While seasoned expats will talk of a time when On Nut BTS station marked the end of the Sukhumvit Line – from December 1999 until 2011 – These days, On Nut has become one of Bangkok’s go-to neighborhoods for foreign residents seeking a balance between convenience and affordability.
Known for its lively atmosphere and lower cost of living compared to more central areas, it offers a unique blend of local charm and modern amenities. With the On Nut BTS station at its heart, one can easily access hotspots like Phrom Phong, Nana, or Siam in just 10-20 minutes. This makes it a great option for all kinds of expats who work anywhere along the BTS Sukhumvit line.
Food lovers will find no shortage of delicious options, with street food vendors and trendy eateries lining the streets. In this article, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of On Nut, exploring everything from its dining scene to its nightlife and housing options, giving you a full picture of what it’s like to live in this dynamic neighborhood.
- Thai Name: อ่อนนุช
- Transliteration variants: On Nut, Onnut, Onnuch
- Pronunciation: ɔ̀ɔn nút (on noot)
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Contents
Location
On Nut is one of three sub-districts of San Luang District in Bangkok’s east. When we talk about On Nut, we are usually referring to the area around Onnut Road (Sukhumvit 77) and On Nut BTS station – which is only 4 stops on the BTS skytrain to Phrom Phong and it is 18 minutes and 9 stops to get to Siam.
Here is a map of the general area that is referred to as On Nut.
Some people who live all the way at the end of Sukhumvit 77 will say they live in On Nut. And people – like myself – who live on the other side of Sukhumvit down Sois 50 to 60 will also claim the suburb as home.
For the sake of this article, we are going to be flexible with the border and include anywhere that is within about 1km from the On Nut BTS station as well as a generous distance up On Nut Road Sukhumvit Soi 77.
Pros and Cons of Living in On Nut
All suburbs in Bangkok have their highlights, and reasons to avoid them. Here are our positives and negatives of living in On Nut.
Pros
- Affordable Living – Reasonable rent prices compared to other central Bangkok areas.
- Convenient Transportation – As long as you are close to the BTS Skytrain, it is good for commuting. But it also provides quick access to major roads such as airport expressways.
- Diverse Food Scene – Wide range of local food and international restaurants.
- Cheap Nightlife – So many good affordable bar options for a chill night out.
- Community Vibe – Expat-friendly with a mix of locals and foreigners.
- Shopping – Proximity to various shopping malls, supermarkets, and fresh markets.
Bangkok traffic is definitely a negative part about living here. But we still love this city.
Cons
- Traffic Congestion – Rush hour can be challenging. Especially along the Sukhumvit.
- Noise Pollution – Busy streets and construction projects mean you have to choose your location carefully. Especially with the big news of August 2024 that the Big Lotus’s shopping mall at BTS On Nut is to be demolished and replaced with another condo project.
- Nightlife Limitations – Fewer upscale bars and nightclubs compared to areas like Thonglor and Ekkamai
- Some Stinky Spots – Unfortunately for residents at the end of Soi 77 in Prawet, the On Nut Waste Disposal Plant (โรงงานกำจัดมูลฝอยอ่อนนุช) emits a strong stench day and night. Avoid this area. Map Link.
Accommodation in On Nut
The best thing about On Nut is the fantastic range of both style and price in accommodation. It has the space to offer large houses with yards, townhouses in gated communities, older, spacious condos, and modern, fancy studios. Something to suit every need and budget.
A modern Bangkok condo skyscraper. The accommodation choice of most expats.
Language note: In Thailand, “apartments” are buildings where all units are owned by a single person or company and managed collectively. Tenants usually face higher utility costs, paying up to three times the standard government rates for water and electricity. “Condos” differ in that each unit is usually owned by an individual landlord. Tenants pay their utility bills directly to the government, ensuring they are charged the standard rates (4-5 baht per unit for electricity).
Choosing a condo will be cheaper but you will have to have a good relationship with your landlord. Sometimes dealing with a more objective management company for daily living issues can be easier. But not always. Always ask your real estate agent about the electricity fees especially.
