When I first visited Bangkok years ago, most travel guides focused on temples, bustling night markets, and massive shopping malls. In recent years, however, the city has seen a rise in thoughtfully designed creative hubs that appeal to Bangkok’s growing community of young locals, creatives, and curious travelers.
One of the most notable examples sits right in Thonglor: the stylish, community-driven space known as theCOMMONS.
theCOMMONS (Bangkok Creative Space)
Open daily: 8:00 AM–1:00 AM
Phone: +66 2 712 5400
Official Website
Getting there: Take the BTS Skytrain to Thong Lo Station (Thong Lo/E6), use Exit 3, then hop in a taxi or tuk-tuk. If you prefer, you can also walk—about 17–20 minutes.
335 Soi Thonglor 17, Klongton Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Thai address: 335 ถนนสุขุมวิท ซอยทองหล่อ 17 แขวง คลองเตยเหนือ เขตวัฒนา กรุงเทพมหานคร 10110
theCOMMONS doesn’t fit neatly into a single category. It isn’t a traditional mall, nor exactly a plaza, park, café, or full-scale restaurant. The best way to describe it is as a modern, multi-purpose community space designed for everyday life.
Step inside and you’re greeted by an open, airy courtyard where people sit on the steps, chat, or simply unwind. With its high atrium, oversized ceiling fan, raw concrete structure, and industrial design details, the space feels bright and breezy during the day, filled with natural light and greenery.
This relaxed atmosphere has made theCOMMONS a favorite spot for both influencers and casual visitors alike.
Here’s an overview of what this popular Thonglor hangout has to offer:
How to Get to theCOMMONS
The easiest way to reach theCOMMONS is by taking the BTS Skytrain to Thong Lo Station.
Do note that the venue is still a short distance from the station. In the evening, when temperatures are cooler, walking along Thonglor Road can be quite pleasant. The street is lined with bars, cafés, and well-known restaurants, and is often nicknamed “Bangkok’s Little Japan” thanks to its large Japanese community and izakayas.
During the daytime—especially in the peak heat of April and May—walking can be uncomfortable, so taking a taxi is usually the better option.
Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your route:
- Take the BTS to Thong Lo Station (Thong Lo/E6) and exit via Exit 3.
- From there, take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or Grab, or walk along Sukhumvit Soi 55.
- The distance from BTS Thong Lo to theCOMMONS is approximately 0.87 miles (1.4 km).
- Walk straight along Thonglor Road until you reach Soi 17 (Thong Lo 17 Alley).
- You’ll see a FamilyMart on the corner—turn in, walk another 230 feet (70 meters), and you’ll arrive at the raw concrete building that houses theCOMMONS.
To help estimate your travel time and fare, here’s a quick reference chart for BTS rides to Thong Lo Station:
| Station | Estimated Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Siam (CEN) | 10 min | ฿37 |
| Chit Lom (E1) | 8 min | ฿33 |
| Phloen Chit (E2) | 7 min | ฿30 |
| Nana (E3) | 5 min | ฿26 |
| Asok (E4/MRT Sukhumvit) | 3 min | ฿23 |
| Phrom Phong (E5) | 1 min | ฿16 |
Walking or Riding from Thong Lo Station
After exiting BTS Thong Lo Station, visitors can either walk or take a short ride. Walking takes around 17–20 minutes at a relaxed pace and follows a straightforward route along Thonglor Road, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops along the way.
Once you reach Soi 17 and spot the FamilyMart on the corner, turn in and walk for another minute to reach theCOMMONS.
If you prefer not to walk, taxis and Grab cars are readily available outside the station. The ride usually takes 5–8 minutes and costs around ฿68–฿78. Traveling with friends makes this option especially convenient and affordable.
theCOMMONS Opening Hours
theCOMMONS is open daily from 8 AM to 1 AM.
On weekdays, the busiest period is typically between 6 PM and 9 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the space becomes lively from around noon and often remains busy until 9–10 PM.
For a calmer, more relaxed experience, visiting on a weekday afternoon is ideal. Natural light fills the open spaces, and both the outdoor courtyard and air-conditioned seating areas offer a comfortable place to slow down and unwind.
On Friday evenings and weekends, theCOMMONS shifts into a lively social hub, drawing a steady crowd well into the night.
Quick Summary: Opening Hours & Peak Times
Open daily: 8 AM–1 AM
Weekday peak: 6–9 PM
Weekend peak: Noon–10 PM
Suggested visit: at least 2 hours (ideal for photos, dining, and relaxing)
theCOMMONS Floor Guide
theCOMMONS consists of three main floors along with a small food market area. From the ground up, the complex is divided into four distinct sections:
1. Market: theCOMMONS Food Market
The Market, located on the ground floor, is a compact food court-style space with air-conditioning, ample seating, and clean restroom facilities. As the area is relatively small, the number of vendors is limited. Most stalls focus on Western-style dishes, with a selection of Thai food and Japanese options as well. Prices here tend to be slightly higher than average.
In addition to food stalls, the Market is home to Roots Coffee, a well-established Bangkok café chain known for its consistent quality and approachable pricing. You’ll also find a bakery and vendors selling craft beer and other drinks.
The open courtyard area offers additional seating without air-conditioning. Thanks to the high ceiling, large ceiling fan, and natural airflow, the space remains comfortable even on warmer days.
