Silom district guide
Bangkok is quickly becoming one of the hottest, literally and figuratively, cities in Asia to put down your roots. Its wide variety of neighbourhoods caters to a plethora of different lifestyles and interests.
Silom district, a.k.a. the “Wall Street” of Thailand, is among the most popular neighbourhoods in the city. Making your home here means that you’ll be in a sea of skyscrapers, some of which look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi film. Despite being mainly a business area, a beaucoup of entertainment also lines the roads, with many establishments being a hit to the LGBTQ+ community.
For those looking to settle down in Silom, here’s a comprehensive overview of the neighbourhood from the cost of living to an array of things to do in Silom for you to dive into whenever you see fit.
Contents
– Where and why to live in Silom district –
Sitting in between Charoen Krung Road and Rama IV Road, Silom district has transformed into a major financial centre over the years, conquering two themes of “work hard” during the day and “play hard” throughout the night.
Not only is it a popular residential nook for the locals, but a lot of expats working in the capital also find it to be the living space of their choice.
Image credit: Thailand-Property
Among the forest of towering office buildings are condos that range from humble studios with monthly rents of ฿9,500 to luxurious three-bedroom units that’ll cost you ฿180,000 per month. You can find many of these listings online on sites like DDProperty, but you could also contact the juristic of these condos who may get you in touch with people who’ll rent the units out to you.
Skywalk at BTS Chong Nonsi on Silom Line
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
It all depends on your budget, but we highly recommend getting a condo that is located within walking distance of either BTS Sala Daeng or MRT Silom. Those will be your primary hubs for transportation around the city, especially because of the heavy traffic in the area. It also helps that many offices will often be located within close proximity of these stations.
You could also look for units near BTS Chong Nonsi, BTS Ratchadamri, as well as MRT Samyan as well since those are also located nearby.
Being so close to the heart of the city, it’s very convenient to get to plenty of hotspots around Bangkok from the Silom area. In fact, some of the most popular weekend hangout destinations for locals are Siam and Charoen Krung, which are only a couple of stations away at most meaning that you’ll be cutting transport costs.
– Where to find practical necessities –
We’ve already talked about one of the most important necessities for living in Bangkok – transportation. However, Silom is more than just a convenient hub for work and travel, it also houses good-quality schools and hospitals, among many other necessities.
Schools for your children
Whether you’re coming to Bangkok with a family or starting one here, there are a couple of options for schools within the Silom area so you don’t have to go far to get quality education for your kids.
Sprouts Kindergarten & Preschool
Image credit: @sprouts_kindergarten via Instagram
Located in a soi near theCOMMONS Sala Daeng is a humble kindergarten with a small, but tight-knit team called Sprouts Kindergarten & Preschool. The small kindergarten is bilingual and has a very attractive ratio of a maximum of a mere 4 children to 1 instructor, ensuring very personalized care.
Not only that, their food is also cooked fresh daily in their kitchen, so it’s always healthy. They have monthly plans that range from ฿12,900 to ฿29,900. You can check out the full details and join their waiting list here.
Address: 25/6 Sala Daeng Soi 1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 8am-3.30pm, closed weekends
Contact: +66 8 0895 1111 | Google Maps
St. Andrew’s International School Sathorn
Image credit: @bag.clean via Instagram
For slightly older kids, there’s St. Andrew’s International School Sathorn. It’s a primary school for kids aged 2-11 which offers a British curriculum.
The school also offers plenty of extracurricular activities for a more holistic approach to education and child development. They also offer seamless transition to secondary schools in the form of their sister campuses around Bangkok.
The annual tuition for primary school students is ฿635,330. You can view more details on their website here.
Address: 9 Sathorn Soi, 4 N Sathon Rd, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 7.30am-4.30pm, closed weekends
Contact: +66 2632 1995 | Google Maps
St. Joseph Convent School
Image credit: @opal_chatiya via Instagram
But if you’re looking for a significantly cheaper option for schools, the nearby St. Joseph Convent School has an English program. This is one of Bangkok’s most popular and well-known schools.
