10 Best Things to Do
in Thong Lo-Ekkamai

If you ask Thong Lo locals where they go to meet friends for a relaxed hang, theCOMMONS is the first name they'll mention. Open since 2015 in Soi Thong Lo 17, it's an open-air community mall — no air-con, cooled entirely by natural breeze — with exposed steel framing, warm-toned wood and wide steps you can sit on to eat and chat. It's perfect for anyone who'd rather escape an icy-cold mall for a half-backyard-garden vibe. Come as a couple, in a group, or bring the dog and the kids — all welcome.

The place is split into 4 zones running up by floor. It starts with The Market on the lowest level, a food zone gathering great shops — Nashville fried chicken, Isaan food, Mediterranean — that you can carry over and eat right on the steps. Up next is Village, the level of shops, bars, fresh juices and a Japanese-style highball bar. Then Play Yard, the floor for kids' and family activities, and at the very top, Top Yard, an open lawn ringed by trees — the spot people love for bringing dogs to run around in the evening. The shop people mention most is Roast, the cafe that's been part of the place for years.

Most reviews praise the friendly atmosphere, the green space, the variety of restaurants — Thai, Italian, Japanese, Korean — and the fact that pets are welcome. One little touch many people love is the 20-baht chilled-water refill station, with proceeds donated to charity. The thing to note is that weekend evenings get very crowded and parking is limited; try coming in the early afternoon, or skip Saturday-Sunday at dusk for an easier time. And because it's open-air, midday in the hot season runs warm — come in the evening when the breeze is just right.

Entry is free, with no admission charge; your budget depends on what you eat. Shops in the market start in the low hundreds, while sit-down spots can run several hundred baht per person. It's located in Thong Lo Soi 17 — walkable from BTS Thong Lo but a bit far, so a motorbike taxi or regular taxi is more convenient. It's open long hours, from mid-morning into the night. What's kept it a neighborhood landmark for nearly a decade is that it isn't just somewhere to eat — it's somewhere people around here genuinely come to hang out.

When it comes to all-out Japanese spots in Thong Lo-Ekkamai, Donki Mall Thonglor is the first pin many people think of. It's a 6-floor Japanese-style mall headlined by Don Don Donki, the first branch of the Japanese supermarket in Thailand, open 24 hours, with imports from Japan packed in tight — snacks, drinks, cosmetics, medicine, household goods, right through to fresh vegetables, fruit and meat. It's perfect for anyone who loves Japanese goods, the late-night shopping crowd, or families — even just strolling around and photographing the iconic yellow penguin sign is a treat.

The highlight you can't miss is the ready-to-eat food zone inside Donki on floors 1–2 — sushi and sashimi, especially the salmon that foreign reviewers call "nice and fresh," at prices kinder than you'd expect. Another spot people mention a lot is the baked sweet potato from Sweet Potato Factory by the entrance — hot, soft, fragrant and sweet, starting around 89 baht — along with ice cream and little Japanese snacks you can happily take home. Move up a level and there are Japanese restaurants, a hall, pubs and bars, and the D-Sports Stadium, an indoor sports arena on floor 5 — a complex you can settle into for a good while.

On cost, entry is free and you can browse without spending a thing; there's multi-level underground parking, and a food budget starts in the hundreds. The note reviews agree on is that goods in Donki are "pricier than in Japan," especially the imports — call it paying for the convenience of not flying all the way there — but time it during a sale and you'll get good things much cheaper. One more thing: the shelves are packed and it's crowded at peak, so walking can get a little tight — offset by the clean, Japanese-style restrooms.

It's located at the mouth of Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Thong Lo 10 / Ekkamai 5), Watthana district, easy to reach from BTS Ekkamai. Donki itself is open 24 hours daily, while the other shops and restaurants in the mall open roughly 11am to 1am. It's so popular because it bundles all things Japanese into one building — shopping, eating, sightseeing — and stays open no matter how late, so tourists and locals keep dropping by, with a Google rating of 4.2 from over 6,800 reviews.

If you ask which temple sits closest to the BTS in Bangkok, many will think straight away of "Wat That Thong" — because step off at BTS Ekkamai, take Exit 3, and a few paces later you're at the temple wall. It's a royal temple in the heart of the Sukhumvit-Thong Lo-Ekkamai area, where people working nearby can easily drop in to pay respects and make a wish without driving far. It's ideal for anyone wanting a quiet corner, a quick merit-making before or after work, or those into sacred spots who'd like a holy place in the middle of the city without the tourist crush of Wat Pho or Wat Arun.

