Siam is a famous modern shopping quarter in central Bangkok. It is home to the city’s most important malls such as CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, Siam Square, and MBK, making it the best area in Bangkok to go shopping.
Additionally, this area has a prime location in the heart of downtown Bangkok and is very well-connected to the BTS skytrain system. Two train lines run through this area, including BTS Silom and BTS Sukhumvit. You can easily reach Siam by public transportation.
Apart from the shopping, there are so many other things to do in Siam. You can visit some cultural attractions like Erawan Shrine, Jim Thompson House Museum, or enjoy entertainment options at SEA LIFE Ocean World or Madame Tussauds.
Many visitors choose to stay in Siam due to its central location, shopping opportunities, and great connectivity. In this article, I will share with you my opinion on why you should stay in Siam, the disadvantages of staying in this area, and some of the best places to stay in Siam.
See more: The Ultimate Guide Where to stay in Bangkok
Where is Siam?
Siam is the shopping district located in downtown Bangkok, next to other popular neighborhoods such as Pratunam, Sukhumvit, and Silom.
The center area of Siam is the 1km long Rama I Road, stretching from Phayathai Road to Ratchadamri Road. This is the main road of Siam, lined with shopping malls, and landmarks.
The major train station in Siam is the Siam BTS Stations, which is a BTS interchange hub where you can swap BTS Silom line and Sukhumvit line. All important malls like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and MBK Center are located within walking distance from Siam Station.
See more: How to get to Siam
Why should you stay in Siam?
Siam is one of the many good areas to stay in Bangkok, especially for first-time visitors, shoppers, and anyone who wants to be in the heart of the action. I love Siam due to its high concentration of shopping malls and its walkability, so I can spend the whole day in this area doing shopping on foot.
Here are some reasons why you should stay in Siam, from my perspective:
1. Shopper’s Paradise
As Bangkok’s shopping epicenter, Siam is, without a doubt, the shoppers’ paradise. It is a great place for all shoppers, from luxury to budget. You can visit Siam Paragon for high-end luxury brands, CentralWorld for more mid-range options, MBK Center for more affordable goods.
For more trendy fashion and Thai designer boutiques, you can check out Siam Center and Siam Discovery. You can easily visit nearby Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall for a wholesale shopping experience.
2. Central Location and BTS skytrain hub
Siam has a very central location, situated between the Old Town, Suvarnabhumi Airport and the vibrant nightlife area of Sukhumvit. This makes it easy to get to the airport, to enjoy the shopping, nightlife, and sighing without traveling too far.
Siam is also well-connected to BTS sky trains, which means you can easily get around all Bangkok by public transportation. You can use the Sukhimvit line to visit famous attractions such as Terminal 21, Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, and Chatukchak Weekend Market.
The Silom BTS line can take you to Bangkok riverside easily where you can transfer to the ferries to explore attractions along Chao Phraya River like Icon Siam, Wat Arun, or Asiatique.
To reach the old town with iconic sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road, you can escape the road traffic by taking the boat ride at San Saeb Canal on the north of Siam.
Otherwise, you can use the combination of BTS skytrain then swap to MRT subway train to get to Chinatown and the Old Town.
Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Siam is easy. You can just take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station, then transfer to the BTS Skytrain. The journey takes about an hour.
3. Dining, Entertainment & Culture
Not only famous for its shopping opportunities, Siam offers lots of dining and entertainment options. The area is home to tons of restaurants, food courts, and cafes, from street food to gourmet. You can watch movies in high-end cinemas or catch live performances.
There are kid-friendly attractions like Madame Tussauds or the Aquarium as well as cultural attractions such as the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, Erawan Shrine, and the Jim Thompson House Museum.
4. Wide Range of Accommodations
As a popular neighborhood in Bangkok, Siam has plenty of accommodations ranging from budget backpacker hostels to luxury 5-star hotels. I always recommend to book in advance if you travel in the peak season from November to May.
Hotels often sell out quickly during the high season, and you may miss the chance to stay in a quality hotel if you don’t book in advance. I used to book hotels spontaneously, but sometimes that left me with nothing available within my budget.
5. Walkability
Siam is a walkable area of Bangkok. There is a network skywalk (elevated walkway) that connects all major malls in this area together. You can easily get around and do shopping without worrying about the traffic and transport.
The skywalk along Rama I Road connects CentralWorld and Gaysorn Village to Siam Square One, Siam Paragon, and Siam Center. You can even use the skywalk along Ratchadamri Road to get all the way from CentralWorld, to Big C Supercenter, and Platinum Mall in Pratunam.
The downsides of staying in Siam
Every neighborhood has its drawbacks, and Siam is no exception. While Siam is unbeatable for shopping, transport, and convenience, it’s not ideal if you’re after peace, authenticity, or nightlife.
You can also check other areas in Bangkok to find out which one is best suited for you. Have a look at these articles on where to stay in Sukhumvit, in Pratunam, in Chinatown, in Old Town, in Khao San Road, in Silom, in the riverside.
Here are some downsides of staying in Siam:
1. Higher Accommodation Costs
Due to its popularity, accommodation in Siam tends to be more expensive compared to nearby neighborhoods such as Pratunam. If you are looking for more budget options, I recommend staying somewhere else such as Pratunam and Sukhumvit.
2. Limited Local Charm
Siam is a modern part of Bangkok that is very commercialized and mall-centric. If you’re looking for traditional Thai vibes, street markets, or heritage architecture, I recommend staying in other areas like the Old City, or Chinatown that offer more character.
