Tucked away in the heart of Bangkok, Ekkamai is a neighborhood that pulses with a rhythm all its own. This is where the city’s most creative and hip come to play, a place where the coffee is strong, the food is daring, and the nights are filled with possibility.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this vibrant corner of the city, you’ll discover a world of hidden gems away from the main tourist drags. So, let’s dive in and explore the best things to do in Ekkamai, from sunrise to well past sunset.
Ekkamai’s Café Culture
Ekkamai’s mornings unfold slowly, with locals and visitors alike seeking that perfect cup to jump-start their day. Skip the chain coffee shops and instead venture to these neighborhood gems:
Cone Café
Cone Café serves up delicious coffee in a rustic pottery house, where artistic types can sip on a fresh brew while painting and making pottery – this is one of the most unique things to do in Ekkamai. Where often the focus of these dual businesses is away from the food and beverage, Cone Café is serious about their roast.
Kaizen Coffee Co.
Kaizen Coffee Co. combines industrial aesthetics with precision brewing at the northern end of Ekkamai Rd. Their signature drinks include the Dirty (cold milk with a shot of espresso) and honey toast that arrives at your table still steaming, draped in fresh fruit and house-made ice cream.
Mika Bake House
Mika Bake House is the morning standout in Park Lane outdoor mall, shining both for its delicious coffee drinks and fresh bakery items. The secret is out on this place though, so you might have to queue to try their goods.
Local Lunches
When hunger strikes around midday, Ekkamai delivers flavors that range from decades-old recipes to innovative fusion:
Wattana Panich
Wattana Panich simmers the same beef noodle soup they’ve been perfecting for over 60 years. The enormous cauldron bubbling at the storefront contains broth that’s never fully emptied – just replenished daily, creating a depth of flavor literally impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Here Hai
Here Hai combines premium seafood with Thai staples. Their razor clams with garlic chili sauce and crab fried rice studded with chunks of sweet crab meat demonstrate why lines are usually out the door.
Sabai Jai Gai Yang
Sabai Jai Gai Yang is a local icon for Isaan (northeastern Thai) food. This unpretentious spot serves grilled Thai specialties, including gai yang (grilled chicken) with skin so crisp and meat so juicy it defies logic. Make sure to follow the locals and order a frosty beer tower to complement the experience.
Afternoon Activities
When the heat peaks, retreat to air-conditioned comfort or burn energy with these activities:
- Gateway Ekkamai houses both international brands and local designers under one roof. The Japan-themed fourth floor deserves special attention – browse through quirky Japanese imports you won’t find elsewhere in Bangkok. If you have kids in tow, HarborLand is a must-visit indoor amusement park.
- Don Don Donki is a step into Japan. Wind through aisles in the grocery store packed with Japanese snacks, beauty products, household goods, and fresh foods, or dine at one of the many restaurants on the higher floors. Atop the complex is a sports playground for kids and adults alike.
For those seeking more active pursuits:
- Ice Skating at Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club at Major Ekkamai or Theatre of Dreams is one of the coolest things to do in Ekkamai. lets you glide across real ice – a refreshing escape from Bangkok’s tropical climate. Rental skates and basic lessons are available for beginners.
- Send away stress by whacking a few balls at 42 Tee Off. Their two-tiered setup accommodates both serious golfers fine-tuning their swings and first-timers just wanting to whack something really hard.
Ekkamai After Dark
As evening descends, Ekkamai reveals its nightlife personality – more sophisticated than Khao San Road but less flashy than neighboring Thonglor:
- Thay Bar is one of the area’s hottest bars, and for good reason. It’s in a great location, has excellent drinks, and always has the best DJs. Any night of the week is great for a night at Thay.
- Tonic revives speakeasy charm with house-made tonics paired with premium spirits. Their knowledgeable bartenders can customize drinks to your preference – just tell them what flavors you enjoy.
For those seeking livelier things to do in Ekkamai:
- Ekkamai Soi 10 hides several local-favorite bars, including Suea and The Chatrooms, where you’ll rub shoulders with Bangkok’s creative crowd sipping reasonably priced drinks. These are true local spots.
- Tulum brings beachside Mexican vibes to urban Bangkok atop the Estella Ekkamai Hotel. Their rooftop area serves excellent mezcal cocktails alongside views that would make anyone’s Instagram pop. A portal into Mexican flair, Tulum is routinely considered the best rooftop bar in Ekkamai.
Back to Home Base
Location is everything when deciding what to do in Ekkamai – Bangkok’s notorious traffic won’t eat into your adventure time. Most spots mentioned sit within a 15-minute walk or quick motorcycle taxi ride away from the Estella Ekkamai Hotel. And when the sun sets and the night comes on, there’s no better place to take it in than the best rooftop bar in Ekkamai.
Whether you’re diving into Bangkok’s food scene, hunting for unique activities, or sampling craft cocktails, Ekkamai delivers authentic experiences without overwhelming first-time visitors. The neighborhood balances city sophistication with authentic Bangkok character – precisely what makes exploring here so satisfying.
Visit Tulum Sky Bar in Ekkamai
Discover Bangkok from above at Tulum Sky Bar – Thailand’s premier rooftop spot offering breathtaking skyline views, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant Mexican-inspired ambiance!
Book now and elevate your night out!
