Bangkok/Siam Square

While Rattanakosin represents Thailand's history and culture, Siam Square represents Thailand as a newly industrializing economy. Siam Square's first buildings were only constructed in the 1970s, on land of Chulalongkorn University which tried to get some extra rental income for the university. It started with ordinary shops, but has since expanded to a shopping and entertainment mecca that has everything upper-class teenagers and college students could possibly want — luxury shopping malls and glitzy department stores filled with designer labels and hip fashion boutiques.
Despite the name, it is not a square in the traditional sense. It could better be described as a warren of small sois filled with hundreds of tiny boutiques, restaurants, cafés, record stores and bookshops, mostly catering to upper-class 20-something Thais, shopping-spree Malaysians, and working ex-pats. If you're not up for a trip to the Gap or a pink martini, it's still worth a visit just to see the Bangkok-of-the-future. The area north of Rama I Road does feature some kind of courtyard on the second floor, which functions as the entry point for the Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping malls.
Going east on Rama I Road, the shopping experience continues at Ratchaprasong, an area that received worldwide fame when red shirt-wearing political protesters set up their camp here in May 2010. It is home to CentralWorld, the largest shopping mall in Thailand, which was set on fire during these protests, though it was restored within a few months. It gets more quiet as Rama I Road changes its name into Phloen Chit Road in the east. There are some shops and restaurants here, but the area is mostly home to foreign embassies and airline offices.

By public transit

Siam Square is the most central neighbourhood of Bangkok and can be reached by both the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain system. The easiest entry point is Siam station, right on top of Siam Square and in the middle of the Siam area. It acts as the exchange station between the lines, so expect a lot of commuters during rush hour. The Sukhumvit Line continues east and passes Chit Lom station, which is close to Ratchaprasong, and Phloen Chit which serves the road of the same name. One stop west of Siam on the Silom Line is National Stadium, a handy stop that's close to MBK Center, Siam Discovery, Jim Thompson's House and the cheap guest houses at Soi Kasemsan 1.
The Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line provide direct connections with the districts of the same name. There is also a direct connection with Phahonyothin and the Chatuchak Weekend Market if you take the Sukhimvit Line to the north. If you're coming from Rattanakosin or Khao San Road, you'll first need to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn pier. From there, continue your way along the Silom Line to Siam station. The whole ride takes around 40 minutes (but is easier than trying to find the right bus!)
The quickest way to get to Siam from Suvarnabhumi Airport is by Airport Rail Link. Take the City Line to Phaya Thai station, a ride that takes 26 minutes. Then switch onto the BTS Sukhumvit Line towards Bearing and ride it to Siam station. As the systems are not integrated, you will have to buy a new ticket at Phaya Thai station.

By boat

If you're staying at Khao San Road, the Saen Saep Express Boat is your best bet to get to Siam Square. It is only a short walk to the Golden Mount in Rattanakosin, where you can get on the boat. The service operates every day from 05:30 to 20:30. The Golden Mount Line brings you to Sapan Hua Chang pier for Siam Square, and terminates at Pratunam pier (for Ratchaprasong intersection). You can switch to the NIDA Line at Pratunam pier, which brings you to Chitlom, Wireless and on to Sukhumvit and Ramkhamhaeng. A single trip from Panfa Leelard pier at the Golden Mount to Sapan Hua Chang takes about 25 minutes and costs around 9 baht.

By bus

Siam Square is among the most congested districts of Bangkok. Combine that with the complexity of the bus system, and it's obvious that you're better off using other ways of transport. However, if you're coming from or going to the Grand Palace area in Rattanakosin, the bus is the only way to get a direct connection. Bus 15 starts at Phra Athit Road and then drives over Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (for Khao San Road), Lan Luang Road, Chakkaphatdi Phong Road and Bamrung Muang Road before arriving at MBK Center, Siam Square and Ratchaprasong intersection. This bus then continues to Silom Road, so take it in the other direction if you're coming from there.
An alternative is bus 47, which starts at Rama IV Road in Khlong Toei and then heads to Silom and over Phaya Thai Road. Get off at MBK Center. You can also take this bus from Tha Chang in Rattanakosin (near the Grand Palace) from which it goes through Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (for Khao San Road), Lan Luang Road, Chakkaphatdi Phong Road and Bamrung Muang Road. Get out at MBK Center as this bus won't continue its way further along Siam Square.
There is no reasonable bus connection from Suvarnabhumi Airport. You can take bus 552 to On Nut BTS station in Sukhumvit and continue with the Skytrain. It's a long bus ride and depending on traffic it could take 1-2 hours.

• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

  phone: +66 2 214-6630
  address: 939 Rama I Rd
  Visitors can interact with different kinds of arts, such as performance arts, music, painting and film, in various ways. On display are more than 300 works by Thai and international artists. Some of the temporary exhibitions can be good.

• Erawan Shrine

  phone: +66 2 254-1234
  address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd
  A Hindu shrine that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma.

• Jim Thompson's House

  phone: +66 2 216-7368
  address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2
  The infamous CIA operative Jim Thompson revived the Thai silk industry after World War II and had this house assembled from six traditional Thai-style houses. You must take the guided tour through the buildings, which are given in plenty of foreign languages. Get there early to beat the heat.

• Madame Tussaud's

  phone: +66 2 658-0060
  address: 6F, Siam Discovery, 989 Rama I Rd
  A branch of the popular museum displaying waxworks of famous people. It features life-sized statues of HRH Prince Mahitala Thibed Adulyadej Vikrom Phra Baroma Rajajanok (The Prince Father), HRH Princess Srinagarindra (The Princess Mother) and other famous Thais. But there are also plenty of Western figures, including US president Barack Obama in the Oval Office and the English football player Steven Gerrard. Foreigners have to pay a hefty 900 baht entrance fee its 350 baht for Thais.

• Queen Savang Vadhana Museum

  phone: +66 2 252-1965
  address: Sra Pathum Palace, 195 Phaya Thai Rd
  The Sra Pathum Palace is an oasis of silence right behind Siam Paragon. It has been the permanent residence of HM Queen Savang Vadhana from 1916 till 1955, and HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra has also lived here. When HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra passed away, it became the residence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. She turned one building into a museum that honours the Queen Grandmother and shows her contributions to Thai society. The museum starts in the exhibition hall, that shows HM Queen Savang Vadhana's biography, and then moves to her residence, the Phra Tamnak Yai building. Make a reservation in advance and request an English-speaking guide (at no extra cost).

• Bangkok Sea Life Ocean World

  phone: +66 2 687-2000
  address: 1-2F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd
  The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, exhibiting over 30,000 marine animals from all over the world and featuring a wide range of rare and exotic species. The area of the aquarium spans over 10,000 sq m, as wide as two football fields. The aquarium also offers a "dive with the sharks" package where you can scuba dive in the oceanarium side by side with sharks and rays, plus a "5D Cinema EXTREME" with specially rigged seats to add a kick to the typical 3D film experience.

• Wat Pathum Wanaram

  phone: +66 2 251-6469
  address: Rama I Rd
  This temple is between the two largest shopping centres of Thailand and is still often overlooked. While it is not as remarkable as the temples found in Rattanakosin, it is a reminder of the spiritual history of Thailand. Wat Pathum was founded in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV) when the area was surrounded by canals and rice fields. It was built to function as a place of worship close to the Sra Pathum Palace. At the temple is the Phra Meru Mas, a reconstruction of the crematorium of the Princess Mother, whose remains were transferred here after her cremation at Sanam Luang. During the May 2010 red shirt protests the temple was a safe haven for protesting women and children.

• APEX

  phone: +66 2 252-6498
  address: Siam Square Soi 1
  The theatres of APEX were built in the late 1960s and have changed little ever since, so seeing a film here is a kind of retro experience not found in other cinemas. It is widely known for its more offbeat and art house films. It is spread over two theatres. Lido Theatre has three screens, usually with Japanese, Korean and other foreign films, while Scala Theatre only has one screen with first-run Hollywood films. Unfortunately, the late 1960s Siam Theatre has been destroyed in fires that resulted from red shirt demonstrations in 2010. It was replaced with the Siam Square One shopping complex.

• Center Point Massage & Spa

  phone: +66 2 252-3014
  address: 6F, Siam Square One, 388 Rama I Rd
  Recently moved from the sois of Siam Square into the Siam Square One shopping centre. Worth seeking out as they do nice Thai, herbal, oil and foot massages, as well as aromatherapy. They also have branches in Silom and Sukhumvit.

