts, where Thai office workers queue behind expat influencers for the same crispy pork.
I’ve spent many months in bangkok over the last 4 years, I know the city very well and consider it a home away from home. This Ari Bangkok guide is a collection of my favourite spots. I only recommend the ones I genuinely love ! No one sponsors me.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where To Stay In Ari Bangkok
$: The Lek Aree
$$$: Loft House
Should First-Time Visitors Stay In Ari?
Although Ari is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Bangkok, it’s not ideal for first timers. Ari is not central, it takes a bit of effort to get to the main tourists sites. For example Bangkok’s Chinatown is 40 minutes away (BTS & bus), Siam Paragon is 15 minutes (5 stops on BTS), Khaosan Road is 90 minutes away (BTS & MRT).
Furthermore, aside from exploring the many cafes and restaurants, there aren’t any tourist attractions here. You will be close to the gigantic Chatuchak market, but that’s about it. Ari is a top choice for digital nomads, long term stays, or people coming back for another visit to Bangkok who have already been to the bigger attractions.
Things To Do In Ari Bangkok
Grumps Community Space
Grumps Community Space represents Ari’s aesthetic appeal, it’s for the people looking to liven up their Instagram feed. This colourful two story space has a vibrant and playful vibe with bright buildings, a pool with props for your photos.
There are also a few cute cafes like SOURI who make delicious macaroons, and the famous Japanese Tsuru Udon.
Kid Mai Death Awareness
One of Bangkoks most unique attractions is the Kid Mai Death Awareness Cafe. Designed and run by a researcher who wanted to share his findings on life. It takes you through the four stages of life birth, elder, sickness, and death. There is even an escape room to figure out.
At parts it can be a bit eerie but overall the message follows Buddhism & Thailand beliefs on mortality: always keep in mind the impermanence of life and consider leaving legacy behind you by being kind and less materialistic. The experience will make you reflect on your own mortality and the cyclical nature of life.
The tour is not self-guided, it’s led by a guide who will explain the concepts and take photos for you. Entrance cost THB500 which includes an on-theme drink.
Visit The Pearl Bangkok
The Pearl Bangkok is either inspired architecture or shameless copying, depending on who you ask. This 25-story spherical tower looks suspiciously like London’s Gherkin, though the designers insist they were inspired by a pearl (hence the name).
Honestly, the inspiration debate doesn’t matter much to visitors. What matters is that you can’t miss this building when you exit Ari BTS , it dominates the skyline and serves as a useful landmark. The ground floor has a Starbucks if you need air conditioning and a familiar coffee fix, plus a small food court and gym. The upper floors are mostly offices, so unless you work there, you’re not seeing much beyond the lobby.
Eat, Drink and Repeat
The best thing to do in Ari is grab your appetite and explore. While there are a few small food courts dotted around (like along Ari Alley Walking Street and Snan Napa), I found the individual restaurants more memorable. Here are my favorites:
Looking for Ari recommendations? Keep reading because I’ve got loads.
Where To Eat In Ari
ถึงเจียงใหม่ บางกอก | Thungchiangmai bangkok
I’ve had my fair share of khao soi and this is up there in my top 3!
ถึงเจียงใหม่ บางกอก (Thungchiangmai bangkok) might be small but it will leave a big impact on your tastebuds. This is a small family run local restaurant with AC is tucked away down Ari Alley Walking Street. Like all of Bangkok’s best food spots, the exterior is unassuming and if you weren’t looking for it you might miss it… but that would be a huge mistake.
Specialising in Northern Thailand cuisine, you’ll be momentarily transported to Chiang Mai. The menu features dishes like Larb Balls, Steamed Beef With Galangai dip (this one is Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended) Hang Hung Lai (pork belly in spicy soup) and of course a variety of Khao Soi.
I ordered the Khao Soi Kai which came with a generous side of chilli, red onion and mustard greens. The khao soi sauce was thick and very flavourful, the base already had a fiery kick which I appreciated. They did not water down the spice for this very basic white girl, a problem I have in many other restaurants in Thailand, no one thinks I can handle the heat. The egg noodles were silky soft and the meal was topped with a large helping of crispy noodles.
