What to Do in Siam Area?
The best things to do in Siam arenโt limited to the districtโs vibrant shopping complexes. While mostly known as a bustling shopping destination, Siam also serves as an entertainment district in Bangkok. You can find plenty of outdoor spaces, art galleries, and cultural centres hosting live performances, music concerts, and festivals.
Situated in the heart of the city, Siam is a central hub that caters to both locals and tourists, offering a diverse range of experiences. Ornate shrines and Buddhist temples are within walking distance of Siamโs glass-and-steel structures, so you can easily experience the local culture during your visit to Bangkok.
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is one of the largest shopping malls in Thailand. The complex is divided into several zones, each hosting a vast array of retail shops that include both international and local brands. From fashion boutiques to gadget stores, you can enjoy an extensive range of shopping options during your visit.
Aside from shopping, CentralWorld is also home to many entertainment facilities. Catch the latest films at its onsite cinema, enjoy a traditional Thai massage, or let your little ones engage in fun activities at a dedicated kidsโ zone. There are also several event spaces and exhibition halls where large-scale events, concerts, and art exhibitions take place regularly. The expansive outdoor area, known as the Square, frequently hosts food markets, music performances and annual festivals.
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a luxury shopping mall in Bangkokโs vibrant Siam area. Covering an area of over 500,000 sq m, itโs considered one of the largest and most prestigious shopping destinations in Southeast Asia. From luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel to Zara and H&M, this mall caters to mostly mid-range and high-end fashion lovers.
Siam Paragon also hosts notable jewellers, accessories, beauty products, and lifestyle stores. Its luxury department store, Paragon Department Store, spans multiple floors, offering an extensive collection of designer brands and exclusive products. The highest level of Siam Paragon hosts a multi-screen cineplex, including IMAX theatres, a bowling alley, and an exhibition hall.
Siam Square
Siam Square is a vibrant shopping district thatโs widely known for its trendy fashion boutiques, various eateries, and vibrant street culture. Itโs divided into interconnected streets and lanes, forming a labyrinth of local independent boutiques and international fashion brands. Beyond fashion, youโll find various art galleries and studios showcasing contemporary works, street art, and innovative design pieces.
This area has plenty of dining options, from unique cafes and dessert shops to food stalls and international restaurants. As itโs relatively close to Chulalongkorn University, Siam Square has a rather youthful vibe, with students performing on the streets on most evenings. It can easily be reached with a skywalk thatโs connected to the Siam BTS Skytrain station and Siam Paragon Mall.
MBK
The MBK Centre is a budget mall dating back to 1985. Part of the โshopping mileโ of Siam, it hosts around 2,000 shops and stalls offering affordable goods. You can find a supermarket, a cinema, a food court, and even a branch of Don Don Donki (a Japanese discount store chain).
The outdoor space of the MBK Centre regularly hosts special events, street food markets, and bazaars. A must-see is the MBK Fight Night, where you can catch real Muay Thai fights for free. While neighbouring malls like Siam Discovery and Siam Center attract relatively upmarket shoppers, MBK has always kept the budget-conscious clientele in mind.
Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is a prominent Hindu shrine near the Siam district of Bangkok. It sits at the busy intersection of Ratchaprasong and serves as a spiritual landmark in a bustling urban landscape. Visitors from all walks of life visit the Erawan Shrine to make offerings, seek blessings, and enjoy traditional dance performances. The atmosphere is often filled with the melodious sounds of traditional Thai music.
The shrine is adorned with intricate and vibrant religious iconography. Its centrepiece is a four-faced golden statue of Lord Brahma, representing the 4 aspects of his divine power. Flower garlands, incense, offerings, and devotional items left by worshippers surround the central deity.
Address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Chitlom: 270 m
Open: 6 am โ 10 pm
Red Sky Rooftop
Red Sky Rooftop is perched on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. This upmarket bar and restaurant is great for enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape. Its star attraction is the expansive and circular outdoor terrace, which is furnished with plush sofas and intimate dining tables. As the sun sets, the city lights up to create a rather romantic atmosphere for diners.
You can still enjoy a great view of Bangkok on rainy days, thanks to a well-decorated indoor room with large windows. The rooftop bar serves an impressive selection of cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits, while the restaurant specialises in indulgent dishes like prime steaks and imported seafood.
CRU Champagne Rooftop
CRU Champagne Bar is one of Bangkokโs most exclusive rooftop bars right now (pronounce it โcruโ, not C.R.U), meaning a vineyard of recognised quality in France. The location is well-known since it is just 3 floors above Red Sky Bar on the 55th Floor of CentralWorld Shopping Mall.
CRU Rooftop wants to be the place for the Hi-So and Bangkok Elite people, serving mostly Champagne and selected grand crus. The 360ห view from up there is simply superb. Note that CRU is not part of the Red Sky Rooftop below, and there is a cover charge to go up there (apparently, a lot of people tried)
Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a unique Bangkok museum that serves as a tribute to the American entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who played a significant role in revitalising the Thai silk industry. The house stands as a testament to Thompsonโs passion for art, architecture, and Thai craftsmanship.
The complex comprises several traditional Thai-style teakwood houses surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The architecture reflects a blend of traditional Thai design elements and Western influences of the mid-20th century. You can check out elegant wooden carvings, antique ceramics, and intricate details that showcase the craftsmanship of Thai artisans.