The highlight you can't miss is the Thai-styled ordination hall, finely decorated, which enshrines "Phra Sapphanyu," the principal Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture. Many TripAdvisor reviews love the mosaic glasswork on the walls, the beautifully designed stained glass, and the sound of wind chimes that gives the place a cool, calm feel. Another important point is the "Phra Maha Chedi 84 Phansa Rachanakarin," a golden chedi built in honor of the royal family, enshrining inside it Buddha relics and Buddha images from around the world — a merit-making spot people come specifically to pay homage to.

On entry fees, rest easy — it's free. You can walk around the temple and pay your respects as usual; just dress modestly (no tank tops, no short shorts or skirts). The temple is open daily from 05:00 to about 21:30. Daytime is quiet and peaceful, easy for strolling and photos, while evenings tend to be busy, as this is a temple where many Bangkokians hold funerals. If you're coming mainly for photos, come in the late morning for a clearer space.

Wat That Thong has risen in popularity among younger people partly thanks to the rap song "That Thong Sound" by YOUNGOHM, which recalls his school days at Wat That Thong School — making many want to come see the real thing. The biggest plus is how convenient it is: arrive by BTS with no need to hunt for parking (there is parking, but evenings get fairly full with funeral-goers). And if there's ever a "Wat That Thong fair" on, it's even more worth a visit, with loads of food and a nostalgic, old-school atmosphere to wander through.

If you're into all things Japanese and you've still never stepped off at BTS Ekkamai to walk Gateway Ekamai, you're missing out on a lot. This mall goes all-in on a Japanese theme throughout the building — walk out of Ekkamai station and a big beckoning cat is right there smiling to greet you out front, a hugely popular photo spot everyone stops to capture. The mall isn't so big you'll wear yourself out, and it's less crowded than the giant malls in town. Most reviews agree the vibe is relaxed and clean, easy to stroll through, ideal for anyone who wants to escape the chaos for a quiet meal or bring the family for a walk without the crush.

The real highlight is the Japan Town zone on floor M, which packs in Japanese restaurants — many of them brands straight from Japan, like Ramen Kourakuen, the ramen chain with the most branches in Japan, around 150–200 baht a bowl, or Katsuya, the original tonkatsu spot with katsudon starting in the low hundreds. If you like an izakaya vibe and a drink with friends, there's Nagiya with grilled and fried small plates to keep ordering, and to finish, finely shaved Japanese kakigori at Ebisu-An. Downstairs there's also a food court and an AEON supermarket where you can pick up Japanese ingredients to take home — basically, come here and your Japanese-food cravings are sorted in one place.

On cost it's easy on the wallet: entry is free, with no admission charge, and a meal runs roughly 150–400 baht to eat comfortably. Getting there couldn't be simpler, as it connects directly to BTS Ekkamai Exit 4 and sits beside the Ekkamai bus terminal. It's open daily 10:00–22:00. The best time to come is when the mall is running its regular Spirit of Japan event, with Japanese-themed food and goods filling the floor-M plaza — as fun as a mini festival in Japan.

A small thing to know: the upper floors of the mall are fairly quiet, with some vacant units, so if you're here for serious shopping this may not be the spot. But if you've come to eat Japanese food, photograph the beckoning cat, or bring kids to the activity zone, it's well worth the trip. The Google rating sits at 4.2 from tens of thousands of reviewers — clearly a mall that fans of a Japanese atmosphere genuinely take to heart.

If you want a small, genuinely cool Thong Lo community mall that isn't so big it tires you out, Seenspace in Thong Lo Soi 13 is the one many people think of. The building is loft-style in black-and-white tones with exposed concrete, with both indoor and semi-outdoor zones; walk up and down a few floors and you'll find it all — cafes, Japanese restaurants, ice cream shops, a craft-beer bar, and cute clothing and home-decor shops. There are tons of photo corners, so if you love capturing a cool, minimal feel, this place will win you over. It suits the hang-out crowd who want to slip off the big road into a quieter pocket.

The highlight people mention often is the coffee shop Brave Roasters, with a big menu, and the bar Space Oddity with several taps of craft beer, cool neon signs and live music to set the mood. Downstairs there are well-known spots like Lucky Hotpot for shabu buffet, Lao Tom Lao, and several other punchy Thai restaurants. If you like to shop, stop by Tost & Found, which gathers fashion, stationery, perfume and home decor in one place. On Saturdays and Sundays there are often fun workshops like flower arranging and painting, and in the evening DJs and live music liven things up.

On budget, in true Thong Lo style prices run a touch higher than the usual mall; many reviews agree the "food is good but not cheap." Entry to the mall is free — you pay for what you eat and drink, with a cafe or light meal around 150-350 baht per person, and more if you settle in at the bar. There's valet parking at 50 baht per 3 hours, or take the BTS to Thong Lo station and grab a motorbike taxi from there.

It's located in Thong Lo Soi 13 (Watthana district), set back from the main road, so it's quieter and more chill. It opens around 10-11am, with the upstairs bar running late to 2am. It's popular with young Thais and the foreigners living nearby, because it's compact, less crowded than The Commons, and gives you that cool feel all in one place. Good to know: each shop has different opening hours, so if you're coming for one in particular, check that shop's times before you leave home to be sure.

Market Place Thong Lo is the revamped community mall that Central Pattana (CPN) renovated from the old J Avenue, a place Thong Lo locals have long been attached to. They poured in around 2,000 million baht for a full overhaul and opened the new phase in late March 2026. The selling point is the "Day-to-Night" concept — live your whole day here, from a morning coffee to evening drinks, all in one place. They've curated over 45 brands that fit the Thong Lo DNA, ideal for cafe lovers, people working nearby, families doing their shopping, and groups of friends wanting a relaxed hangout close to home.

The highlight many mention is the big trees and green tones that make it comfortable to walk and not too hot, plus photo corners like the white-and-yellow staircase and shopfronts styled for pretty photos. The magnet here is still Villa Market, the imported-goods supermarket locals know well, alongside brunch cafes like Bartels, Eggday, LoafyCo and Antico Fornaio; restaurants including Butler, Elder Burger, Maki Baki and Kimukatsu; plenty of sweets at Karamizu, Souri and Pralet; right through to MIL Social Club, which runs late into the evening. There's also Boots, iStudio, OWN DAYS, KX Pilates and beauty clinics to round out the visit.

Entry is free, with no admission charge; your eat-and-drink budget depends on the shop — cafes and desserts around 150–250 baht, main dishes roughly 250–400 baht and up. It's located in the middle of Thong Lo, Soi 15 (Watthana district), about 3 minutes in from the mouth of Soi Thong Lo, or about 5 minutes from the Ekkamai side. There's parking for over 180 cars, free for the first 30 minutes, with EV charging points, open daily 10:00–22:00 (some shops open later).

It's popular because it gathers the convenience of a supermarket, well-known shops, cafes and shady seating all in one spot, easy to reach in a neighborhood with bad traffic. Good to know: BTS Thong Lo is at the mouth of the main soi, so you'll need a motorbike taxi or a ride further into the soi. Weekend evenings get crowded and parking fills fast, so for a relaxed visit, come in the morning to late morning and then settle in until evening.

If you're a dog person and the day comes when you miss them so much it aches, Dog in Town's Ekkamai branch is the place to drop by. It's one of Bangkok's pioneering dog cafes, tucked in the middle of Soi Ekkamai 6, and you can come as a family, a couple, or solo to sit and cuddle a pup and ease the loneliness. The point people mention a lot is that every dog is named after a BTS station — Thong Lo, Chit Lom, Sathon, Asok, Nana — which makes you smile every time. There's a range of breeds to cuddle too: Siberian husky, corgi, golden, shiba, schnauzer, right down to a little Westie.

What sets this place apart from the usual dog cafe is that it has both an air-conditioned indoor zone and an outdoor lawn where the dogs can run freely. The staff are lovely and keep bringing the dogs over to say hello, and there are set times when they let the dogs out to run. If you want to go all-in on playtime, buy a bag of dog treats for around 100 baht and the dogs will swarm you for sure. Many reviews agree the dogs are super friendly, sweet-natured, not sleepy, and well looked after by the staff. On the food side there are light bites — coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, burgers — to keep you going while you play with the dogs.

Entry is around 350 baht per person, which includes one drink, with no time limit on how long you sit. It's located in Soi Ekkamai 6 (Sukhumvit 63), a bit of a walk from BTS Ekkamai, or you can drive and park around there. It's open daily 11:00–20:00, with a Google rating of 4.3 from over a thousand reviews — a sign plenty of dog lovers are smitten.

Good to know before you come: Saturdays and Sundays get crowded and the space is fairly tight; some reviews note the dogs look a little tired and it can get quite noisy. If you want to play with the dogs at ease, try a weekday or right when it opens for a better atmosphere. And don't forget that the food and drink are the supporting act — the real star is the dogs.

Park Lane Ekamai is a small community mall in Soi Sukhumvit 61 that's been around long enough to become a "regular spot" for people in the Thong Lo-Ekkamai area. The white, modern Italian-style building is designed so well it once won an International Property Awards Asia Pacific. Step inside and it feels open and leafy, not cramped like a big mall — ideal for anyone who wants to escape the traffic for a relaxed meal rather than serious shopping. The roughly 5-rai space is split over 3 floors, with restaurants, cafes, a spa, clinics, a hair salon, and a Japanese-style MaxValu supermarket for groceries to take home.