2. Village
One level up, the Village area is filled with greenery and features a mix of small eateries and pop-up stalls. Food options range from burgers by Daniel Thaiger to barbecue from vendors such as Banjoo BBQ and Birds Rotisserie, along with craft beer stands.
Beyond dining, this level also includes a flower shop, arts and crafts store, nail salon, and hair salon.
3. Play Yard
The Play Yard focuses on creative and educational activities. This level includes workshop rooms operated by Little Pea, where families can participate in hands-on sessions such as cooking, gardening, and leather crafting.
When no workshops are scheduled, the space functions as a café.
A small gym and a children’s bookstore offering educational toys and games are also located on this floor.
4. Top Yard
The Top Yard is the rooftop level of theCOMMONS.
Here you’ll find theCOMMONS Kitchen & Bar, a dedicated cooking studio, as well as Roast, one of Bangkok’s most popular cafés.
Roast is known for its coffee, drinks, and pastries, with coffee prices typically ranging from ฿80–฿140. The signature Roast Affogato is priced at ฿180.
The café also serves full meals, with most main dishes priced between ฿220 and ฿400.
Recommended Places to Eat at theCOMMONS
Compared to Bangkok’s large shopping malls, theCOMMONS is relatively compact. While the number of dining options is limited, there are still around twenty eateries and stalls offering everything from full meals to desserts and drinks. Below are several spots that are especially popular with visitors.
Roots Cafe – Coffee Chain
Located on the ground floor within the Market area, Roots Cafe is a well-known local coffee chain in Bangkok. Coffee quality is consistently reliable, and prices remain reasonable, with most drinks priced around ฿100–฿120.
An espresso or iced coffee costs ฿100, an Americano is also ฿100, and a latte is priced at ฿120. Sparkling drinks fall into a similar price range.
Roots is open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 8 AM to 9 PM on weekends and public holidays.
Soul Food 555 – Modern Thai Food
Soul Food 555 offers a contemporary take on Northern Thai cuisine. One of its signature dishes is Khao Soi, a Chiang Mai-style curry noodle soup made with crispy egg noodles in a rich, aromatic broth.
A more inventive option is the Khao Soi Cowboy, a Thai-style burger that combines Khao Soi curry with braised pork. This item is priced at ฿250.
The menu also includes classic Thai dishes such as curry noodles, grilled pork neck, and Tom Yum rice, generally priced between ฿200 and ฿300. Thai iced tea costs around ฿50.
Soul Food 555 is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Fowlmouth – American Fried Chicken
Fowlmouth specializes in American-style fried chicken, serving a range of chicken plates paired with different sauces and side dishes. Portions are filling, and prices are on the higher end, with most plates costing around ฿250.
Opening hours are 12 PM–10 PM on weekdays and 11 AM–10 PM on weekends and public holidays.
Uma Uma Jin – Ramen
Also located on the Market level, Uma Uma Jin is a ramen shop with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. Thonglor is widely known as Bangkok’s “Little Japan”, home to a large Japanese expat community, which means Japanese restaurants in the area are generally held to higher standards.
Uma Uma Jin serves Hakata-style ramen priced at around ฿220, making it one of the more affordable dining options at theCOMMONS.
Opening hours: Weekdays (Mon–Fri) 11:30 AM–11:30 PM; weekends and public holidays 11:30 AM–midnight.
Daniel Thaiger – Burgers
Daniel Thaiger is well known in Bangkok for its acclaimed burger truck concept. The burgers follow a classic American style, featuring soft buns, juicy patties, and fresh toppings.
Prices reflect the quality of ingredients and preparation, with the signature Thaiger Burger priced at ฿150 and other options ranging from ฿160–฿200.
Daniel Thaiger at theCOMMONS is open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM.
Roast – Café
Located on the third floor, Roast is one of Bangkok’s most popular cafés. In addition to well-regarded coffee and drinks, the café is known for its thoughtfully prepared desserts.
The space is comfortable and welcoming, making it a good choice for meeting friends, spending a quiet afternoon, or working remotely with a laptop.
The menu covers brunch, light bites, full meals, coffee, drinks, and desserts. Prices are on the higher side, but consistent with the quality.
Brunch dishes range from around ฿220 (such as American-style pancakes) to ฿400 (for the Roast Breakfast). Most main dishes are priced between ฿300–฿340, while pastas typically range from ฿240–฿360. Coffee averages around ฿100, with other drinks starting at ฿50 and going up to ฿160.
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 10 AM–11 PM; Friday–Saturday 9 AM–11 PM; Sunday 9 AM–10 PM.
Tips & Video Guide for Visiting theCOMMONS
The first visit to theCOMMONS often leaves a strong impression, thanks to its open design and relaxed atmosphere. Even after multiple visits, the overall appeal remains, although the space has become more commercial over time. That shift has largely been positive, bringing in a wider variety of shops and visitors.
Weekends can get crowded, especially in the evenings, with young locals and travelers filling the space. Those who prefer a quieter, more laid-back experience may want to visit on a weekday afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and natural light fills the open courtyard. The space stays cool and breezy, making it an easy place to slow down and relax.
A common question is whether theCOMMONS is worth a special trip. For travelers on a tight schedule, it may feel slightly out of the way unless you are already nearby. A good approach is to plan a half-day around Thonglor, combining a visit here with the neighborhood’s many restaurants, bars, and cafés. With its strong Japanese influence and distinct local character, Thonglor offers a refreshing contrast to Bangkok’s major tourist areas.
Below is our travel video filmed at theCOMMONS: