Bangkok is known as a paradise for food lovers. Whether on the street, in the food courts of shopping malls, or in Michelin-starred restaurants – you're unlikely to go hungry in Bangkok.

Many of Bangkok's best culinary districts are now well-known. This applies both to the modern part of the city, where you can feast on the culinary diversity along Convent and Sala Daeng Roads in Silom, and to the lively atmosphere on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's deservedly famous Chinatown.

But recently, a new culinary paradise has emerged. If you've never heard of Ban That Thong Road in Bangkok, you should definitely read on.

How I “discovered” Ban That Thong Road.

I can't claim that Ban That Thong is a new culinary highlight in Bangkok. After all, I've been eating various dishes there for years – especially congee at Jok Sam Yan and pa tong ko doughnuts from the street stalls. I always just called it Jula (after the nearby Chulalongkorn University) and left it at that. Recently, however, my husband (who is Thai) invited me there for a proper dinner – and that completely changed my opinion, for reasons I'll explain in the following paragraphs.

I also worked in some cafes in Ban That Thong. However, I always used a VPN for my Mac, and not just to protect my private data. While Thailand censors less than, say, China, it still blocks some websites, and I didn't want to be restricted. Furthermore, using a US address allowed me easy access to American banking and utility services.

Things to do along Ban That Thong Street

Food, of course.

Besides my own breakfast explorations in Ban That Thong (more on that later), I had previously ordered Pad See Ew (fried rice noodles with dark soy sauce) to go from a restaurant that happens to be one of the best places for it in all of Thailand. In addition to this and other Thai specialties, Ban That Thong is a paradise for fresh seafood as well as international cuisine, for example from Vietnam and India.

(But not only in restaurants)

While I wouldn't categorically claim that Ban That Thong is the best place for street food in Bangkok, the selection is certainly competitive. From fresh juices (many of which are surprisingly sugar-free) and Thai iced tea to popular stir-fries like Hoy Tod (oyster omelet) and, of course, Pad Thai, this neighborhood caters to both those who want to dine in a relaxed atmosphere and those who prefer to grab a bite on the go.

People are watching

Ban That Thong is located right next to Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand's most prestigious (and internationally renowned) universities. Accordingly, the atmosphere is lively and youthful, teeming with interesting personalities. It's an excellent place for people-watching, and not just because of the students. With Ban That Thong's growing popularity, you'll also find many other locals and, of course, an increasing number of tourists.

Practice your night photography

After fueling up on Bangkok's street food, use your newfound energy to get creative. The Ban That Thong district, in particular, is perfect for night photography – whether you crank up the ISO and shoot handheld or set up your tripod and take long exposures. Of course, you can also capture the neon-lit scenes with your smartphone, but in my opinion, it's always best to use a proper camera.

(But don't oversleep the morning hours!)

To end this post where I began, I highly recommend Ban That Thong. It's much less crowded than in the evenings, and while it might seem less exciting on the surface, it's also more authentic. If you, like me, head to Jok Sam Yan at 5 a.m., you can watch the locals preparing for the day and feel like you've discovered a real hidden gem. Especially if you buy Pa Tong Ko across the street!

Other culinary hotspots in Bangkok

As I mentioned before, Ban That Thong Road is far from the only place in Bangkok to discover culinary delights. Here are some other options:

  • Silom: Whether along Convent Road or Sala Daeng Road, this part of Bangkok is rightly known as one of the top destinations for street food.
  • Langsuan: If you are looking for upscale restaurants, Langsuan – the area north of Lumphini Park between Ratchadamri Street and Wireless Street – is the best choice.
  • Khao San Road: The “ambience” of Khao San Road is not for everyone, but the incredible diversity and fantastic culinary offerings can hardly be denied.
  • Yaowarat/Chinatown: Apart from Ban That Thong, this is probably the most authentic street food district in Bangkok and without a doubt the most photogenic.

    • In other words, whether you visit Ban That Thong or not, Bangkok will almost never disappoint you when it comes to food.

    More frequently asked questions about Ban That Thong Road in Bangkok

    What is Ban That Thong known for?

    Ban That Thong is increasingly considered a foodie paradise in Bangkok, catering to all tastes, from restaurant dining to street food. It's also incredibly photogenic, less touristy than other parts of the city, and an ideal spot for people-watching.

    What kind of food is Ban That Thong known for?

    Ban That Thong is traditionally famous for Rat Na (crispy noodles in thick sauce) and Pad See Ew (thick rice noodles stir-fried in dark soy sauce). However, you can also come here in the morning for Jok (Thai-style rice porridge) or enjoy fresh seafood in the evening.

    What is the coolest street in Bangkok?

    According to numerous recent surveys, Ban That Thong Road, near Chulalongkorn University, is the trendiest street in Bangkok. Personally, I love many streets in Bangkok, so I don't want to make a definitive statement here. But it's definitely worth a visit during one of your evenings in the city.

    Conclusion

    Ban That Thong Road has finally unlocked Bangkok's full potential as a street food paradise. Unlike Chinatown or the food courts of Silom or Sukhumvit, Ban That Thong Road features several pedestrian zones. This means the food stalls don't have to share space with passersby, as the streets are virtually car-free. Located near Chulalongkorn University, Ban That Thong Road also boasts a young and vibrant atmosphere – not to mention the sheer variety of dishes. Need help planning your culinary Bangkok trip? I'd be happy to assist you in organizing your Thailand adventure!