Outdoor eating under cool trees with the Chao Phraya River in the background

Suan Thip Baan Suan

One of the most beautiful restaurants in the Bangkok area

The banks of the Chao Phraya River are mainly populated by factories and warehouses, but Suan Thip Restaurant is an example of what could be--a garden restaurant by the river. After the hurly-burly of Bangkok life, a trip to the garden restaurant will leave you feeling refreshed and contented. Since the dining is essentially outside, late afternoon or night is the best time to visit. If it gets too hot or there are mosquitos, ask for a fan.

The food is always just right--not just excellent by the standards of foreigners, but Thais praise it as well. Suan Thip is also advancing the art of Thai cuisine with many innovative dishes. You won't find their special chicken (250 baht) anywhere else. It's not cheap--most dishes are 200 baht or less.

As best we understand it, the restaurant and adjoining condominiums were once owned by the daughter of a former dictator, but are now being held by a bank due to financial difficulties.

It's a little too far for the average traveler to take a taxi to (its not really in Bangkok, but in Pak Kret), but if you have a friend who can drive, make them take you there!

Directions: Go west on Chang Wattana Road (304) past the last stoplight before the road dead ends at the Chao Phraya (the last stoplight is the one right before the Major Cinema complex on the left). Just before Chang Wattana Road ends, you will see a bunch of signs with arrows pointing right. The green one at the top is the one for Suan Thip. Turn right here. Now you will be on a narrow country road. Continue along this road. After awhile you will pass a large wat (temple) on the right-hand side. A few hundred meters on the left you will see a small sign for Suan Thip along with an American Express sign. This is right before another Thai restaurant. Turn left and follow the road all the way back to a small parking lot in front of a condominium. A guard will direct you to a small path leading to the restaurant.

17/9 M. 7 Sukbaprachasan 2 Road

T. Bangpood, A. Pak Kret

Nonthaburi 11120

583-3748 (direct line), 583-7409, 583-7699 ext. restaurant
(if you want to eat in one of the outdoor pavilions, call ahead)

fax 583-3746