Silom & Riverside
River boats, grand hotels and dinner above the water.
Silom and the riverside combine Bangkok's business district with the Chao Phraya riverfront. You get river boats as transport, the grand old hotels, good restaurants and a short walk to Lumphini Park. It is a good base for couples and business travellers who want a calmer evening than Sukhumvit, and for anyone who plans to use the river to reach the temples. The riverside hotels are set slightly apart from street life, which is part of the appeal and part of the distance.
What works
- River boats and Lumphini Park nearby
- Grand hotels and excellent restaurants
- Calmer evenings than Sukhumvit
What doesn’t
- Fewer budget options near the river
- Office streets empty at night
- Riverside hotels are cut off from street food
One local move
Use the river boat instead of a taxi whenever the destination is along the Chao Phraya. For dinner, cross to the riverside for the view or stay on the Silom side for better value; the boat makes both easy.
Getting around
BTS at Sala Daeng and Saphan Taksin, plus the Silom metro line; the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn pier is the fast, scenic route to the Old City and Chinatown.
Safety
Safe, with pickpockets around the night markets and the usual bar-scam caution in Patpong. The river piers are busy and not always well lit; watch your step when boarding.
4 picks in Silom & Riverside
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
The city's grand dame on the river, with a famous afternoon tea, excellent restaurants and a shuttle boat; old-world service at a high price.
Silom Serene
A quiet, well-kept hotel on a side street near the Silom action; compact rooms, a pool and good value for the location.
Lub d Bangkok Silom
A modern hostel near BTS Chong Nonsi with dorms and private rooms; clean, social and well placed for the Skytrain.
Praya Palazzo
A restored Italianate mansion on the river, reached by the hotel's own boat; romantic, quiet and unlike any chain stay.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Paste Bangkok
Modern Thai
An elegant restaurant reworking Thai recipes with fine-dining technique; expensive, excellent and best booked ahead.
Somtum Der
Isaan
A lively Isaan restaurant for papaya salad, grilled chicken and sticky rice; spicy, inexpensive and full of locals.
Le Du
Modern Thai
A tasting-menu restaurant built around Thai produce and seasonal ingredients; one of the city's most interesting fine-dining rooms.