The buzz: Cutesy, quirky Ari style has crept ever-so-slightly towards Sukhumvit with this bright and airy cocktail bar in Sanam Pao.

The decor: In a break from most of the moodily-lit bars across town, Sunray boasts a pastel, almost Wes Anderson-like color palette that's accentuated by vintage furnishings and big windows that let in lots of natural light. Thanks to the bar's third-floor perch, complete with terrace, you're afforded a rare view overlooking a substantial body of water (part of The Royal Horse Guard Riding Club) that will make you feel like you've escaped to Ayuthaya for the weekend.

The drinks: Easy-drinking cocktails to go with the easy-going vibe. Start off with the Tiki Me Please (B280), which offers a refreshing blend of rum with passionfruit and cranberry, or step things up with the Pong Prai (B280), a mix of vodka, port wine, lychee, lime juice and aromatic rose petals. For those more inclined towards spirit-forward libations, order the Bitterpine (B300), combining smoked whiskey, Campari, sweet vermouth and pineapple to cut through all the heaviness.

The food: Casual, refined bites whose affordable prices justify you traveling that little bit away from central Bangkok. For a hefty drinking snack, try the grilled beef salad, which will only set you back B299, or the braised pork with rice (B180) served with deep-fried shallot on top for some edge. Pasta options include fettucini arrabiata with sausages (B220).

The crowd: Phayathai's indie kids and blow-ins from Sukhumvit looking for somewhere a little less commercial.

The music: Eighties- and '90s-indebted synth-pop, funk and alternative rock.

Why we’d come back: Need extra proof that Sukhumvit's time as nightlife top dog could be coming to a close? Sunray offers a more low-key place to drink where you probably won't keep bumping into all the same people.