• I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club

  phone: +66 2 254-1234
  address: Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, 494 Ratchadamri Rd
  The luxury you'd expect at a five-star hotel, at five-star prices. Most of their treatments take at least three hours, but are famed as among the best of Thailand.

• Krungsri IMAX Theatre

  phone: +66 2 129-4631
  address: 5F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama I Rd
  Going to see a film here is a great night out. You get a few hours in a plush theatre house, complete with air conditioning, assigned seats and the newest technology (including IMAX and 3D glasses). All the new Hollywood releases are featured nightly, but you can also pick most Thai films as they have English subtitles (inquire at the desk first to be sure this is the case). Don't forget the mandatory standing ovation to the King before the film starts.

• Paragon Cineplex

  phone: +66 2 129-4635
  address: 5F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama I Rd
  With about 4,000 seats and 25 screens, this has got to be one of the largest cinemas in Asia. The complex includes three separately branded cinemas. The Siam Pavalai is a 1,200-seat theatre, the largest of the bunch and even concerts take place here. The six "Ultra Screen" cinemas are much more luxurious and have reclining seats. Enigma is a members-only cinema with lounge seats.

• Royal Bangkok Sports Club

  phone: +66 2 255-4158
  address: 1 Henri Dunant Rd
  This is a venue for horse races under royal patronage. Races are held every two weeks on Sunday.

Siam Square

Siam Square is the place to shop in Bangkok, especially if you're looking for big shopping malls and small designer boutiques. The obvious point of entry is Siam BTS station, which is surrounded by Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon. At walking distance from Siam Square is MBK Center. With the exception of Siam Paragon, these malls are somewhat dated, but among the most popular as they are the most affordable. At least make a head for MBK, just to see where the local youth do their shopping.

• Bonanza Mall

  address: Phaya Thai Rd
  Across the street from MBK Center and connected by walkway on the second floor is the perennially crowded Bonanza Mall. Its warren of stalls offers more of the same as MBK, thus it is popular among students and teenagers looking for hip clothes, accessories and cosmetics.

• MBK Center

  phone: +66 2 620-9000
  address: 444 Phaya Thai Rd
  MBK is a vast and always packed shopping centre full of tiny stalls (2,500 of them, to be exact) selling, well, everything. There's a heavy emphasis on clothing, especially the cheap and trendy teen type, but the fourth floor devoted to electronics is Bangkok's best place to buy mobile phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. Before buying a phone you have to be sure which band supports and which ones your country has. The fifth floor focuses on furniture in the rear, and electronics in the front, including a very large Canon store. Stuff on sale include gold, furniture, food, and a part of the sixth floor has been dedicated to handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the dried fruits and Chinese-style snacks (like pork floss) at Champ on the fourth floor, near the central escalator. The top floor has film theatres and restaurants, and there's a large Tokyu department store bolted on the north side. It is possible to bargain for cheaper prices on some items at some independent shop stalls, especially if you are with a Thai friend or family member.

• Siam Center

  phone: +66 2 687-5000
  address: Siam Tower, Rama I Rd
  Constructed in 1976, this four-storey shopping centre is the first of the Siam area. It might feel a little dated compared to Siam Paragon, but extensive renovations keep it colourful, hip and modern. Most of the stores sell fashion, shoes and handbags for trendy teenagers and students. There's also a good range of eating options, including a food court at the fourth floor. A bridge at the fourth floor connects the shopping complex with Siam Discovery.

• Siam Discovery

  phone: +66 2 345-2345
  address: Rama I Rd
  A newer, more upmarket addition to Siam Center, catering to a slightly more mature audience. Just like its twin mall, most stores are for the fashion savvy, but prices are somewhat higher. This is the only shopping centre in Thailand that offers the official Diesel designer store at the ground floor. Worth a browse is Loft on the third floor, a large and quirky Japanese home decoration store. They have, among many other things, an array of bizarre plush toys on offer. The sixth floor has an EGV Grand Cinema.

• Siam Paragon

  phone: +66 2 610-8000
  address: 991 Rama I Rd
  An incredibly massive shopping mall with no less than ten floors. You could spend a full day here if you wish, as it is not just a shopping complex, but also includes Siam Ocean World, Paragon Cineplex and a floor of dining facilities. Paragon is one of the most upmarket shopping centres in Asia, so expect the usual designer brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc), but also BMW and Porsche showing off their newest models. The fourth floor has a very good (if pricey) selection of modern Thai arts and crafts, as well as the large Kinokuniya bookstore. There are some great eating options in the basement, including a gourmet supermarket, two food courts and a canal-lined strip of fancy restaurants.

• Tokyu

  phone: +66 2 620-1000
  address: MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Rd
  A massive department store that occupies four floors. Every thing you'd expect in a department store is available, including clothes, luggage, shoes, cosmetics, stationery, household appliances and even a supermarket. There's also a great selection of utensils for cooking Thai, Japanese, and Western food.

Ratchaprasong

Heading east is Ratchaprasong, an intersection filled with luxurious malls that cater to a more upmarket audience. CentralWorld, while built in 2002, was expanded in 2006 topping its nearby rival Siam Paragon as the largest shopping complex in Thailand (and among the largest in the world). Surrounding CentralWorld are the Gaysorn, Isetan, Narai Phand, Peninsula Plaza, ZEN, and others, which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Bring a well-filled wallet though.

• Amarin Plaza

  phone: +66 2 256-9111
  address: 496-502 Phloen Chit Rd
  This impressive colonial-style shopping centre has five floors of high-end stores, selling fashion, furniture, jewellery, electronics, books and handicrafts. The fourth floor has a good food court, and even a spa, health centre and yoga studio.

• Central Chidlom

  phone: +66 2 793-7777
  address: 1027 Phloen Chit Rd
  The flagship store of the Central department stores and thus it is much more luxurious and prices are higher. Catering to affluent Thais and Western expats, it has good selections of pricey watches, cosmetics and clothes. There are also numerous eating options.

• CentralWorld

  phone: +66 2 635-1111
  address: 999/9 Rama I Rd
  An enormous complex and the only shopping centre in Bangkok that can give the Paragon a run for the money in both style and size. It is the third largest shopping centre in the world by leasable floor space, and the second largest building in the world if you include the skyscraper on top of it. It's marketed as a middle-class shopping centre with prices cheaper than Siam Paragon. Lots of restaurants make this a good destination for lunch or dinner. The top floor has a supermarket and a multiplex. The large Isetan and ZEN department stores are also included in the complex, as are two book shops and plenty of photo and electronic stores.

• Erawan Bangkok

  phone: +66 2 250-7777
  address: 494 Phloen Chit Rd
  Linked by skybridges with the Amarin Plaza and Gaysorn, this is another luxurious shopping centre with boutiques. Chic clothes stores are distributed at all four levels. The second level has an excellent tea room. Go to the lower lobby for food.

• Gaysorn

  phone: +66 2 656-1149
  address: 999 Phloen Chit Rd
  Gaysorn positions itself as Bangkok's premier luxury shopping mall: this is where you can get your fill of Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany. The top floors have a good selection of antiques and Thai handicrafts of high quality, but at fairly high prices too. Most Thais cannot afford these prices.

• Isetan

  phone: +66 2 255-9898
  address: CentralWorld, 4/1- 4/2 Ratchadamri Rd
  An institution in Japan, Isetan's Bangkok branch is just as upper class as those found in the motherland. There is also a wide availability of international brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Kinokuniya is one of the better book shops. There's also a Lego section for children.

• Narai Phand

  phone: +66 2 656-0398
  address: President Tower Arcade, 973 Phloen Chit Rd
  A Thai handicraft centre partly run by the government offering a wide array of traditional crafts, such as bronze objects, ceramics, lacquerware, silk and woodcarvings. Prices are fairly high and not negotiable, but clearly marked, so this is a good place to see what's on offer and find out baseline prices before hitting the markets. Narai Phand used to be on Ratchadamri Road, but this flagship store was unceremoniously demolished in 2008. Now it has relocated to a smaller location next to the Intercontinental Hotel.

