Siam Square
The Chic and Hip Spot

Siam Square is one of the well-established, long-standing and hot favorite shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment spots in Bangkok, especially among teenagers. The first buildings were constructed there in 1965 on the land belonging to Chulalongkorn University. The area quickly grew up, in part because of the proximity to the university. Since then, Siam Square (also known as Pathum Wan) has changed a lot. Nowadays, the whole place is laced with lanes and alleys jammed by small stores and stalls that influence modern style and fashion trends. Fashion-wise, Siam Square is the liveliest place.

There is a wide range of shops and services within Siam Square itself, including numerous tutor institutions, computer and language classes, translation offices, dance and music schools, art galleries, photo salons, hairdressers, massage and beauty parlours, fitness clubs, printing and photo stores, bookshops including the Chulalongkorn University Book Center, banks, trendy restaurants, cafes, designer clothing outlets, myriad of fashion boutiques, specialty stores dedicated to decorations and trinkets, as well as the Hard Rock Cafe highly regarded by Thais and foreigners alike. Also, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is renowned for its nightclub and entertainment house – home to live bands, resident DJs, and heaps of Bangkok's hip and trendy. Once trendy, the "trio" movie theatres Lido, Scala, and Siam have long been surpassed by the modern cinema complexes in the nearby malls.

Hard Rock Cafe in Siam Square

Almost always crowded, this place is especially popular amongst students, office clerks, and foreign tourists. There is no problem finding a favored restaurant in this area. You will find everything from epicurean restaurants with international cuisine, American fast-food chains, cheap food centers and food stalls in the street corners. Spoil yourself with a delicious dinner after a day of shopping and hanging out. Feel free to haggle – even on sale items! Just be nice and smile while you're haggling, as it's part of the fun. The busy central area of Siam Square is an open arena called Center Point, which normally hosts shows, concerts, theatrical performances, public presentation activities or special events every weekend on the stage in the middle of Centre Point. On weekends, the whole area comes alive with action deep into the night. It is also the place of attraction where youngsters meet, and all chic and hip things can be seen there. Among them, the most desirable toys for the boys, sports and luxury cars, top the list.

The prime downtown location and proximity of Siam Square to the Chulalongkorn University have attracted lots of investors and determined its initial success. Later on, surrounding businesses make connections to the area, including an air-conditioned pedestrian overpass from MBK Centre on the side of Phaya Thai Rd, and on side the Rama I Rd, the elevated skywalk connecting to Siam Discovery Center, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and further to CentralWorld and Gaysorn Plaza, and many additional entrances.

Siam Square is in the Pathum Wan district. It is bordered by Henri Dunant, Rama I, and Phaya Thai roads. Opposite across Rama I Rd are Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, which can be accessed via the BTS Skytrain Siam station and also via a pedestrian bridge. MBK Center is across Phaya Thai Road, accessed from the Bonanza Mall via a covered, air-conditioned pedestrian bridge. Car parking in Siam Square is available for a nominal fee but is typically congested, especially on weekends. Parking attendants are on hand to assist drivers and to enforce parking regulations.

To be continued...

Information and Visa Application Inquiries