Bangkok's Silom &Sathorn Area: Things to See & Do

Overview of Bangkok's Silom & Sathorn Area

The area between the roads of Silom and Sathorn is the closest Bangkok gets to Wall Street, with glistening skyscrapers all boasting the names of financial institutions. After nightfall the character of the place changes considerably though: the small sois between Silom and Surawong come alive with people out for a good time, including the infamous short little alley of Patpong.

What to see in Bangkok's Silom Sathorn Area

Tourist sights are rather rare on the ground in the Silom/Sathorn district.

 Catch a Thai kickboxing (Muay Thai) match at Lumphini Stadium (Rama IV Road; Subway Lumphini). Matches start at 18.30 on Tuesday and Friday and 16.30 and 20.30 on Saturday, seats are 1500 baht for 2nd class and 2000 baht for 1st class (there is said to be a 3rd class too, but it was not available when I visited; someone should confirm this). Take note that thes are “foreigner prices” charged of tourists and not of the local population.

 The Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre Company has performances each night from 19.30-20.45 in their theatre located in the midst of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Subway Lumphini). Admission is 300 baht for a regular seat and a little more for a V.I.P. seat, but there is not much difference between the two, and you can get a regular seat in the front if you buy your ticket early. The show is in Thai with translations into English, and there is a segment where the puppets interact with audience members that is popular with children.

The gay bars and discos of Silom soi 2 and Silom soi 4.

Street and Night Markets in Bangkok's Silom Sathorn Area

The Patpong Night Market features all the usual Asian knock-offs and assorted tourist goods. Prices are considerably inflated compared to most any other market and shopping areas and isn't really recommended, as it will take you a half an hour just to bargain down that 500 baht T-shirt to the 50-100 baht it would cost you elsewhere.

 The new Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Subway Lumphini) is a less chaotic option offering much the same fare and then some, including a lot of artsy pieces that might actually look good back home. The quality of goods and displays are generally higher than Chatuchak Weekend Market, but so are the prices. However, the stalls are modern, thoroughfares are wider, and there are many good dining options here. A money changer and ATM is located right in the middle of the market area, but it closes two hours earlier than the rest of the market does. The bazaar is open nightly until midnight.

 Klong Toey Market: Klong Toey (just south of Queen Sirikit Convention Center MRT). A huge and surprisingly centrally located definitely off the tourist trail: the stalls sell goods for Thais, at Thai prices. Open 24 hours, but best experienced in the early hours of the evening.

 Silom Village:Silom 21/1. A Touristy theme market, but still a good place to look for handbags and furniture. Be mindful that many items are fakes.

 DJ Station,: at the end of Silom Soi 2 (just beside Sala Daeng BTS). The most famous gay nightclub in Bangkok and busy almost every night, starting with a reasonable Ladyboy show at 11.30pm. Admission is between 100-200 baht which includes one or two drinks.

 GOD Club: Short for Guyz on Display. Usually open until the early hours.

 Home: Silom Soi 4. Home is another famed hip-hop bar spread over three floors, yet somewhat small. For a first time visit or once-in-a-while visitor, this place is a good find. However, if you go there too often, you may find their repertoire of songs somewhat repetitive. Cocktails are not remarkably special and prices are about average for the area. People who come here are typically in their 20's. Comfy seats downstairs as well as on the third floor. Or take a seat outside, where tables make a good spot for people watching.

 Speed: 80 Silom Soi 4. Put Speed on the top of your list if hip-hop is your scene; this is where you come to witness young Thais in baggy clothes getting down with 50 Cent and his ilk. Several floors but the ground floor is where the action is.

 Tapas: 114/17 Silom Soi 4. On your left immediately as you enter the soi, this is more of a groovy club than a Spanish snack joint, with two stylishly decorated floors and a people-watching terrace.