• Peninsula Plaza

  phone: +66 2 539-6723
  address: 153 Ratchadamri Rd
  Yep, another exclusive shopping centre that caters for moneyed Thais, rich expats and business travellers. The whole exterior has a European feeling. On sale are gems, diamonds, silverware, fabrics, antiques and art. The fourth floor is home to the International Dance Academy.

• ZEN

  phone: +66 2 100-9999
  address: CentralWorld, 4 Ratchadamri Rd
  ZEN is the hippest lifestyle department store of Bangkok. It is catering to affluent customers who care about design and don't mind to pay extra for it. The shop looks catchy, colourful and well-designed. Each of its six levels are based on a different theme and product category, such as cosmetics, fashion and sports wear.

Phloen Chit

• All Seasons Place

  phone: +66 2 654-3888
  address: 87 Witthayu Rd (Wireless Rd)
  Another elegant and large shopping centre. Four floors of the usual clothing boutiques, department stores, jewellers and antique shops. The food court on the second floor is good value

• The Promenade

  phone: +66 2 267-8850
  address: 11F, Nai Lert Tower, 2/4 Witthayu Rd
  The Promenade is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts. It is a three-story shopping mall with a modern and luxury decor. The second floor has a walkway to Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel.

For Thai food with a twist, the hip district of Siam Square is the best place to go hunting. The shopping malls generally have a wide choice of chain stores where you can eat for mid-range prices. If you're on a budget, every mall that takes itself seriously at least has one food court. Soi Ton Son, a sidestreet of Phloen Chit Road, is known as Bangkok's Little Italy with plenty of nice Italian restaurants. The best are both very good and reasonably priced (at least by Western standards).

Food courts

If you want cheap food and air conditioning, head into the upper-floor food court of any mall or department store. Food courts come in many varieties, from basic snack places to eclectic cuisine. Most food courts use some variation of a coupon system; unused coupons are always refunded. Some of the better ones include:

• Big C Food Court

  phone: +66 2 250-4888
  address: 5F, Big C, 97/11 Ratchadamri Rd
  New, bright, airy and very cheap with mostly Thai dishes as low as 20 baht. Payment with a stored-value card.

• Central Food Hall

  phone: +66 2 655-7648(-52)
  address: 1F, Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloen Chit Rd
  It offers Thai fare (and English menus) at much cheaper prices than FoodLoft.

• FoodLoft

  phone: +66 2 793-7070
  address: 7F, Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloen Chit Rd
  This chic dining venue with a hip and trendy black, metallic and red colour theme is large and popular among Central's visitors. This is one of the most upmarket food courts, and could even be described as a culinary experience on its own: eight cooking islands represent quality restaurants that serve different cuisines, including Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Italian, Malay and Vietnamese (desert is also represented by one island). It is fairly expensive with most dishes close to 100 baht. Dinnertime at Fridays and Saturdays have live music. You receive a 1,000 baht voucher on entry and pay for what you've used on exiting.

• MBK Food Court

  phone: +66 2 620-9000
  address: 5-6F, MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Rd
  You might not expect it, but this is a really good find! Food court "The Fifth", as you might expect, is at the fifth floor, and has recently been refurbished. It has a couple of "cuisine islands" each featuring an assortment of food from a different country, including Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Thai food. Western, Asian, halal and vegetarian dishes from 50 baht up. Paying goes by an electronic card system, and you pay as you leave. The food court at the sixth floor is very cheap with less than 50 baht per serving. It is popular, but noisy, and serves tasty Thai food including some you have probably never heard of before. Payment is by chargeable card you buy first, and then get refunded with the unused amount when you leave.

• Siam Paragon Food Court

  phone: +66 2 610-8000
  address: 1F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama I Rd
  Covers a large part of Siam Paragon's ground floor and it divided into three sections: general food court (pay by coupon), a more upmarket food court (pay by electronic card) and a take away counter. It is enormous with many stalls selling different kinds of food, such as Isaan, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and international.

Budget

• Hongkong Noodle

  phone: +66 2 658-4154
  address: Siam Square Soi 10
  Serves up cheap and tasty wonton noodles, a selection of dim sum and more Cantonese favourites in modern, if utilitarian, surroundings complete with air conditioning and table service.

• Ka-nom

  phone: +66 2 252-8520
  address: 266/8 Siam Square Soi 3
  Macau/Portuguese-style egg tarts, also have cakes, pies, breads and croissants.