The very popular and TikTok viral Oontang is just round the corner, although famous for their Khao Soi it pales in comparison to this humble eatery. I’ve eaten in the Saladaeng branch, although it tastes nice the flavour and spice is diluted which I assume is to cater to tourists. I promise, this is so much more authentic and delicious.
Address: Soi Ari 1, Phaya Thai
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays
Prices: THB80 – 120
Thanee Khao Moo Daeng
100m from Ari BTS station, past the beautiful Pearl building is the neighbourhoods best crispy pork restaurant: Thanee Khao Moo Daeng. Like all the best restaurants in Bangkok, the building is non-descript. But if you look closely you can see succulent slabs of crispy pork at the front of house.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about visiting here. I’ve seen it in one too many guides and YouTube videos that I just figured it was likely over-hyped and catering to tourists. I could not have been more wrong. Although Thanee Khao Moo Daeng is super popular, it remain authentic and hasn’t dialled back its taste for International visitor.
Thanee Khao Moo Daeng is famous for their crispy pork and secret red sauce. The pork belly is crunchy, the pork meat is tender and juicy, while the red sauce is sweet, sticky and slightly peanuty. It all works so well together.
Aside from the crispy pork they also serve Chinese sausage, noodles and fishballs. Most meals cost between 70 and 90 baht, while a large mixed plate of meat is between 180 and 270 baht.
Address: 1163 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai
Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM Monday to Sunday
Prices: THB70 – 90; THB180 -270 for large meat plates
NoodleBar (Spicy Crispy Pork Noodle)
This is the most unique pork noodle I’ve tried in Bangkok. The broth is a sweet Tom yum flavour and you have lots of toppings to choose from. You can even choose between rice and egg noodles. The initial broth is not really spicy but there are condiments on the table to spice it up. The crispy pork is also very nice.
NoodleBar shows how local establishments can modernise, adding AC, sleek furnishings, and QR ordering, while keeping the authentic flavours that built their reputation.
Address: 1239 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai
Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM Monday to Sunday
Prices: THB65 – 135
Cafes In Ari
Thongyoy
Thongyoy was not on my list of cafes in Ari to visit, however I was intrigued by it’s colourful exterior and even more interested when I learned they serve Thai desserts.
This flower covered cafe is designed for photos. The walls are covered in pink and yellow flowers, the seats are dainty wicker stools and the plates/cutlery are gold. Overall it’s spacious and airy with an abundance of aesthetic cakes on display.
The menu has so many tasty treats and drinks it was genuinely hard to decide. I ordered the skinny green tea with pandam, it was insanely good and refreshing! I usually dislike green tea but saw the word “skinny” and figured it counted as manifestation! I also got the coconut and toddy palm cake which was light and not too sweet. It was topped with fresh coconut jelly. It was a welcome change from the usual desserts you’d find in cafes.
Although it’s a peaceful cafe it’s not somewhere i’d recommend you take a laptop due to the wicker stools, and it’s just not the vibe here to whip out a laptop.
Address: 24, 4 Ari 4 Fang Nua Alley, Phaya Thai
Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM Monday to Sunday
Prices: THB80 for a cappuccino; THB60 for cakes
Qraft
As soon as you walk through Qraft’s doors you are instantly greeted with a zen atmosphere. Black walls and dark wooden furniture kit out the chilled space. Sister cafe to the Peace Oriental Teahouse, Qraft specialises in matcha and Japanese inspired desserts. This three-storey cafe would fit seamlessly on the streets of Kyoto, and for a while you feel like you could be there.
Behind a large glass case are a selection of buttery artisanal croissants with creative flavours that include from forest honey to tiramisu. To wash down these pastries you need a matcha, and Qraft does a delicious matcha that is neither too sweet or bitter. I went for the pastel, medium firing matcha which was creamy.
It is just as zen upstairs as it is on the ground floor with more dark furnishings and plants along with a view of the busy streets below. Although the space is compact a mirror creates the illusion it’s much bigger. This is a laptop friendly cafe in Ari, with outlets and proper tables to work on.
