Explore the most popular streets in Bangkok – you’ll see ancient landmarks side-by-side with modern skyscrapers, and street food stalls through to Michelin-starred restaurants. While some streets attract visitors with grand temples, others pull in the city’s partygoers and backpackers. In Bangkok, there’s something unique around just about every corner.

Whether you’re searching for a world-class nightlife scene, premium shopping destinations, or rich history and culture, plenty of Bangkok’s most popular streets have you covered. Read about 10 of our favourite streets to gain an insight into what city has to offer.

  • 1

    Yaowarat Road

    The centre of Bangkok’s Chinatown district

    Yaowarat Road
    • Budget
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Yaowarat Road has been the beating heart of Bangkok’s Chinese community for over 200 years. While exploring this main road and its side streets, you’ll find countless stores selling gold and trinkets, with restaurants and street food stalls spilling onto the pavements. You can also check out nearby temples like Wat Traimit, where you’ll see a 5.5-tonne Golden Buddha.

    Yaowarat Road boasts a vibrant dining scene. Visit in the evening to see impressive, illuminated landmarks such as the Guan Yin Shrine, as well as Chinese red lanterns and neon-lit restaurant signage.

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  • 2

    Khao San Road

    Round-the-clock pilgrimage for backpackers

    Khao San Road
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Group
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Khao San Road is arguably the main draw for most backpackers in Bangkok. Stretching for around 1 km, the street hosts cheap accommodation, restaurants, travel agents, market stalls, and tattoo shops. More famously, it boasts a vibrant and bohemian nightlife scene – the street remains full of partygoers until the early hours.

    Head to Brick Bar for a night of live music and drinks aplenty, or Superflow Beach Club if you prefer to party outside. If you want to try some of Bangkok’s renowned street food, the Michelin-starred Jay Fai is right around the corner.

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  • 3

    Soi Sukhumvit 11

    Popular boulevard with a vibrant nightlife scene

    Soi Sukhumvit 11
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Soi Sukhumvit 11 is one of the busiest streets within the Asok and Nana districts. Here, you can dance in vast nightclubs until the early hours, sip cocktails on a rooftop bar with panoramic views, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant or bar. 

    Thanks to its popularity as a tourist destination, Soi Sukhumvit 11 is home to a range of 3- and 4-star hotels, as well as a few budget options. We recommend Levels Club if you want to dance the night away. Havana Social is a great place to enjoy live Latin music until late.

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  • 4

    Charoenkrung Road

    A historic road with a contemporary vibe

    Charoenkrung Road
    • Couples
    • Food
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Charoenkrung Road is widely known as Bangkok’s oldest paved road. While it still retains a historic charm with antiquated houses and traditional local businesses, it also attracts hipsters and students with its trendy cafes, street art, brunch spots, and bars. It’s also home to some popular fine-dining restaurants.

    If you fancy splashing out on a sophisticated meal, reserve a table at Mezzaluna, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the 65th floor of lebua at State Tower. For an evening of drinks, head to Tropic City or SIWILAI Sound Club.

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    photo by Chainwit. (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    Sanam Chai Road

    Home to iconic palaces, forts, and historical landmarks

    Sanam Chai Road
    • History
    • Photo

    Sanam Chai Road runs from the Grand Palace to the Old City Moat in Bangkok. On the west side of the road, you’ll see landmarks like the Ananta Khiri Fort, Wat Pho, and the Deva Phithak Gate. Government headquarters, Saranrom Palace and the Saranrom Palace Park lie on the eastern side. 

    Thanks to the opening of the Sanam Chai MRT Station in 2019, Sanam Chai Road is easily accessible from just about anywhere in Bangkok. If you’d like to try out a more traditional form of transport, you’ll find plenty of tuk-tuks parked near the street’s main attractions.

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  • 6

    Thong Lo Road (Soi Sukhumvit 55)

    A trendy street with diverse drinking and dining spots

    Thong Lo Road (Soi Sukhumvit 55)
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Thong Lo Road – or Soi Sukhumvit 55 as it’s officially known – has been one of Bangkok’s trendiest areas since the early 2000’s saw countless boutiques, bars and restaurants open up in the area, which in turn spurred the construction of modern high-rise condos. This vibrant street is also home to a significant concentration of Japanese restaurants and venues.

    The nearest BTS Skytrain station to Thong Lo Road is Thong Lo Station, which lies on the Sukhumvit Line. This street is a popular evening spot, when local and visitors enjoy colourful cocktails at trendy spots like Shades of Retro, the Bluebird Jazz Bar and FindTheLockerRoom.

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  • 7

    Ong Ang Walking Street

    One of the most prominent attractions in the Old City

    Ong Ang Walking Street
    • Families
    • Food
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The Ong Ang Walking Street occupies a beautified 1.5-km stretch of the Khlong Ong Ang canal in the Old City. On weekends, both sides of the canal are lined with market stalls, street food vendors, and striking street art.

    The markets usually run from 4 pm to 10 pm. Be prepared to jostle with crowds regardless of when you visit. The Ong Ang Walking Street is easily accessible via the Sam Yot MRT Station. Nearby landmarks like Khao San Road and Grand Palace are just a short walk away.

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  • 8

    Silom Road

    A financial hub with a roaring nightlife scene

    Silom Road
    • Business
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Silom Road is a financial centre during the day and a party destination at night. The street and its sois (side streets) are widely known for hosting vibrant nightlife spots and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. You’ll also find many upscale restaurants and rooftop bars.

    Every other week between December and May, a section of Silom Road turns into a walking street with dozens of market stalls. The easiest way to reach Silom Road is via the BTS Skytrain to the Sala Daeng Intersection or the MRT to the Silom Station.

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  • 9

    Maha Rat Road

    Home to iconic landmarks by the Chao Praya River

    Maha Rat Road
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Maha Rat Road hosts some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, including Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You can browse local goods and wholesale seafood at the historic Tha Tien Market, or dine at one of the many restaurants and bars overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Just across the river, you’ll see the stunning Wat Arun.

    Maha Rat Road is easily accessible via the Sanam Chai MRT Station. You can also reach this street by hopping on a ferry or longboat to either Tha Tien or Tha Chang Pier. Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.

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  • 10

    Chit Lom

    High-end shopping and international dining

    Chit Lom
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Shoppers

    Chit Lom is known for hosting many high-end shopping malls and department stores in Bangkok. Standouts include Central Embassy, Central Chidlom and Erawan Bangkok (located next to the famous Erawan Shrine). You can also take in views of many of the city’s modern high-rises and enjoy an international dining scene. 

    The easiest way to reach Chit Lom is via BTS Skytrain. A station of the same name is located on Sukhumvit Road, at the entrance to Chit Lom Alley. You can also take a canal ferry to the Chitlom ferry terminal at the other end of the alley.

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Joshua Saunders | Contributing Writer