I love Silom!
After our Hyatt Place ASQ, we moved to Silom neighborhood.
I am a Japanese (Canadian), so I was recommended to live in Japan town, which is Prom pong, bangkok. But according to my internet research, I liked the vibe of older Bangkok neighborhood near Chao Phraya river. Also, I found some reasonable Airbnb options in Silom area, so I went ahead and booked 2 weeks for one airbnb, then another one in the same neighborhood for another 2 weeks. (We have a pet cat that brought from Canada, so hotel and apartment search was very limited as well.)
I am so glad I chose Silom! Even under Covid restrictions, we had so much fun just doing everyday eating and market shopping.
Why Silom?
Chao Phraya river was walking distance from our Airbnb. That means you can take the boats for 15 baht to go to China town (Yawarat) or Khaosan Road area. A cab ride back from Yawarat was only 50 baht as well!
There is also Icon Siam! An extraordinary shopping mall… This mall is next level, out of this planet. I found it more wow than a Disney land lol. There is a free boat to cross the river. It actually costed nothing to go to this fantastic mall. We went a few times lol.
If you walk to opposite way, towards Lumpini park, you will find a lively market area, right near Sala Daeng BTS station. I found 15 baht fruits vendor here [1]. I was a loyal customer there… There is 20 baht mushroom lady on Silom road, there is 50 baht Pomelo guy, 20 baht Congee lady [2]… 10 baht steamed vegetable square girl… It’s just so much fun shopping from individuals that make this neighborhood awesome.
Connected to The Sala Daeng BTS station, there is a smaller scale central shopping mall. Has everything you would need to settle in. I bought some stainless food containers, water bottles, a blender etc.
If you walk 20-30 min one way, you will arrive to a nice destination in Silom!
Soulful Restaurants and cafes
We found really cute, good vibes restaurants near our Airbnb.
One of the first Bangkok dining experience for us was here. Right on the Chao Praya river, Cafe and Bistro of 1608 hostel. [1] (not exactly in Silom area, but close.)
Because of the SITUATION, we had the entire restaurant to ourselves! We can’t complain about that. Food was amazing.
On a different day, we randomly went into this restaurant, Harmonique [2]…. and it literary blew our minds.
It was half outside half inside kind of situation, then there is this giant tree in the middle!
Everything was fantastic 🙂 There are displays of antique furniture in the dining rooms. I loved their retro floor tiles.
Wuatong (金牛) [3] was another cute restaurant we went in. It’s wide open to outside so very relaxing, facing a little soi. All the furniture, decor, dishes are curated and beautiful.
Sarnies [4] was our first cafe experience in Bangkok.
Their coffee with coconut water and roasted coconut on top was very nice! Gorgeous building with over 100 years of history. Beautifully renovated inside.
Luka [5] was a few steps from our first Airbnb. Many cafe menus and healthy breakfast options. Relaxed modern cafe.
Cheap food!
The entire food on this table was 120 baht. These are basically what we were eating most of the nights. [3] We were a big fan of this vendor that is located right around Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, but opposite side of Silom Road.
Shopping and custom orders
One thing I definitely enjoyed in Silom is shopping.
I am an minimalist, I usually hate shopping so it’s THAT good in Silom. Why so good? Prices I think? Human touch?
Tailor [1]
I brought this KIMONO fabric from Japan thinking somebody can make me a nice clothes out of it. Silom road have many tailors and I was smitten. Quick google search told me at this Arena’s Fashion, Arena can speak fluent English. Very close to our second Airbnb.
Very happy with Arena. She made me a cool set up using the kimono fabric, and a siphon blouse. Also Altered some of my clothes for me. Highly recommend. She told me we were the first foreign customer that came in since COVID! If you have a tailoring need, give her a call! Mens and womens suits, dresses, wedding etc.
Arena’s Fashion
292/3 Silom Rd., Suriyawongse, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
+66 86 789 8750
Jewelry [2]
I needed to fix my ring. One tiny tiny stone from my pave ring was missing. Silom happened to have many retail and wholesale jewelry shops. I happened to walk by this open air jewelry market building with many vendors (I think it’s called T R Building), and walked up to one guy. I said “I want a stone for this” and he said it’s too small, he doesn’t have it. I asked where I can get it, then he told me “That lady!”. I went to the lady. She sold me the stone for 10 Baht!!!!!!!!
This Jewelry building also have skilled workers making jewelry. Setting, plating, what have you. I found a setting guy, and showed my ring and the stone. He set the stone for me for 10 BAHT!!!!!!!!!! JEEEZUS. A man fixed my ring for me for 40 cents!!!!!
My mind was blown.
I happened to be lagging around this long gold chain necklace of my aunt’s for years. It’s too long to wear daily. So I got this idea that I can cut it and make it an bracelet and a shorter necklace. I found a booth / store that cuts chains and links on 2nd floor. Cutting and attaching the hook was 60 Baht! Bracelet done.
As for the necklace, unfortunately this store doesn’t sell the 18k gold hook, so finding that was bit of an adventure. I went knocking on their doors asking if anybody sell the gold hooks. One nice Thai guy brought us to this shop with a lady that speaks bit of English, and the lady gave me a phone number and store name. she couldn’t explain where exactly the shop is located. It’s outside of this jewelry complex. Few days later, I asked my tailor where the store is, she called for me and I could locate it after that. They didn’t have 18k hook in stock, but sold me a 14k gold hook (500 baht). Good enough for me! Went back to the chain cutting booth and got my necklace done for another 60 baht!
Icon Siam was next level. Coming from Vancouver, it was mind blowing. Most publicly luxurious place I have ever visited. I especially liked the section called Icon Craft, featuring the local artists and crafts. I bought a bed spread and it wasn’t expensive. My husband enjoyed the choices of Asian market. Addidas products that would never come to Canada, Deus Australia shirts etc. Don’t need to buy anything to enjoy this place. Every bit of floor to ceiling is gorgeously decorated, with lots of water features, including rivers with floating boats.
Sightseeing
I could see LHONG 1919 [1] from the Cafe and Bistro of 1608 hostel on the opposite side of the river. We went exploring when we went to Icon Siam. It’s walk-able from there. Goes through a cute retro neighborhood. The stores and cafes were almost all closed, but we enjoyed the atmosphere.
Wat Ratchabophit was gorgeous! Newer construction I believe. Every surface was covered in gold, mirror or patterned tiles!
Yawarat is walking distance away from Wat Ratchabophit. Lots to explore!
I don’t know if you get the vibe of Silom neighborhood from my pictures, but it’s more retro than Shukumvit area. I feel like I experienced something authentic, figuring out my jewelry situation on my own… walking into local tailor… buying most food from vendors… Food options were amazing. Needless to say, our Bangkok experience was success even during COVID times.
We moved to Pattaya since. It’s hard finding a place with a cat, but we managed!