What to do in Bangkok as recommended by The Siam Hotel ! I needed another week to wander the colorful vibrant streets and waterways of Bangkok!
As the only luxury resort to be located in the heart of Bangkok’s rarely seen palace and historical district, you have the unique opportunity to explore with us this unknown side of one of the world’s great cities.
From the hotel, you can access either by foot, The Siam Boat Cruise or a short Tuk-Tuk ride, to some of the Kingdom’s finest temples, monuments, palaces, museums, restaurants, markets, galleries, shopping, neighborhoods, and architecture.
Slow travel is the norm here, where the journey is just as important as the destination.
May we suggest that you: Don’t overload your schedule; busy schedules can make you miss a new adventure.
Keep mornings and evenings for exploring the neighborhood. The rest of the day is best spent in The Opium Spa, poolside or perhaps taking a Muay Thai lesson in our gym.
Stay out of taxis and avoid traffic; use The Siam Boat Cruise to access points of interest along the river. Our boat runs on a fixed schedule and can drop-off and pick-up anywhere along its route. Once you arrived at The Siam you never need to get into another car until you leave!
If you must use a car, The Siam has hotel limousines available 24 hours, 2 hours advance reservation is required.
Muay Thai Class. Over the past few years Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) has become one of the most popular forms of sport for wellness. The Siam has built the first luxury Thai Kickboxing gym complete with ring and professional trainers. Sign up for a “trainer” work out. This is truly an authentic Thai experience for the mind, body and spirit.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD by boat, Tuk-Tuk and/ or by foot. Private guide is available upon request. Night Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad) & Old Town. Bangkok comes alive by night. Take the night Siam Boat Cruise to Yodpiman Pier. The flower market is a feast for the senses, an experience unmatched anywhere else in the world, offering Bangkok at its best.
At the end of the market you can arrange Tuk-Tuk which will take you around the gilded radiance, solitude and beauty of the Grand Palace by night.
From the Grand Palace, make your way to Banglampoo for a walk along Phra Athit Road and its many walking street tributaries.
Looking for a bit of a party? Take a stroll down the festival like Khao San Road, the global epicentre of backpacker hedonism.
Klongs, Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Get an early start for this classic journey through the most famous of Bangkok’s historic sites. Your guide and longtail boat can depart from The Siam Pier.
Marble Temple & lunch at Krua Apsorn. Depart from The Siam by Tuk-Tuk to the spectacular Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit. From there walk through the royal neighborhood back to The Siam for lunch at Chon or to the legendary Krua Apsorn restaurant.
Rambuttri, Khao San & Phra Athit Roads. Nightlife, markets, walking streets, shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants. Busy day and night, this backpacker haven has shed its down- and-dirty image, evolving into a bustling market and nightlife destination for trendy Thai as well as travelers. By day, you’ll find it great for all things backpacker such as cheap internet, books and travel deals.
Starting in the evening enjoy walking on Rambuttri Road for cafes, street side cocktail bars, boutiques and shop for almost anything imaginable including edible insects and trendy clothes.
The legendary Khao San Road will satisfy your hedonistic party side with a great array of night clubs and street parties that never seem to end. All of this just a 15-minute boat ride from the hotel and a 10-minute Tuk-Tuk to get home.
Canal Tour Starting at The Royal Barge Museum and take the trip up Klong Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai to experience the floating market in the heart of this bustling city. Visit Baan Silapin – Artists’ House for cultural exploration before stopping by the world-famous Temple of Dawn.
China Town by Night Starting from Ratchawongse Pier, adventure through the bright lights and frenetic action that is Bangkok’s China Town. China Town by Day For those wanting to explore deeper into this fascinating and vibrant neighbourhood, take a walk through the tightly packed alleyways of Sampeng Market.
EATING & DRINKING in the neighborhood Krua Apsorn – Thai, lunch, The Siam Boat Cruise, Tuk-Tuk or walking. This is the original homey, award-winning, royally patronized, everyday-Thai-food restaurant. Expect a clientele made up of fussy families and big-haired, middle-aged ladies, and a cuisine revolving around full-flavored, largely seafood and vegetable-heavy central Thai dishes. As one of the most famous restaurants in Thailand, this is a must for every visitor to The Siam. At a minimum you must order: Green Curry Fish Balls, Stir-fried Crab Meat with Yellow Chili and String Beans, Crabmeat Omelette, Fried Giant River Prawns, and Larb Mushroom.