Learn More: An In-Depth Guide to Renting an Apartment in Bangkok
Modern but Small Condos Close to the BTS
These shiny new shoebox apartments are great for those staying a short time in Bangkok, those without their own furniture, single people, and people who don’t prioritize cooking or entertaining. Great communal facilities but tiny floor plans.
- Ideo Verve Onnut
- THB 15,000 to THB 20,000 /month for a one-bedroom unit 35 – 45 sqm
- THB 22,000 to THB 35,000 /month for a two-bedroom unit 45 – 70 sqm
- The Base Park West
- THB 12,000 to THB 16,000 /month for a one-bedroom unit 30 sqm
- THB 21,000 to THB 26,000 /month for a two-bedroom unit 50 sqm
- Ideo Mobi Sukhumvit 81
- THB 13,000 /month for a studio unit 22 sqm
- THB 30,000 /month for a one-bedroom unit 45 sqm
- THB 35,000 to THB 45,000 /month for a two-bedroom unit 60 sqm
- Knightsbridge Prime Onnut
- THB 15,000 /month for a studio unit 25 sqm
- THB 22,000 /month for a one-bedroom unit 30 sqm
- THB 48,000 /month for a two-bedroom unit 55 sqm
Bigger, Older, Affordable Condos
These older condominium projects offer more space but still at a good price.
- Baan Onnut Condominium – THB 20,000 – THB 30,000 /month for 2 or 3-bedroom units of 100-200 sqm
- The Waterford Sukhumvit 50 – THB 35,000 /month for a 3-bedroom unit 100 sqm
- Residence 52 – THB 43,000 – THB 50,000 /month for 3-bedroom units of 100 sqm
- The Roof Garden – THB 65,000 /month for 3-bedroom units of 220 sqm
Garden Square Sukhumvit 77 is typical of Bangkok’s newer townhouse compounds.
Townhouses and Gated Communities – หมู่บ้าน “mùu bâan”
On Nut has the space to spread out compared to more tightly-packed suburbs. If you have a family, you can get a large house for a great price.
- Sukhumvit Garden City 2 Village – Older Muu Baan where each 200 sqm, 3 or 4 bedroom townhouse varies in renovation. Ranging from the most basic for THB 25,000 a month to refurbished ones for THB 50,000.
- Garden Square Sukhumvit 77 – THB 70,000 – 80,000 for a 3 bedroom, 4-level newish townhouse of 250 – 300 sqm
- Bless Town Sukhumvit 50 – THB 50,000 – 60,000 for a 3 bedroom, 4-level newish townhouse of 200 – 300 sqm
- Baan Klang Muang Sukhumvit 77 – THB 45,000 per month for a 3-storey, 3-bedroom townhouse of 178 m²
- Sukhumvit Garden City – Another older compound with houses of various levels of renovation. Spacious homes with private gardens 3 Bedrooms for THB 70,000 to THB 100,000 a month for 200-300 sqm.
- City Plus Sukhumvit 50 – THB 45,000 for a 3 bedroom, 3-level townhouse of 280 sqm
- Pruksa Ville Pattanakarn – Large and cheap, built in 2017, but far northeast On Nut. This compound has 2-storey 3-bedroom townhouses starting at THB 20,000 a month and 5-bedroom detached homes starting at THB 35,000 a month.
Super Budget Condos
On Nut is the choice for many local office workers who need to get downtown but don’t make huge salaries. Here are some very affordable accommodation options.
- Regent Home 4 Sukhumvit 85 – A 28 sqm studio can be found for THB 7,000 /month
- The Excel Hideaway Sukhumvit 50 – A 28 sqm studio can be found for THB 9,000 /month
- Regent Home 22 Sukhumvit 85 – A 31 sqm studio can be found for THB 8,500 /month
- Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77 – A 30 sqm studio can be found for THB 7,500 /month
Dining Out in On Nut
On Nut – like much of Bangkok to be honest – is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of local street food, international cuisines, and everything in between.
