Neighbourhood guide · Thong Lo

Living in Thonglor: a neighbourhood guide for expats

Last checked 5 October 2026 · 6 min read · English

Thonglor is Sukhumvit Soi 55, the long road that runs north from BTS Thong Lo. It is Bangkok's dining street and one of its most popular addresses for expats, but living here is very different at the bottom of the soi than at the top.

Lower vs upper Thonglor

Lower Thonglor, the first few hundred metres from the BTS, is where you can walk to the train, supermarkets and restaurants. Buildings here are in demand and units tend to be smaller for the price.

Mid and upper Thonglor, towards Phetchaburi Road, is calmer, with low-rise condos, townhouses and some of the area's most spacious apartments. The soi is long: from the top, the BTS is a drive, not a walk, so check whether the building runs a shuttle.

Everyday life

Food and shopping: community malls along the soi such as The Commons, J Avenue and Eight Thonglor, plus Donki Mall Thonglor for Japanese groceries. EmQuartier and Emporium are one stop away at Phrom Phong.
Health: Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital on Soi 49 is a short ride away.
Schools: Bangkok Prep on Soi 53 and ELC City School on Soi 49. See where to live near international schools.
Getting around: BTS Thong Lo at the bottom of the soi, taxis and motorbike taxi stands along the road, and free shuttles from many buildings.

Which home suits which lifestyle

If you want…Look at

To walk to the BTSHigh-rise condos in lower Thonglor

More space and quietLow-rise condos in mid Thonglor

A garden or a dogPet-friendly buildings and townhouses off the main soi

Hotel service, flexible stayServiced apartments rented by the month

Frequently asked

Is Thonglor good for families?

Yes, especially near Bangkok Prep and ELC. Families usually prefer mid Thonglor or the sois around Phrom Phong for larger units and quieter streets.

Is Thonglor noisy at night?

Parts of it are; the soi has many bars and restaurants. Choose a unit facing away from the main road, or a building set back on a side soi.

How long is the walk from upper Thonglor to the BTS?

From the top of the soi it is a long walk; most residents take a shuttle, taxi or motorbike taxi.

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