Patpong and Silom

The Patpong district-located between Thanon Silom and Thanon Surawong, close to the intersection with Thanon Rama IV-become synonymous with sex, sleaze and shopping as early as the 1970s and the sois (side streets) between Silom and Surawong still trade on their raunchy reputation, with numerous clubs and bars offering a variety of sex-shows to a prurient tourist audience. 

The open-air night-markets are a little more entertaining, but their array of bootlegged CDs and DVDs, imitation designer clothing and cheap souvenirs offers shoppers few genuine bargains.

Silom Attractions

Silom and Surawong are the heart of Bangkok’s business district. 

This is a good part of the city to use as a base for exploring Bangkok, but is notably short of attractions of its own. 

The district’s jewel, however, is Lumphini Park, where a statue of King Rama VI greets the visitor.  It is the largest green space in Bangkok. 

Those with an interest in colonial Christianity may want to visit Christ Church (11 Convent Road)- founded as an Anglican chapel in 1864 and rebuilt 40 years later-and the Catholic Church of St Francis Xavier, on Thanon Silom-dating from around the same time.

Patpong and Silom Map

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Silom/Patpong Area Accommodation

MID-RANGE HOTEL

This good-quality mid-range hotel is excellent value for money, if no longer exactly cutting-edge.  Favored by Scandinavian tour group and frequent business travelers.