Their annual tuition fee is around ฿70,000 for their regular program and ฿250,000 for their English program.
Address: 7 Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 8am-3pm, closed weekends
Contact: +66 2233 3832 | Google Maps
Hospitals in Silom district
Silom is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in Bangkok. You’ll have plenty of options here ranging from luxurious international hospitals that draw in medical tourists to specialized facilities for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
BNH Hospital
BNH Hospital also provides services in English
Image credit: tvpoolonline.com
Whilst searching for the best hospitals in Bangkok, BNH Hospital will def be one to appear on the top of many lists. Originally built as a nursing home, BNH Hospital has now become an international medical centre renowned for its top-notch customer service.
It provides all types of medical care with the latest technology, and is a favourite among expatriates.
Address: 9/1 Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Contact: +66-2-022-0700 | Google Maps
Bangkok Christian Hospital
Bangkok Christian Hospital is one of the more affordable private hospitals in the city. Since opening in 1949, the hospital has offered a wide range of treatments, including general illnesses like common colds. They also have specialised departments from obstetrics and gynaecology to radiology and psychiatry for adults.
The hospital has English-speaking staff and also specialises in cancer treatments and oncology
Image credit: Wikipedia
Those with sleeping problems can also visit its EEG & Sleep Lab, which is one of the hospital’s more famous departments.
Address: 124 Si Lom, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Contact: +66-2-625-9000 | Google Maps
PULSE
Founded right here in Silom and known for specialty services among LGBTQ+ circles, Pulse is a private clinic open to help the entire community with many services relating to sexual health.
Their mission is to encourage people to embrace their sexual lifestyle and well-being, while also educating the community about safe sex practices to reduce the spread of STDs like HIV.
Image credit: pulseclinic.business.site
Pulse currently has four branches in Bangkok. The clinic also has outlets spread across other Asian countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Address: 60, 4 Si Lom, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-652-5097 | Google Maps
The Klinique
Thai actress, Aum Patchrapa, using the clinic’s service
Image credit: @aum_patchrapa via Instagram
Among the top beauty clinics in Thailand is The Klinique, which has several branches including one at Silom Central Complex. It’s a popular choice for many Thai celebrities, with treatments ranging from face lifting via High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology to liposuction.
Address: Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-632-0133| Google Maps
– Where to shop –
It’s not exactly Phrom Phong, Asok, or Siam, but Silom district has its fair share of malls and hidden gems that will help you dive into Thailand’s vibrant culinary scene.
Central Silom Complex
Image credit: Thai to Siam
The most popular shopping mall in the area would be Central Silom Complex. Not only is it the gathering place of all the famous restaurants and cafes in the city – like Momo Paradise and Rapl’s famous apple pies – it’s also a one-stop shopping place with brands like Muji and Swarovski, as well as drug stores and a large supermarket.
Food vendors can be found on most floors
Image credit: @f_chanikan24 via Instagram
Within the complex, you can also find many food vendors selling Thai street food as well as popular boba shops like KOI Thé.
Address: Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-231-3333 | Google Maps
Central Silom Tower
Even though Central Silom Tower is technically an office building, its bottom floors serve as a shopping mall with restaurants and coffee shops like Café Amazon, as well as stores like Komonoya, which sells everything at one price.
Image credit: Oriental Studio
The tower is a popular go-to place for both locals and tourists who want to find a less crowded place to laze in. It’s also a great place to do a supermarket run, having one of Thailand’s biggest grocery chains, Tops Market.
Address: Si Lom, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-101-8712 | Google Maps
Samyan Mitrtown
Samyan Mitrtown is one of the new shopping malls in Bangkok and has become the place for casual meet-ups among the younger crowd. One of its perks is having an area that’s open for 24 hours, which includes a Big C supermarket, a free co-working space, as well as a Starbucks outlet for you to cozy up in until dawn.
You can find a free working spot here at the mall’s co-working space.
Image credit: The Cloud
The mall also offers many international restaurants like Taco Bell and Ya Kun Kaya Toast, as well as a collection of lifestyle stores such as Muji.
Address: 197/2 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Contact: +66-2-033-8900 | Google Maps
MBK Center
Although not technically in Silom, MBK Center is just a 5-minute car ride away from Central Silom Complex. The place is filled with floors of cheap goodies – from clothes, and beauty products to second-hand electronics. It’s an ultimate shopping destination that’s also filled with popular restaurant chains and cafes for shoppers to chill in during their spending break.
You can buy the latest iPhone for half the original price here
Image credit: MBK Center
You can also find all sorts of entertainment here such as a game arcade and even a cafe-movie theatre hybrid.
MBK Center will no doubt be one of the perks if you decide to live in Silom neighbourhood.
Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Contact: +66-2-853-9000 | Google Maps
– Where to eat –
Surrounded by office buildings with mob-like crowds flowing out at lunchtime, it’s no surprise why Silom district is full of delectable hawkers with famous and affordable dishes, like Hainanese chicken rice and zesty Tom Yum noodles. You can check out our full dive into Silom Street Food here.
In recent years, Silom has also taken up a name in Thailand’s fine dining scene with a growing number of restaurants offering nouvelle cuisine.
Nai Meng (นายเม้งบะหมี่ปู)
Nai Meng is among the recommended street food shops to visit in Silom, famous for its egg noodles that come with crispy pork belly, slices of smoky BBQ pork, shiitake mushrooms, and most importantly, shrimp wontons. It also only costs ฿79 (~$USD2.50) per bowl. It’s best to visit the shop outside of lunch hours, as office workers fill in to fuel up for the afternoon.
Address: 183 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 9.30am-9pm, Monday-Thursday; 9am-11pm, Friday; 10am-11pm, Saturday; 10am-9.30pm, Sunday
Contact: +66 9 9363 5462 | Google Maps
Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE
Signature braised beef rice bowl by Yih Sahp Luhk
Image credit: @takeawayonly.bkk via Instagram
Thai Taste Hub Mahanakhon CUBE is a food hub located in the King Power Mahanakorn building. It’s composed of many legendary and Michelin-recommended restaurants, such as Pad Thai Fai Talu and Yih Sahp Luhk, in a futuristic environment.
The Thai Taste Hub is an ideal food court for those looking to try Bangkok’s most famous restaurants without having to brave the heat and humidity.
With that said, patrons are set to be overwhelmed with deliciousness guaranteed in every dish you taste here.
Image credit: The Pink Lookbook
What you may not know is that King Power Mahanakhon is also the second tallest building in Thailand, with a skywalk often visited by both locals and tourists to take a shot for the ‘gram.
Address: 96 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 10am-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-677-8721 | Google Maps
Aesop’s
The Happy Greek Set at Aesop’s restaurant
Image credit: BKKMENU
Aesop’s is the latest addition to the list of unique restaurants to visit in Bangkok. Even though the eatery was first opened in Australia, it offers a wide selection of authentic Greek dishes from Spanakopita – a spinach pie – to pita bread dipped in sauces like Melitzanosalata, which is a classic Greek eggplant-based sauce.
Image credit: @aesopsbkk via Instagram
The highlight of the restaurant, however, is that at the end of every evening diners get to smash plates on the floor while yelling “Opa!”, which is a tradition common in Greek celebrations.
Address: 120 Sala Daeng 1/1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 5pm-9pm, Weekdays; 12pm-9pm, Weekends
Contact: +66-6-2-567-7751 | Google Maps
Eat Me
Favourite dishes from Eat Me
Image credit: @uni_bonbon via Instagram
Eat Me is one of the fine dining restaurants in the Silom district worth mentioning. Open for over two decades, the restaurant has never been one to run low on unique dishes, offering the best tastes with the best ingredients.