We recommend taking our boat cruise (5 minutes) to Wat Rachathiwat Pier and walking 5 minutes through a beautiful old Bangkok neighborhood.
Street Food – Thai, walking. Bangkok is world renowned for its street food. The historical neighborhood around The Siam is home to universities, medical schools, palaces, and all of the people that come with such institutions. These students, doctors, palace guards, teachers, nurses, and military come from all corners of the Kingdom and they need to eat.
To accommodate this diverse group and their equally diverse tastes, an army of street food vendors have come from all over the country, some as far from Laos, to feed these people.
However, because they are in the palace district, there is a need to maintain the serenity and order of the neighborhood, so all of these street food chefs and their carts have been designated a single street that has become the ultimate hub for street food in the district.
That street just happens to be right in front of The Siam. It’s a real treat to go for a walk in the morning to see sights, hear the sounds and experience the smells and tastes of cuisine from across the Kingdom.
NIGHTLIFE – Maggie Choo’s Maggie Choo’s is a mix of sexiness, mystery, and intrigue and the latest and greatest nightlife venue to hit Bangkok. This is a hidden gem of a place, situated in the lower level of the Novotel Silom, once the East India Company underground vault, where you can enjoy authentic Cantonese food and much, much more. There is a small dance floor and great live music nightly. The crowd is a mix of upper class Thais, expats, and tourists from the Silom area.
Sing Sing Theatre Maggie Choo’s – This bar-cum-club is one of Bangkok’s most creative interior design concept. Paying homage to far Eastern aesthetics, you can expect intricate wrought iron patterns, hundreds of lanterns hanging from the ceiling and plenty of dragon imagery to go with the ‘Muses’ (elegant girls dressed in Chinese Qipao). There is a big push into concept parties at Sing Sing too, with themes like Underwater or Carnival being completely immersive experiences and a whole lot of fun. Much like Maggie Choo, the crowd is a mix of upper class Thais, expats, and tourist.
THE MICHELIN GUIDE ELEGANT Gaggan Innovative Indian Dining.
Le Normandie Contemporary French Dining. 30 minutes by The Siam Boat.
Mezzaluna Innovative European Cuisine. 30 minutes by The Siam Boat.
Saneh Jaan Traditional Thai.
Savelberg French Contemporary.
RUSTIC Bo.Lan Modern Thai.
TRADITIONAL Chim by Siam Wisdom Traditional Thai.
Ginza Sushi Ichi Traditional Japanese (Sushi).
CONTEMPORARY & DESIGN Elements French Contemporary.
J’Aime by Jean-Michel Lorain French Contemporary.
L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon French Contemporary.
Nahm Thai Contemporary
Paste Thai Contemporary.
Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin Thai Contemporary.
Sühring European Contemporary
SIMPLE Upstairs at Mikkeller Innovative European
STREET Jay Fai Home-cooked Thai
EATING & DRINKING via The Siam Boat Cruise Along The River Of Kings Bangkok’s riverfront was once the domain of derelict shop houses and street-side noodle joints (still delicious). These days though, cutting-edge restaurants are swinging open their doors by the shores of the Chao Phraya River. Stay out of Bangkok’s evening traffic and take The Siam Boat Cruise for an evening out.
Steve Café Thai, dinner Very local and best to arrive by boat from The Siam and organize a taxi or Tuk-Tuk with the hotel to return. Stunning views of Rama 8 bridge, this restaurant has local charm, a relaxed feel and great food. Best enjoyed from sunset through dinner, avoid lunch as the restaurant faces the western sun and can be hot.
Never Ending Summer Thai, dinner Located at the Klong San Pier in a compound of converted old warehouses belonging to celebrity Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, this rustic and airy dining room is a sophisticated space to enjoy well-prepared and beautifully presented classic Thai food, with a new expansion on the riverfront “Summer House” serving Western food on the same roof.
