Located in a small road off Rama IV in Yaowarat, and not to be confused with the more well-known red-light district in Sukhumvit 4, Soi Nana has risen to become one of Thailand's tourist hot spots. Many of Chinatown's old buildings have been renovated into art spaces, cool bars, cute cafes, and quaint shophouses, turning the once sleepy area into a vibrant, go-to nightlife zone. A five-minute walk from MRT Hua Lamphong is all it takes. If you haven't the time to check out the area, we've done it for you. We've gone as far as visiting a handful of places to get you started. And remember, the street is a neighbourhood with people who live and work there, so be sure to have fun but also respect the locals.
Sleeping in
- If you're looking for a place to stay, fret not, as the moment you walk up Rama IV, right before Soi Nana, 2W Bed and Breakfast (http://fb.com/2WhostelBK, 089-757-7770) is conveniently located. Check in anytime and head upstairs to one of the 10 rooms where you can leave your belongings to start your adventure. The hostel also houses Wanderlust Coffee & Eatery (http://fb.com/onederlust, 083-046-8647) on the ground floor, which makes a great hearty Melbourne-style Big Breakfast (B280) consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash and tomatoes.
- Walk past Soi Nana and into Kalan Tan alley on the left and you will find Our Secret Base (http://fb.com/oursecretbase.bkk, 081-347-3486), a small but cosy hostel with a retro feel. The hostel offers a private bedroom for two, a family dorm for four and a mixed dorm for six. The first floor has a mini cafe, with board games lined up on a shelf encouraging guests to socialise with each other. There are also helpful guides and tips plastered on a wall for foreigners eager to explore Bangkok. Or just chill out and have a chat with the two friendly owners, who wouldn't mind having a few drinks with you to make you feel welcome.
Venturing into the soi
- On the left side of the street is Nahim Cafe x Handcraft (http://fb.com/nahimcafe.handncraft, 02-623-3449), noticeable by its dark green windows and sign, in a cute hand-drawn art style. The cafe is full of cuteness, from the dolls lined up around the tables to the numerous colourful smiling alpacas decorated on the walls. Sip one of their signature polka dot milkshakes (B140) or try their delectable strawberry and Nutella waffle (B165). If you are in the mood for something less sugary, try the homemade soup platter (B180) where you can choose from carrot, corn, pumpkin or sweet potato, and it comes with salad and whole-wheat bread.
- To the right of the cafe and into a small back alley is Patani Studio (http://fb.com/patanistudio, 081-985-9691), one of the few darkroom photography labs in Thailand. Ideal for photographers and analogue film enthusiasts, the studio specialises in film processing, where their services can help print and develop photos in monochrome and colour negatives. Don't let its closed doors fool you, they operate in private like an office instead of an open workshop service. Ring the bell should you require service.
- For those interested in art, head to project venue Cho Why (http://fb.com/chowhybkk). More than just an art gallery, the multistory warehouse storage-turned-project space hosts art and photography exhibitions, flea markets, block parties and screens documentaries. It is one of the first places to turn Soi Nana into the trendy, cool area that it is today. However, the space is only open during planned events, so make sure to check their Facebook page for upcoming gatherings.
- If you want something quick and cheap, there's a bright yellow food truck covered with childlike paintings at the other end of the other street. The food truck, Pizza Hub (http://fb.com/PizzaHubBKK, 064-076-1390) is managed by The Hub Saidek and Childline Thailand Foundation, a volunteer centre, which provides support to children in need of care. All the food and drinks are cooked and prepared by children of the organisation, including tasty homemade pizzas (B59-189), appetisers (B39-79), as well as healthy smoothies and shakes (B30-45). Best of all, the money goes toward a good cause, so you will at least not only have fun in the area, but also do something valuable.
Bottoms up
- Of course, Soi Nana is home to many unique bars each offering something different with their own takes on drinks and themes. You can head to El Chiringuito (http://fb.com/elchiringuitobangkok, 085-126-0046), a tapas bar that prides itself on Spanish cuisine. Pretend you're in Spain by having a glass of Tinto de Verano wine (B100), while eating Albondigas meatballs (B150).
- For something a little more Thai, you can try TEP Bar (http://fb.com/TEPBARTH, 098-467-2944) next to Patani Studio. With a kitchen specialising in Thai cuisine and tapas and its selection of drinks consisting of cocktails mixed with Thai herbal whiskey (ya-dong). Cocktails worth trying out include Thong (B300) with its mix of Mekhong rum, mango, honey, lime and palm sugar, and the refreshingly sweet and sour Songkran (B280) mixed with Thai herbs and served in a golden bowl. With a nightly live performance of Thai traditional music performed by a band, this is a place to take your visiting friends to and have a look and taste of what Thailand has to offer.
- If you're looking for something a little more mellow, head to Teens of Thailand (http://fb.com/teensofthailand, 096-846-0506), located right next door to Nahim Cafe. As you enter the sinister-looking door surrounded by stickers around the doorway, the dimly-lit bar is decorated with vintage furniture and an old movie poster (an old piano serves as one of the tables). The drink menu offers a wide range of gin and tonic drinks, with a daily change of specials to offer drinkers something new every night. Or you can have a sip of some of their unusual mixes like the Thai Tea gin and tonic (B340).