The restaurant is as IG worthy as the way their dishes look
Image credit: @vivipoon via Instagram
It is popular with both locals and foreigners, with a likable feature of having both an exterior and interior dining area, perfect for any ambiance.
Address: 1/6 Soi Phiphat 2, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 5pm-12am, Sun-Thurs; 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat
Contact: +66-2-238-0931 | Google Maps
Tapas Cafe
Image credit: @tinyyygirl via Instagram
Tapas Cafe, also known as Pride Bar and Restaurant, is a casual joint that offers authentic Spanish food from tapas bites to giant plates of paella. Here, diners get to enjoy their meal while listening to salsa and timba beats in a modern space.
The restaurant has become a favourite to both locals and expats who pop by just for a fun treat.
Address: Silom Soi 4, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 1pm-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-632-9955 | Google Maps
Fork & Cork by Sphinx
The bartenders at Fork & Cork are friendly and will be up for a chat
Image credit: @hse_che_hao via Instagram
Fork & Cork by Sphinx is an LGBTQ+ establishment in Silom. It is a more affordable choice of a bar and restaurant that presents a wide range of cuisines including Pad Thai, roast chicken, or beef cordon bleu. It’s a cosy eatery just a soi away from Patpong with many tasty drinks like margaritas and house wine.
Address: Silom Soi 4, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 6pm-2am, Daily
Contact: +66-2-234-7249 | Google Maps
– Things to do in Silom district –
Silom district is one neighbourhood that has a vibrant night scene with most entertainment venues scattered in one of Bangkok’s oldest red-light districts, Soi Patpong. It’s widely seen as an LGBTQ+ hotspot – many bars and clubs in the area often feature drag shows, plus a few other highlights.
The area also offers high-end hotels with rooftop bars standing high up in the sky for those looking for a quieter and more exclusive experience. These establishments offer fancy cocktail lists with a grand view of the city.
Here are just a couple of selections of things to do in Silom.
Nightlife
As mentioned above, Silom district is Wall Street by day, but Vegas by night.
Here are just a few spots that have made Silom famous worldwide.
Patpong Night Market
Image credit: @urasam13ortsac via Instagram
When compared to other night markets in Bangkok, Patpong Night Market is one that caters towards foreign tourists. It’s one of those Thai-style night markets that offer many sweet bargains from T-shirts with elephants to crafty souvenirs amidst the go-go bars in Soi Patpong.
Address: 1 Patpong Rd, Suriyawong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 5pm-12am, Daily
Google Maps
Maggie Choo’s
What was once a vault of the East India Company Bank is now a joint full of mystery and romance
Image credit: Destinasian
Step down into Maggie Choo’s underground space and you’ll find yourself in a glam speakeasy, reminiscent of old Shanghai. It is a cabaret with live music and burlesque shows that are said to dig deep into your soul.
Image credit: @omadiva via Instagram
The bar also offers a comprehensive drink menu and is a major hotspot among locals and expats.
Address: Fenix Novotel 320 Silom Rd, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 7.30pm-12am, Thurs-Sat
Contact: +66-9-1-772-2144 | Google Maps
The Stranger Bar and Lounge
The Stranger Bar and Lounge is one of the most famous drag bars in Thailand and is often visited by tourists
Images adapted from: @iamgiselerafael via Instagram (Left), @angeleanang via Instagram (Right)
The Stranger Bar and Lounge was voted as the gay bar of the year in 2016 and 2017 and is often crowded with LGBTQ+ locals and foreigners. Run by an Irish man, Mr. Sean Lestrange, and a Thai drag queen, Miss M Stranger Fox, the highlights of this eccentric bar are the series of drag performances.
They also have what is perhaps the naughtiest cocktail list in the city, with drink names like “Sperm” and “Stranger Slut”.
