For many expats, teaching in Thailand opens the door to more than just a career—it’s an invitation to explore life from a fresh perspective. While weekdays may be spent shaping young minds, weekends reveal hidden gems like cozy cafés, jazz-filled nights, and unforgettable dining spots.
Living in areas like Pakkret shows that teachers in Thailand don’t have to go far to find inspiration, connection, and relaxation. It’s not just about where you teach—it’s about how you live, grow, and thrive in a place that constantly surprises you.
Think There’s Nothing to Do in Pakkret? Think Again.
So, what? You live in Pakkret, Nonthaburi and think there is nothing to do out in these parts. Are you expecting Bangkok to be the only place that has entertainment? Let’s allow our expectations to evolve slightly.
Now, Pakkret may not have the same endless variety as Bangkok, but who needs endless variety when there is just the right amount of choices. Teaching in Thailand opens the door to unexpected adventures—both in and out of the classroom.
The Plantnery Green Cafe: Your Tranquil Urban Escape
First, I would like to introduce you to two oases that transport you out of the concrete jungle into your own private, tranquil forest. There is the Plantnery Green Cafe, an eatery and cafe that hides at 119, Liap Khlong Prapa Rd, Tambon Ban Mai, Pakkret, Nonthaburi.
Walk-in, place your order and choose a table inside in the a/c, or a table outside amongst the foliage and koi-filed ponds. There is a selection of coffee drinks, teas, fruit drinks, snacks and apps, salads, and mains. With the food being either Thai or western. The Thai food is of high quality, as it should be for the price $$$.
This place does get pretty packed on the weekends from the late morning until mid-afternoon. I enjoy coming here either after work during the week or early Saturday morning before the crowds. I would suggest sitting outside with the plants to soak up all that lovely oxygen and relaxation with your morning coffee and croissant and egg sandwich.
Forest Cafe by Anna: A Nature-Lover’s Dream in Pakkret
The other Pakkret oasis is called Forest Cafe, by Anna. This place is located a little bit past Central Chaengwattana on Soi Mu Ban Sahakon Khehasathan 3 Soi 9, Bang Phut Subdistrict, Pakkret, Nonthaburi. Forest Cafe also has indoor a/c seating and outdoor seating with beams of sunlight spearing through the dense layers of deep blue-green leafy fingers.
There are also a variety of drinks and food, similar to The Plantnery. I would recommend sitting outside here near one of the fans, and within audible distance of the gently trickling stream filled with blue fish. Out of these two places, I don’t have a favorite, I find them equally enjoyable.
Hidden Backyard: For Food, Chill Vibes, and Local Jazz
Where would I go for a late lunch, early dinner, or even a low-maintenance night out? Hidden Backyard Cafe & Hangout would be the appropriate choice. This restaurant/hangout is just down the road from the Plantnery at 37/80 Soi Wirulaha Charoen, Pakkret, Nonthaburi.
Here you will feel like you are at your local neighborhood hangout. There are several restaurants and bars on all sides of it. Hidden Backyard has a large outdoor space with its edge bordering a shared pond (if you sit near the pond, use the mosquito repellant provided by the establishment).
The air is relaxed here and the menu is a mix of Western, Thai, and Japanese dishes. On my several visits; I have enjoyed the Thai spicy seafood pasta, the Tajima beef with cured egg yolk and rice, and the croissant pudding– I love this dessert! The bar has plenty of tasty alcoholic and non-alki drinks!
Come on Saturday night after 8:00 pm and hear the live jazz band play jazz classics until 11:00 pm. You may even come during the day on Saturday and stick around so long, the jazz band starts playing. Now, it’s impossible to leave until they finish.
Bee Groove: Live Thai Pop and Good Vibes
In the same general area of Hidden Backyard, along Klong Prapa, there is another restaurant that provides more of a live-music concert experience. Bee Groove, a Thai music venue and restaurant is located on Hua Toei Road, Village No. 8, Tambon Bang Talat, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi.
When you walk in, you will see this is not just a regular restaurant experience. It is an open-air venue with a stage all the way towards the front and table seating all around the large interior. Well-known Thai pop music acts perform here on special dates.
On the regular days there are line-ups of great local performers playing Western and Thai music. The food is good here, too! Come with a group and get some food, drinks, and indulge in the performances. You won’t regret this decision!
Tawandang Chaengwattana: Where Nightlife Meets Thai Party Culture
Tawandang Chaengwattana is where I go when I want to burn off some energy and experience an exciting night out. Styled like a German hall with a Thai heart, this venue transforms into a full-blown celebration as the evening progresses. Things start out mellow, but once the live performers hit the stage, the tempo picks up fast.
Expect a rotating lineup of Thai pop, Esan beats, Western classics, and even hip-hop—complete with outfit changes and high-energy routines. The crowd is encouraged to sing along, get on their feet, and even join a conga-style dance parade that loops around the hall.
Show a little enthusiasm and don’t be surprised if you end up featured on the big screen with everyone cheering you on. It’s happened every time I’ve visited. Just be sure to come ready for a night full of energy—it gets loud, lively, and seriously fun.
The Local Flow: How I Spend My Week Teaching in Thailand
This is how I would approach these places. The Plantnery Green Cafe and Forest Cafe by Anna would be my daytime spots during the week and my early morning spots on the weekends.
Hidden Backyard is great for weekend lunch and dinner and for night hangouts during the week and weekend. Bee Groove is a great restaurant concert experience for the evening until the late night. Finally, Tawandang is the spot I would recommend for partying and all sorts of nightlife fun.
So Much More Than You’d Expect in Pakkret
Don’t let anyone tell you there is nothing to do in Pakkret! There are a bunch of places to go, you just have to get out of your comfort zone to find them. For teachers in Thailand who are looking to balance work and play, this part of Nonthaburi might just surprise you.
From hidden cafes to weekend nightlife, living and teaching in Thailand offers you a whole new world of exploration, connection, and fun. So if you want to teach English in Thailand and experience life beyond the classroom, Pakkret may just be the place for you.
