Ascott hotels in Phahonyothin

Phahonyothin is a busy district in the northern part of Bangkok. It encompasses the southern end of Phahonyothin Road, which is one of Thailand’s four longest highways still operating today. Much of Phahonyothin’s activity is found between Saphan Kwai intersection and Victory Monument. The district is now home to a range of modern condominiums, as the BTS has made Phahonyothin a convenient downtown area for living.

Phahonyothin is always growing in popularity as there are many things to see and do inside this district.

Numerous parks are found here, which provide not just relaxation, but also recreation for visitors. Chatuchak Park is among Bangkok’s oldest parks. It is always busy with joggers, as the interior lake makes it quite picturesque. Queen Sirikit Park is another major green space worth visiting, and the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium always provides an interesting day out.

There are several museums residing within the district. Visitors interested in trains have to explore the State Railway Hall of Fame. This interesting complex is home to a variety of different train models, including the sometimes forgotten steam engine. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Children’s Discovery Museum should not be overlooked either.

For tourists keen on architecture, Phahonyothin features one of the most unique buildings in Thailand – the Elephant Building. This 32-floor structure literally looks like an elephant, complete with ears, trunk and eyes. It is quirky yet eye-catching, especially for newcomers to Bangkok.

Phahonyothin has a variety of styles of restaurants, so visitors are guaranteed to find something for their palates. When it comes to cheap local cuisine, tourists should head to Chatuchak Market, as dozens of Thai food stalls operate here each weekend. Phahonyothin Road is lined with restaurants too, which range from Western steak houses to Japanese sushi dens and traditional Thai venues. The trendiest places to eat and drink are around Soi Arie, better known as Soi 7. Cafés and bars have a real laid-back feel here. The more energetic bars are located near Chatuchak Park.

Phahonyothin features plenty of excellent shopping spots. Of course, the most renowned is the nearby Chatuchak Market, which is the world’s largest open-air weekend market. Each week, many thousands of shoppers flock to this site. Several shopping malls and department stores also stand within Phahonyothin. The Esplanade, Central Ladprao and even Union Mall feature a huge selection of retailers, from local fashion designers to international brands.