What to do in Siam Area?
The best things to do in Siam aren’t limited to the district’s 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 Siam’s glass-and-steel structures, so you can easily experience the local culture during your visit to Bangkok.
1. 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 kids’ 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.
Address: 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam and Chitlom: 500 m
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 02 640 7000
Opening date: 1990
Size: 830,000 m2
2. Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok’s vibrant Siam area. Covering an area of over 500,000 sq m, it’s 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.
Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 50 m
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 02 690 1000
Floors: 10
Retail surface: 495,000 m2
Built: December 2005
3. Siam Square
Siam Square is a vibrant shopping district that’s widely known for its trendy fashion boutiques, various eateries, and vibrant street culture. It’s divided into interconnected streets and lanes, forming a labyrinth of local independent boutiques and international fashion brands. Beyond fashion, you’ll 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 it’s 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 that’s connected to the Siam BTS Skytrain station and Siam Paragon Mall.
Address: 1 Siam Square Soi 7, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 150 m
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
4. MBK
The MBK Center is a budget mall dating back to 1985. Part of the ‘shopping mile’ 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 MBK Center 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.
Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: National Stadium: 150 m
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 1285
Built: 1985
Floors: 7
5. Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is a prominent Hindu shrine near the Siam district of Bangkok It sits at the busy intersection of Ratchaprasong, serving 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 – 10 pm
6. 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.
Address: 999 99 Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 450 m
Open: 5 pm – 1 am
Phone: 02 100 1234
Floor: 55th floor
Price: High
Dress code: Smart casual
7. 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 Thompson’s 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.
Address: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: National Stadium: 340 m
Open: 10 am – 5 pm
Phone: 02 216 7368
Price: 200 Baht
8. BACC Exhibition Hall
The Bangkok Art and Culture Center (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.
Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 120 m
Open: 10 am – 8 pm (Closed Monday)
Phone: 02 214 6630
Price: Free
9. 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.
Address: Floor B1 – B2, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 120 m
Open: 10 am – 8 pm
Phone: 02 687 2000
Price: 800 – 1000 Baht
10. KidZania
KidZania Bangkok appeals to children with its realistic and immersive learning experiences. This educational theme park is located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, a luxury shopping mall in central Bangkok. It’s designed like a miniature city where kids can role-play and engage in real-world activities.
It hosts several establishments, including hospitals, banks, fire stations, and supermarkets. Children get to step into the shoes of professionals and experience the roles associated with various careers. Costumes and props are provided, with professional staff facilitating a fun and educational experience for your little ones.
Address: Floor 5, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 270 m
Open: 7 am – 7 pm
11. Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawiha is a tranquil Buddhist temple in Siam, between 2 of the area’s 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 Wanaram’s 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.
Address: 969 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Closest BTS Station: Siam: 300 m
Open: 6 am – 8 pm
Phone: 02 251 6469
Price: Free
Map of Bangkok Siam Area
Where to Stay in the Siam Area?