Siam Square, Ratchaprasong and Ploen Chit

Ratchaprasong is Bangkok’s shopping capital, home to the city’s biggest shopping malls and most exclusive designer boutiques. It’s also home to Siam Square – a fashionable shopping area aimed at teens and 20-somethings – as well as some of Bangkok’s best hotels.

Skyscrapers of Bangkok © Thangaraj Kumaravel

Why Visit Siam and Ratchaprasong?

The Siam/Ratchaprasong area extends from National Stadium BTS to Ploen Chit. The area can be divided into three sections, each with their own unique distinct character:

• Siam Square: a shopping hotspot surrounding BTS Siam
• Ratchaprasong, a high-end shopping area home to department stores and hotels
• Ploen Chit: a mixed shopping and office area near the beginning of Sukhumvit Road

The Siam/Ratchaprasong area is Bangkok’s commercial and transportation hub. The BTS station at Siam serves as the interchange for Bangkok’s Skytrain, making Siam a fantastic place to stay if you’re interested in easily travelling around the city.

Things To See And Do In Siam And Ratchaprasong

Bangkok: Siam Ocean World © Felix Triller

• Siam Paragon
  Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok’s biggest and most popular shopping malls, located next to BTS Siam. The lower floors contain a mix of luxury brands, while the upper floors cover high street fashion, furniture, technology and even include a luxury car dealership.
• Siam Centre & Siam Discovery
  Siam Centre is a fashion-focused shopping mall aimed primarily at teens and 20-somethings that’s located beside Siam Paragon. Siam Discovery, which is connected to Siam Centre by skybridge, offers a mix of lifestyle products, technology and high street fashion.
• MBK Centre
  The MBK Centre is an eight-floor shopping mall located diagonally opposite Siam Discovery and connected to BTS National Stadium. Home to hundreds of tiny shops specialising in all things digital and fashionable, it’s the best place in Bangkok to shop for smartphones.
• Jim Thompson’s House
  American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson disappeared in the Malaysian jungle in 1967 — a disappearance that continues to attract conspiracy theorists. His traditional Thai home, which was built in 1959, is open to the public and offers a unique look into traditional Thai design.
• Siam Square
  From local fashion designers to vintage movie posters, Siam Square is home to hundreds of tiny shops specialising in every product imaginable. Located beside BTS Siam and opposite Siam Paragon, Siam Square is a great place to shop for modern fashion and accessories.

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• Scala Cinema
  Step into the 1960s at Siam Square’s Scala Cinema. Built in 1967 and maintained to look just like it did when it first opened, Scala Cinema is a time capsule back to the cinema experience of the mid-20th century, right down to the chandelier and bow tie wearing ticket attendant.
• Krungsri IMAX Cinema at Siam Paragon
  For a more modern — albeit less architecturally inspiring — cinema experience, head to the top floor of Siam Paragon, where you’ll find the Krungsri IMAX Cinema. Both IMAX and standard cinemas, including a 34-seat private Enigma cinema, play the latest blockbusters.
• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
  Opposite Siam Discovery, and accessible via skybridge, you’ll find Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Free to access, the centre showcases a variety of exhibits, with a focus on modern visual art.
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
  SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is Thailand’s largest aquarium. Visitors can view a massive variety of marine animals up close, as well as a variety of snakes, insects and more. A range of diving packages are available, letting you swim inside the aquarium’s shark tank.
• Wat Pathum Wanaram
  Located between Siam Paragon and Central World — two of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls — Wat Pathum Wanaram is a nice break from the endless shopping in Ratchaprasong. Built in 1857, the temple is home to the ashes of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej’s bloodline.
• Central World
  Bangkok’s largest mall, Central World, is located at the heart of Ratchaprasong. Accessible from BTS Chit Lom via an elevated skywalk, Central World is home to designer brands, high street fashion, home accessories, furniture, technology, children’s toys and more.
• Erawan Shrine
  The Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine located beside the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. A shrine to Phra Phrom — the Thai version of Hindu god Brahma — it attracts thousands of visitors per day, many of whom pray to the statue in the hope of receiving good fortune.
• Thai Massage/Health Spas
  Feeling tired from all the shopping? The Ratchaprasong area is full of health spas, many of which are located inside five-star hotels. For a more affordable Thai massage, stop by Let’s Relax, a comfortable spa located on the sixth floor of the Siam Square One shopping mall.
• Royal Bangkok Sports Club
  The Royal Bangkok Sports Club is a private, members-only sports club located between Siam and Silom. Although access to the club’s sporting facilities is reserved for members, live horse races are held one Sunday every month.