Take The Siam boat 25 minutes to the Hilton Hotel pier and walk 2 minutes to the restaurant. Bookings are a must for this hipster haven on the river. The remaining warehouses make up the Jam Factory compound complete with bookshops, coffee houses and concept stores. Your butler will assist you with directions when walking to the restaurant.
Madame Musur Thai, dinner and drinks Great cocktails and delicious Northern Thai food are served at this thatched, I’m-in-the-jungle restaurant. Try the house cocktail named “After the Place” a twist on a Mojito with Thai- style liquor, lie back in your wicker chair surrounded by greenery and listen to the gentle pedestrian hum of the street. Whether you are alone, in a pair or even part of a group this bar and restaurant offers perfect respite from busy Rambuttri walking street. Super local, the experience makes you reminiscent of your post-college backpacking days. The proprietor once managed food & beverage for Four Seasons, making this a great place to eat or drink before exploring the nightlife of Rambuttri Road and Khao San Road.
Supanniga Eating Room x Roots Thai, dinner “Supanniga” (Thonglor) is known for its casual chic locations and reliable Thai food. But if there’s one thing missing from the restaurants, it’s the view. Naturally making this the riverside Thai restaurant we have been waiting for! PS They have an amazing selection of coffees too.
Err Thai, dinner – With Err, you’re far enough from the mother branch’s Michelin- star aspirations to relax a little but you’ll be getting the same meticulous research and virtuoso execution as at Bo.lan. Probable the best of both worlds and just a few piers down from us too.
The Rooftop at Sala Rattanakosin Drinks The laidback ambiance is perfect for a pre-dinner drink. You can’t order food up there, so there is also less chance of your evening being ruined by young families. Our butler can recommend restaurants nearby for you to continue the night. Be warn! There is no elevator but it only 4 floors up.
80/ 20 Thai, dinner Friendly and packed with character, 80/20 is far more creative than any restaurant in a hostel has a right to be. The setting channels old-school shop-house charm through retro signage, heavy wooden doors and iron grilles, but the food is far more forward-thinking. Though the dishes are not typically Thai, there is an emphasis on the big and bold flavors loved by locals.
Tep Bar Drinks, dinner Tep Bar joins Chinatown’s new-wave bar scene some years back. This restored shop-house has plenty of raw appeal, with mood lighting and simple wooden tables. Here, you’ll find potent cocktails mixed with Thai fruits, herbs and spices. There’s also a good line of home-infused ya dong (Thai herbal whiskey) as well as a kitchen specializing in Thai tapas. Enjoy your night with live traditional Thai music.
Teens of Thailand Drinks, dinner The team behind ToT features the who’s who of the local art and nightlife scene. Niks, mixologist and owner of Drink Academy, changes his drink list daily! They also have a vast collection of gin, from Hendrick’s and Tanqueray to Ashley Sutton’s Iron Balls and the must-try Hanami gin.
TAILORS The Cotton House OP Place by The Siam Boat Cruise Located at Oriental Place, this is the go-to tailor for copying women’s clothes of the finest quality. Take the Siam Boat to the Oriental Public Pier and walk 5 minutes to Oriental Place Shopping center, first floor on the left, ask for Mrs Reed. Once you have your initial designs done the tailor will be happy to come do your fittings at The Siam.
World Group Tailor Oriental Public Pier by The Siam Boat Cruise Since 1969 their philosophy has been to excel in the art of tailoring to its perfection. For more than 40 years, they have been serving world renowned royalties, statesmen, dignitaries as well as their valued long-time patrons who regard the art of dressing well as a vital part of modern living in style.
Located behind The Oriental Hotel, the shop is a quick boat trip from The Siam to the Oriental Public Pier.
GALLARY Serindia Gallery by The Siam Boat Cruise A gallery of fine arts and photography is located in a 60-year old post-colonial style home. Serindia means the silk road between China and India – a term coined by past archaeologists to designate a vast stretch of land west of China from Xinjiang all the way west to the Middle East and down to the Himalayas and northern India. It is a place rich in the confluence of culture, history and art, and Serindia’s books and arts reflect these rich cultures and religions. The gallery represents international artists from Europe, America, and Asia. Works include oil and watercolour paintings, woodblock prints, and fine art photographs.
