Financial district by day, party hotspot by night, Silom is one of Bangkok’s busiest areas. Home to some of Bangkok’s most expensive luxury hotels and the beautiful Lumphini Park, Silom also contains some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.
Sathorn © Ninara
Why Visit Silom?
Silom is like a large village with lots of nightlife and eateries to explore that are relatively close to one another. Silom covers the area between the south side of Lumphini Park and the Chao Phraya River. It’s home to two of Bangkok’s most important roads, Silom and Sathorn. Sathorn itself is the financial district which loosely forms one edge of Silom. Both areas are easily accessible via the MRT Subway or the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain.
The Saphan Taksin pier is located in Silom, making the area a great choice if you’re interested in exploring Bangkok by river boat while staying near the BTS and MRT.
Things to See and Do in Silom
Lumpini Park © Eric Molina
- Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is Bangkok’s version of Central Park. A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s streets and shopping malls, it contains a lake (try the 40-baht rowing boats for fun) and walking circuit. Accessible via Si Lom MRT station. - Sri Mariam Temple (Wat Khaek)
Sri Mariam Temple is a colourful Dravidian style Hindu temple found on the corner of Silom Road and Pan Road. The temple is surrounded by flower stalls, with the inside of the temple housing beautiful statues of many Hindu deities. - Queen Saovabha Snake Farm
Officially the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Bangkok’s most popular snake farm is home to a scientific centre specialising in venom research. Python shows, king cobras and a wide variety of other poisonous snakes are its highlights. - Assumption Cathedral
Bangkok’s most popular Roman Catholic cathedral, Assumption Cathedral stands out from Bangkok’s numerous Buddhist temples. Visit the cathedral’s interior to view its impressive decorated ceiling and stained glass windows. - Patpong Night Market
Patpong might not be Bangkok’s most authentic night market, but it’s a fun place to shop for souvenirs and imitation designer fashion. Be prepared to bargain heavily, as the prices are marked up to two or three time their usual rate. - Blue Elephant Thai Cooking School
The Blue Elephant on Sathorn Road is one of Bangkok’s most popular high-end Thai restaurants, and it’s cooking school is a great place to learn Thai cooking. Step into a beautiful classic house (formerly the local post office) and learn to cook Thai food. - Neilson Hayes Library
The Neilson Hayes Library is a quiet escape from Bangkok’s noise and heat. Located on Surawong Road, this beautiful classic library is a great place to stop for a coffee if you’re staying in Silom.
- Wat Hua Lamphong
Wat Hua Lamphong isn’t Bangkok’s most impressive temple, but it’s a great place to visit for a taste of local Buddhist life. The temple is a five-minute walk from Si Lom and Sam Yan MRT stations. - State Tower
Remember The Hangover II? State Tower is Bangkok’s third tallest building and one of Silom’s most recognisable sights. Located at the end of Silom Road, it’s home to a selection of bars and restaurants, many of which offer spectacular views. - Bangrak Food Tasting and Culture Tour
Taste some of Bangkok’s most famous dishes on a local culinary tour. The Bangrak Food Tasting and Culture tour takes you through the historical district of Bang Rak, known to locals as Bangkok’s most romantic neighbourhood. - Health Spas/Thai Massage
Silom is home to some of Bangkok’s top hotels, many of which offer excellent spa packages. For a more affordable Thai massage, stop by Bodytune near Sala Daeng BTS station or the Sathorn branch of Health Land.
Bangkok Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Bangkok: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Bangkok.
- Things To Do In Bangkok: Check this huge list of Bangkok activities that you can book online.
- Flights To Bangkok: Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Bangkok Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
Places to Eat in Silom
Duck Noodle Soup © Eric Molina
- Street Food on Soi Convent
A short walk from Sala Daeng BTS station, Soi Convent is packed with restaurants, bars and street food carts offering inexpensive, delicious Thai food. Dishes rarely cost more than 60 baht a plate and range from fried noodles to curry and more. - Street Food on Silom Soi 20
Early in the morning, Silom Soi 20 is the area’s low-cost eating capital for Silom’s many office workers. At night, the street stalls aren’t so numerous, but plenty of local restaurants are open offering everything from pad thai to grilled chicken. - KHO Khao Man Gai, Rama IV
KHO serves one dish: khao man gai, or chicken rice. Choose from boiled or fried chicken on rice, complete with a selection of sauces. Open 24 hours, you can find KHO below Too Fast To Sleep, a 24-hour café on Rama IV popular with students. - Junker and Bar, Soi Suanphlu
Junker and Bar serves an excellent combination of “junk” food and cocktails. From burgers to squid ink pasta, the dishes are affordable (mostly under 200 baht) and the drinks are strong, making this a favourite of locals and expats alike. - Dean & Deluca Café, Mahanakhon
Located in what will soon become Bangkok’s tallest building, Dean and Deluca Café brings New York deli food to Bangkok. The Sathorn branch, located close to Chong Nonsi BTS station, serves up a wide range of meals and excellent coffee. - Ramen Tei, Soi Thaniya
