UNIQLO is part of the community. This time around, we’re focusing on Bangkok, a city of charms both old and new, where UNIQLO’s first store in Thailand has received a makeover.
SWIPE
In 2023, Bangkok’s MRT, an underground and elevated transit system, expanded service to make getting around the city even easier. Though known for its busy streets teeming with motorbikes, Bangkok first took shape along the Chao Phraya River that flows through the city, north to south.
Located on the east side of the river, the old city along Charoen Krung Road, Thailand’s historic main street, is experiencing a revival. From longstanding family-run eateries to spots showcasing the latest in Thai design and modern restaurants fueled by a street food sensibility, this area welcomes visitors with a satisfying mix of historical flair and fresh ideas.
UNIQLO CentralWorld
Centrally located near Chit Lom Station and Siam Station on the BTS skytrain in the CentralWorld shopping complex, our first store in Thailand was renovated in September 2023, emerging with over 3,000 m2 of space as one of the country’s premier retail destinations. Stop by for limited-edition T-shirts and tote bag collabs with Thai-born artists, or to have your well-worn items repaired at the RE.UNIQLO STUDIO. About 30 minutes from the old city via BTS.
*T-shirt collab scheduled to run until April 2024
4,4/1-2,4/4 Central World Plaza, 3rd Floor, Room No.D301/1, C319/1, C319, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Pathumwan
column 1Oasis in the City, Benchakitti Park.
Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei
Spacious park lush with a dynamic assortment of tropical vegetation. Formerly owned by a tobacco company, the land has been transformed by Bangkok’s urban planners into a peaceful retreat. Expanded by about 50 hectares in 2022, the park has garnered attention for its new ecological areas that store water in rainy periods and release it during dry spells. Especially popular is the 1.6 km Sky Walk, over a wetland simulating local natural habitats. Spend a quiet hour after sunset listening to the insects buzzing as you walk the lit-up pathways, and you’ll feel transported from the hustle and bustle of the city. With free admission from five in the morning until nine at night, the park is an easy way to reconnect with nature without leaving Bangkok.
Spending a Day in the Old City Riverside Area
Joke PrinceEatery
Start your day with a bowl of congee, standard breakfast in Thailand. Joke Prince has been run by a Chinese family for over 90 years. The creamy porridge made with slow-simmered pork broth draws a line of locals and visitors from the early hours. Highlights include a minced pork, ginger and green onion congee (top left, 45 baht) and a filling dish of pork offal and century eggs (bottom left, 75 baht). Fried bread available.
1391 Charoenkrung Road, Silom, Bangrak
Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC Bangkok)Public Facilities
For a glimpse of the Bangkok design world, check out the Thailand Creative & Design Center, a public research facility. Step through the modern black gates at a corner of the historic Grand Postal Building, and you’ll find a library full of books and photo collections and a cafe space decked out with magazines. A focal point of the interior, created by Bangkok-based design studio Department of Architecture, is an atrium where art students can be found studying. Entry for one day costs 100 baht.
The Grand Postal Building, 1160 Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak
New Heng KeeEatery
In an area known for the number of establishments run by Chinese Thai families, this eatery has lasted for three generations. Original decorations like the black-and-white tiled floor combine with yellow walls to strong effect. Try the house specialty, a take on Thailand’s classic phat krapow moo sap, but made with bami noodles instead of rice (140 baht). “We’re open year-round, so you’re always welcome,” the chef tells us. Don’t be surprised if you head back for seconds!
1079 Charoenkrung road, Si Phraya Road, Bangrak
30_6 Selected StoreDesign & Lifestyle
A select shop in a renovated warehouse, consisting of different galleries and retail areas. Since opening in 2019 as a place for the owner to promote the brands of friends, the store has grown in popularity to include around 200 brands, focusing on Thai creators. With everything from folk art to incense and vintage clothes, there are treasures to be found around every corner. The colourful bamboo fans and “ya dom” herbal inhalers (bottom left) make perfect souvenirs.
