The Big Phrom Phong Guide: Living in the Heart of Sukhumvit

Phrom Phong is probably Sukhumvit’s trendiest neighborhood, known for its blend of luxury and local culture and for being Little Japan with many Japanese restaurants, supermarkets, and even schools. It is a popular spot for Japanese families to settle down. It is a fine dining dream but with enough fun, cheap local stuff to make it suitable for all kinds of nights out. 

Overall It’s a super attractive area for expats to live and very convenient for getting around the rest of the city. The prices are higher in this area, but if you value lifestyle, it might be the place for you. 

• Thai Name: พร้อมพงษ์
• Transliteration variants: Phrom Phong, Phromphong, Prom Pong  
• Pronunciation: prɔ́ɔm pong  

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Location  

Phrom Phong is right in the middle of Sukhumvit Road, centered around BTS Phrom Phong Station, it includes Benchasiri Park, and is known for the glitzy Emsphere, Emporium, and EmQuartier malls. 

It officially spans from Sukhumvit Soi 21 to Soi 53 on the north side of the street, which is Sukhumvit Soi 16 to 36 on the evens side, south of Sukhumvit.  

In reality though, if you live west of Soi 31, you will likely tell people that you live in Asoke rather than Phrom Phong. And if you live east of Soi 49 you will most likely identify as a Thonglor person. 

The northern border of the suburb is Phetchaburi Road, and the Southern border is marked by Rama 4 road. The southern part of Phrom Phong official overlaps with Khlong Toei.   

Pros and Cons of Living in [Suburb Name]  

While we love Phrom Phong for lifestyle, it might not be the best place for you to settle down, depending on your priorities. 

Pros

• Central location with excellent transportation links
• Diverse dining and nightlife options
• Close to great green spaces like Benchasiri Park and nearby Benjakitti Parks 
• Amazing shopping options

Cons

• High cost of living, especially for accommodation
• Crowded streets during peak hours, especially around the BTS
• High tourist population might make you feel a bit distanced from local life
• Limited affordable housing options compared to other neighborhoods
• Crippling traffic along this part of the Sukhumvit at almost every time of day 

Accommodation in Phrom Phong 

Phrom Phong offers a range of accommodations, from luxury condos to more affordable older apartments. Prices tend to be higher due to its central location, but there are options for different budgets.

Modern but Small Condos

There are plenty of modern condominiums in Phrom Phong with excellent facilities, though space will be limited in these fancy shoeboxes. 

• The Esse at Singha Complex: Studios here are 30 sqm and about 25,000 THB a month.  
• The Lumpini 24: 1-bedroom condos from 30 – 40 sqm, averaging 30,000 THB per month.
• The Address Sukhumvit 28: 1-bedrooms of 50 sqm are between 35 and 45K THB a month. 

Luxe Condos 

• The Crest Sukhumvit 24: 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment in a range of sizes from 50 sqm to 150 sqm. The largest condos here go from 70 to 100K THB a month.
• La Raffine: This condo is unique in that every flat in the building has its own private pool on the balcony. 2-bedroom and 230 sqm spaces start at 120K THB a month and 3-bedroom 360 sqm meter condos are about 150,000 THB a month.

Bigger, Older, Affordable Condos  

Older condos in Phrom Phong offer more space at a lower price point. You will get more square meters but the common areas and facilities will be less glamorous. Each condo will have varying levels of renovation. 

• Yada Condominium: Sukhumvit House: 2-bedroom condos over 120 sqm, starting at 45,000 THB per month.
• Mitr Mansion: A 1995 building with massive apartments. They go from 150 sqm 2 bed, 2 bath spaces for 45,000 THB a month to 280 sqm 3 bed, 3 bath spots for 60 to 70,000 THB a month. 
• Sukhumvit House: 2-bedroom condos from 100 sqm, starting at 45,000 THB per month. 
• Asoke Place: 1 or 2-bedroom condos from 60 to 90 sqm, starting at 20 and going to 45,000 THB per month.

Townhouses and Gated Communities  

Houses are available in Phrom Phong but tend to be pricier. There are very few villa compounds or gated communities in this tightly packed suburb. There are more free-standing houses and individual shophouse style townhouses. You can find these on websites like Hipflat using the search filters.  

• Prompak Place: 3-bedroom townhouses of 340 sqm starting at 90,000 THB per month.
• Prompak Gardens: 3-bedroom townhouses start at 80K THB a month for 250 sqm and go up to 500K THB a month for 500 sqm places. 

Budget Condos 

After searching all real estate websites we could find, we had no luck finding a place to live for less than 15,000 THB a month in Phrom Phong. Here are the cheapest possible options we found. 

