Ari Shortlist
Discover the unique blend of local charm and up-and-coming cool of Ari neighborhood in Bangkok.
This Shortlist is my unpretentious attempt to share my love for this often overlooked laid-back neighborhood of Bangkok. It’s a very subjective and incomplete list of what Ari can offer and just a handful collection of my favorite spots from first-hand experience.
Ari Shortlist is also available in a one-pager PDF version here. Have the best time in Ari! 🦄
What’s the vibe?
Ari offers a more local, chill, and indie vibe unlike business Silom, international Sukhumvit, or backpackers’ Khaosan Road.
Why Ari?
Ari is a happening spot in Bangkok that's off the beaten tourist path. It offers a relaxed vibe with a thriving cafe scene for coffee lovers. Plus, you'll find delicious and affordable eats, from street food stalls to local restaurants with international options.
Where is Ari?
Ari is strategically located along the BTS Green Line between Chatuchak Market (2 stations up north) and Siam Station (5 stations down south) where the main shopping malls are. Easy to reach from DMK airport by A2 bus or from BKK by Airlink train and BTS
Day trip or stay?
I love Ari so much, that it became my favorite neighborhood to stay in Bangkok but it’s also very easy to visit as part of your daytime itinerary
Where to stay?
Josh Hotel is my obvious choice as I stayed there already 4 times. It’s a boutique-ish, hip, and trendy hotel tucked away in the side street, with a little pool and a few stylish cafes, bars, and restaurants onsite.
Food 🍜
If you walk from the BTS station to Josh Hotel, you have no way but to go through the area full of street food vendors, markets, and open-air mini-food courts. Here are some of them:
GUMP’s Ari community center - a fancy mini complex with a fine selection of culinary venues and it’s an attraction on its own as its design reminds of real real-life Pinterest board or a photo set for Instagram
Sunan Napa Market - a more casual backyard street food market
A-One Ari - a small and casual community food market on a side street
My favorite family-run Thai vegan eatery Bamboo Garden (food from 50 baht) is located at a neighborhood market between Ari Soi 1 and 2
Specialty coffee shops ☕
All the coffee shops below brew outstanding specialty coffee with Thai and international beans and offer vegan milk, my go-to choice is Oatside brand
Nana Roastery (IG @nanacoffeeroasters) - a very beautiful and fancy space serving excellent coffee on a pricey side with indoor and outdoor tables
Loveis (IG @loveiscafeandbar) - a trendy coffee shop colored in deep blue with a photo booth
Porcupine Café (IG @porcupinecafe) - a laid-back coffee shop during the day, a cocktail bar at night, very cool and laid-back interior
Aribica (IG @aribica.cafe) - an easy-to-miss no-frills coffee shop serving excellent coffee with a small indoor seating area
My favorite “hole-in-the-wall” Coffee n.9 (IG @coffee_number9) - doesn’t appear on Google Maps, but you can find it on the left to Frank , they have another location across the street at A-One Ari and the main branch 10 min walk away
Extra 🤩
If you like matcha, head to MTCH (IG @mtch.bkk), then continue down the street, you’ll find Yard Hostel (IG @theyardbangkok) with some eateries and bars, they also host markets from time to time
No lack of yoga, CrossFit, and gyms in the neighborhood, I personally attended only DD Fitness - nothing fancy, but has everything for a proper workout
Chatuchak Weekend Market (2 BTS stations away from Ari) - a huge and iconic market with literally everything (imagine real-life Lazada or Aliexpress) - a lot of “trash” but also a lot of decent local fashion designers and brands
Do you have questions about Ari?
Need help with planning your trip to Thailand?
I’d be happy to help, book a 30-minute call with me here
It would mean the world to me if you let me know how was your experience using my guide, just send a DM or tag me your stories on IG. There are no affiliate links on this page, you can support me by sharing the link to this guide with your friends or you can buy me a coffee. Every sip counts ☕️
Safe travels,
Igor from IG (@igorrr)
P.S. Any questions about Ari? Interested in a shortlist guide for another destination? love to cover topics that are of interest and relevant to people, so please send me your questions.