Staying in Silom and Sathorn, Bangkok
Bangkok's business district by day and food and nightlife hub by night. Who Silom and Sathorn suit, transport links and hotel tips.
Silom and Sathorn form Bangkok’s main business district, running from Lumphini Park down to the Chao Phraya River. During the day the area is full of office workers; in the evening its street food, rooftop bars and night markets take over.
What the area is like
- Silom Road is lined with offices, hotels, banks and restaurants. Its side streets include Patpong, with its night market and bars, and Soi Convent and Soi Sala Daeng, known for food.
- Sathorn Road is broader and quieter, with embassies, luxury hotels and modern towers, including the Mahanakhon building with its observation deck.
- Lumphini Park, at the northern end, is the city’s best-known green space, with a lake, running track and outdoor gym.
- The river end of Silom and Sathorn, around Saphan Taksin and Charoen Krung, connects with the riverside hotels and the boat network.
Who it suits
Silom and Sathorn are central and practical, good for business travellers, food lovers and first-time visitors who want a mix of convenience and atmosphere. It is easier than Sukhumvit for reaching the river and the old town.
Getting around
The BTS Silom line runs along Silom Road and down to Saphan Taksin, where you can change to the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The MRT Blue Line stops at Silom and Lumphini. Sala Daeng (BTS) and Silom (MRT) are linked by a walkway.
Hotel tips
Hotels range from business-class towers to boutique stays in the side sois. If you want river views, look at properties near Saphan Taksin and Charoen Krung. For quieter nights, choose Sathorn over central Silom.