Banthat Thong Road
Banthat Thong Road is the place to be if you are looking for a trendy and lively neighbourhood filled with delicious street food and restaurants. It is located between Hua Lamphong station and Siam. The street has grown to be one of Bangkokโs trendiest places. Its vintage townhouse-style buildings mixed with modern interior and exterior designs of each shop give the feeling of liveliness yet still hold some relaxed vibe.
Sealife Aquarium
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is an immersive aquarium at the basement levels of Siam Paragon. This underground centre covers approximately 10,000 sq m, showcasing marine life from various regions of the world. One of its main highlights is the Ocean Tunnel, where you can walk through a transparent tunnel filled with sharks, rays, and fish.
You can explore many themed zones that represent different aquatic environments, enjoy feeding shows, and even take a glass-bottomed boat ride during your visit. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is a great place to learn about marine conservation efforts, the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems, and the behaviours of marine species.
Siam Center
Siam Center, is next to Bangkokโs most popular shopping mall, Siam Paragon. It can certainly compete. It is popular for its artistic shopping and is a place where lifestyle and art meet.
Furthermore, many shops are unique, even some being exclusive. Aside from that, the interiors and exteriors of the shops are special, making this shopping a very stylish destination in Bangkok.
BACC Exhibition Hall
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) Exhibition Hall is a contemporary space that serves as a platform for showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. The gallery spaces are well-lit, with high ceilings and clean lines, creating a sleek space that enhances the overall exhibition experience.
The BACC Exhibition Hall hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions, including visual arts, multimedia installations, and interactive exhibitions. The programming aims to reflect the diversity and dynamism of contemporary art, making it a great place to engage with different artistic movements and expressions.
Paradise Lost Rooftop Bar
Paradise Lost is one of Bangkokโs least known rooftop bars, almost a secret place, a laid-back, colourful rooftop bar with good views and a refreshing atmosphere. Located on the 25th floor of the Siam@Siam Design Hotel, it offers panoramic views overlooking the National Stadium, making it a perfect spot to relax. Conveniently located, itโs just a short walk from MBK and Siam Discovery malls, with the Jim Thompson House museum right around the corner. Despite its prime location, this rooftop remains surprisingly low-key, and thatโs exactly what makes it special.
Stepping into Paradise Lost feels like entering a tropical sanctuary. The barโs design features greenery, pastel pink and yellow hues that create an inviting atmosphere. The multi-level layout offers various seating options, from cosy pink sofas facing the National Stadium to elevated yellow-toned areas that provide panoramic 360-degree views of Bangkokโs skyline.
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawiha is a tranquil Buddhist temple in Siam, between 2 of the areaโs most prominent shopping malls. This temple serves as a serene retreat in the middle of an urban landscape, making it a must-visit for those who want to experience Thai Buddhism.
Wat Pathum Wanaramโs temple grounds are filled with lush gardens, statues, and serene pathways, creating a meditative atmosphere. Standout features include a lotus-shaped stupa with a golden spire, an ordination hall displaying ancient craftsmanship, and an open-air pavilion. The temple hosts important Buddhist ceremonies and religious events throughout the year.
Siam Discovery
Siam Discovery is a 7-floor, sophisticated shopping mall located in the Siam area of Bangkok, and it is within walking distance of Siam Paragon and Siam Centre. It is a very nice place to walk around because its design is unique, unlike any other shopping mall in Bangkok.
The interior and exterior were designed by a Japanese company called Nendo, resulting in aesthetically pleasing architecture. Each floor has its theme, or according to Siam Discovery, it is called labs.
Amarin Gaysorn
Amarin Gaysorn is the new name of the former Amarin Plaza, one of the oldest shopping malls in the busy Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok. After a complete renovation by the Gaysorn Group, the mall has been transformed into a modern lifestyle destination with a focus on high-end dining, luxury shopping, and unique experiences. One of the main highlights is LV The Place Bangkok, a large Louis Vuitton concept space featuring a flagship store, an immersive exhibition, a cafรฉ, and a fine-dining restaurant by chef Gaggan Anand.
The most noticeable change is the impressive facade of the building, now fully decorated with the famous Louis Vuitton monogram design. The outside of Amarin Gaysorn is hard to miss, with large shimmering patterns covering the corner of the building and giving the area a new landmark. This update is part of the arrival of LV The Place Bangkok, the latest concept by Louis Vuitton and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Gaysorn Village
Gaysorn Village is a small high-end shopping mall located in the Ratchaprasong District in Bangkok. The mall is just opposite Central World and Gaysorn Amarin. The mall features a wide range of premium brands and services, such as Leica and Bang & Olufsen. With the mall being very small, it is very easy to walk around and find what you want, making it a perfect place to chill.
Visitors will find high-end wellness clinics, premium lines of skincare products, and luxury lifestyle items. Quality and exclusivity are what rule here, with a trend toward bespoke and limited-edition offerings. Dining is also upscale, ranging from gourmet cafes and smart restaurants offering innovative menus, to satisfy those looking for luxurious but casual dining.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok
Madame Tussauds Bangkok is a fun indoor attraction on the 6th floor of Siam Discovery, right in the centre of Bangkokโs shopping district. We visited recently and spent over an hour taking photos with incredibly realistic wax figures of famous people from around the world. Itโs a good break from the heat or the rain, and traffic outside, and surprisingly entertaining, even for adults.
The museum is divided into themed zones. Visitors can walk through at their own pace, pose with the figures, and enjoy a bit of history or movie trivia along the way. There are no barriers, so everyone is encouraged to get close and take fun photos.
Map of Bangkok Siam Area
More About Siam