• Pisces

  address: 36/6 Soi Kasemsan 1
  This simple Thai (and vegetarian) restaurant is popular for breakfast among backpackers who stay at the nearby guest houses. Its interior looks good and is colourful, and the lady who runs it is really nice. Service can be a tad slow.

Mid-range

• Greyhound Café

  phone: +66 2 225-6964(-5)
  address: 4F, Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloen Chit Rd
  An minimalistic restaurant of concrete and brushed steel. On the menu is fusion, with food ranging from authentic Thai to Italian pasta to Elvis burgers. Mains are usually around 300 baht, although the lunch sets are cheaper. There's also a branch at Siam Center.

• Kabuki

  phone: +66 2 129-4351(-6)
  address: 1F, Siam Paragon, 99/1 Rama I Rd
  This Japanese restaurant chain, inspired by Japanese Kabuki theatre themes, was the first of its kind in Bangkok. It is more upmarket than its sister Uta-Andon, but still affordable if compared with luxury Japanese restaurants.

• La Monita Taqueria

  phone: +66 2 650-9581
  address: Mahatun Plaza, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd
  This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Bangkok, especially since Tacos and Salsa closed down. There salsas are delicious, as are the chips. Reservations are recommended as the place is very small and the tables are often booked. Also the tables and seats are small, so expect it to feel cramped although it does help the cozy atmosphere.

• No. 43 Italian Bistro

  phone: +66 2 658-7444
  address: 43 Soi Lang Suan
  A lovely Italian bistro that serves an a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. With quiet white wood floors, black and gold walls, and an illuminated open bar, the items are pleasantly affordable considering the restaurant's elegant ambiance. Quiet and reserved. Also offers great Thai food on request.

• Som Tam Nua

  phone: +66 2 251-4880
  address: 392/14 Siam Square Soi 5
  If Thai food isn't spicy enough or you have yet to sample som tam (raw papaya salad), then try this trendy yet friendly and very Thai restaurant specialising in northeastern Isaan food. For the full-on Isaan experience, order raw mango salad (ตำมะม่วง tam ma-muang), spicy pork salad (ลาบหมู laap muu), grilled chicken (ไก่ย่าง kai yang) and sticky rice (ข้าวเหนียว khao niaw) - which will cost less than 200 baht/head. English menu, two floors of seating. Warning: This is real Isaan food and hence is very spicy.

• Sunrise Tacos

  phone: +66 2 229-4851
  address: 1F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd
  A Mexican grill restaurant with traditional favourites of nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and salads. The meals are fresh and there is 24 hour delivery available.

• Uta-Andon

  phone: +66 2 255-9800
  address: 6F, Isetan, 4/1-4/2 Ratchadamri Rd
  Same ownership as Kabuki, this Japanese restaurant chain has a branch in Isetan. Ambience and decoration are plain and straightforward.

• Wanara Eatery

  phone: +66 2 695-4242
  address: 81 Ruam Ruedi Soi 2
  In Thai, 'wana' means forest, the source of the distinctive ingredients that make up traditional Thai cooking. Combined with western flavours, it serves fusion cuisine.

Splurge

• Gianni

  phone: +66 2 252-1619
  address: 34/1 Soi Ton Son
  One of Bangkok's best and most authentic Italian places. Formal but romantic atmosphere with shared couches, you'll want to dress up a little. The lunch sets cost 270/320 baht, with dinners considerably more.

• Gaggan

  phone: +66 2 652-1700
  address: 68/1 Soi Lang Suan, Phloen Chit Rd
  Opened in 2010 by Gaggan Anand, an Indian chef who wanted to refine Indian dining to the level of French cuisine. And he has succeeded. Gaggan was ranked as the best restaurant in Asia in 2015, 2016 and 2017 by Restaurant magazine. In 2017, it was even ranked as 7th in the entire world. Anand and his restaurant were featured in season 2 of the Netflix documentary series Chef's Table. A session in Gaggan takes three hours with 25 servings. The menu only gives pointers and icons to the servings, thus once served, you'll be surprised by the unique mix of tastes and shapes. Make a reservation at least one month in advance. If you want seats with a view of the kitchen, at least three months in advance.