Open since 1983, Ramen Tei is one of Bangkok’s oldest ramen restaurants. Located on Soi Thaniya, Bangkok’s version of Tokyo’s Kabukichō, Ramen Tei serves a range of ramen dishes, as well as Japanese favourites like karaage and gyoza. - Eat Me, Soi Pipat 2
Located a short walk from Sala Daeng BTS station, Eat Me serves up a wide range of international dishes. In a city where hot restaurants come and go, Eat Me has been open since 1998 and continues to attract a loyal crowd of locals, expats and tourists. - Namsaah Bottling Trust, Silom Soi 7
Located inside a bright pink classic house, Namsaah Bottling Trust serves up a mix of comfort food and Thai-inspired fusion dishes. Strong cocktails and the beautiful setting make it a great choice for dinner and drinks in Silom. - AOI, Silom Soi 6
AOI is one of Bangkok’s best Japanese restaurants, offering classic sushi, sashimi and other delicious Japanese favourites. The Silom branch, found on Soi 6, is a short walk from Sala Daeng station. - Indigo, Soi Convent
Indigo is arguably Bangkok’s best hidden French restaurant. Famous among French residents but largely unknown to others, Indigo serves classic French dishes and an excellent selection of wine. - Kai New Zealand, Sathorn Rd
From homemade pizza to fish and chips, Kai New Zealand serves tasty New Zealand meals from 7 am daily. The excellent fish and chips is a nice treat if you need a break from dining on Thai food. - Issaya Siamese Club, Soi Sri Aksorn
Step into a 1920s villa and enjoy some of the world’s best Thai food. Owned by chef and TV personality Ian Kittichai, Issaya Siamese Club serves modern Thai food in an amazing setting. Best accessed via taxi or Khlong Toey MRT station. - La Table de Tee, Saladaeng Road
La Table de Tee serves a daily changing tasting menu of French-inspired Thai food cooked by expert Thai chef Tee Kachonklin. - Nahm, Hotel Metropolitan
Ranked 13th in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and 1st in Asia’s Best Restaurants, Nahm serves amazing Thai dishes in a stylish, modern setting. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re visiting for dinner. - Vertigo and Moon Bar
Enjoy panoramic views of Lumphini Park and Sathorn Road’s dense skyline from Vertigo and Moon Bar atop the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Vertigo serves fusion food, while Moon Bar offers tasty cocktails and an unforgettable view. - Sky Bar at Sirocco
One of several rooftop bars in Silom, Sky Bar at Sirocco was famously featured in The Hangover II movie. Unlike Vertigo, seats aren’t available at Sirocco unless you’re dining, but the fantastic view more than makes up for that. - The Scarlett Wine Bar and Restaurant atop the Pullman G Hotel also offers a great view and fantastic drinks. For a more affordable and Thai-style rooftop experience complete with live music, try Cloud47 on the 47th floor of the United Centre.
- Park Society
Park Society offers strong cocktails, great music and great views of Lumphini Park from the 29th floor of Sofitel So Bangkok.
Best Luxury Hotels in Silom
- Dusit Thani
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One of Bangkok’s oldest luxury hotels, the Dusit Thani is located less than a minute’s walk from Sala Daeng BTS. Spacious rooms offer views of Silom’s skyline on one side and Lumphini Park on the other. UPDATE Hotel to close June 2018. - Crowne Plaza
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Formerly the Pan Pacific, the Crowne Plaza Bangkok is a short walk from Sala Daeng BTS station. The Crowne Plaza features a great outdoor pool and some of the finest views of Lumphini Park on offer in Bangkok. - Le Méridien
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Le Méridien Bangkok is located on Surawong Road, a short walk from Si Lom MRT station and Sala Daeng BTS. Due to its proximity to Patpong, the area around this hotel can get noisy after sunset. - Sofitel So
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One of Bangkok’s newest five-star hotels, Sofitel So is located on the corner of Rama IV and Sathorn Road. Sleek, modern décor and a swimming pool with a phenomenal view of Lumphini Park make it one of Silom’s best luxury hotels. - Banyan Tree
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Famous for its rooftop bar and restaurant, the Banyan Tree is one of Sathorn Road’s most popular luxury hotels. Rooms range from luxurious doubles to the ludicrously opulent Presidential Suite. - The Sukhothai
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Located almost next door to the Banyan Tree, the Sukhothai offers more of a classic luxury experience. The beautiful grounds and spacious rooms, decorated in modern Thai style, make it one of Bangkok’s most luxurious five-star hotels. - W Bangkok
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A short walk from Chong Nonsi BTS, W Bangkok offers luxurious rooms with ultra-modern interiors. Its location, close to Bangkok’s financial district, makes it a great hotel for business travellers. - Lebua at State Tower
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Famously featured in The Hangover II, Lebua at State Tower offers great views of the Silom skyline and Chao Phraya River. Be sure to visit Sirocco or Breeze – the hotel’s two outdoor rooftop bars. - COMO Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel
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Located on Sathorn Road, the Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel offers spacious modern rooms and contains Nahm, Asia’s top-rated restaurant. Easy access to Taksin Pier and the BTS make it a convenient hotel for business and leisure travellers.
