Detour is exactly what its name suggests: a deliberate detour off the tourist trail, tucked inside a quiet residential neighbourhood in the Phra Khanong / Pridi area.
From the outside, it looks completely unassuming, which is part of the appeal. This is not a place you stumble upon; you have to want to be here.
Essential information
- Location: Phra Khanong/Pridi
- Closest BTS Station: On Nut/Phra Khanong
- Requires bike: Yes, but walkable
- Google Maps link: here
- Must order: Sourdough with ricotta cheese, latte (or any coffee)
Built into an older Thai house, the cafe spans two levels. The ground floor is where you order, and doubles as the main seating area with bar seats and sofa spots, plenty of power sockets, and free wifi.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to work without fighting for a table among other remote workers, this is a strong contender.
Plenty of seating
The second floor and outdoor area offer a more relaxed setting, and the outdoor space is particularly good for families; kids have room to move around, though we’d only recommend this during the cooler months. In the heat of summer, the outdoor area is best avoided entirely.
The crowd here skews local and decidedly non-touristy. This is the kind of place where well-heeled Bangkokians pull up in their cars and settle in for a long afternoon. It’s quiet, unhurried, and feels nothing like the more well-trodden cafe stops across the city.
On the menu, the sourdough with ricotta cheese is the must-order, and the breakfast platter and chocolate brownie are both worth trying. The coffee is excellent; the staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the options, though it’s worth noting that English can be limited, so keeping things simple helps.
If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, they also carry a decent wine selection, which pairs nicely with a slice of cake as the day winds down.
Getting here is straightforward enough.
Take the BTS to Phra Khanong or On Nut station, then book a bike through the Grab app from there. A bike from anywhere along Sukhumvit is also an easy option. If the weather is cool and you’re feeling it, the walk is manageable. But on a hot day, skip it and just grab the bike.