Coffee

Branches of Starbucks and the more local Black Canyon Coffee can be found in all the malls and even at the largest BTS stations.

• Kaldi

  phone: +66 2 626-0407
  address: 4F, MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Rd
  This popular Japanese coffee chain has a branch at MBK, and is an excellent way to refresh after all the shopping. They have the usual coffee, tea, smoothies, fruit juices and soft drinks, as well as small snacks. Have Wi-Fi.

Bars

Siam Square is not that well known for its nightlife, as shops tend to close about 22:00 and the area gets pretty silent afterwards. Most visitors head off to Sukhumvit or Silom, but Siam Square does have some relaxing bars on offer.
In the winter time (recursively defined in Thailand as "beer garden season"), popular beer gardens pop up in front of CentralWorld, serving up cold beer, hot food and loud Thai pop.

• Brown Sugar

  phone: +66 2 250-1826
  address: 231/19-20 Sarasin Rd
  This place is known as one of Bangkok's better live jazz bars. The food and drinks are passable, but the people come here for the atmosphere, which is lively and relaxed. The interior is really chic, but expect to pay for it. Be careful to check the bill as the waiters are known to mess around with it.

• Hard Rock Cafe

  phone: +66 2 251-0797
  address: 424/3-6 Siam Square Soi 11
  Everyone knows the Hard Rock Cafe, and this is just like the other ones around the globe: rock 'n' roll music all night long, the typical Hard Rock Cafe merchandise and live bands every night. But this is the only one that has a beautiful tuktuk coming out of the exterior.

Nightclubs

There are a couple of after hours clubs in Rong Muang Soi 1, in the backstreets of Siam Square (access via Rong Muang Soi 5, off Rama I Road):

• Concept CM2

  phone: +66 2 209-8888
  address: Novotel Bangkok Bldg, 392/44 Siam Square Soi 6
  One of the few nightclubs in the Siam Square area, CM2 caters to foreigners and Thais alike with live pop and dance performances. It has been around for fourteen years, and in the meantime has become a good addition to the live music scene. There is a large dance floor complemented with trendy lighting.

• Spicy

  address: Rong Muang Soi 1
  A typical (sleazy and grim) "after-hour" club that gets busy after 02:00 and stays open till the early morning. There is a variety of music playing, depending on the DJ, including house and hiphop. Expect a mixed crowd including badly dressed older western men on the prowl, young (mostly male) tourists, prostitutes and katoey. Taxis get commissions, so most know about it and you might get a free ride. If you're still up for more partying after 06:00, continue the night at Swing next-door.

• Swing

  address: Rong Muang Soi 1
  This day club has free entry. It opens at 05:00 and gets quite crowded. Enter through a restaurant, go out the back past the bathrooms and take the lift to the second floor. Along with a bar and dance floor playing loud house music, there's a quieter area with several pool tables. Similar crowd to Spicy.

Accommodation in almost all price ranges can be found within this area. Hotels in the Hualamphong Train Station area are covered in Yaowarat and Phahurat.

Budget

Soi Kasemsan 1

Just at the foot of the National Stadium station, directly across from the stadium itself, is Soi Kasemsan 1, a convenient and quiet lane filled with budget hotels. Most of the guest houses are along the left side of the street as you walk in from Rama I Road. The soi is close to Siam Square, and Jim Thompson's House is only one block away.

• Muangphol Mansion

  phone: +66 2 219-4445
  address: 931/9 Soi Kasemsan 1
  This guest house faces onto Rama I Road, but you have to enter from Soi Kasemsan 1. The ground floor has Internet terminals and a restaurant that is open 24 hours.

• Reno Hotel

  phone: +66 2 215-0026-(7)
  address: 40 Soi Kasemsan 1
  A clean, remodelled hotel that has breakfast included. There is a nice pool in the nothing-fancy patio area. The rooms on the front are dark and a bit noisy. Rooms by the back or pool are very pleasant. The friendly staff provide laundry, checked luggage and a travel desk.

• White Lodge

  phone: +66 2 216-8867
  address: 36/8 Soi Kasemsan 1
  Probably one of the cheapest guest houses in the soi, and suitable for backpackers who just need a cheap room and no frills. It is clean though, and the rooms are fairly large in size. Also the staff are welcoming.