Best Mid Range Hotels in Silom
- Mode Sathorn
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Billed as a “fashionable lifestyle” hotel, Mode Sathorn offers comfortable modern rooms at reasonable prices. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and the hotel is a quick walk from Surasak BTS. - Luxx
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One of Bangkok’s smallest boutique hotels, LUXX only features 13 rooms. What it lacks in size it makes up for in comfort and convenience, with an excellent location on Decho Road within walking distance of Silom’s top attractions. - Baan Pra Nond Bed & Breakfast
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A classic bed and breakfast just steps from Surasak BTS< Baan Pra Nond has a range of small but comfortable rooms from 1,500 baht per night. Free Wi-Fi and a fantastic location make it a good mid-range hotel for business travellers. - Holiday Inn Express
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The Holiday Inn Express is comfortable, affordable and conveniently located. With Taksin pier and Sala Daeng BTS station both within 15 minutes walk, it’s a fantastic base for exploring the rest of Bangkok. - Triple Two Boutique Hotel
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Triple Two Boutique Hotel offers affordable, comfortable and spacious rooms. With its smallest rooms covering an impressive 45 square metres, Triple Two offers lots of space to stretch out and relax.
Best Budget Hotels in Silom
- Lullaby Inn Silom
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A five-minute walk from BTS Chong Nonsi, Lullaby Inn Silom might not be Silom’s most luxurious hotel, but its convenient location and affordable rates make it great for budget travellers. - Lub d Bangkok
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One of Bangkok’s most acclaimed hostels, Lub d Silom offers a convenient location, exciting lobby bar and affordable rooms. Sleeping options range from shared bunks to private rooms. - HQ Hostel Bangkok
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With beds available from just 350 baht per night, HQ Hostel is one of Silom’s most affordable accommodation options. Free Wi-Fi, 24/7 check-in and a great location on Silom Road make this a good choice for budget travellers. - Everyday Bangkok Hostel
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Everyday Bangkok Hostel’s cool décor and comfortable beds make it a great place to sleep on a budget. A short walk from Wat Hua Lamphong, Everyday is conveniently located close to the MRT station at Sam Yan. - Orchid Hostel
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Orchid Hostel offers comfortable, convenient accommodation close to Sala Daeng BTS station. Clean and quiet, the hostel’s rooms are comfortable, it a bit minimal, making it a great choice for budget travellers seeking convenience.
Nightlife in Silom
Sky Bar © chee.hong
- Ce La Vi
Located on the 39th floor of Sathorn Square, Silom’s newest office development, Ce La Vi offers amazing views of Bangkok’s dense skyline. As Silom’s place to be seen, Ce La Vi attracts a mixed crowd of expats and high society Thais. - Maggie Choo’s
Underground in the basement of the Novotel Bangkok Felix Silom, Maggie Choo’s is like stepping back into 1930s Shanghai – opulent, secretive and decadent, with a drinks list to match (and prices too). - Smalls
Located on the corner of Suan Phlu Soi 1, Smalls serves tasty comfort food and great cocktails with a relaxing jazz soundtrack. Drinks start from 350 baht, with cocktails seriously strong by default. - Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Silom is home to two Irish pubs. Molly Malone’s on Soi Convent attracts a crowd of locals and expats, while Flann O’Brien’s attracts a mix of expats and tourists from the nearby bars at Patpong.
Located in the basement of the United Centre, The Pintsman is a local sports bar that attracts office workers and expats seeking a post-work pint and pool game. - Soi Thaniya
Bangkok’s version of Tokyo’s Kabukichō, Soi Thaniya offers Japanese-style izakaya and hostess bars aimed at Bangkok’s population of salarymen and Japanese tourists. - Soi Patpong and Patpong Night Market
Patpong is synonymous with the seedier side of Bangkok’s nightlife. Although the local night market has attracted a new crowd to Patpong in recent years, Patpong remains one of Bangkok’s most infamous red light districts. - Silom Soi 4
Silom is Bangkok’s gay nightlife capital, with the biggest collection of bars found on Soi 4. Popular nightspots include Telephone and The Balcony, two large bars found on opposite sides of Silom Soi 4. - DJ Station & Silom Soi 2
DJ Station is Bangkok’s most popular gay nightclub. A short walk from Silom Soi 4, it’s surrounded by tiny bars popular with locals and tourists alike, as well as a wide range of late-night eating options.
Getting to Silom
- By BTS Skytrain
Silom is served by its own BTS Skytrain line – the Silom Line – with several stops in the area. Most of Silom’s nightlife is found around Sala Daeng station, while offices and hotels are clustered around Chong Nonsi and Surasak - By MRT
Silom is served by several MRT stations. Si Lom station is connected to Sala Daeng BTS by a skywalk, while Sam Yan and Hua Lamphong stations provide access to Wat Hua Lamphong and Bangkok’s regional train station. - By River Boat
The BTS Skytrain’s Silom Line connects with Taksin pier at Saphan Taksin, making it easy to reach Silom by river boat. Express boats make the pier a convenient place to depart for attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Bangkok BTS and MRT Map
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