Siam Square is the heart of Bangkok’s shopping and entertainment district. It is a vibrant and lively area that offers something for everyone, from fashionistas to foodies, from culture lovers to party goers.
Whether you are looking for a bargain or a splurge, a local delicacy or a global cuisine, a historical attraction or a modern marvel, a relaxing drink or a rocking night out, you will find it all in Siam Square. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to get to Siam Square, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in this amazing place.
How to get to Siam Square
Siam Square is located in the center of Bangkok, and it is very easy to reach by different modes of transportation. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
BTS:
The most convenient and fastest way to get to Siam Square is by taking the BTS Skytrain, which is Bangkok’s elevated metro system. There are two BTS stations that serve Siam Square: Siam and National Stadium. Siam station is the main interchange station for the Sukhumvit and Silom lines, and it is directly connected to several shopping malls, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery. National Stadium station is the terminal station for the Silom line, and it is a short walk away from Siam Square One, MBK Center, and Jim Thompson House. The BTS operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the fare ranges from 16 to 59 baht, depending on the distance.
Bus:
Another option to get to Siam Square is by taking the bus, which is a cheap and convenient way to explore the city. There are many bus routes that pass by Siam Square, such as 15, 25, 29, 34, 47, 48, 54, 73, 79, 141, 204, 501, and 508. The bus fare is usually 8 to 18 baht, depending on the type of bus and the distance. However, the bus can be crowded and slow during peak hours, so it is advisable to avoid taking the bus during rush hours.
Taxi:
If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible way to get to Siam Square, you can take a taxi, which is widely available and easy to hail in Bangkok. The taxi fare is based on the meter, which starts at 35 baht and increases by 2 baht per kilometer. There is also a 50 baht surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport. However, the taxi can be expensive and unreliable during traffic jams, so it is advisable to agree on the fare and the route before getting in the taxi.
Car:
If you have your own car or rent a car, you can also drive to Siam Square, which gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore the city. However, driving in Bangkok can be challenging and stressful, as the traffic is often heavy and chaotic, and the parking is limited and expensive.
There are some parking lots and garages near Siam Square, such as at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and MBK Center, but they can be full and costly, especially during weekends and holidays. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving to Siam Square unless you are familiar with the roads and the rules.
What to do in Siam Square
Siam Square is a paradise for shoppers, diners, and entertainment seekers, as it offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Siam Square:
Shopping:
Siam Square is the ultimate destination for shopping in Bangkok, as it features a variety of shops and products, from high-end brands to independent boutiques, from fashion to electronics, from souvenirs to antiques. Some of the most popular and recommended shopping malls and complexes in Siam Square are:
Siam Square One: This is a new and trendy mall that offers cheap and chic fashion items, as well as Thai and international brands. You can find everything from clothes and accessories to cosmetics and gadgets, as well as a variety of cuisines and desserts. The mall also has a rooftop garden and a cinema.
Siam Center: This is a stylish and modern mall that showcases the latest and coolest trends in fashion, art, and design. You can find some of the most creative and innovative local and international brands, as well as some exclusive and limited-edition products. The mall also has a food court and a cinema.
Siam Paragon: This is a luxurious and glamorous mall that caters to the high-end and sophisticated shoppers. You can find some of the most prestigious and expensive brands, such as Prada, Gucci, and Chanel, as well as some of the finest and fanciest restaurants, such as Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, Nara Thai Cuisine, and La Scala. The mall also has a department store, a supermarket, a cinema, a bowling alley, and an aquarium.
MBK Center: This is a huge and popular mall that offers a bargain and a variety of products, from clothes and accessories to electronics and furniture, from souvenirs and antiques to books and DVDs. You can find everything from brand-name items to knock-off goods, as well as a lot of street vendors and hawkers. The mall also has a food court, a cinema, and a karaoke lounge.
Siam Discovery: This is a chic and sophisticated mall that focuses on lifestyle and innovation. You can find some of the most unique and cutting-edge products, such as gadgets, furniture, and art, as well as some of the most experiential and interactive shops, such as Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and KidZania. The mall also has a gourmet market and a cinema.
Dining:
Siam Square is a heaven for foodies, as it offers a diverse and delicious range of food options, from street food to fine dining, from local delicacies to global cuisines. Some of the most popular and recommended restaurants, cafes, and stalls in Siam Square are:
Som Tam Nua: This is a famous and crowded restaurant that specializes in som tam, which is a spicy and sour green papaya salad, one of the most iconic dishes in Thai cuisine. You can choose from different varieties and levels of spiciness, as well as other dishes, such as grilled chicken, fried pork, and sticky rice. The restaurant is located on the second floor of Siam Square Soi 5, and it is open from 10:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Greyhound Cafe: This is a trendy and cozy cafe that serves a fusion of Thai and Western dishes, such as pad thai, spaghetti, burgers, and salads. You can also enjoy some of the most delicious and creative desserts, such as coconut cake, chocolate banana crepe, and ice cream sandwich. The cafe is located on the ground floor of Siam Center, and it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ban Khun Mae: This is a traditional and elegant restaurant that serves authentic and delicious Thai dishes, such as tom yum, green curry, massaman curry, and mango sticky rice. You can also enjoy some of the most charming and graceful Thai classical dance performances, which are held every evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of Siam Square Soi 8, and it is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
After You Dessert Cafe: This is a popular and sweet cafe that serves some of the most indulgent and irresistible desserts, such as honey toast, brownie, cheesecake, and ice cream. You can also enjoy some of the most refreshing and delightful drinks, such as smoothies, milkshakes, and tea. The cafe is located on the seventh floor of Siam Square One, and it is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Street Food:
If you are looking for a cheap and quick bite, you can also try some of the street food stalls that are scattered around Siam Square, especially along Rama I Road and Phayathai Road. You can find some of the most tasty and varied snacks, such as grilled meat, fried noodles, spring rolls, and crepes, as well as some of the most exotic and adventurous delicacies, such as insects, scorpions, and frogs. The street food stalls are usually open from late afternoon to late night, and the prices are usually 10 to 50 baht per item.
