Understand

Eastern Bangkok, specifically the area around Ramkhamhaeng Road, is a bustling hub for commuters working in downtown. Despite being lesser-known to tourists, this neighborhood has gained attention from foreign expatriates due to its rising property values. Stretching 18 kilometers, Ramkhamhaeng Road starts near Sukhumvit and reaches all the way to the northeast, ending at the junction with Suwinthawong Road in Min Buri. One notable part of this area is Hua Mak, a neighborhood dominated by Ramkhamhaeng University. This university, opened in 1971, is Thailand's first open-admission university and boasts an incredible number of students, with approximately half a million undergraduates. The energetic atmosphere of the neighborhood is enhanced by these students who can often be seen shopping and dining at The Mall Ramkhamhaeng. Additionally, Rajamangala Stadium, an important venue for sports events, can be found here. Moving north from the junction with Srinagarindra Road, you'll encounter Lat Phrao Road, marking the beginning of the Bang Kapi neighborhood. Similar to Hua Mak, Bang Kapi is also a concrete jungle but with a larger presence of daily commuters rather than students. The Mall Bangkapi is a popular attraction for locals, although it may not offer much for foreigners. While Eastern Bangkok may not have many tourist attractions, it provides an opportunity to experience the local way of life. It is easy to overlook the fact that Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main airport serving Bangkok, is located in the far east of this district. The construction of the airport has been a catalyst for urban development in the area. The hotel industry, in particular, has seen significant growth, with numerous hotels sprouting along Lat Krabang Road to cater to transit passengers.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing