Chatuchak
The vibrant Chatuchak neighbourhood is largely residential and is mainly popular with Thai people as well as expats who are looking for condos for rent in Bangkok. While this neighbourhood has a strong Thai feel, international appeal is provided by the neighbourhood’s markets, nightclubs and international restaurants.
A large number of condos for rent in Chatuchak can be found along Vibhavadi Road, which provides easy access to Vibhavadi Hospital as well as both government and international schools. In recent years many modern condos for rent in Bangkok have also been built conveniently close to Chatuchak BTS station.
Chatuchak has long been a popular place to do a spot of shopping. Not only does it boast one of the largest outdoor markets in the whole of Asia, JJ Market, but there are also plenty of modern shopping malls and other shopping opportunities to be found here. Chatuchak Weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year and features hundreds of stalls selling just about everything imaginable. Nearby JJ Mall is open every day of the week and offers an air-conditioned retreat from the heat.
A large number of street food stalls can be found around Chatuchak Weekend Market and are open until the early hours of the morning. These are great places to eat before hitting one of the local bars and clubs, while people also head here to refuel at the end of the evening.
Chatuchak Park is a great place to relax and unwind on a sunny day and many people gather in the park the early morning and afternoon to go jogging. Behind Chatuchak Park is Railway Park, which is home to several large lakes as well as butterfly gardens. Bicycle hire is available here and cycling through the park is a popular pastime among people who rent a condo in Chatuchak.
The bars and clubs in this section of the city attract a largely Thai crowd. This is a great place to make friends with local people while playing a game or two of pool or shaking your stuff on the dance floor. There is a wide range of different types of bars and pubs in Chatuchak such as Harmannsdorfer Brauhaus, which specialises in German food and beer. Parking Toys and Cha Bar are both popular places to listen to live music and are usually packed at weekends. The scene here is very accepting and there is no need to dress to impress.
The gay scene in the Chatuchak area is friendly and fun. Although the gay clubs here mostly attract young Thai men, both Westerners and women are more than welcome to join in the fun. Zingy is one of the most popular establishments here. Located close to Chatuchak Weekend Market, it is open every day of the week until 02:00. Other popular gay hangouts include El Ninio, Fake Club, and ICY.
Both the BTS and MRT lines stop in the Chatuchak area and operate until midnight, while grabbing a taxi here is also extremely easy. A major tollway provides a quick and convenient road link to other parts of the city, while Don Mueang International Airport is also situated conveniently close to Chatuchak.