Mid-range

• A-One Inn

  phone: +66 2 215-3029
  address: 25/13 Soi Kasemsan 1
  A decent guest house that is quite popular among backpackers that can afford a little more. A-One has a luggage room and Wi-Fi access for anyone toting their laptop (24 hours of access costs 100 baht for guests and 150 baht for walk-ins). The rooms are functional, if less than inspiring.

• Bangkok City Inn

  phone: +66 2 253-5373
  address: 43/5 Phetchaburi Soi 30
  A decent two-star hotel with air-conditioning, 24 hour reception and cable TV, but it lacks any internet service. The rooms are a little small and kind of dusty with old furniture. Also, some rooms barely have any view as the rooms face to a large building wall beside it. But the best is its location near Ratchaprasong. Breakfast is included.

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +66 2 656-1555
  address: 971 Phloen Chit Rd
  Contemporary Thai style, and surprisingly swanky for a Holiday Inn. It has a small but sufficient gym and pool.

• Patumwan House

  phone: +66 2 612-3580(-99)
  address: 22 Soi Kasemsan 1
  This is mainly a residential apartment building with some studios or one-bedrooms for rent. There is a security card entry and elevator. It is definitely not a backpacker place.

• Wendy House

  phone: +66 2 214-1149
  address: 36/2 Soi Kasemsan 1
  This hotel is very popular and seems to fill up quickly. International phones, phone cards and Internet are available in the lobby. The PCs are configured for English, Swedish and Japanese. Breakfast is included.

Splurge

• Grand Hyatt Erawan

  phone: +66 2 254-1234
  address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd
  A five-star hotel at five-star prices. If you are visiting the Erawan Shrine on the corner, you could take a look at the hotel. The lobby is very impressive. Spassos, a popular upscale lounge bar is located in the lower level. If there's more than one person per room, it is worth the extra 1,000 baht per night for the "club room" as you end up with a better concierge and free breakfast.

• InterContinental Hotel

  phone: +66 2 656-0444
  address: 973 Phloen Chit Rd
  The lobby of this hotel is among the most extravagant in Bangkok. Central location and all the facilities you'd expect at a hotel of this type.

• Novotel

  phone: +66 2 209-8888
  address: 392/44 Siam Square Soi 6
  Novotel is a five-star hotel with 423 rooms and suites in the centre of Bangkok, conveniently next to the Siam stop on the BTS allowing for quick access to many destinations. As a five star-hotel, you can expect high comfort and a wide range of services and facilities, including room service and a pool. Wi-Fi available.

• Tenface

  phone: +66 2 695-4242
  address: 81 Ruam Ruedi Soi 2
  A boutique hotel and serviced residence in Bangkok. The high-designed concept of Tenface is inspired by the 10-faced giant of the greatest epic Ramayana.

• Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

  phone: +66 2 126 8866
  address: 155 Rajadamri Road
  Equipped with 354 rooms and suites , the hotel offers complimentary smart phones for guests. And Kasara Executive Lounge is pretty famous among business travelers.

• Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok Serviced Suites

  phone: +66 2 264 6464
  address: 3 Soi Mahardlekluang 3, Rajdamri Road Lumpinee, Pathumwan
  97 01 and 02 bedroom suites, A short walk away from Lumpini Park. offers an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk , free WiFi and fitness center.

• True Urban Park

  phone: +66 2 610-8888
  address: 3F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd
  Built by communication conglomerate TRUE at a cost of 30 million baht, this is not just an internet café, but a hip "lifestyle experience" that is also a flower shop and bookstore. It is complete with funky chairs, iPod listening stations, sonic bubbles hanging over your head and a live DJ playing. Try the iced café mocha.

• UCC Cafe City 21

  phone: +66 2 658-1716
  address: 1F, Siam Center, 989 Rama I Rd
  Easily accessible at the ground floor of the Siam Center, this trendy and open café has free internet terminals available. On the menu are different varieties of coffee (including Japanese coffee) and deserts.

• Pratunam is 600 metres north of Ratchaprasong intersection with plenty of shopping centres, malls and markets.
• The shopping spree also continues east, when Phloen Chit Road changes its name into Sukhumvit Road.