Ari

Ari is often described as one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhoods, known for its leafy streets, cafés, restaurants and more creative, independent feel. It’s also really easy to reach; just take the BTS Green Line and get off at Ari station.

There are some beautiful houses tucked along the quieter streets, mixed with newer apartment buildings, hipster fashion boutiques, a couple of small art galleries and a seemingly endless number of places to eat and drink.

But honestly, I didn’t really get the hype.

Unless you have the appetite to stop and eat at every café and restaurant along the way, I found there wasn’t actually that much to explore. Some of the boutiques were quite expensive, the galleries we visited had very little on display, and the community-style malls and creative spaces we wandered through felt surprisingly empty and like they were missing something.

That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t come back. I definitely would, but probably to meet friends for brunch, dinner or coffee rather than to spend the day exploring the neighbourhood itself. We had a great brunch at FRAN’S Ari, which I’ve already added to my Eat · Drink · Work guide, and there are plenty of other restaurants here I’d like to try.

If you love café hopping, Ari could be exactly what you’re looking for. But as a Bangkok neighbourhood to explore, I much prefer places like Talat Noi and Song Wat, where there’s more happening between the food stops with street art, galleries, shops, old buildings and a stronger sense of place.

For me, Ari is somewhere to eat and hang out rather than explore.