LIFE IN THE HEART OF ASOKE

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July 25, 2022
อโศก
อโศก

Asoke, a place where you get to experience the best of both worlds. Located in the inner city of Sukhumvit, you won't have to travel far before finding some of the best cafes, restaurants and some hidden gems. If you are looking to start your day with some frothy coffee, Asoke is the spot for you!

The Area

Asoke is a popular location among Westerners and families, this is due to its multi-cultural environment. A lot of young Thai nationals have also chosen to locate here due to its vibrant atmosphere surrounded by luxurious condos. The intersection of BTS Sukhumvit Line and the Blue MRT line have turned Asoke into a bustling neighborhood in the heart of Bangkok. Its area stretches from the Westin Hotel in the West to the Radisson Hotel in the East, and from Queen Sirikit Convention center up until the Airport Link Makkasan station. Specifically around the public transit intersection, the first in Bangkok’s still nascent public transport system, many office buildings have lined Asoke Montri Road, an alternative name for the stretch of Ratchadapisek Road that gives the area its name.

There are a number of high end condos for rent located along Soi 19 to 23 on the north of Sukhumvit Road and from Sukhumvit 14 to 18, the south of Sukhumvit Road. One of which is the well known Millennium Residence, a complex that can be seen from afar and is known for its distinctive infrastructure.

What to Expect

There are plenty of retro bars located in Asoke which are known for their New York vibe, such as Q&A Bar. This bar is popular among locals as it boasts a wide range of cocktails. Due to the size of the bar, only a limited number of people can gain access, making it an intimate experience for all. To avoid disappointment, it is advised to reserve a table in advance. 

There are various Western-style clubs which are popular among locals such as Narz and Glow. Regardless of your music preferences, you will be sure to fall in love with the clubs

Asoke is home to some of the best restaurants in Bangkok. You won't be stuck for choice with a variety of cuisines. El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse, Big Mama Tapas, and Kenshin Izakaya are among many located in Sukhumvit Soi 19. Whether you’re craving Argentinian or an Italian, Asoke is the place for you. 

El Gaucho Argentinian
El Gaucho Argentinian

The Lifestyle: 

In Asoke, you'll never have to worry about driving or transportation. In fact, that’ll be the least of your worries. Everything you need is within a few meters, almost encouraging you to go for a walk and digest the beautiful area. Apart from some of the beautiful restaurants Asoke has to offer, there are some wonderful parks which surround Asoke such as Benjakitti Park. If you are a sucker for views, Benjakitti is the place to catch them. 

Surrounded by office buildings such as Interchange and Exchange Tower, Benjakitti is the perfect place to go for a stroll avoiding the hustle and bustle that sometimes follows Bangkok. Benjakitti holds a beautiful lake which is in the middle of a walking track. 

If you love to exercise, this is a hot spot throughout the day as you will get to capture both sunrise and sunset. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

World Nak stadium is located in Asoke. It is a popular tourist attraction, as it is known for hosting many events such as Muay Thai. The location makes it very convenient for locals, as they don't have to travel far to attend the events. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, it is practiced by many, and is said to have originated back from 2000 years. 

There are plenty of academies such as RSM Academy which teaches Muay Thai. This is an amazing sport to take on if you are someone who likes to be adventurous and try new things. Many people travel to Thailand in order to learn how to fight, which is how the popularity of the sport grew. Are you willing to try it?

Yoga is another activity that is very popular among locals. Many travel out to Asoke to either practice Yoga at Benjakitti or to attend Yoga classes. Yogatique, which is located in Asoke, is a very popular studio. Yogatique is known for its sense of adventure and its dynamic array of styles, there is no such thing as basic Yoga at Yogatique. From chanting to alignment, you will be sure to find the perfect practice. The classes are led by professional instructors, which creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, you can be assured you are in safe hands. 

Benjakitti
Benjakitti

Apart from the naturous side of Asoke, there is no shortage of shops! You will never have to venture far to retrieve an item, Terminal 21 is one of the most well known shopping centers in Bangkok. 

The popular shopping center is located at the heart of Soi 11. It would be difficult to miss as it has been created to look like an international terminal. Each floor represents a country providing a multi-cultural atmosphere. On the top floor there is a multi-screen cinema which airs movies in both Thai and English. 

Some of the stores located in Terminal 21 include well known brands such as Lacoste, Kipling, Birkenstock,Wacoal and Jaspal. 

Terminal 21 is seen as one of the best shopping malls in Bangkok due to its wide variety of international stores.

