Siam: What to see & do

With trendy boutiques and major shopping malls in the area, Siam is a playground where local teenagers meet, hang out and shop!

Cinemas, bowling alleys & karaoke booths are ubiquitous and a great way to unwind after a bout of intense shopping. Not far from MBK, and definitely worth a visit, is the Jim Thompson House. Found down a small 'soi' (alley) near the BTS National Stadium station, it consists of a number of antique Thai teak houses set in lush gardens, each beautifully restored by the American largely credited for making Thai silk so famous.

For something a little different, both eerie and educational, check out Siam Ocean World in Siam Paragon, Bangkok's only aquarium. If you'd like a moment of peace before continuing your shopping spree, visit Pathum Wanaram Temple right next to Siam Paragon, or the Erawan Shrine on the corner of the Ratchaprasong junction (about five minutes walk from BTS Siam Station). The lovesick can also make a wish at the Lovers' Shrine in front of CentralWorld (Isetan side). But, it is shopping - or window shopping - that wins hands down as everyone's favorite activity in this area...

Learn more about Siam:
Where to Stay, List of Hotels, Where to Eat, Nightlife, Shopping, Shopping malls, cinemas, bowling alleys & karaoke, Jim Thompson House, Erawan Shrine

Learn more about Sights: Sukhumvit, Chidlom-Ploenchit, Silom, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn,  Khao San Road, Riverside, Old City (Rattanakosin), Chinatown, Chatuchak, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek

The former home of Jim Thompson is visited by over 400 people a day and serves as a museum showcasing Thai architecture and art. It's a beautiful teak house with lots of interesting art objects, sculpture and everyday items used 40 years ago.

A prominent businessman generally credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry, he mysteriously disappeared on March 26, 1967 in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and was never seen again, creating a text book of conspiracy theories and a mystery that remains unsolved.

The house, located along one of Bangkok's few remaining canals, origianally came from outside Bangkok and was assembled from six smaller houses comibined into one. Made entirely of teak, Thompson used classic Thai architecture to create a unique house which houses a  collection of Asian art and arifacts, ranging from hair ornaments to stone scupltures. Guided tours show you around the house which also contains a coffee shop in the delightful garden - definitely worth a visit.  

Open: 09:00 - 17:00 everyday with the last Guided Tour at 16:30 (Guided Tour around the house is compulsory).
Admission: Adults 100 baht, students 50 baht
Location: Soi Kasemsan Song, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. Accessible from BTS National Stadium station.
Contact: +66 (0)2 216 7368

Covering an area of 10,000 square meters (the size of two football pitches) on the basement of the luxurious Siam Paragon shopping mall, Siam Ocean World is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. (READ MORE)