Eat

Hom duan

GTB Verdict: Favourite

Hom duan serves Northern Thai food in a casual, modern space in Ekkamai. Most of the dishes are laid out canteen-style at the counter, so you can choose whatever looks good, but for me, the reason to come here is the khao soi.

I’d confidently say this is some of the best khao soi I’ve had in Bangkok. The bowl arrives almost overflowing with noodles and meat (chicken or beef) in a rich, creamy coconut curry broth with just the right amount of spice.

Prices are really reasonable, the dining space is clean and modern, and it’s become one of my favourite places to eat in Bangkok. I come here regularly and it never disappoints.

One tip: don’t wear a white top. I can almost guarantee it’ll end up splashed with khao soi!

Work

Open House

GTB verdict: Favourite

Sitting on Level 6 of Central Embassy, Open House might just be one of the best free co-working spots we’ve found in Bangkok.
Designed as a multi-purpose ‘co-living’ space, the entire floor brings together restaurants, a beautiful bookshop filled with inspiring books, a gallery showcasing work from local artists, and plenty of places to pull out your laptop and work.

The co-working areas wrap around the floor, with some pretty impressive views across Bangkok.

There’s no fee to use the space, simply grab any available table or one of the relaxed hangout corners, with food and drinks available from the restaurants throughout Open House.
For a co-working day right in the heart of Bangkok, this one is hard to beat.

Work

Baan Saen Saep

GTB verdict: Will return

Baan Saen Saep is definitely one of the coolest spots I’ve found in Bangkok for a day of co-working.
Inspired by Japan with a Thai touch, it has two levels, heaps of tables, meeting rooms and fast Wi-Fi with no time limit.

There are always plenty of other people working away, so it has a really good vibe without feeling like an office.

The food selection is pretty limited, so you’ll probably need to venture next door for lunch, but the coffee and drinks are excellent. It can get busy, although we arrived around 1pm and still managed to get a table.

Eat

FRAN'S Ari

GTB verdict: Will return

I came here for brunch while exploring Ari and really enjoyed it. FRAN’S is a popular all-day dining and brunch spot with a beautiful glass-house feel, lots of greenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

I ordered the pancakes with scrambled eggs and some seriously thick bacon. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy and the whole plate was delicious. My friend ordered the big breakfast, which also looked pretty impressive.

I’ve heard the sourdough options with different toppings are really good too, so I’ll definitely need to come back and work my way through more of the menu.

The space itself is lovely, and there’s also a great upstairs area that would work well for larger group bookings. Prices were reasonable for the quality and setting, so I will be back.

They also have other locations around Bangkok, which I still need to try.

Drink

Pastel Rooftop Bar

GTB verdict: Favourite

Pastel is one of those Bangkok rooftops that’s about much more than the view. I’ve been here a few times now, including for celebrations with friends, and it’s become one of my favourite places for a fun night out in Bangkok.

You can come earlier for a Mediterranean dinner and sunset over the city, but for me, Pastel really comes alive later in the evening. Around 10pm the atmosphere completely changes, the DJ takes over above the bar, dancers and a saxophone player come out and before long, everyone is up dancing.

It’s definitely not a quiet rooftop bar, and that’s exactly why I like it. The music, entertainment and crowd give it much more energy than many of Bangkok’s rooftops, which can sometimes feel more about the view than the actual night out.

Drinks and dinner aren’t cheap, but for a birthday, celebration or a night when you want to dress up and make an occasion of it, I think it’s worth it.

One of my favourite Bangkok rooftops and that is why I keep coming back.