Street Food
This is where you will find us at the end of the month before pay day.
Sukhumvit Soi 77 and the Onnuch Fresh Market areas are packed with food stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum, Pad Gaprao, and grilled meats. Prices typically range from THB 40 to THB 100 per meal.
The Onnut Beer Garden and Onnut Square, both on Soi 81, provide great street food stalls and a buzzing atmosphere after the sun goes down.
Save money while feasting like a king with great street food in On Nut, Bangkok.
This little night market is a great choice as there are several options for food as well as bars. Favorites include Easy Burger, Om Ganesh Indian, and Okonomiyaki Izakaya Juubee.
While dining in malls is a bit boring, we do have some favorite spots in this BTS adjacent shopping spot which replaced the beloved On Nut Night Market that closed in Oct 2015.
We love Sodam Korean Casual Diner, Food Universe provides a nice Thai meal, and we were surprised by the quality of Pizza Papa Joe in the basement.
A cute, green, indoor/outdoor mini mall within the sprawling housing complex of The Base. There are some good options for dining there and it is a pleasant spot for an afternoon out with friends. We love Lucky Panda, Don Pino Italian, and Teien Sushi.
Another cute indoor/outdoor mini mall with a Tops Supermarket, gyms, and lots of food options. We love Lanzhou Noodles, Ramen Desu, and Miss Saigon.
Other Standout Restaurants
- Our favorite Mexican – Tacos & Salsa – is located on Soi 77.
- Best Beef makes for a loud and hot night out with an all-you-can-eat DIY BBQ for THB 439 per person including free-flow beer.
- Bun Me & More does incredible Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwiches and rice bowls.
- Yak Eating Vegetables is a wonderful healthy Thai food spot with an emphasis on salads and veggies.
- Haawm is a unique private dinner experience, bookings are a must.
- We love IATA Chinese Cuisine for a special northern Chinese meal.
- Glazed Artisanal Donuts are delicious, and the cafe is a cozy aesthetic spot to enjoy a coffee too.
Drinking in On Nut
While it is not yet a nightlife hub like Thonglor, On Nut is on the way and has some hidden gems. With the right company, you can have a great night out in the burbs.
- Cheap Charlies – One of many little bars in The Beacon Place night market. A Bangkok institution, it’s always a good time. And if it’s full, you can overflow into one of its neighbours.
- The Wine Market – Also in The Beacon Place, but this spot brings an unexpected touch of class, sit with the owner and try wines, and definitely let her help you choose a great bottle to take home.
- Brownstone – It’s a dive bar, gig venue, recording studio, and art hub. Very cool space, but depends what they have going on that night.
- Chill Out Bar – A small and simple bar, fine for a few beers with friends.
- Luna @48 – Fancy cocktails on the swanky rooftop of the Ramada.
- Su’s coffee, Tea, Beer, & Liquor – A tiny hidden local gem where the owners make you feel at home.
- Something Wicked – Very funky cocktail bar with a voodoo theme.
- BKK CF – Kind of a generic sports bar. Lots of TVs , pool table, foosball, and a nice balcony.
- Liquid Lab BKK – Unexpectedly classy cocktail bar in a shipping container out the back of a mini-mall. Lovely expert bartenders.
Groceries in On Nut
We love supporting locals, so before we hit the supermarkets for staples, we head to the fresh markets for our veggies and fruit. The Onnuch FreshMart is good, and the Street Fruit Market on soi 77/1 is a convenient option. A bit farther down On Nut Road, you will find the Si Sawat Market, and a bit farther again is the sprawling Iam Sombat Market.
Buying local produce from fresh markets and street stalls is a great way to support your community.
Supermarkets:
- Big C Extra Onnut: Convenient for daily grocery shopping and also larger items like electronics and furniture.
- Lotus’s Sukhumvit 50: Offers a wide selection of groceries and household items. BUT, the block has been sold to condo developers who have started demolition on parts of the building already, so this might not be open for much longer.
- Tops Market (Century Onnut): For imported goods.