Address: 5, 7 Soi Ari 1, Phaya Thai
Hours: 7 AM – 9 PM Tuesday to Sunday, 7 AM – 8:30 PM Monday
Prices: THB165 – 245 for matcha/coffee; THB350 for croissants
Sis + Me Bakery Studio
Small bakery selling the most scrumptious cupcakes. I am not usually a cupcake person, I typically find them boring and the least interesting sweet treat. However, the cupcakes in Sis + Me Bakery Studio window caught my eye and before I knew it I was walking out with a little box. These cupcakes are anything but boring.
There are about 20 different flavours including red velvet, toffee caramel, chocolate, biscoff, banana and popcorn. I choose the red velvet and mixed berry, both had a fluffy sponge with a large topping of fresh cream that was not too sweet. It’s a very small bakery, there is no space to sit down so it’s take-out only.
Unfortunately, I don’t have nice photos of my cupcakes as they toppled over in their box throughout the day, but that’s just proof of how generous the toppings are.
Address: Soi aree1 Phaholyothin7, 4/1อาคารสหกรณ์พระนครจำกัด, Samsean nai, Phayathai
Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Monday – Sunday
Prices: THB85 for one cupcake; deals on boxes available
Bay Aree
Bay Aree caught my eye the moment I walked past. The place has this cool cowboy vibe going on inside, it’s trendy without trying too hard. Inside is a chill atmosphere with dim lights and comfy chairs. They’re open until midnight most days (closes at 6 PM on Mondays though), so it’s perfect if you want to grab a cocktail later.
We tried a hot and iced cappuccino, both were surprisingly totally different (aside from the obvious temperature) but really good. The iced one was sweeter with a toasted marshmallow on top, while the hot one was just rich and creamy. They’ve got six different coffee beans to pick from. I went with the blanc because it’s a bit sweet and tastes like milk chocolate.
Their cake selection will ruin any diet – and it’s worth it. You have to try the dark beer mascarpone which was very moist with a rich depth of flavour. The peanut butter banana cake was more subtle but still pretty tasty.
Bay Aree is another laptop friendly cafe in Ari.
Address: 111 ถนน Phahonyothin Soi 7, Phaya Thai
Hours: 10 AM – 12 AM Tuesday – Sunday; 10 AM – 6 PM Mondays
Prices: THB 170 cappuccino, THB 200 – 300 for cakes
Nana Coffee Roasters
NANA has built quite a reputation among both travellers and locals, and it’s easy to see why. With 3 locations scattered across Bangkok, each housed in these distinctive, eye-catching buildings. I checked out their Ari branch, which sits tucked away down a narrow alley and features a beautiful Japanese-inspired garden. The building is brick with a modern brick design overlay.
Inside upbeat music plays, it’s definitely not a quiet retreat, but the atmosphere never feels chaotic – you can still carry on a proper conversation.
Their menu ventures into some interesting territory with offerings like nitro coffee, coffee flights, chocolate marshmallow creations, and a mellow mango option. I tried the strawberry matcha, which turned out to be one of the most well-balanced I’ve encountered in Bangkok. The strawberry milk component really tames matcha’s natural bitterness without overpowering it.
What really sets NANA apart though is their food program. Their signature timber rings which are essentially round, buttery croissants, come in thoughtful flavour combinations like apple crumble, caramel macchiato, and matcha. For those leaning savoury, they offer well-executed options like egg sandwiches, truffle croissants, and comprehensive breakfast platters.
Address: 24, 2 Ari 4 Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai
Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM Monday – Friday; 8 AM – 6 PM Saturday & Sunday
Prices: THB 180 – 220 for coffee, THB 350- 450 for food
Donut Disturb
As someone who overdosed on donuts back in their 2016 heyday, I fought so hard to stay away from here. Alas, my painfully weak will broke on one of my latest visits to Ari. I mean, its orange exterior is hard to ignore.
Donut disturb has many gourmet flavours to choose from, including pistachio, Hokkaido milk, strawberry and the unusual sweetcorn. I got the biscoff which was creamy and not too sweet like most filled donuts tend to be. There’s also a sizeable drink menu which includes creative coffee, tea, soda and slushies.