The thing people talk about most is the Japanese restaurants — there are more good ones here than the size suggests: yakitori spot Toritama, which grills every part of the chicken over oak charcoal; sushi bar Taiyou; Orihara Shoten, a sake bar with hundreds of premium sakes to choose from; right through to Italian wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Mazzie (around 270–500 baht), which uses its own naturally fermented dough with no instant yeast. Sweet-tooths have several cafes and bakeries to choose from. Most rooms are quiet and comfortable, good for a work chat, and not as hectic as the Thong Lo side.

Another star is Playtime, an indoor amusement park of over 2,000 sqm on floor 3, with a Play & Learn concept — climbing zones, a trampoline, a sandpit and a zipline, split into areas for younger and older kids. Parents can leave the kids to play and go for a coffee or a relaxing massage. Many parents review that it's an easy walk from BTS Ekkamai and the kids can play for hours — well worth the trip.

It's located at the mouth of Sukhumvit Soi 61, about 4–5 minutes' walk from BTS Ekkamai (with exits on both the Soi 61 and Soi 63 sides). It's open daily 10:00–22:00, with free entry, and there's a parking building on the Soi 61 side, though you need a receipt to park. The note is that it's a small and "older" mall, and some say it looks dated next to newer ones, but it's still clean and the standout shops are all there. Park Lane's real charm is its dense lineup of Japanese restaurants and its kids' play zone, not luxury. Since you're in Ekkamai anyway, stop for dinner and let the kids play Playtime after — it fits together nicely.

If you love a relaxed organic market, you have to try Bangkok Farmers' Market on the plaza in front of Gateway Ekamai — because you step off BTS Ekkamai and walk straight there, no transfer needed. This market is a long-standing name in Bangkok's quality-food scene, bringing real farmers and small homemade-goods makers to sell directly to shoppers. It's perfect for the health-conscious, people who love to cook, and families wanting to bring the kids for a weekend stroll.

The standouts many reviews say you can't miss are the homemade bread / freshly baked French bread, house-ground nut butter, Italian cheese, hand-made Greek yogurt, happy-hen eggs, seasonal produce, fresh avocados, and the falafel people mention often. Beyond food there's soap, natural cosmetics, handmade jewelry, craft work and eco-products to browse at leisure. Some rounds have live music and art workshops and activities for kids too — you can eat and shop your way through a whole afternoon.

Entry is free; your budget depends on what you buy. The goods here are quality-selected, so prices run a touch higher than an ordinary market — carry anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand baht and you'll be fine. Real Google reviews give it around 4.1 from over a hundred reviewers, with many praising it as a market that helped push Thailand's organic scene forward — to the point supermarkets started stocking organic too — and a space that helps small producers and startups grow.

Good to know before you go: this market doesn't run every weekend. The proper Farmers Market rounds with all the food are usually held on the second and last weekends of the month (Saturday-Sunday, roughly 10:00-19:00), while other weeks may switch to a clothing market — so always check the market's Facebook page before you set out, so you don't miss the round you want.

If you step off BTS Thong Lo hungry and don't want to walk far, the street-food market at the mouth of Sukhumvit Soi 38 is the easiest answer. It's a cluster of roadside food stalls right at the mouth of Soi 38, directly under the BTS — out Exit 4, down the stairs, a quick turn right and you're there. It's ideal for travelers who want to try Thai street food without going all the way to Yaowarat, couples after an easy dinner, or Thong Lo workers grabbing a bite before heading home. The plus is the covered seating, so you can sit and eat comfortably without standing squeezed into the street.

The star every review agrees on is the mango sticky rice from the stall near the entrance, which many rate the best they've had in Bangkok — sweet, juicy ripe mango with rich coconut sticky rice. On the savory side there's plenty to choose from: fresh-shrimp pad thai, grilled pork satay skewers, banana-and-egg roti drizzled with condensed milk, khao man gai, red pork over rice, stewed pork leg over rice, kuay jap, duck noodles, right through to grilled squid and som tam. Prices are very easy on the wallet, mostly 40–60 baht a plate, so you can order several things to share without much damage.

The thing to know, and we'll tell you straight: this isn't the giant market of legend from a decade-plus ago, because most of the original space was cleared to build a condo around 2016, and the remaining stalls moved together under the building by the station instead. There are around a dozen-plus stalls now, so if you come expecting a vast spectacular night market you may be a little surprised — but if you come for tasty food right by the BTS, the flavor is still good and as clean as ever. The average review score sits around 3.9 stars.

The stalls start setting up from 5pm onward, but reviewers suggest coming after 7-8pm, when all the stalls are open, the lights are on, and the atmosphere is livelier; it runs late into the night. What keeps it popular hasn't changed: a location right by BTS Thong Lo, a 1-minute walk away, making it the easiest place to start tasting Thai street food for anyone visiting Bangkok for the first time. Bring cash, as many stalls still don't take transfers or cards.