ATTA Gallery by The Siam Boat Cruise The name, ATTA, means “self” in Pali – an ancient Indian language that is also widely used in the Thai language. ATTA Gallery works to emphasize the meaning of the Gallery’s name by promoting self-expression of artists as well as wearers alike.
ATTA Gallery exhibits pieces of wearable art made by jewelry artists/ designers – both established and new talents, local and international.
Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) Originally a flea market started in the 1950’s by a former prime minister who wanted to put a flea market into every town in Thailand, Chatuchak, more affectionately known as JJ Market, is now the largest market in Thailand. Only open on the weekends, with over 5000 stalls, selling everything from clothing to pets, antiques, plants, amulets, and plenty of food and drink. The market is now a highly touristy affair, hot, crowded, and no longer dirt cheap, yet it is still a great place to people watch, find something you don’t have to buy, and the latest addition of impromptu cafes for sipping a cappuccino or having a cold beer and watching the world go by make it worth an afternoon visit.
JJ Green Bangkok up and coming night market. Think a yard sale that comes fully equipped with local food stalls and hipster bars. If you are looking for genuine retro items such as vinyl CDs, old car models, artwork, antiques and collectables this is definitely a place for you. Accessories, hats, jeans are a few among the fashionable items you can also find here.
CREATIVE SPACES Warehouse 30 by The Siam Boat Cruise The 4,000 sqm space of abandoned World War II Era Warehouses got some love from Jam Factory’s owner, “starchitect” Duangrit Bunnag. Warehouse 30 is a web of stores, restaurants, art spaces as well as other creative endeavors. The indoor market showcases everything from chairs to bags and accessories from local designers, and vintage WWII military products. F&B options include quality salads, sandwiches, soups, locally-sourced fruits, vegetables and superfoods.
Lhong 1919 By The Siam Boat Cruise Lhong 1919 has reclaimed a bunch of old warehouses and a Chinese shrine dating back to King Rama IV (1851-1868) for its 6,800 sqm of co-working space, eateries and art and design shops spotlighting the work of young artists. The riverfront mixed-used project is a new destination for anoyone hankering for an outdoor venue at which to spend money on design products from eight locally-owned shops.
Not in the mood to shop? There are quite a few dining options available there as well; Rong Si serves up Thai standards, as does Thai cafe and restaurant Ploenwan Panich. Karmakamet’s also has an eatery here.
SHOPPING River City Shopping Centre by The Siam Boat Cruise River City is a four story antique mall overlooking the Chao Phraya River. It specializes in antiques, collectibles and a good range of fashion and jeweler shops. A well-known landmark on the Chao Phraya riverbank, River City has been around since 1984. Many antique shop owners here are pioneers of the trade and can offer expert advice on their products, whether they’re genuine antiques or modern reproductions.
Beyond The Mask: Ask for Khun May, located on the 3rd floor. They have the best SE Asian collection of objects d’art. The Verandah and Beyond: Wood masks, lacquer, silver and stone jewelry, wood figures and Buddhist decorative items from Burma, Laos and Thailand (3rd floor). The Old Time Antiques: Imagine what the estate sales of old aristocratic Thai mansions would be like and this shop on the 4th floor is it. Ask for Khun Vichai and give yourself a few hours. Be advised that it is illegal to remove any image of the Buddha from Thailand without a permit from the fine arts department. We recommend not trying to export antique Buddha icons out of the country as it could be very difficult, expensive and time consuming.
Thai Home Industries by The Siam Boat Cruise. On the street between The Oriental Hotel and OP Place is an old wooden warehouse. Dark and dusty and full of charm this is Thai Home Industries. For the best in rustic cutlery, bowls and hand-made metal work this is the place to go; shopping here is so much fun. The children of the owners are educated in California so communication is a breeze.
ANTIQUE HUNT Artisans at Silom Village Silom Road Ask for the owner Khun Kae. One of the best collections of SE Asian antiques and objects to be found anywhere. Located in the middle of the ground floor on the left side, it looks like an old cluttered curio shop.
House of Chao Soi Decho between Silom & Surawong Roads This is where some of The Siam’s collection of furniture has come from. The butlers will be happy to arrange a private showing with the Madame of the House, Khun Chao.
