There are a million ways to think of Bangkok’s different areas, be it by khet (aka district), BTS or MRT stations or even simply the number of the soi in question. But I’ve found, more than anything, that the discussion in central Bangkok centrals around two words: Silom and Sukhumvit.
These words refer to two of the busiest and most important boulevards in Bangkok, with the former extending southwestward from Lumphini Park toward the Chao Phraya River, and the latter one extending eastward (and later southeastward) from Siam Station until…well, it kind of doesn’t end.
Regardless, I hope you’ll appreciate my take on the Silom vs Sukhumvit debate, given that I’ve been coming to Thailand for nearly two decades at this point. I’ll be curious to hear yours, too, if you’d like to leave a comment!
Most People Are Either a “Silom Person” or a “Sukhumvit Person”
The discussion of Silom or Sukhumvit has come up often in my 15+ years as an on-and-off Bangkokian. For expats, anyway, a large majority definitely seem to be either a “Silom boy” or a “Sukhumvit girl,” though genders of course aren’t fixed (and polite words to describe members of either gender, often, aren’t either). I’ve found that most people gravitate toward one area early on, and almost never stray back.
I’ve personally always felt drawn toward Silom, and not just because of the gay nightlife. I love the proximity to Lumphini Park, the upscale-yet-ramshackle feel of streets like Soi Convent and Soi Sala Daeng and even the way the BTS SkyTrain track seems to form a ceiling over Silom Road, making the entire urban atmosphere feel cozy but not constricted. I like various parts of Sukhumvit, don’t get me wrong, but have never really felt at home there.
Ways to Compare Silom with Sukhumvit
Extent
Silom is the area southwest of Rama IV Road and on either side of Silom Road, with bars and nightlife north of the street, and residences and hotels south along tree-line Sala Daeng and Convent Roads. It feels compact and intimidate. Sukhumvit Road runs for miles—almost all the way to Cambodia, in fact—with nearly a dozen sub-areas that range from seedy Nana, to upmarket Phrom Pong, to cosmopolitan Thong Lo.
Vibe
Comparing Silom and Sukhumvit in this regard, I’d say that Silom tends to feel a bit more relaxed, in spite of being busy and crowded almost 24/7. Because the area is covers is smaller, people seem less pressured to do something. No matter where you are in Sukhumvit, meanwhile, there seems to be a greater sense of urgency, and with some exceptions, fewer opportunities (at least at street level) to just chill and enjoy.
Landmarks and things to do
If you love shopping, then the Sukhumvit area is going to be for you, with some of Bangkok’s best malls (including Terminal 21 and Emquartier) being located along this road. Sukhumvit is also where you find a fair number of Bangkok’s sky bars. Silom, on the other hand, only has Silom Complex (as malls go, anyway), though it’s also home to Lumphini Park, to Mahanakhon Tower and to the Soi 4 gay nightlife area, the best in Bangkok (and maybe in Southeast Asia).
Hotels
Neither Sukhumvit nor Silom will leave you high and dry in this regard. On the high end in Sukhumvit, you’ll find Rosewood Bangkok near Phloen Chit Station and near Nara, the more affordable Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11. Both SO/Bangkok and the Dusit Thani Hotel are high-end options right on Suan Lum, while Silom Serene Boutique Hotel is more toward Narathiwat Road and Chong Nonsi Station.
Onward adventures
Some people include Sathorn (which is just south of Silom) as part of the area, though it has so many of its own sub-areas (Suan Phlu, Yen Akat) that I definitely consider it separately. Silom is also right down the MRT Blue Line from Yaowarat, aka Chinatown. Sukhumvit Road, meanwhile, will take you all the way to Pattaya and Rayong, though for many travelers, a visit to the Mega Bang Na shopping mall is quite enough adventure.
Other Major Areas of Bangkok
Increasingly, both expats and Thais have taken to living in other areas of central Bangkok, each of which has their own set of advantages:
- Langsuan: When I don’t stay in Silom, this leafy north-south avenue located just north of Lumphini Park is my favorite “home” area; I also like upscale Witthayu Road, which runs parallel just to its east.
- Ari: Located north of more notable BTS Stations like Victory Monument and Phaya Thai, this area boasts a lot of creature comforts, including food from around the world, not to mention great condos.
- Yaowarat: Although home to fewer high-end residences than anywhere in Bangkok’s new city, I find that Bangkok’s Chinatown (and, to a lesser extent, nearby Charoen Krung) are starting to fill in the gap.
As you can see, whether you prefer Sukhumvit or Silom—or somewhere else entirely—there are all kinds of Bangkok locations and vibes just waiting to be discovered.
Other FAQ About Sukhumvit and Silom
Is Silom a good area in Bangkok?
Silom is a fantastic area in Bangkok, whether you seek nightlife (gay or straight), easy access to Lumphini Park, amazing street food or wide selection of both hotels and Airbnb apartments. On the downside, Silom isn’t as great for high-end shopping as Sukhumvit is, although a few options do exist.
Is Sukhumvit a good area in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit is popular among both expats and wealthy Thais, in parts because of just how many sub-areas exist along Sukhumvit Road within the Bangkok city limits. From upmarket Chit Lom and Phrom Pong, to seedy Nana, to cosmopolitan Thong Lor and Asok, the Sukhumvit lobe of Bangkok has something for everyone.
Is Sukhumvit the red-light district?
Most of Sukhumvit Road is not what can be-called a “red-light” district. However, many of the sois around Nana Station, and also infamous Soi Cowboy near Asok Station, have their fair share of 18+ activities, which some travelers might found downright unsavory.
The Bottom Line
The question of Silom vs Sukhumvit is often phrased like this: Are you a Silom person or a Sukhumvit person? Well, it typically uses a bit more…colorful language than that, but Bangkok after all is nothing if not colorful. Personally, I’ve always found myself more drawn to the Silom side, both when I’ve visited Bangkok as a tourist, and also during my various stints living in the Thai capital. On the other hand, I can (at turns, anyway) see why some travelers might prefer Sukhumvit. Regardless, I hope hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan a personalized Thailand itinerary. That way, everywhere you go will suit you!
