If you’re looking for a party-cular space…
By Aiden Jewelle Gonzales
Any Bangkokian worth their salt will probably know these fundamentals of life in the city: where to eat, where to drink, where to shop, and where to party. The latter, however, can still create dismay when we try to venture beyond dancing the night away at Havana Social or hosting a house party for our nearest and dearest.
Where do we turn when we want a space that’s unique but still welcoming, big enough to host a group of up to 30 but not sprawling, and easily accessible within the city limits? Don’t just grin and beer it, we’ve curated a list of locations for you to check out to make sure you can throw a bombashtic event.
ITALTHAI CELLAR (pictured above)
Tucked into the Amari Watergate Bangkok hotel in Phetchaburi Road, Italthai Cellar is a glitzy wine bar that can also host small-scale events and birthday parties. The outlet not only offers a range of premium wine labels, but also elevated dining options, including an array of imported cheeses from around the world, for a night replete with wine, cheese, and merriment. Facebook: @italthaicellar
TOPGOLF MEGACITY
Topgolf, one of the world’s most renowned golf driving ranges and party venues, has finally launched its capacious and much-anticipated outlet in the Kingdom, right next to Mega Bangna. Featuring 102 climate-controlled hitting bays complete with HDTVs; a range of exciting F&B outlets including a fully kitted-out sports bar, a rooftop overlooking the course, and a patio-cum-beer-garden; and function rooms with all the audio-visual equipment that you’ll need, make sure to take a big swing and host your party here, it’s sure to be a hole-in-one! https://topgolfthailand.com
TRUE DIGITAL PARK
True Digital Park claims to be “the place to be for urbanites in the digital era,” and beyond fully-equipped and beautifully-designed co-working spaces, it also offers a range of locations for smaller events, from its light-flooded Townhall, with informal stadium-seating and a sunken stage that could easily transform into a dance floor, to its multi-purpose Open Space. The digital park offers catering options, and is surrounded by lush verdure, including a 1.3km bike track for those who want a more nature-centric party. www.truedigitalpark.com
THE KITCHEN AT YANAKAT
If you love Isan food as much as I do, this is the space for you. Located in Yenakat, this charming and slightly olde-worlde spot not only serves traditional and delicious home-cooked classic Isan dishes, but is also a cosy space for smaller events, away from bustling Sukhumvit. Make sure to check out their regular jazz nights – the music may be blues but you sure won’t be! Facebook: @theKITCHENatYENAKAT
THE EARTHLING CAFÉ
One of the newer plant-based cafés in the city, The Earthling Café in Phra Khanong not only serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan fare, but it’s also an oasis in the middle of Bangkok, flooded with greenery and light. The café also doubles as a workshop and creative space upstairs, which hosts a range of events, including yoga sessions, creative workshops, and meditation sessions, and you can contact them to host your own workshop. Facebook: @the.earthling.cafe
BOTANIST ACTIVITY SPACE AND CAFÉ
Open on Tuesdays to Sundays, the Botanist Activity Space and Café is a multi-level greenhouse in the city that whisks you away to an Arizonian dessert, where cacti and succulents abound. Their café serves up picture-perfect drinks and treats – don’t miss out on their Lemon butter cake – and is also a perfect spot for a small party with live music and unusual surroundings. Facebook: @Botanist.501
HONG SIENG KONG
Perched right by the River of Kings, Hong Sieng Kong is an outsized, Shanghai-inspired retro café that’s comprised of six repurposed buildings, with an array of spaces for you to enjoy, from a room of magnificent proportions that’s brimming with antiques; to an al-fresco space overlooking the Chao Phraya, with moss-eaten walls and trees that have grown into the buildings. The café will take reservations for the space, so make sure to contact them ahead of time. Facebook: @HongSiengKong
MONKEY POD
Nestled in the bustling Sukhumvit Soi 13, Monkey Pod is a hidden gem of a restaurant that revolves around a stunning monkey pod tree in pride of place. You can either dine indoors or al fresco, but I would recommend dining outside for the full experience, while snacking on delicious local favourites and cocktails that pack a punch. The space is definitely one-of-a-kind, for a memorable party underneath the stars. www.monkeypodbkk.com