If you’ve chosen to make a hotel on Silom Road in Bangkok, your preferred ‘home away from home’ in the City of Angels, well done, you’ve made a smart move! Why? Because Silom district is bursting to the brim with impressive things to see and do. To help you plan your trip better and make the most of your coveted time in the Big Mango, read on to discover our top ten Silom tourist tips. Happy travels!
1. Mahanakhon Skywalk
Take your Bangkok experience to new heights at Mahanakhon Skywalk. Dare yourself to stand on a glass floor and admire stunning 360-degree views of the Bangkok skyline. Perched 310 meters above the ground, in what is by far the tallest building in Bangkok, the 78th floor of the building provides endless photo opportunities from every angle.
2. Lumphini Park
Often described as ‘a tranquil oasis, the 57.6 hectares that make up this splendid park, complete with lush grass, duck ponds, walkways and bike paths, is one of the city’s largest and best-loved. It’s a great place to come for a morning run, midday stroll or afternoon siesta. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famed residents: giant monitor lizards!
3. Blue Elephant Cooking School
Love a good phad thai? What better souvenir to take home from the Land of Smiles than the ability to recreate this delicious dish at home. Whether you’re a budding amateur or kitchen newbie, the enthusiastic instructors will teach you a thing or two about cooking delicious Thai cuisine for yourself.
4. Snake Farm
If you like slithery reptiles, such as cobras and vipers, then the Snake Farm is just the place for you! The farm is routinely praised for its careful handling of the animals and their conservation attempts (they ‘milk’ the snakes to extract venom, used in the production of anti-venom serum for snakebite victims across the country). Beyond the main show, there are lots of informative displays and educational resources on-site.
5. Patpong
Patpong is where Thailand’s (in)famous go-go bar culture all began. Nowadays it’s one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. The two side-streets running between Silom and Surawongse roads are chock full of loud and colourful bars offering pole dancing, karaoke, peep shows and more. Sure something to experience just once in your life.
6. Lalai Sap Market
This hidden bazaar is tucked away in the narrow back alley area of Silom. Hard to find, but well worth the effort. This Patong-area market is an eclectic mix of shophouses and boutiques, connected by sidewalk stalls, mini-malls and food courts. Wander about to grab some food and shop a range of clothing, souvenirs and daily necessities.
7. M.R. Kukrit House
One of the area’s most underappreciated but lovely tourist spots is the home of Thailand’s former prime minister (1974 to 1975) – M.R. Kukrit Pramoj. His beautiful home, comprising five traditional teak houses, is more than a museum, it’s a homage to Mr Kukrit’s skill as a politician, poet, writer and artist. Wander the serene garden and tour his collection of fine-art treasures, ceramics, furniture and books.
8. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
For something a little different, head to the colourful Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of the same name. This colourful and intricate temple was built by Tamil immigrants back in the 1860s. Nowadays, worshippers from far and wide flock to its because of its so-called ability to protect against ill-health and disease.
9. Bangkokian Museum
Another often overlooked tourist attraction in the area is the delightful Bangkokian Museum (also known as the Bangkok Folk Museum), offering a journey back in time. Set in a pair of old teak houses, Bangkok’s main form of accommodation before concrete condos became the norm, this interesting museum is well worth a visit for its range of traditional Siamese artefacts and lush tropical gardens.
10. Sky Bar
Let’s end how we started this list – up high! Sky Bar in Lebua State Tower is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in Bangkok, if not the world! Why? Because it was made famous in a blockbuster Hollywood movie (The Hangover Part II) and at 63 stores up, it has one of the most jaw-dropping views over downtown Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River to be found anywhere in the city.
