Ari: Bangkok’s Hipster Haven
Ari is a lively and trendy neighbourhood in Bangkok, popular for its dining spots, café hopping, and relaxed vibe. It’s often considered the hipster area of the city, where modern life and local culture beautifully mix.
There are plenty of cozy and homey coffee shops – some long-established, others newly opened, each with its own charm and style. But Ari isn’t just about cafés. It also has a night market, a lively street food scene, and the best massage I’ve ever had in Bangkok: Aiyaburee.
Ari is easily accessible by the BTS Skytrain, and right by the station you’ll find a small community hub with Villa Market, the go-to supermarket for imported products (perfect if you’re craving something from home!). Around it, you’ll find many street food stalls that come alive in the evening.
Relax & Recharge: Dip – Garden Onsen, Sauna & Ice Bath
One of Ari’s hidden gems is Dip – Garden Onsen, Sauna & Ice Bath, a wellness center offering hot springs, saunas, and ice baths in a peaceful garden setting. The facility includes lockers, showers, and a café area where you can relax with an iced latte after your session.
Inside, you’ll find a Finnish-style sauna, a scented steam room, cold plunge pools, and warmer pools for relaxation. The entry fee is 500 THB, and honestly, spending a few hours in this serene environment is worth every baht.
Coffee & Brunch Spots
Puritan
This café stands out for its rustic-chic interior filled with antiques, lush greenery, and sparkling chandeliers. They mostly serve cakes and fruity shakes, along with a variety of tapas plates—perfect for an afternoon break.
Yellow Lane Café
Another favorite is Yellow Lane, a brunch and coworking spot surrounded by greenery. The atmosphere is bright and peaceful, and the outdoor seating area is a huge plus—something not so easy to find in Bangkok!
Dog in Town Café
Ari is also home to Dog in Town Café, a must-visit for animal lovers. The entry fee is 350 THB, which includes a drink (coffee or soft drink). Inside, you’ll be greeted by adorable dogs of all breeds—from fluffy Golden Retrievers and Samoyeds to playful Corgis and French Bulldogs.
The space is cozy and welcoming, with both an indoor air-conditioned area and an outdoor garden (though it was closed when I visited). The staff are super friendly and will even help you take pictures with the dogs!
Foodie Finds
Ongtong Khaosoi
For the best Khao Soi in town, head to Ongtong Khaosoi Ari Branch. This small, simple eatery is famous for its rich, spicy curry noodles with chicken. The creamy red broth is full of flavor, and the crunchy noodles on top soften as you mix them in—pure comfort in a bowl.
Mad Cow Burger
If you’re craving something Western, stop by Mad Cow Burger. It’s a small, casual spot with a few outdoor tables, known for its juicy, melt-in-your-mouth burgers. My favorite is the Fat Cow beef burger—and the best part is that you can choose how many grams of meat you want! It’s simple, delicious, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Cantina Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen
For a cozy evening, try Cantina, a rustic Italian restaurant serving comforting dishes in a warm, candle-lit setting. While it might not be the most traditional Italian you’ll find, it’s full of charm. On Wednesdays, they have a buy one, get one free pizza deal, and on Sundays, there’s live music from 7 to 9 PM.
If you happen to visit on a Thursday, don’t miss “Teatro alla Cantina,” a live opera performance where you can enjoy Italian classics while dining. It was a magical experience that truly brought me back to my Italian roots.
Salt
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy cocktails while catching the sunset, Salt is the one for you. It’s a stylish spot with an alfresco terrace and wooden house, offering dishes from pizza to pasta with a strong Italian influence. They’re best known for their delicious cocktails and well-priced wine. Slightly more upscale than your average Thai restaurant, but worth every sip.
Street Life & Local Finds
Right by the BTS station, you’ll spot a few trucks selling fresh cut fruit and vegetables at incredibly cheap prices—usually around 20 THB per pack. I often grab two papayas, one mango, and two dragon fruits that last me the whole week, all for about £2!
Exploring Beyond Ari
Ari is just one stop away from Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok’s largest outdoor market, or about a 25-minute walk. It’s the perfect plan: start your morning café crawl in Ari, then head to Chatuchak for an afternoon of shopping and snacking.
Ari is best enjoyed in the morning, when the cafés are calm and cozy, or in the evening, when the market lights up and you can try chicken satay or mango sticky rice under the stars. Ari perfectly blends local charm with urban cool. Whether you’re sipping lattes surrounded by greenery, soaking in an onsen, or watching a live opera over pizza, this Bangkok neighborhood has something for everyone. It’s relaxed yet full of life—a true gem in the heart of the city.