• Condo One X: Studios here are around 30 sqm and average 15,000 THB a month. 
• Quintara Phume Sukhumvit 39: Studios and 1-beds here are around 35 sqm and average 15,000 THB a month. 
• Condolette Dwell Sukhumvit 26: Studios here are around 35 sqm and start at 13,000 THB a month. 

Dining Out in Phrom Phong  

This suburb provides endless dining options. With dozens of Michelin recognised venues, street food, and everything in between. You can’t throw a stone without hitting another incredible restaurant. 

Street Food  

You can find local street food along Sukhumvit Sois 20, 22, 24, and 26. Under the BTS station, on both sides of the Sukhumvit you will find lots of street food stalls. These come alive nice and early around 7am for commuters and then more pop up at night for the post-work crowd. Popular dishes include lunch packs of grilled chicken and rice or stir fries for about 50 THB.

One of the best hole-in-the-wall street food spots in the whole city can be found in Phrom Phong: Ung Jia Huad ร้านอึ้งเจี่ยฮวด is famous for their pad kaprao ผัดกะเพรา and Uncle Lun who has been stir frying on Sukhumvit Soi 23 for 50 years. 

Fine Dining

Here are just a few examples of incredible fine dining restaurants that bring the best dining to Phrom Phong. 

• Gaggan on Soi 31 is a world-renowned progressive Indian cuisine restaurant by celebrity chef Gaggan Anand. 
• JHOL Coastal Indian Cuisine is an incredible and special Indian restaurant that is certainly fancy, but the prices are within reach. 
• BIRDIES Bangkok has found a way to make Fried Chicken and Waffles into a fine dining experience. It is fantastic. 
• Haoma Bangkok this Michelin Star fine dining place is another example of elevated Indian flavours. 
• Sushi Masato is a Michelin Star omakase paradise for those with cash to spend.  

Our Favorites 

Many of our personal and community favorite restaurants are located in Phrom Phong. Read more about these places in our article: The Big List of Best (and Affordable) Restaurants in Bangkok: Buster’s Fish & Chips, Easy Burger, Avra Georgian and Greek Cuisine, Kurathai Shokudo Japanese Cafeteria, Beirut Lebanese and Middle Eastern, Holey Bakery, Larder Bakery, WAKI WAKI Vegetarian Sushi, and Peppina; award winning Italian. 

Here are a few more notable places: 

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• A new favorite is Kenny’s BKK – Sukhumvit 31 which does incredible pizza and pasta along with a great beer on tap selection. 
• Breakfast Story Phrom Phong is a brunch institution. Classic American diner food staples in a cozy cafe. 
• Masu Maki & Sushi Bar is a wonderful little place that just does beautiful and satisfying sushi rolls. Some of our favorites in Bangkok. 
• Wah Char Siu does wonderful Hong Kong classics. Their 295 THB lunch sets are spectacular value. 

Drinking in Phrom Phong  

For a chill evening after-work beer or the Hi-So fancy night out of your dreams, Phrom Phong has plenty to offer in terms of bars and pubs. 

Fancy Bars 

These places are all a bit glam with cocktails in the 300 to 500 baht range. 

• Alonetogether Bar for jazz and cigars, IG: @alonetogetherbangkok
• OFTR Bar (one for the road) for hip locals and fancy drinks, IG: @oftr.bar
• The Iron Fairies Music Bar for goth vibes and live tunes, IG: @theironfairiesbkk
• C.A.L.M. Guinguette for European courtyard home vibes, IG: @calm.bkk
• Cooling Tower for 34th Floor rooftop views, IG: @Coolingtowerbar
• Escape for beach cabana vibes, IG: @escapebangkok
• Funkytown for classic retro aesthetic, IG: @fnkytown.bar

Laid Back Bars and Pubs 

These places are where you can go for a beer, get a happy hour deal, and never feel underdressed. Local beers start at about 100 baht and craft beers can go up to about 300. 

• O’Shea’s for classic Irish pub vibes but with a pretty nice low rooftop space. Website. 
• Royal Oak for a decent British pub dinner with a Comedy Club on the 3rd floor. Facebook. 
• Hair of the Dog for a quirky bar known for craft beer with 15 taps and a gin bar upstairs. Website. 
• Hidden Square for a classic Thai rooftop bar with an open-air low rooftop. It’s a chill spot with live music, welcoming staff, good food, and reasonable prices. Facebook. 

Groceries in Phrom Phong  

We love to support local vendors, but this suburb is more about glam malls and fancy supermarkets where you can dine on fresh cut sashimi and premium grilled steaks while you shop.