If you are a foodie, then this is also a place to visit. Due to its multicultural atmosphere, Terminal 21 also flaunts a food court serving affordable and delicious dishes from around the globe. 

Terminal 21
Terminal 21

When it comes to cafes, Asoke is the best place to visit. If you aren't looking to visit Asoke for the parks, then coffee is another reason. Kuppa is a well known cafe situated in Asoke, it is known for its loungey decor. Apart from a wide selection of coffees, they boast a wide variety of foods. From cheesecake to duck confit, you will be sure to leave in a food coma.

Another popular cafe is called Iwane Goes Nature. If you are a cat lover, this is the place for you. Flaunting a leafy interior, this cozy spot is sure to help you start your day on the right foot. One fun fact about the coffee here is that they contain both coconut oil and butter as it is said to facilitate a gradual release of caffeine throughout the day.

There are plenty of activities to participate in Asoke such as Crossfit in Aspire. Aspire is a popular gym located in Sukhumvit Soi 19. It’s not every day you get to work out on a rooftop in Bangkok! 

If you are the type of person that likes to switch up your workout regime, you will not be short of a list of endorphins things to do.

Up to this point, you can easily agree that this beautiful neighborhood has everything for everyone! The area is popular among young locals, expats, families or even those looking to retire in the city. Due to its multicultural nature, the area is certainly attractive to Westerners who are looking to live in Bangkok.

Accessibility:

Asoke is known for being well connected, you can be guaranteed that you won't be stuck for time when it comes to transportation. With various options such as the BTS and MRT, you will never have to rush to the airport, Asoke boasts an airport rail link at Petchaburi MRT stop. It is very rare to have both the BTS and MRT stop at the same intersection. You won't have to worry about reaching your destination as the overground and underground networks cover the majority of Bangkok making your commute stress free. 

The MRT Sukhumvit also connects to Hua Lamphong which is Bangkok's main train station. This is very convenient as it offers regular train services throughout Thailand. Need we say more?

If you ever want to experience an unusual mode of transportation, why not try hopping on a boat? The nearest boat station is Asoke/Phetchaburi, Nida Line, it's only a 6-minute walk from the train station. And if you’re not too intimidated by the local buses, there are plenty of bus stations around, and these are the nearest bus lines that stop in Asoke - 136, 185, 60, 72, 99.

During rush hour, you may want to go with the type of transportation that gets you to your destination the fastest. Taxis, motorbike taxis (Win), or Tuk Tuk can be found at almost every corner of the street. 

One of the main reasons Asoke attracts a lot of people is due to privacy. Although Asoke is in Bangkok, it is situated in the outskirts which will help you escape the crazy life. If you are considering moving to Asoke, you will be fortunate enough to live in a private neighborhood. 

Daily Needs:

Whether you’re visiting Asoke for business or leisure, you can be assured that the services and facilities will ensure your daily needs are met. From cafes to gyms, and from hospitals to parks, you will not be short of finding things to do. 

Hands down, Terminal 21 is the most popular shopping mall in this area. Nevertheless, this cozy neighborhood is also known for its famous Korean Town that serves more than 20 authentic Korean restaurants available for you to choose from. 

Whether you’re just visiting or planning to relocate here, knowing which hospital to go to when you’re sick or needing medical attention might come in handy. Bamrungrad and Samitivej are the nearest hospitals in this area, they are both just within 15 minutes drive from BTS station.

If you plan to move to Asoke with your family, finding the right school for your children may give you a little headache at first but don’t worry, this lovely neighborhood is surrounded by so many different schools and universities such as BSB British International, NIST, Australian International, ASB and Stamford University.

The peace and tranquility that surrounds Asoke is sure to help you start and finish your day on the right foot. Surrounded with activities, locals can enjoy the privacy Asoke flaunts while also enjoying the nearby bars and restaurants. 

Why Asoke?

Unique Selling Point: 

Whether you are family orientated, an expat or a young professional, Asoke caters to all. The location couldn't be more on point as it is conveniently located next to the best shopping centers, parks, private residences and public transport. 

No matter what strikes your interest, you will be sure to find it in Asoke. Asoke is a hot spot for a reason. Diversity is a big factor in Asoke, you will meet people from all over the world, which is an everyday occurrence in Asoke.

The beautiful Benjakitti Park will be situated right at your doorstep, which is a place that'll allow you to wind down, practice some Yoga, or even just to sit and watch the sunset. 

In this day and age, we take nature for granted and in this area it would be very difficult as it is covered with beautiful colorful flowers that can be seen from afar. 

If you are considering moving to Asoke, you will not be disappointed!