Attractions:
Siam Square is not only a shopping and dining hub, but also a cultural and historical center, as it hosts some of the most interesting and fun attractions in and around the area. Some of the most popular and recommended attractions in and around Siam Square are:
Siam Discovery: As mentioned above, this is a mall that features some of the most experiential and interactive shops, such as Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and KidZania. Madame Tussauds is a wax museum that displays lifelike figures of celebrities, politicians, and historical figures. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a museum that exhibits some of the most bizarre and unbelievable artifacts and stories from around the world. KidZania is a theme park that allows children to role-play various professions and activities in a realistic and fun way. The entrance fee for each shop varies from 300 to 900 baht, depending on the age and the package. The opening hours for each shop are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jim Thompson House: This is a museum that showcases the life and work of Jim Thompson, an American businessman and art collector who revived the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. You can see his beautiful and traditional Thai house, which is made of teak wood and decorated with antiques and artworks from Southeast Asia. You can also see his impressive collection of Thai silk, ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. The entrance fee is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for students, and it includes a guided tour. The opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Erawan Shrine: This is a Hindu shrine that is dedicated to the four-faced Brahma, the god of creation. It is one of the most popular and revered shrines in Bangkok, as many people come here to pray and make offerings for good luck, health, and success. You can see the golden statue of Brahma, which is surrounded by flowers, incense, and candles. You can also see some of the traditional Thai dance performances, which are held every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shrine is located at the corner of Ratchadamri Road and Rama I Road, and it is open 24 hours a day.
Siam Ocean World: This is an aquarium that is located in the basement of Siam Paragon. It is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Southeast Asia, as it displays more than 30,000 marine animals and plants from around the world. You can see some of the most amazing and exotic creatures, such as sharks, stingrays, penguins, sea turtles, and seahorses. You can also enjoy some of the thrilling and educational activities, such as diving, feeding, and 4D cinema. The entrance fee ranges from 450 to 990 baht, depending on the age and the package. The opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nightlife:
Siam Square is also a hotspot for nightlife in Bangkok, as it features a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues, from relaxing and cozy to rocking and wild. Some of the most popular and recommended nightlife spots in Siam Square are:
Hard Rock Cafe: This is a classic and iconic bar and restaurant that serves American and international dishes, such as burgers, steaks, and pizzas, as well as a wide range of drinks, such as cocktails, beers, and wines. You can also enjoy some of the best and liveliest live music performances, which are held every night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The bar and restaurant is located on the ground floor of Siam Square Soi 11, and it is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Saxophone Pub: This is a cozy and intimate pub and restaurant that serves Thai and international dishes, such as curries, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a wide range of drinks, such as cocktails, beers, and wines. You can also enjoy some of the finest and smoothest jazz and blues music performances, which are held every night from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The pub and restaurant is located on the ground floor of Siam Square Soi 11, and it is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Route 66: This is a huge and popular club and restaurant that serves Thai and international dishes, such as noodles, fried rice, and pizzas, as well as a wide range of drinks, such as cocktails, beers, and wines. You can also enjoy some of the most diverse and energetic music genres, such as hip hop, R&B, house, and rock, which are played by DJs and bands every night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The club and restaurant is located on the second floor of Royal City Avenue, and it is open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where to stay in Siam Square
Siam Square is a great place to stay in Bangkok, as it is close to many attractions, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife venues. It is also well-connected to other parts of the city by BTS, bus, taxi, or car. There are many hotels near Siam Square, ranging from budget to luxury, from modern to traditional, from business to leisure. Some of the most popular and recommended hotels near Siam Square are:
Pathumwan Princess Hotel:
This is a five-star and elegant hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, which are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers facilities and services such as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, a business center, and a restaurant. The hotel is located next to MBK Center, and it is a short walk away from Siam Square and BTS National Stadium station. The room rate starts from 3,000 baht per night.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Siam Kempinski Hotel:
This is a five-star and luxurious hotel that offers lavish and stylish rooms and suites, which are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers facilities and services such as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, a business center, and a restaurant. The hotel is located next to Siam Paragon, and it is a short walk away from Siam Square and BTS Siam station. The room rate starts from 6,000 baht per night.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square:
This is a four-star and modern hotel that offers cozy and contemporary rooms and suites, which are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers facilities and services such as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, a business center, and a restaurant. The hotel is located in the middle of Siam Square, and it is a short walk away from BTS Siam station. The room rate starts from 2,000 baht per night.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Lub d Bangkok Siam:
This is a three-star and trendy hotel that offers funky and colorful dorms and rooms, which are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, locker, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers facilities and services such as a common area, a game room, a laundry room, and a cafe. The hotel is located in Siam Square Soi 6, and it is a short walk away from BTS National Stadium station. The room rate starts from 500 baht per night.
To book a stay at this hotel click here.
Siam Square is one of the most exciting and enjoyable places to visit in Bangkok, as it has something for everyone, from shopping and dining to attractions and nightlife. It is also one of the most convenient and accessible places to stay in Bangkok, as it is close to many attractions, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife venues, and it is well-connected to other parts of the city by BTS, bus, taxi, or car. If you are looking for a fun and memorable trip to Bangkok, you should definitely check out Siam Square.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Siam Square now and enjoy the ultimate shopping, dining, attractions, and nightlife experience in Bangkok.