There are places to sit inside, however the seating isn’t the most comfortable so it’s more of a quick grab and go.
Address: 25 Ari 4 Fang Nua Alley, Phaya Thai
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Monday – Sunday
Prices: THB 70 – 100 per donut, THB 100- 150 for drinks
Bangkok Espresso Bar
Just a short walk from Ari BTS, Bangkok Espresso Bar is one of those hidden gems that most people walk right past, I almost did. It almost blends into the wall. It’s a cozy little spot with maybe 10 seats max, and most of them are lined up along this corner counter setup.
What I love is how unpretentious it is – the baristas are genuinely friendly and the coffee is just solid, no fancy Instagram nonsense. I got a hot cappuccino which was well-balanced, rich, with this nice fruity note from the beans they’re using. They menu is no-fuss with flat white, piccolo, matcha, the usual suspects.
Here’s the kicker though, the prices are actually reasonable. When cafes around here are charging through the roof, a flat white here is only 60 baht. That’s like half what you’d pay at some of the trendier spots nearby. If you just want good coffee without the fuss and fast service, this place gets it right.
Address: Piyawan Tower, 1199 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai
Hours: 6 AM – 3 PM Monday – Sunday
Prices: THB 60 – 120
Beaker and Bitter
Beaker and Bitter serves drinks in actual lab equipment in in an old pharmaceutical factory in Bangkok. It’s basically a co-working space now with different rooms for whatever vibe you need – quiet zones, meeting rooms, or the main community area where people are chatting. Free wifi and plenty of power outlets if you need to get work done.
The second you walk in, you really feel like you’re in some kind of science lab with all the white walls and lab equipment scattered around. But here’s what really sells it: they serve your drinks in actual beakers on these steaming platforms. It sounds gimmicky but honestly, it’s pretty cool and they really commit to the whole theme.
Their drink menu is massive with tons of flavored lattes – nutella, toffee nut, cinnamon, mint, you name it. Plus they’ve got non-coffee stuff like matcha, strawberry milk, cocoa, and Thai tea. The food menu’s decent too with things like fried chicken curry (which they present in the most adorable way), chicken spaghetti, and some desserts.
I went with an iced mint latte and wow, the portion was huge – definitely got my money’s worth. Tasted great too. If you’re into quirky themed cafes and want something different in Bangkok, definitely worth checking out.
Address: 4 Sai Lom 1 Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai
Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM Monday – Sunday
Prices: THB 100 – 160 for drinks; THB 80 – 170 for cakes
34Eight
34Eight became one of my favourite laptop friendly cafes in Bangkok. It’s a place to go for deep focus, the days you just need to knuckle down and get things done.
The cafe is tucked away down a leafy street, about 10 minutes walk from Ari BTS. Inside it’s very spacious, with lots of different seating options. The white tones and gentle background music add to the calming atmosphere. Outside is even more space which a large garden, which looks very pretty at night lit up by fairy lights.
There is a good selection of coffee, I recommend the coconut americano, which was smooth and not too sweet. You can also get a delicious oat flat white (good flat whites are hard to come by in Bangkok). There is also plenty of cakes for those with a sweet tooth.
Address: 3, 92 Phaholyothin 5 Rd, Phaya Thai
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday, 1 PM – 5 PM Sunday
Prices: THB 90 – 180 for drinks
Things To Do In Ari At Night
I’m primarily visited Ari during the day, so I can’t give you firsthand night recommendations. However, from what I’ve heard the following places are supposed to be cool:
- Lemonade.Date.Night: cafe during the day and cocktail bar at night. Drinks are unique – try the Gin and sichuan pepper
- Black Moon: one of Bangkok’s best live music venues. Cool decor with a large moon on the rooftop.
- CUT Chef’s Table: upscale dining with Japanese, Italian and Western menus.
Thank you for making it to the end of this Ari Bangkok neighbourhood guide. I’d like to hear from you! Have you been to Ari? Any places you’d like to see added to this list? Let me know below.
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