Address: 114, 14 Silom 4 Alley, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 5.30pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: +66-2-632-9425 | Google Maps
DJ Station
DJ Station’s cabaret show
Image credit: DJ Station via Facebook
DJ Station, the epitome of an international gay club, is right here in the “city of angels” and seems to always be filled up to the brim on the weekends. The crowd here is a playful mix of locals, expats, and tourists who all celebrate one thing in common – pride.
Tourists posing with the funky decorations in the club
Image credit: @tijnbeeren via Instagram
Despite the weary setup, the club is still a favourite to many, often playing house remixes of ballads by major pop divas.
The dance floor is further jushed up by the entertaining multimedia projected onto screens behind it.
Address: 11 Soi Si Lom 2/1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 9pm-1am, Daily
Contact: +66-2-266-4029 | Google Maps
Sky Bar at Lebua
Lebua’s Sky Bar is an open-air bar sitting high up in State Tower – one of the tallest buildings in Silom. It offers drinks with prices parallel to its setting, with a Signature cocktail called “The Hangovertini” to honor the establishment’s appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Hangover II.
The best time to arrive is just before the sun sets
Image credit: @anneraussi via Instagram
The highlight, however, is its grand view of Chao Phraya River as well as the city at night, which is hands down the perfect spot for a fancy celebration.
Opening Hours: 5PM-11PM, Daily
Address: 1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Contact: +66-2-624-9555 | Google Maps
Day-time attractions
Though more well-known for its many night attractions, Silom district also has its fair share of quieter activities for you to enjoy. There are many places for you to do a little exploring or enjoy some time with your loved ones.
Lumphini Park
Image credit: Jeban
Sitting adjacent to “Wall Street” is Thailand’s very own “Central Park”, a.k.a. Lumphini Park. Being in the middle of Bangkok’s busy streets, it’s often renowned as the city’s oasis, offering a large green space for residents to stop by after work. Activities in the park range from running, cycling, and outdoor aerobics to simply sitting with a book by the lake.
Address: Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 4.30am-9pm, Daily
Google Maps
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Image credit: @jjamie_s via Instagram
Thailand is known to be home to several temples including ones that are inspired by its neighbouring countries. Among them is Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, which is a Hindu temple right here in Silom that has been admired for its beautiful architecture characterised by intricate design and colours.
It was built by Tamil immigrants who arrived in the 1860s and is dedicated to a Hindu goddess “Mariamman”.
Address: 2 Pan Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 6am-8pm, Weekdays; 6am-8pm, Weekends
Contact: +66-2-233-7027 | Google Maps
Bangkokian Museum
A tourist participating in a drawing workshop at the museum
Image credit: @pam_atcha via Instagram
Bangkokian Museum, also known as “Bangkok Folk Museum”, looks just like a residence house on the outside, but it’s in fact a homey museum filled with Thai history, as well as decorations dating back to the Rattanakosin period, which lasted from the late 18th-century to early 20th-century.
For those looking to learn about Thai culture in a more serene environment than bustling convention centres, this is the place for you.
Address: 273 Saphan Yao Alley, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm, Tues-Sun
Contact: +66-2-233-7027 | Google Maps
The eclectic neighbourhood of Silom district
With decades of history behind its construction, Silom district is one eclectic neighbourhood with many distinctive establishments hidden within its sois. Despite its “suit and tie” image, it’s a striking balance of internationality and locality and a haven for people of all genders and identities. With so many things to do in Silom and how convenient it is, it’s easy to look past its higher cost of living compared to other spots in Bangkok.
Whilst Silom is unquestionably one of the top choices of places to live in Bangkok, there are other neighbourhoods with as many offerings and twists of their own.
For other guides on settling in Thailand, check out our insider guide to living in Bangkok, how to become a permanent resident, or how to buy a condo as a foreigner.
Cover images adapted from: Jeban (Bottom Left), Maggie Choo’s via Facebook (Bottom Right)
Article originally published by Nune Praewalin on 30 June 2021. Last updated by buranond on 18 January 2024.
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