Warehouse 30, Unit 6, Soi Charoen Krung 30, Bangrak
Araksa Tea RoomTeahouse
Care for a taste of what’s outside of Bangkok? Allow us to recommend a tea room specializing in teas from the richly forested Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. Organic tea brand Araksa, renowned for teas grown on proprietary farms in the mountains, opened its first retail store in 2023. Alongside hand-picked white, black and green teas, the lineup includes deep-blue butterfly pea flower tea, lemongrass tea, and a light pink torch ginger flower tea. If you can’t decide, just grab a can or pack of tea and enjoy a cup at home. On weekends, don’t miss the special afternoon tea, served with an assortment of sweets from the East and West.
12 Soi Charoenkrung 38, Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak
SamlorRestaurant
Samlor’s signature dish is a Thai omelet (380 baht), built around bold street food flavors. Cut into the omelet’s crunchy top, achieved by mixing whisked egg whites and pre-cooked yolks and baking in the oven, and soft-cooked egg comes oozing out. The house-made chili sauce is a heavenly match. Classic dishes like beef and basil stir fry krapow nua (420 baht) highlight the slow-cooked goodness of tender beef from northeast Thailand offered at this casual restaurant. To guarantee yourself a helping of these simple dishes made with love, it’s best to reserve a table for what’s sure to be a dinner full of surprises and a fresh take on Thai cuisine.
1076 Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak
Baan2459 Heritage Boutique HotelHotel
Housed in a private residence built in 1916, this three-room boutique hotel opened its doors in 2017. The building embodies a blend of Portuguese and Chinese styles popular at the time of construction. Interiors feature an oriental aesthetic of antique wooden furniture and tile. Though walking distance from both the old city and Chinatown, it’s tucked away down a back alley, giving you a break from the action. Breakfast is served in the lobby with a fine view of the neighboring temple. Rooms from 3,600 to 4,800 baht.
98 Phat Sai Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
column 1Oasis in the City, Benchakitti Park.
Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei
Spacious park lush with a dynamic assortment of tropical vegetation. Formerly owned by a tobacco company, the land has been transformed by Bangkok’s urban planners into a peaceful retreat. Expanded by about 50 hectares in 2022, the park has garnered attention for its new ecological areas that store water in rainy periods and release it during dry spells. Especially popular is the 1.6 km Sky Walk, over a wetland simulating local natural habitats. Spend a quiet hour after sunset listening to the insects buzzing as you walk the lit-up pathways, and you’ll feel transported from the hustle and bustle of the city. With free admission from five in the morning until nine at night, the park is an easy way to reconnect with nature without leaving Bangkok.
New Heng KeeEatery
In an area known for the number of establishments run by Chinese Thai families, this eatery has lasted for three generations. Original decorations like the black-and-white tiled floor combine with yellow walls to strong effect. Try the house specialty, a take on Thailand’s classic phat krapow moo sap, but made with bami noodles instead of rice (140 baht). “We’re open year-round, so you’re always welcome,” the chef tells us. Don’t be surprised if you head back for seconds!
1079 Charoenkrung road, Si Phraya Road, Bangrak
SamlorRestaurant
Samlor’s signature dish is a Thai omelet (380 baht), built around bold street food flavors. Cut into the omelet’s crunchy top, achieved by mixing whisked egg whites and pre-cooked yolks and baking in the oven, and soft-cooked egg comes oozing out. The house-made chili sauce is a heavenly match. Classic dishes like beef and basil stir fry krapow nua (420 baht) highlight the slow-cooked goodness of tender beef from northeast Thailand offered at this casual restaurant. To guarantee yourself a helping of these simple dishes made with love, it’s best to reserve a table for what’s sure to be a dinner full of surprises and a fresh take on Thai cuisine.
1076 Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak
column 2Taking Bangkok Home!
1. Thai Cocoa Chocolate
Thai cocoa is known for its small batches and top quality. Promphon’s Shabar Chocolate, a popular brand with a smart aesthetic, uses only premium Thai-grown cocoa as a way of building community. 195 baht each.
2. Wooden Elephant Curio
Looming large over Thai daily life, elephants are beloved in Thailand. Curios like this one can be found at markets and boutiques like Chico in the Thonglor area. 150 baht.
3. Thai Script Plates
Ceramics from renowned souvenir brand The Only Market Bangkok. Logo says “Krung Thep Maha Nakon” (City of Bangkok). Available at CentralWorld. Right: 1,390 baht / Left: 990 baht