3. Not Great for Nightlife
Siam isn’t known for its nightlife. It is all about the shopping malls and central location. Most malls close early around 10 pm. You can explore the nightlife at Sukhumvit or Silom by taking a BTS ride away, but not on your doorstep.
Best places to stay in Siam Bangkok
Siam is relatively a small area, with all major malls located on the 1.5 km long Rama I Road, from Chilom BTS station and CentralWorld to National Stadium BTS station and MBK Center. No matter where you choose to stay, you can access the train stations and shopping malls easily on foot.
In this article, I will divide Siam into three areas, clustered around major malls and train stations. They are the areas around CentralWorld &Chitlom Station, Siam Square & Siam Station, and MBK Center & National Stadium Station.
1. Near CentralWorld & Chilom BTS Station
CentralWorld is a huge shopping mall in Siam, and one of the must-visit places in Bangkok. It is located at the busy section of Rama I Road and Ratchadamri Road. It is bordered by Pathum Wananurak Park and San Saeb Canal in the north.
There is a covered skywalk connecting CentralWorld with Big C supermarket, and Platinum Fashion Mall, which is great to explore two neighborhoods on food. The Gaysorn Village and Erawan Shrine are also located next to Central World.
CentralWorld is easily accessible to the BTS sky train on the Sukhumvit line. The nearest train station to CentralWorld is Chit Lom, located 300m away.
Where to stay in Siam near CentralWorld:
Centara Grand At CentralWorld
This 5-star hotel is one of the best places to stay in Siam. It is located in a prime location, right above CentralWorld. The hotel is also 10 mins walk from Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station, which is convenient to explore nightlife in Sukhumvit, Silom, and sightseeing at Old Town and Chinatown.
All of the other malls in Siam like Siam Square, Siam Paragon are within a few minutes walk from Centara. In terms of amenities, it has an outdoor pool, comfortable rooms, multiple bars and restaurants.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Grand Hyatt is a 5-star hotel located adjacent to the revered Erawan Shrine, just across the road from CentralWorld. It is just a few mins walk from Chidlom BTS SkyTrain Station, which is a good base to explore the city by public transportation.
You can easily walk to major malls in Siam like CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, MBK Center via a covered elevated walkway.
The hotel has rooms and suits with contemporary design. You can enjoy its amenities such as several restaurants serving Thai, Italian and French cuisine. It also has an outdoor terrace, and rooftop spot.
Holiday Inn Bangkok by IHG
This is a 4-star mid-range hotel located on Phloen Chit Road, just a short walk from Gaysorn Village and CentralWorld. The Chit Lom Station is also close by.
Rooms at Holiday Inn are spacious and are well-equipped with coffee makers, mini-fridge, hairdryer, some offering garden or city views. There is also an outdoor pool, sundeck, and a fitness center to keep you active during your holiday.
2. Near Siam Square & Siam BTS Station
Siam BTS Station is the center area of Siam shopping district. It is where you can swap two BTS skytrain lines to travel to different parts of Bangkok. The area is also filled with one mall after another.
You can go shopping at Siam Paragon, Siam Square One, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery. Some famous entertainment venues in these malls include the SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds.
Where to stay in Siam near Siam BTS Station:
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Novotel is located right on the famous Siam Square, and is just a few steps away from Siam BTS station. This station has two skytrain lines, making it easy to explore all areas of Bangkok including Bangkok Airport, Sukhumvit, and Chinatown.
You will be located just at the doorstep of the most important malls of Bangkok like Siam Paragon, MBK, and Central World. Like many high end hotels in Bangkok, Novotel has a Pool, spa, gym, and multiple dining venues. It is also accredited as a Green Key eco-certified hotel.
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
This 5-star hotel is located right next to the upscale Siam Paragon Shopping Center. It is within walking distance from Siam BTS station and other shops and restaurants in this area.
The hotel has a huge pool area with lots of green in its courtyards. You can enjoy multiple fine‑dining restaurants, bars, at the hotel with both international and Thai cuisine.
3. Near MBK Center & National Stadium BTS Station
MBK Center is located right next to National Stadium Station and is a good place to find cheap knock off goods. The Japanese shop Don Don Donki is located in this mall, as well as many dining options.
Where to stay in Siam near MBK Center:
Pathumwan Princess Hotel
This is a popular 5-star hotel situated next to MBK Shopping Center. The hotel is easily reached from National BTS Station and lots of other shopping malls nearby like Siam Paragon and Siam Square.
The hotel has fully-equipped rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms, polished wood flooring, city-view windows, and elegant décor. Other amenities like onsite restaurants, bars, gym, tennis court, and pool.
Lit Bangkok Hotel
Lit Hotel is located within a couple of mins walking distance from Siam’s main road, National Stadium BTS station, and various shopping malls in this area. Cultural attractions like Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, and Jim Thompson House are short distance away, both reachable on foot or short tuk tuk ride.
Siam@Siam, Design Hotel
This hotel is located right on the main road of Siam shopping district, only 200m from National Stadium BTS Station. A range of malls and cultural attractions in Siam are all within a short walk from the hotel.
It has Rooftop Infinity Pool & Bar with stunning city views. Other amenities include pool, gym, 24‑h front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities.
See more:
- Is it better to Stay in Sukhumvit or Siam?
- Should You Stay in Siam or Pratunam?
- Should You Stay in Silom or Siam?
Siam is the modern shopping district of downtown Bangkok and is a great base to explore the city and enjoy the shopping. Whether you choose to stay in Siam or not, you should always put one of the malls in this district (like CentralWorld, or Siam Paragon) on your itinerary in Bangkok.