Places To Eat In Siam And Ratchaprasong

Shopping Centres in Bangkok © Walter Lim

• Siam Paragon Food Court
  Siam Paragon is home to one of Bangkok’s biggest and most diverse food courts, serving up a mix of cuisines from Thailand, India, China and elsewhere. Meals are paid for with a stored value card — fund yours at the cashier before you eat, then refund it as you leave.
• Hong Kong Noodle
  A favourite of Chulalongkorn University students, Hong Kong Noodle in Siam Square serves inexpensive and tasty Chinese dishes. Visit during the early afternoon and you’ll dine with the invariably large crowd of students from the nearby university.
• Som Tam Nua
  Another student (and local worker) favourite, Som Tam Nua specialises in Isaan (Northeast Thai) food. Try the som tam (stick with som tam Thai if you’re not accustomed to spicy food) and the fried chicken for an authentic experience.
• Nooddi Siam
  Nooddi has two branches in Bangkok — one underneath BTS Sala Daeng and another here in Siam Square. As the name suggests, the menu is focused on Thai and Chinese-style noodle dishes, although there’s also a mix of other Thai dishes to choose from.
• Ban Khun Mae
  Located on Siam Square Soi 8 in a shophouse modified to resemble a traditional Thai home, Ban Khun Mae serves classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. Its location in Siam Square attracts a mix of local office workers and shoppers seeking a tasty but affordable meal.
• Coca Sukiyaki
  Coca is a Thai sukiyaki chain with multiple locations throughout Bangkok. The Siam Square branch, which is located on Henri Dunant road near the Novotel Siam, offers tasty sukiyaki with a variety of dipping sauces.
• Miyatake
  Miyatake is an authentic Japanese sushi bar located on the fourth floor of Tokyu department store inside the MBK Centre. Although the location isn’t the most peaceful, the food is great, with everything from toro sushi to Matsuzaka beef on offer at reasonable prices.
• Crepes & Co
  Crepes & Co is located on Langsuan Soi 1 — one of Bangkok’s poshest addresses. Although it specialises in crepes — which, by the way, are outstanding — the menu includes a variety of lunch and brunch dishes.
• Gaggan
  Also located on Langsuan, Gaggan serves a progressive Indian menu that will redefine what you think of Indian food. The set menu starts from 1,800 baht and is extremely popular, so it’s recommended that you book ahead of time.
• Food Loft at Central Chidlom
  Central Chidlom is one of Bangkok’s most popular department stores, and Food Loft — its top floor food court — is undoubtedly one of its best assets. Enjoy great international food, with a variety of dishes from China, Japan, Mexico, India, Italy and more — with fantastic views.
• ZENSE Gourmet Deck
  Open from 5:30 pm until late, ZENSE offers outdoor dining on the rooftop of ZEN — Central World’s most popular department store. Four different menus are available, each offering a different variety of dishes from Italy, Turkey, Thailand and elsewhere.
• La Monita Taqueria & El Osito
  These two restaurants, located next door to each other, are great options for lunch. El Osito serves fantastic sandwiches and burgers, while La Monita Taqueria serves Mexican classics like burritos, fajitas and tacos.
• Bawarchi
  Located in the basement of the Intercontinental Hotel, Bawarchi serves fantastic Indian food in a stylish setting. Plentiful portions, authentic Indian ingredients and a convenient location make it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
• Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar
  Located on the ground floor of Athenee Residence on Soi Ruamrudee, Hyde and Seek is a stylish gastro bar offering great food and fantastic drinks. The menu is made up of American and European favourites, from steak and ribs to a variety of pasta dishes.
• Eat Meat Sweet
  Located on Langsuan Soi 7, Eat Meat Sweet can be a little bit difficult to find. Its menu, which is made up of Australian beef, lobster ravioli, roasted chicken and other classics — as well as a great selection of desserts — makes it worth a visit.
• Elements
  Located on the 25th floor of the ultra-modern Okura Prestige Hotel, Elements serves a range of delicious dishes in an open kitchen environment. Gourmet food and a fantastic drinks list are complemented by fantastic views of Bangkok, especially from the outside tables.
• Red Sky
  The Centara Grand Hotel on top of Central World is home to several good restaurants, but the standout is Red Sky which offers rooftop dining with an amazing view of the city.
• Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin
  You’ll find Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin inside the Kempinski Hotel. This Thai fusion restaurant offer an 11 course tasting menu showcasing the best of gourmet Thai cuisine, as well as an excellent range of desserts.

