The lowdown
Over the years Sathon and Silom have become a new preferred location to reside for many expatriates living and working in Bangkok. Known as a business hub due its shiny skyscrapers towering over the city housing many international companies, Sathon and Silom could be said to have a range of personas depending on the time of day or day of the week. The juxtaposition of old and new is nowhere more apparent than here.
During the week workers pour into the area to take a seat in one of the area’s many offices, creating queues at the BTS stations and spilling out of food courts and restaurants at lunch. As the day closes and evening draws in, the workers leave, the traffic backs up on notorious Sathon Road, and the evening and night revellers descend. Over the weekend, the area transforms again to a sleepy corner of the city come day and party scene by night. That said, the louder streets sit side-by-side so you never have to travel far to reach a quieter spot. Sathon and Silom caters to everyone.
Sathon and Silom Roads run parallel to each other and the area is often combined to be regarded as one place. It can be loosely defined as running to Lumpini Park and Rama IV to the east, as far south as Chan Road, to the Chao Phraya in the west and then spilling over Silom Road in the north. The area benefits from access to the Silom branch of the BTS at Sala Deang, Chong Nonsi and Surasak stations as well as Lumpini and Silom stations of the MRT. A short ride on the BTS between Sala Deang and Surasak is well worth it just to enjoy the view as the train snakes between the gleaming skyscrapers.
Daily life
The beauty of Sathon and Silom is the diversity on offer. The main thoroughfares allow for easy navigation across the city, but like most main roads in Bangkok they can quickly fill with traffic at rush hour. A drive down the wide lanes of Sathon Road in the morning is reminiscent of any leading powerhouse in the world, but duck off into the Sois in and around Soi Covent and it will take you back to Bangkok’s roots with traditional style houses and countless food vendors.
For many the real appeal to the area is undoubtedly Lumpini Park. Considered to be a blessing to those living and working in the area, this is Bangkok’s pride and joy complete with artificial lake, running tracks, outdoor gyms, green lawns and children play areas. Lumpini Park is a cocoon from the city’s hustle and bustle that is loved by all generations and demographics, and is ideal for fitness gurus who would rather work up a sweat outdoors rather than in one of the area’s many gyms.
For high street shopping with lots of global brands, supermarket, pharmacies and more, head to the Silom Complex centred around a Central department store. A range of shops can also be found on Silom Road, and in the evening the streets come alive with a night market selling a range of wares.
Where to live
Depending if you want to be in the thick of the action or in a quieter enclave of Sathon and Silom, will dictate where in the area to live. Sathon Road is lined with condominiums, some set in vast grounds with an enviable range of facilities. Saladeang itself is home to a host of lateral style living too, but if it is a house you are after, then heading south of Sathon Road towards Yenakart and Nanglinchi are probably your best bet. Also the condominiums and apartments in this area often offer better value for money slightly further from the mass transit network, but these areas also offer a community feel. Sathon Soi 10 and 12 have a few condominiums options too, which offer a more quiet space in a popular spot to live.
Eating and drinking
As Sathon and Silom are seeing a rise in the number of people opting to live in this part of town, this brings with it more eating and drinking options. The tree lined Sathon Sois 10 and 12 offer a residential feel, but over the years new restaurants and bars have popped up as this has become a new on trend place to enjoy.
Soi Covenant is known for its incredible street food and there are various food courts in the area to cater to the office workers, along with award winning restaurants and bars are dotted around the area in modern buildings, refurbished Thai houses, traditional shop houses and five-star hotels. Suan Phlu off Sathon Road is another new pocket that has created a name for itself welcoming new ‘hip’ places to hang out, eat and drink.
Sathon and Silom is also home to a number of Bangkok’s top hotels. Boutique, traditional or ultra slick in design and service, take your pick of something to suit your taste for brunch, afternoon tea, dinner or for sundowners on their rooftop bar. It is easy to live the high life in this exciting part of Bangkok.
Why should I live in Sathon and Silom?
- Despite what you may think, Sathon and Silom isn’t just a business hub. It is well suited to young professionals but is also family friendly due to the choice of restaurants that accommodate children – not to mention the huge expanse of Lumpini Park to keep them entertained.
- Bangkok has an efficient, reliable and comfortable mass transit network. Live in Sathon and Silom and you’ll have this on your doorstep with a choice of stations to pick from.
- Ideal for those wanting a short commute to work but want to embrace the quiet weekend that Sathorn and Silom offers once the rush hour traffic vanishes.
