Siam, Bangkok

Siam is Bangkok's shopping heart, where the two BTS lines meet at Siam station. Central World, MBK and Platinum Fashion Mall are all here, along with the Jim Thompson House. It is a short ride from both Sukhumvit and Silom, so it is easy to fit into any day.

Busy early, quiet later. The malls and street stalls draw crowds until the shops shut, and young Thais gather around the squares and pubs. There are rooftop views and a couple of clubs, but not a bar street. Many visitors eat and drink here first, then move on to Sukhumvit for the main night.

No. No red-light hub is listed in Siam, and the district has no gogo bars or beer bars. The adult side is the 12 massage shops and 2 nightclubs, including Concept CM2 and Party House One. For gogo bars, take the BTS to Nana, which is only a few stops away.

Of 43 places, 13 are bars, 12 are massage shops, 8 are malls, 7 are attractions, 2 are nightclubs and 1 is a rooftop. Red Sky Bar is the rooftop, and Central World and MBK are among the malls. Siam is a shopping and sightseeing district first, with a modest nightlife side.

Siam is for shopping and a casual drink, while Sukhumvit is for the red-light scene. The malls and sights here are bigger, but the choice of adult venues is far smaller. They are connected by the same BTS line, so you can shop in Siam in the afternoon and be in Nana within minutes in the evening.

Siam is a handy base if you want malls, food courts and quick access to both BTS lines, but it is not walking distance from Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy. For a start to the evening, a mall rooftop or a bar near Siam Square works, then take the train. Check guest rules with your hotel before booking.

Siam station is the interchange of the two BTS lines, so it is the easiest district to reach by train, and a covered walkway links much of it. The MBK and National Stadium stops are a short walk away. Trains stop around midnight, after which Grab or Bolt is the sensible option.

Pickpockets in the crowds, and fake gem or tour touts near the malls. Keep bags zipped and your phone in a front pocket, especially in MBK and on the walkways at busy times. If a stranger offers a cheap gem shop or tour, politely decline, and avoid long handshakes or friendship bracelets from strangers.