Thonglor with Kids: A Practical Neighbourhood Guide for Families

Where to stay and how to get around

Thonglor runs along Sukhumvit Soi 55, between the BTS stations Thong Lo and Phrom Phong. For families, the quieter side is north of Sukhumvit Road, around Soi 55/1 to 55/9, where low-rise condos and serviced apartments sit behind gates. South of Sukhumvit, around Soi 38 and the Thonglor nightlife strip, stays busy late into the night. Book a hotel within a five-minute walk of Thong Lo BTS (exit 3) to cut taxi time; the Skytrain is step-free at most stations and children under 90 cm travel free. Expect to pay 2,500–4,500 baht for a family room in a mid-range Thonglor hotel, more for serviced apartments with kitchens. I would choose a hotel on the north side and use the BTS rather than sit in Sukhumvit traffic.

A ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Thonglor takes 30–45 minutes by taxi outside rush hour; from Don Mueang (DMK), allow 45–60 minutes. Taxis from the official rank cost roughly 400–500 baht including tolls — agree on the meter. The BTS from BKK requires a City Line train to Phaya Thai and a change to the Sukhumvit Line; with luggage and children, a taxi is simpler. Within Thonglor, songthaews and motorcycle taxis cover short hops, but for families the BTS and walking are more predictable. Avoid 7–9 am and 4–7 pm for road trips; use those hours for indoor activities or the pool.

What to do with children in the neighbourhood

The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park on Sukhumvit Soi 22, a 15-minute walk or one BTS stop from Thonglor, has a large outdoor pool and family rooms. For a shorter walk, the Thonglor area itself has several serviced apartment towers with pools, but day passes are rarely advertised — ask your hotel. A more reliable bet is the Benjasiri Park playground on Sukhumvit Soi 24, next to Phrom Phong BTS: it has shade, a large lake, and a fenced play area. Mornings before 10 am are coolest; the park is free. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) on Ratchadaphisek Road, two BTS stops away, hosts family shows and has wide indoor spaces, useful on rainy days.

The Artground, a small children’s art space in the Eight Thonglor building on Soi 8, runs drop-in workshops for ages 2–8; sessions last about an hour and cost around 350 baht per child. Book ahead at weekends. For older children, the Escape Hunt Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 37 offers puzzle rooms; it is a 10-minute walk from Thong Lo BTS. Skip the nightlife-oriented Soi 38 street food area after 8 pm with young children — it gets crowded and smoky. Instead, try the food court at the EmQuartier mall on Sukhumvit Road, which has high chairs and a clean play area on the fourth floor. The mall is one BTS stop from Thong Lo.

Eating and practicalities

Family-friendly restaurants cluster in the malls and on Soi 55/1. The Commons on Soi 55/1 has a open-air courtyard where children can move around, plus several casual kitchens; expect 150–300 baht per dish. For Thai food, Baan Khanitha on Soi 23 (a short taxi ride) serves mild curries and has high chairs. Avoid the late-night street stalls along Soi 38 if you have young children — the smoke and crowds are not ideal. Most Thonglor restaurants open from 10 am; lunch before noon avoids the office rush. Tap water is not drinkable; buy bottled water at any 7-Eleven, which are on almost every corner.

Thonglor is generally safe for families, but pavements are uneven and strollers are hard work. Bring a carrier for toddlers. Pharmacies (Boots, Watsons) are on Sukhumvit Road near the BTS stations; for minor ailments, ask your hotel for a clinic recommendation. The rainy season runs June to October, with August and September the wettest — pack ponchos and plan indoor backups. November to February is cooler and drier, the best time for park visits. If you need a doctor, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital on Soi 49 is a 10-minute taxi ride and has a paediatric department. Book a hotel with a pool; it will be the most-used amenity after a hot morning.