- Makro Food Service: Great for bulk products and fresh meat, though this small store has a limited selection.
Transportation Options for On Nut
It is optimal to live close to the BTS in On Nut so as to avoid the messy Sukhumvit and Soi 77 traffic congestion when getting downtown.
BTS Skytrain
For most of us On Nut peeps, this will be your main connection to the rest of the city. Get to Asoke in just 5 stops (9 minutes) to hop on the MRT or get all the way to the riverside at Saphan Taksin in just 15 stops (30 minutes).
Motorbike Taxis
The orange vest “Win” riders are your best option unless you live a walkable distance from the On Nut BTS station. Trips to most condos around On Nut will cost 20-30 baht.
Songthew
These red trucks can be tricky to figure out, but in On Nut, they are actually a super popular choice, unlike in many other Bangkok suburbs. Once you figure it out, they are fun, cheap, and convenient. To get up and down Soi 77, hail them, jump on, press the buzzer when you want to get off and ask the driver how much you owe. It will usually be 8-20 baht.
Taxis and Grab
Of course cars are always an option in On Nut. We do prefer to call a cab with Grab or Bolt these days for convenience and transparency. But only when traffic is light.
Buses
Numerous routes pass through On Nut, for example the 519AC and the 1013AC stop outside Big C On Nut Soi 77. They offer a budget-friendly option for travel. But in reality, you will probably choose one of the above options first as buses aren’t the most convenient in On Nut.
Buses in Bangkok. They are cheap, fun, and pretty convenient … if you aren’t in a hurry.
Learn More: Transportation in Bangkok: A Guide to Taxis, Buses, Trains, and Mobile Apps
Healthcare in On Nut
While it is important to choose your primary medical provider based on what is best for you rather than proximity, it is handy to have nearby options for medical emergencies. Here is some info about medical services in On Nut. We highly recommend reading all the google reviews before choosing a medical provider.
Learn More: Hospital Tips Without Health Insurance
Hospitals
There aren’t really any hospitals in On Nut, but there are couple nearby:
- Ruamjairak Private Hospital is very new and very expensive. Visit only if you have good insurance. Reviews are mixed.
- Vibharam Hospital is a comprehensive Private Thai hospital but on the more affordable side. Many have good things to say about Vibharam as it serves as an SSO hospital (for social security) and is very efficient.
- Sukumvit Hospital is closer to Phra Khanong, but it is a fantastic close option for those with good insurance. It is one of the highest rated hospitals in Bangkok.
- Hospitals in Bangkok: The Top and Most Affordable Centers
- Insurance in Thailand: A Guide to What You Need (and What You Can Skip)
Clinics
There are many local clinics in On Nut from simple GP needs to specialist things like aesthetics, skin, and even traditional Chinese medicine. Here are a few of our picks:
- Sukhumvit 77 Clinic is good for quick doctor stuff like medical clearance certificates, and simple GP things like colds.
- Bangkok Health Clinic – A highly reviewed GP
- Dr. Miao TCM Clinic – Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Counseling Bangkok – Mental health clinic
Dentists
Like most of Bangkok, you can’t walk far before finding a dental clinic. While you can choose any that feel right for you, our personal favorite in On Nut is Smile Signature Dental Clinic. They speak great English, their prices are super reasonable and they really care. Just have a look at some of the hundreds of 5-star reviews they get.
As a side note, the huge Dental Hospital in The Base compound has great facilities, but inflated prices, and an extraordinary number of terrible reviews on Google and this author actually had a pretty bad experience there as well. Not recommended.
Learn More: How to Find the Best Dentist in Bangkok: Clinics, Prices, and More
Veterinarians
As an On Nut resident with an elderly cat and a very old street dog, I know the importance of having a nearby vet that you trust with your best friends.
We recently had a good experience at Onnut Pet Hospital. They quickly and efficiently found the problem and treated our dog, but language was a bit of a struggle and the price was quite high.
Bangkok-Nakarin Animal Hospital is another amazing option, especially for those who live farther up Sukhumvit 77. The place is wonderful and caring, well prices and welcoming.
