Silom
Skyscrapers and infamous red light district Patpong
Silom is Bangkok’s financial and business district. It is located South of the historical district Rattanakosin and East of the Chao Phraya river.
The area boasts an impressive skyline of modern high-rise buildings. Several rooftop bars and restaurants, Like Banyan Tree and Lebua at State Tower provide great views of the city and the Chao Phraya river.
During daytime Silom is the domain of business men and office workers. After dark the infamous red light district Patpong comes alive.
Silom houses Bangkok’s largest park. With its shady spots and lake with boats for rent Lumpini park provides for a nice spot for a few hours of relaxation.
Mahanakhon building & Skywalk
One of the many impressive skyscrapers in Silom is the Mahanakhon building, the highest building in Thailand. From the Mahanakhon Skywalk on the 78th floor you will have the best panoramic views of the city. Walking the Glass Tray at a height of 310 meters is a both exciting and scary experience.
Patpong red light district & night market
Silom houses Bangkok’s infamous red light district Patpong. Centered around Patpong Soi 1 and Soi 2 are countless strip clubs, go-go bars, night clubs and adult shows.
The very touristy open air Patpong night market on Patpong Soi 2 starts around 6 pm. Vendors sell products as watches, sunglasses, handbags, T-shirts and all kinds of souvenirs. Haggling is required. The Patpong nightlife area is located off Silom road near Sala Daeng BTS Sky Train station.
Bangkokian Museum
Also called the Bangkok Folk Museum, the Bangkokian Museum consists of three homes built in the 1920’s and 1930’s surrounded by tropical gardens. Still in its original state with old furniture, antiques, family photos, porcelain ware and other items the museum offers a peek in the life of well to do Thai families around mid 20th century.
The museum is located on Soi 43 Charoen Krung road. It opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm. Entrance is free, donations are appreciated.
Silom Thai Cooking School
If you love Thai food, learn how to prepare authentic Thai cuisine at Silom Thai Cooking School. Cook classic Thai dishes as green curry and spicy sour shrimp soup and eat the food you have prepared.
M.R. Kukrit’s House
M.R. Kukrit’s House consists of five traditional Thai style teak wooden houses set in tropical gardens surrounded by modern high-rise concrete buildings. It used to be the home of Mr. Kukrit Pramoj, former prime minister of Thailand.
The house’s rooms like the reception room, Buddhist prayer room, bedroom and library have been kept in their original state and contain antiques, personal items, photos, books and Buddha images. A terrace was used for performances of traditional Thai dances.
The house is little visited compared to the better known Jim Thompson House.
M.R. Kukrit’s House is located on Soi Phra Phinit off Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra road. Nearest BTS station is Chong Nonsi. Entrance fee is 50 Baht.
Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple
Sri Maha Mariamman is a colorful, very elaborately decorated Hindu temple known by Thais as Wat Khaek, meaning Indian temple.
The temple is dedicated to several Indian Gods including Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha and Mariamman. Its 6 meter tall tower and the main shrine are heavily adorned with carvings of Hindu deities.
Sri Maha Mariamman is located between Pan road and Silom Soi 15. Opening hours are daily from 6 am until 8 pm.
Sky Bar Lebua
Famous from the movie The Hangover 2, the sky bar on top of the Lebua State Tower hotel offers some of the best views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. At 250 meters above street level it is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. The sky bar and Sirocco restaurant open daily from 6 pm until 1 am. Please mind the dress code. More info at their website.
Wat Yannawa, the boat temple
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river is the Wat Yannawa, or “boat temple”. A unique temple, its assembly hall is shaped like a Chinese junk vessel, a 19th century sailing ship used for trade with China in previous centuries.
Wat Yannawa is found on Charoen Krung road and can easily be reached by BTS Sky Train (Saphan Taksin station) or Chao Phraya river express boat (Sathorn pier).
Christ Church
Because Silom used to be the center of trade with Europeans, the area houses several European churches. One of them is the Christ Church, an Anglican church completed in 1905. The all white building in Gothic style with arched stained glass windows is located at the intersection of Sathon Nuea road and Convent road.
Assumption Cathedral
Another much more elaborate European church in Silom is the Assumption Cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque style building completed in 1919. The cathedral has recently been reopened after extensive renovations. Highlight of the Roman Catholic church building are its imported stained glass windows.
The cathedral is located off Charoen Krung Soi 40, a short walk from Chao Phraya express pier Oriental.
Hotels in Silom
Bangkok Marriott Hotel the Surawongse
The five-star luxury Bangkok Marriott the Surawongse offers beautifully decorated rooms and suites. It has a spa, gym, steam room and a rooftop infinity pool with great city views. Three restaurants serve Chinese, Asian and international cuisine.
Shangri-La Bangkok
The Shangri-La Bangkok is a five-star luxury riverside hotel offering comfortable deluxe and premier rooms with city view or river view. Enjoy the hotel’s riverside dining, two outdoor pools, fitness centre, full-service spa and tennis court. Its five restaurants serve Thai, Chinese, Italian and international cuisine.
Lebua At State Tower
The five-star Lebua At State Tower is a high-rise hotel near the river. It offers luxury cityview or riverview suites, a pool and poolside bar, spa, sauna, steam room and a fitness centre. Five restaurants serve French, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The Sirocco rooftop restaurant and the Sky Bar offers unbeatable city views.
SO/ Bangkok
The SO/ Bangkok is a five-star hotel right next to Lumphini Park. The luxury hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, a full-service spa, gym, sauna and steam room. From the pool guests have great views of the city and Lumphini park. Its two restaurants serve international and Thai cuisine.
Amara Bangkok
The four-star Amara Bangkok offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. From its rooftop pool and bar guests have great panoramic views of the city and the Mahanakhon tower, the tallest building in Thailand. The hotel restaurant serves international cuisine.
How to get to Silom
Silom can easily be reached by BTS Sky Train, Chao Phraya river express boat, Tourist boat and MRT subway.
BTS Sky Train
Coming from Siam or from Thonburi on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river the area is easily reached by the Silom line of the BTS Sky Train.
MRT Subway
From Hua Lamphong train station or Sukhumvit the MRT subway provides a quick connection with Siam.
River Boat
Coming from the historical district Rattanakosin and other locations on the river, use the Chao Phraya express river boat or the hop on hop off tourist boat to Sathorn pier.
Attractions & getting there
Attractions Bangkok
- SeaLife Ocean World
- Madame Tussauds
- Dream World
- Safari World & Marine Park
- Siam Amazing Park
- Ancient City Muang Boran
- Calypso Cabaret Show
- Mahanakhon Skywalk
- Dinner Cruise
- Temple & City Tour
- Grand Palace
- Silom Thai Cooking School
- Longtail Boat Canal Tour
- Damnoen Saduak
- Bridge over the River Kwai
- Maeklong Railway Market
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Sirimahannop Dinner Ship
- Siam Niramit Cultural Show
- Chatuchak Market
- Getting Around Bangkok
- Khon Masked Dance
- Bangkok Shopping