SAPHAN KHWAI

Cast your eye northwards on the BTS Skytrain map on the Sukhumvit or Green Line of the network and you will reach Saphan Khwai. This trendy spot situated just 11 minutes from Siam on the BTS and the otherside from all the hype of Sukhumvit has good reason to be placed here. It boasts a laid back and more peaceful approach to life thanks to the sois that travel off Phaholyothin Road - where the station  is based - and Pradiphat Road which crosses this main thoroughfare, which are both filled with unique independent businesses.

The success of Saphan Khwai can in part be attributed to the neighboring Ari just one station down the line. Here, hordes of hipsters have graced the area trying to escape the chain brands in favor of re-creating something new. High rise buildings border Phaholyothin Road pushing these smaller independent businesses into the sub sois where they flourish amongst the low rise buildings that contribute to the area’s chilled vibe.

As Ari has continued to grow it has organically merged into Saphan Khwai. Some restaurants have even moved residences here to take advantage of the more affordable rates. That being said, there is a lot to Saphan Khwai without all of the excitement of Ari on its doorstep.

All about Saphan Khwai.

No part of Bangkok is complete without a plethora of places to pick from to eat and drink. Saphan Khwai thrives on the independent business model, so a range of eclectic venues serve different cuisines can be found in the area. Street food is in its abundance on Phaholyothin Road, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and even steak houses can be found in the sub sois. There are interesting bars serving craft beers, some situated on rooftops and even one that resembles a camping ground amongst the trees that this locale is famed for. There are plenty of co-working spaces to meet the needs of Generation C who reside here and relish a more flexible working approach. Plus a choice in hostels that are popular amongst Korean, Chinese and Japanese travelers illustrates how Saphan Khwai is clearly on the radar for those visiting Bangkok as well as the locals.  

Once the sun comes up and these night venues are shut until the next sunset, residents can escape to the nearby green expanse of Chatuchak Park and the adjoining Queen Sirikit Park which is filled with beautiful flowers and greenery. Both are ideal places to relax or exercise, and it is even possible to hire a bike to zip round.

Endless travel.

Those living in Saphan Khwai are spoilt for choice as far as public transportation goes. There is of course the BTS Station of the same name, but they can also hop on the MRT at Kamphaeng Phet Station or travel one station on the Green Line of the BTS and connect to Chatuchak Park Station at the Mo Chit, the terminal station. Here on the MRT you can travel in either direction into central Bangkok through Sukhumvit, Silom before reaching the edge of Chinatown. The opposite way is for travel into Nonthanburi.

Saphan Khwai also boasts a very strategic location being just 15 kilometers from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport. Operating both local and international flights, this is a real hub for travellers wanting to make the most of the low frills airlines who travel across the region at a very reasonable rate. This reason alone draws many expatriates to living on this side of town as many are here to take advantage of Thailand’s endless travel opportunities.

For investment landlords this ensures that there is a stream of tenants looking for accommodation in the area, and since many of the residents are of a younger generation, sharing a home with a friend is common. IDEO Phaholyothin-Chatuchak suits Saphan Khwai residents down to a tee. The two bedroom units are perfect for professional sharers wanting to reduce their living costs to maximise their disposable income on entertainment and travel. Just 150 metres from Saphan Khwai BTS Station and 500 meters from the MRT station of Kamphaeng Phet Station, this location couldn’t be better and IDEO Q Pahol-Saphankhwai new project, 0 metre from Saphan Khwai BTS.

This impressive choice is mass transit routes enables residents to reach literally every corner of the city in an efficient and comfortable manner. Something that fews locations in Bangkok can beat.

Shop hard.

A short distance away is the Bangkok’s institution Chatuchak Weekend Market that edges Saphan Khwai. People flock from all over the city to this incredibly well stocked market which sells everything from fake flowers to clothes for all shapes, sizes and styles, to homewares, trinkets and food. Sections of the market dedicated to household interiors are open all week making this not only a weekend destination.

Opposite the market is Or Tor Kod Market selling fresh fruit and vegetables undercover in an orderly fashion which is also next to Kamphaeng Phet MRT station. Further along the road is the flower market which is also open week round and the place to pick up plants and pots for your home. There is also a supermarket right next to Saphan Khwai BTS station.

There are so many reasons why Saphan Khwai is on the up. It is certainly a district to watch particularly as the reliance on the mass transit network ever increases and its location straddling various transport routes is second to none.