Learn More: Bangkok Veterinarians: Hospitals, Services, and Costs
International Schools in On Nut
With three international schools in On Nut, it is a good idea to live in this suburb if your children are planning to attend one of them. Living close to your children’s school in Bangkok is crucial to avoid them spending hours in traffic on a school bus each day.
- Bangkok Prep International School: A top-tier school offering British curriculum, located in its new custom-built spot in T77 Community.
- Wells International School: Offers American curriculum with classes from kindergarten to high school.
- Centurion International School: A more affordable international school option registered by the MOE to use the British National Curriculum.
Learn More: Recommended International Schools in Bangkok 2023: Costs, Locations, and Choices
Parks in On Nut
We can’t sugarcoat it; On Nut is severely lacking in green space. There are no large parks in the suburb. But there are some small green spaces, pocket parks, and it is pretty close to one of Bangkok’s biggest parks.
- Soi 50 Pocket Park: In 2024, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and partners collaborated to improve an area under Chalerm Mahanakorn Expressway at Sukhumvit Soi 50, turning it into a small public park called สวน 50 สุข “Suan 50 Suk” or สวน 15 นาที 50 สุข เขตคลองเตย “15-Minute Happiness Park, Sukhumvit Soi 50, Khlong Toei District” to expand green space and connect the community.
- Sansiri Children’s Playground: A small but pleasant green space. While we await the fate of Sansiri Backyard, there is still a nice amount of grass and paces to stretch your legs in the T77 Community.
- King Rama IX Park and Nong Bon Lake Park: No, they are certainly not in On Nut, but these are two massive parks with loads of activities and they are pretty close. Perfect for weekend outings with family.
While On Nut is not the greenest suburb in Bangkok, it is close to some great parks.
Learn More: The Big List of Parks in Bangkok: The Best Parks, The Biggest, The Secret Gardens
Other Standout Venues and Features
- Century Movie Plaza: At the top of the mall is a cinema. See the showtimes here.
- Sansiri Backyard: In the Habito Mall area, this used to be a petting zoo garden space with regular markets and events. All the attractions were recently removed, but we look forward to seeing what happens with this great green space from the T77 Community.
- Wat Mahabut (Mae Nak Phra Khanong): Super interesting temple on the Phra Khanong river famous for the ghost story of Mae Nak, a woman who died during childbirth while her husband Mak was away at war. When Mak returned, he found her and their child seemingly alive, unaware she was a ghost.
- Pink Chili Thai Cooking School: Learn how to prepare your favorite Thai dishes.
- Safari Garden Playground & Café: Great place to take the kids for the day. They have a massive kids playground and pool.
- Jim Thompson Factory Outlet: The place to go for discounted famous Thai Silk products.
- Claire Crochet Couture: A lovely woman teaches knitting and crochet skills in The Phyll. Facebook page link.
- Co-Working Spaces: There are a few good places to get some work done or rent a meeting room. These include The Phyll Connect, HQ – Bangkok, Sukhumvit Hills, and Mudley Corner.
Should You Live in On Nut?
On Nut offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable living options, convenient amenities, and a thriving community atmosphere with something to offer everyone. But should you live in On Nut?
If you work, or need to travel regularly to somewhere along Sukhumvit Road or even near Siam and you don’t want to spend a fortune on rent, then On Nut is a great compromise. The BTS is fast and convenient. If you do need to travel daily though, you should look for a home within walking distance to the On Nut BTS station to make your commute less stressful.
If you don’t commute to work at all, then On Nut is a great choice. You can save money but still be downtown to meet friends or go shopping within about 30 minutes.
If you have kids who attend one of the international schools in Bangkok’s outer southeastern suburbs like Berkeley International School, St Andrews, Wells, Concordian, Raffles American School, etc, then On Nut is also a great mid-point between those farther away schools and downtown Bangkok.
Generally, if you want more space for less money with little-to-no lifestyle compromise, then On Nut might be for you.