Fresh Markets

While Phrom Phong does not actually have any large local fresh markets, you can sometimes get cheap produce from mobile street stalls scattered around and small independent vegetable shops. 

If you are feeling brave, the Khlong Toei Market is one of the largest fresh markets in Bangkok, offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood. It is technically outside the border of Phrom Phong to the south, but it’s an incredible place to shop and a unique cultural experience. 

You can get amazingly cheap fruit and veggies. Sensitive folks should avoid the meat areas though, lots of pretty confronting carcases laying about and the odors can get pungent. 

Supermarkets

Phrom Phong is lacking large hypermarkets like Big C and Lotus’s, so you will have to travel a bit if you plan to do full-trolley family grocery shopping. The supermarket options in Phrom Phong are more along the high-end type places with smaller, more gourmet food selections. 

Gourmet Market in EmQuartier is a premium supermarket with fresh produce, meats, seafood, and international goods. Prices are high, as is the quality. Not the best place for big family grocery shopping, but definitely where you can find all kinds of imported goodies. There is also a branch in EmSphere and Emporium. 

Villa Market near Sukhumvit 33, on Soi 49, and in K-Village are part of a long-standing favorite chain of stores catering to expats. They offer a wide variety of imported products, with small sections of fresh produce, and daily essentials. This is the best place for things like cheeses, snacks from your home country, and deli items. 

Tops Markets are a convenient option with different kinds of stores in Phromphong. Tops Daily are basic convenience stores, Tops Market are larger supermarkets, and Tops Fine Food like the one on Soi 49 are large with more gourmet options and bigger deli and fresh sections. Good for imported products, more expensive than Thai chain supermarkets. 

UFM Fuji is a Japanese chain with a bunch of different sized stores in Bangkok and five in Phrom Phong with the newest big store on 24 opening in 2023. Focused on Japanese groceries, it offers fresh vegetables, seafood, and pantry staples. Their supermarket Sushi is surprisingly pretty good!  

Makro Food Service on Sukhumvit 22 is a mini version of the bulk shopping chain. Makro stores are kind of like Sam’s Club or Costco. They cater to restaurants mostly, but anyone can shop there without a membership. Great if you have a family, you can buy your cheese in 6 kilo blocks and toilet paper in packs of 50. There is a full sized Makro in Sathorn. 

Transportation Options for Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong is a commuter-friendly neighborhood with a variety of transportation options that make it easy to navigate Bangkok’s central Sukhumvit area and beyond. 

BTS “The Skytrain”

The BTS Phrom Phong Station is located on Sukhumvit Road, and it is the primary choice for quick, reliable transit. Located on the Sukhumvit line, this station connects Phrom Phong residents to Thonglor, Asok, and beyond with minimal wait times. Get to Chatuchak market at Mo Chit station in just 12 stops and 25 minutes. Also get to Chang Erewan to see the amazing 3-headed Elephant temple in just 12 stops and 26 minutes. 

MRT “The Metro” 

While there isn’t an MRT station in Phrom Phong, the blue line runs down the western border between Phrom Phong and Asoke. The MRT Sukhumvit Station (connected to the BTS Asok interchange) is on the Blue Line. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station marks the southwest corner of Phrom Phong and the Phetchaburi station marks the northwest corner. 

This connection extends travel options throughout the city. Get all the way down to Old Town to reach the riverside, the Grand Palace and Chinatown near the Sanam Chai station in just 18 minutes and 9 stops. 

Motorbike Taxis

As always, our friends with the orange vests are always around to help you go short distances within Phrom Phong. You will find them waiting at the entrances to most major roads and in some back streets. Large groups gather at Sukhumvit Soi 22, 23, 24, and 39. The bike riders in this area seem to charge more than other suburbs, with fares often starting at 40 THB for a short ride. 

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

Metered taxis are, of course, an option in Phrom Phong, but watch out for those targeting tourists who will want to take you for a ride off the meter. As always, we suggest using ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt as a more reliable alternative.

We also love the new MuvMi ride-hailing tuk tuk service. Download the app to call electric tuk tuks to take you short distances within the Sukhumvit Zone.

Buses

Several bus routes pass through the Sukhumvit area, connecting Phrom Phong to nearby districts. All of these bus routes run through Phrom Phong:  2, 25, 38, 40, 48, 501, 508, 511, and 1-39. To see their routes on a map, check the Transit Bangkok website here.   

Saen Saep Boat Service

These hectic, exhilarating, weird, and wonderful old canal boats are a Bangkok gem. Some people use them for regular commuting and they can get super packed at peak hour, but don’t miss out on the experience at least once.

There are several stops along the canal which runs parallel to Phetchaburi Road in the north of Phrom Phong. They are Prasan Mit, Ital-Thai Tower, Wat Mai Chong Lom Pier, and Baan Don Mosque. Head to one of these piers, jump on a boat, and see where it takes you. Check out this website to learn more about the routes. 

Learn More: Transportation in Bangkok: A Guide to Taxis, Buses, Trains, and Mobile Apps

Healthcare in Phrom Phong  

Phrom Phong has many quality healthcare options. Hundreds of dentists, clinics, veterinarians, and several hospitals. You do not have to travel far for healthcare. 

Hospitals

Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital: A top-tier international hospital offering a wide range of medical services. Prices are high but so is the level of service and care. Best if you have comprehensive insurance. 

Camillian Hospital – While it is technically in Thonglor, it is a very good alternative option for people living in Phrom Phong. It is exceptional care at a very affordable rate, up to five times cheaper than Samitivej because it is half government run, and half private christian. While not as fancy as some hospitals, it is our favorite. 

Clinics

While there are hundreds of medical clinics in Phrom Phong, BLEZ Clinic, WellMed Bangkok Clinic, and RSU Healthcare are three places we have personally had very good experiences for quick, easy, affordable small health emergencies. 

Perfect for things like colds and flus, work permit and driver’s licence medical certificates, and quick prescription refills. These places usually start at about 500 THB for a visit and you can always walk in without an appointment. They all have English speaking staff.

Dentists

Once again, there are possibly hundreds of dental clinics in Phrom Phong. Prices range from the cheapest of the cheap to the highest prices in the city. Here are a couple of our favorites.

BIDC Dental Clinic @ Emquartier – This is one of the best dentists in Bangkok with several branches. They are not the cheapest, but the quality of care is exceptional. They have a solid 4.8 rating on Google with many hundreds of reviews. 

Smile Center Dental Clinic – They offer affordable dental care without compromising quality. An all-round dentist clinic, they have clear prices listed on their website with an initial consultation starting at 500 THB and fillings starting at 1000 THB. 

Learn More: How to Find the Best Dentist in Bangkok: Clinics, Prices, and More

Veterinarians

Vets in Thailand are frequently more expensive than procedures for human patients. But it is so important to choose the right one for your best friend. There are at least 30 veterinarians in and near Phrom Phong. Read the reviews from other pet owners before visiting. 

We really like Sukhumvit Veterinarians, just outside the border of Phrom Phong on Soi 51. They speak English, they are fast, efficient, the prices are okay and they can do everything on location as they have a large facility. I have always been able to walk in and be seen right away. 

Vet 4 Animal Hospital gets incredible reviews. It is a bit fancier than other vets but prices are still reasonable. They have a program for new kittens and puppies (for those of us who can’t help but rescue street animals) for the initial health checks starting at 799 for kittens and 599 for puppies. 

Learn More: Bangkok Veterinarians: Hospitals, Services, and Costs

International Schools in Phrom Phong  

Phrom Phong is home to several well-regarded international schools, and dozens of international kindergartens and early learning centers. Parents who live in this area will have their pick of schools and even more close by in Asoke and Thonglor. 

XCL American School of Bangkok – Sukhumvit Campus – They offer a future-focused American curriculum for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The program emphasizes holistic development through approaches like project-based and social-emotional learning.

Modern International School Bangkok – Offering education from Nursery to Year 13, the school follows the British National Curriculum, including IGCSEs for Years 10-11 and A Levels for Years 12-13, preparing students for university. 

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Australian International School Bangkok – AISB established in 2002, serves students from Year 1 to Year 12 at its boutique, mid-sized campus in Sukhumvit Soi 31 and another on Soi 20. The campus shares access to the AISB Sports Centre and Innovation Centre, also located on Soi 31.

First Steps Pre-School & Future Steps International School – Founded in 1997, This is one of Bangkok’s longest-established preschools. It utilizes the British Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) curriculum. Now expanded to include Future Steps Primary, it serves children aged 16 months to 11 years, from Early Years to Year 6.

The Purple Elephant 49 International School Bangkok – Providing a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 3 years, the program fosters learning in a bamboo-inspired setting where children engage in English, Mandarin, and Thai.

The City School International School Bangkok – For children aged 3 to 11 (K1 to Year 6), the school offers an international program without naming a certified curriculum. Its approach focuses on in-depth projects, creative atelier spaces, skilled teachers, and an environment designed to support learning and relationships.

Kids Kingdom International Kindergarten – Located in the peaceful Sukhumvit 47 area, they provide early childhood education for children aged 18 months to 6 years. With a multicultural environment, qualified teachers trained in IPC (International Primary Curriculum), and modern facilities, the school emphasizes nurturing and creative learning.

Wells International School – Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education, Wells provides a world-class American and IB education for students from kindergarten to high school.

Trinity International School – TRIS is a Christian institution serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, focusing on holistic development across physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. The school follows a K-12 curriculum aligned with the California Department of Education and Common Core standards.

Raintree Sukhumvit International Kindergarten – Founded in 2017, Raintree is a leading kindergarten in central Bangkok offering a progressive early childhood program for children aged 1-6. It combines the British curriculum with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in a safe, nurturing environment.

And more: 

• HEI Schools Bangkok – International Kindergarten
• The Tiny Seeds International Pre-school
• KiddyKare International Kindergarten
• New Bambino international kindergarten
• SP International Kindergarten
• Greenfield Nursery

Parks in Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong is lucky to have nearby access to some of Bangkok’s best parks, which offer a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful, well-maintained green spaces for relaxation and fitness. 

Benchasiri Park
Just a few steps from the BTS station of Phrom Phong, Benchasiri Park offers a refreshing retreat with lush trees, modern art installations, and peaceful water features. Established in 1992, this small but charming oasis spans an 800-meter circumference and provides a touch of greenery in the city. Facilities include a skate park, swimming pool, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families. The park is open from 4:30 am to 10 pm, but does not allow pets.

Benchakitti Park
Though technically in Asoke, Benchakitti Park is within walking distance or a quick ride from Phrom Phong. Established in the early 90s, Benchakitti Park remains one of Bangkok’s original leisure spaces, featuring a large lake encircled by a 2-kilometer walking and jogging path. Located near Queen Sirikit MRT, and once popular for cycling, the park now caters solely to walkers and runners, especially enjoying popularity at dusk when the high-rise lights reflect beautifully on the lake. Open 4:30 am to 9 pm. 

Benchakitti Forest Park
Adjacent to Benchakitti Park, the 2022 expansion of the Forest Park was well worth the wait. This beautifully designed park prioritizes a natural, thriving ecosystem with native plants carefully selected to sustain local wildlife. The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm, with cycling permitted on marked paths from 6 am to 5:30 pm. Pets are welcome in the attached BMA Dog Park area. The park’s elevated walkways among treetops are a favorite for photographers, while bird watchers, and families.

Learn More: The Big List of Parks in Bangkok: The Best Parks, The Biggest, The Secret Gardens

Other Standout Venues and Features

Phrom Phong is known for its high-end shopping malls like the triplets Emporium, EmQuartier, & EmSphere offering luxury retail, cinemas, an Ikea, and gourmet dining experiences. But there is more than just mall culture. 

The Friese-Greene Club

This private club is a spot for cinema lovers. Located in a charming old shophouse, it offers a film book library, a 9-seat screening room for classic films, and a small bar with food. The space can also be rented affordably for private screenings. 

Public House 

More than just a hotel, it’s a vibrant artistic community space adorned with curated art and stylish decor. Guests can enjoy Forum, a free coworking hub; a great cocktail bar; Fest Restaurant; a recording studio, the Podcast Lounge; and a rooftop poolside area, The Mooon, rentable for private events.

Rockademy 

Rockademy is a music school in Bangkok focused on artist development. It serves as a venue for music, creativity, and community, providing a supportive space for aspiring musicians.

Dasa Book Cafe

The best secondhand bookshop in the whole city is definitely this gem in Phrom Phong. Dasa provides 3 levels of a dusty, musty bibliophiles’ dream come true. 

Flow House

Artificially created waves provide a space for learning and practicing surfing skills. Visitors can ride these stationary waves and refine their techniques at this surf-centric venue.

Should You Live in Phrom Phong?

Deciding whether to live in Phrom Phong depends on your lifestyle priorities. If you value convenience, upscale amenities, and diverse dining and entertainment options, this neighborhood offers an unparalleled urban experience in Bangkok. Its central location, luxury accommodations, and proximity to world-class shopping and green spaces make it ideal for those seeking a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle. 

However, the higher cost of living, crowded streets, and limited affordable housing may deter those on a tighter budget or seeking a quieter, more local atmosphere. Ultimately, Phrom Phong is best suited for individuals who prioritize comfort, accessibility, and an active social scene. 

For more space on a smaller monthly budget, we suggest you head a bit farther east along the BTS line to up and coming suburbs like On Nut and beyond. 

Learn More: The Big On Nut Guide: Living in Bangkok’s Fastest Growing Neighbourhood