Luxury Hotels in Siam Square, Ratchaprasong and Ploen Chit

Siam KempinskiLuxuryMore Info

Centara GrandLuxuryMore Info

Okura PrestigeLuxuryMore Info

Hua Chang HeritageLuxuryMore Info

Best Luxury Hotels in Siam Square and Ratchaprasong

• Siam Kempinski Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Arguably Bangkok’s most luxurious hotel, Siam Kempinski Bangkok offers a range of luxury rooms, from doubles to the four-person Royal Suite, with a convenient location behind Siam Paragon shopping centre.
• Centara Grand at CentralWorld
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located on top of Central World, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is a modern luxury hotel with a stunning outdoor swimming pool. Thanks to its connection to BTS Chit Lom, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is conveniently located for getting around Bangkok.
• Pathumwan Princess Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Pathumwan Princess Hotel is located atop the MBK Centre. It offers a selection of five-star rooms and suites, as well as the Olympic Club — one of Bangkok’s top fitness centres with a fantastic saltwater swimming pool.
• Siam @ Siam Design Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A stylish four-star hotel located close to BTS National Stadium and within walking distance of Jim Thompson’s House, Siam @ Siam Design Hotel offers modern rooms and suites with an excellent rooftop bar.
• Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located less than two minutes from BTS Chit Lom, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong is right in the middle of Bangkok’s shopping epicentre. The Renaissance includes an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and exclusive fitness club and health spa.
• Okura Prestige Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Okura Prestige Bangkok offers modern Japanese design, luxurious and spacious rooms and an infinity pool with one of Bangkok’s most impressive views. The hotel is connected by a skybridge to BTS Ploen Chit, making it easy to get around Bangkok using the BTS Skytrain.
• VIE Hotel Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located to the north of Siam in Ratchathewi, the VIE Hotel is a brief walk or BTS journey from Bangkok’s top shopping destinations. VIE Hotel includes a variety of luxury rooms and suites in a modern style and a convenient location close to BTS Ratchathewi.
• Hua Chang Heritage Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A beautiful classic hotel on Phayathai Road, the Hua Chang Heritage Hotel blends colonial style with modern comforts. This five-star hotel features a range of rooms and suites with a stunning garden courtyard and outdoor pool.
• Intercontinental Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Connected to BTS Chit Lom by skybridge and less than one minute away from Central World and Gaysorn, the Intercontinental Bangkok is one of the most conveniently located five-star hotels in Ratchaprasong. The top-floor fitness centre offers excellent views of Bangkok.
• Hansar Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Thai boutique hotel Hansar Bangkok offers some of the most stunning suites in the city and a convenient location near BTS Ratchadamri. A short distance from Ratchaprasong’s shopping malls and restaurants, this stylish hotel is ideal for travellers seeking comfort and luxury.
• St. Regis Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  One of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels (all of its rooms are suites), the St. Regis offers an incredible view of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. A short walk from BTS Ratchadamri, the St. Regis is conveniently located and ideal for exploring both Ratchaprasong and Silom.

Budget & Mid Range Hotels in Siam Square, Ratchaprasong & Ploen Chit

Novotel BangkokMid RangeMore Info

Mercure SiamMid RangeMore Info

Evergreen PlaceMid RangeMore Info

Lub D HostelBudgetMore Info

Best Mid Range Hotels in Siam Square And Ratchaprasong

• Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located right in the centre of Siam Square, the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square offers one of the best locations in the city for shopaholics. Comfortable, modern rooms and easy access to BTS Siam make this one of the most conveniently located hotels in Bangkok.
• Mercure Bangkok Siam
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Mercure Bangkok Siam is located beside BTS National Stadium, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore Bangkok. As well as its fantastic location, this four-star hotel boasts a stunning outdoor swimming pool and a modern fitness centre.
• Evergreen Place Bangkok
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Evergreen Place Bangkok is a modern, conveniently located four-star hotel within two minutes walking distance of BTS Ratchathewi. With an outdoor pool and poolside gazebos, it’s a great place to relax during shopping sessions at nearby Siam Paragon and Central World.
• LiT Bangkok Residence
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located on Soi Kasemsan 1, a short walk from the MBK Centre and Jim Thompson’s House, LiT Bangkok Residence is a stylish four-star hotel. With modern rooms and a large outdoor swimming pool, it’s a comfortable and conveniently located place to stay in Bangkok.

Best Budget Hotels in Siam Square And Ratchaprasong

• Monomer Hostel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Monomer Hostel is located on Phetchaburi Soi 16, a short distance from the Ratchaprasong area by taxi. Although its location isn’t ideal, its clean and comfortable dormitories and rooms make it a good choice for budget travellers.
• Lub d Bangkok Siam Square
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Lub d Bangkok Siam Square is a clean, comfortable and stylish hostel located just minutes from BTS National Stadium. Double, twin and dormitory rooms are available at affordable prices, making it a good option for backpackers looking to make friends and socialise.

Nightlife in Siam Square And Ratchaprasong

View from Red Sky Bar at Centara Grand Bangkok © John_DL

• Hard Rock Café
  Bangkok’s Hard Rock Café is located right in the centre of Siam Square, making it a great choice for post-shopping food and drinks. The menu includes the Hard Rock Café’s classic burgers, while the drinks list includes a variety of local and imported beers and cocktails.
• CM2 Live Jam
  Located in the basement of the Novotel Siam, CM2 Live Jam is a live music bar and nightclub hidden underneath one of the Siam area’s most popular hotels. The soundtrack is mostly pop and classic rock, while the drinks range from local beers to classic cocktails.
• The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar
  The Speakeasy is a stylish rooftop bar located inside Hotel Muse on Soi Langsuan. Themed on a classic 1920s American bar, it offers an extensive drinks list, cigar lounge and fantastic views of the Bangkok skyline.
• Red Sky Bar
  Located on the rooftop of the Centara Grand Hotel, Red Sky offers panoramic views of the Sukhumvit and Silom skylines and a variety of cocktails, beers and wines. While prices are beyond what you’d pay at most Bangkok nightclubs, the view is certainly worth it.

Getting to Siam And Ratchaprasong

• By BTS Skytrain
  Siam is serviced by several BTS Skytrain stations. BTS Siam – the main interchange station for the Sukhumvit and Silom lines – is located outside Siam Paragon. BTS Phloen Chit and Chit Lom are located in Ratchaprasong, while BTS National Stadium is opposite the MBK Centre.
• By Khlong Boat
  Ratchaprasong is accessible by the Saen Saep Express Boat, although many of the piers are a short walk from its main shopping malls. Disembark at Pratunam or Chit Lom pier and you’ll be able to reach Central World or Siam Paragon within 10 minutes.

Bangkok BTS and MRT Map

View Bangkok BTS and MRT Map full size.

Bangkok Area Guide

• Quick summaries of what's interesting in each major Bangkok area:
• Ari
• Khao San Road
• Rattanakosin
• Phaya Thai
• Ratchadaphisek
• Siam Square
• Silom Sathorn
• Nana and Asoke
• Chatuchak
• Victory Monument
• Riverside
• Sukhumvit
• Thonglor