Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakorn)
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Bangkok is sprawling city that is jam-packed with things to see and do. Officially, it is divided into 50 districts khet and 154 sub-districts, known as khwaeng. These are only ever really used in official documentation and postal addresses, and visitors can easily gain a sense of direction based on the roads and the city’s landmarks.
Map of Greater Bangkok
- A map of the Greater Bangkok Metropolis.
Siam Square
Siam Square is located in the heart of Bangkok and includes the areas of Ploen Chit Road and Ratchaprasong. The area is a shoppers paradise, full of giant shopping malls with the latest fashions and trends, while a bargain can be found at some of the smaller boutiques located down the various laneways, known as Soi in Thai. Travellers can easily reach Siam Square by taking the BTS Skytrain to Siam Centre.
Sukhumvit
The Sukhumvit area stretches from the edge of Siam Square, near Chitlom, and follows the street almost all the way to Bang Na. The start of Sukumvit Road is Nana Plaza, which features a wild nightlife with some interesting bars. This area is quite popular among the expat community, and is home to a number of high-class shopping malls. Around Asoke BTS, visitors will find a large commercial area, with many businesses based around Sukhumvit.
Silom
The area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand’s sober financial center by day, but Bangkok’s primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Patpong come alive.
Rattanakosin
Between the river and downtown lies the densely packed “Old Bangkok”, home to Bangkok’s best-known sights, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Khao San Road
On the northern part of Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s backpacker mecca Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu have everything a budget traveler could possibly be looking for.
Yaowarat and Phahurat
Along Yaowarat Road you will find Bangkok’s Chinatown, while Phahurat Road is the home of the city’s sizable Indian community. This multicultural district is filled with temples, shrines, seafood restaurants and street markets.
Dusit
This leafy, European-style area is the political center of Thailand, home to numerous political institutions and the monarchy. Its breezy palaces, lush gardens and broad avenues give this district its distinct character.
Thonburi
The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Most visitors explore this district with a canal tour, at least taking in Wat Arun, the Royal Barges National Museum and one of the floating markets.
Pratunam
Pratunam is a large garment market with hundreds of fashion stores selling both retail and wholesale. It also includes Baiyoke Tower II and Victory Monument.
Phahonyothin
The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is a large suburb in northern Bangkok. In weekends, it is the best place to go hunting for bargains. The Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 8000 stalls selling anything and everything under the sun.
Ratchadaphisek
Since the completion of the metro line, Ratchadaphisek Road has developed into an entertainment mecca for the locals. The sois of “Ratchada” are popular clubbing spots, as is Royal City Avenue (RCA).
Ramkhamhaeng
Along Ramkhamhaeng Road lies a vast residential area with big shopping malls and amusement parks (like Safari World). Each neighborhood has its own distinct character, but Hua Mark and Bang Kapi stand out as lively areas with many students from the universities.
