Why Chidlom is One of Bangkok’s Best Districts
Bangkok’s Chidlom district is one of the most exciting areas in the city, offering a perfect mix of luxury shopping, famous restaurants, cultural landmarks and lifestyle experiences. Located along the BTS Chidlom station in the Ratchaprasong area, this neighbourhood connects some of Bangkok’s most iconic destinations within walking distance – Pratunam, Platinum Fashion Mall, CentralWorld, Gaysorn Village, Big C Ratchadamri and more.
In this Chidlom District Guide, we share a 1-day itinerary covering the best things to do in Chidlom Bangkok, including Central Chidlom, Savoey Seafood Co., Dior Café, Menya Itto, Erawan Shrine, Big C Ratchadamri, a rooftop night at Bar.Yard and overnight at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.
Here is our AroiMakMak recommended guide to spending the perfect day exploring Chidlom.
Lunch: Savoey Seafood Co. at The Mercury Ville @ Chidlom
Start your Chidlom journey with a delicious lunch at one of mine most beloved seafood restaurants, Savoey Seafood Co. located inside The Mercury Ville which is connected right next to the BTS Chidlom station.
Savoey has been a favourite among locals and visitors for its authentic Thai seafood dishes packed with bold flavours and consistency. The Mercury Ville branch recently just underwent a revamp and introduces a slightly more modern and casual setting while preserving the restaurant’s classic recipes with a focus of live seafood.
One standout dish worth trying is Fried Rice Crispy Pork with Sataw Stink Beans and Kapi (Fermented Shrimp Paste) also known as “Khao Kluk Koei” ข้าวคลุกเคยหมูกรอบ. This flavourful shrimp paste (belachan) fried rice is topped with crispy roast pork and irresistable aromatic “stink” beans. This item is only available at this branch so you have to order it!
The rice is coated with fragrant fermented shrimp paste, giving it a deep umami richness that perfectly represents Thai coastal flavours. For many visitors from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, this dish instantly becomes a new favourite on the table.
Explore Central Chidlom
After lunch, continue your Chidlom exploration with a visit to Central Chidlom, one of Bangkok’s most established and elegant department stores. Recently renovated, the mall now features a sleek modern design while maintaining its reputation for premium fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands.
The spacious layout makes it easy to browse through international labels alongside carefully curated Thai designer collections. Visitors can also explore the Central Food Hall, where you will find a wide variety of gourmet products, Thai snacks, and specialty ingredients.
As one of the key shopping landmarks in the Ratchaprasong district, Central Chidlom offers a refined glimpse into Bangkok’s contemporary retail culture.
Afternoon Coffee: Café DIOR by Mauro Colagreco
After lunch, it’s time for a stylish coffee break at the Dior Café, located inside DIOR Gold House.
This elegant café offers a luxurious setting inspired by Parisian fashion culture, featuring coffee and beautifully plated desserts crafted by 3-star Michelin chef Mauro Colagreco. Every detail reflects the Dior aesthetic, from the minimalist interior design to the presentation of the desserts.
Due to high demand, reservations are required, making it one of Bangkok’s most exclusive café experiences.
Art & Fashion: Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys
At Gaysorn Amarin, visitors can explore Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys, an interactive exhibition showcasing the brand’s history, craftsmanship, and travel heritage.
The exhibition features historic trunks, digital installations, and artistic storytelling spaces, making it a must-visit for fashion and design enthusiasts.
Entry requires online reservations, and the experience typically takes around half an hour to explore.
Cultural Stop: Erawan Shrine
Just across the street lies one of Bangkok’s most important spiritual landmarks, the Erawan Shrine.
Dedicated to Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma, the shrine attracts thousands of worshippers daily. Visitors offer flowers, incense, candles, and sometimes traditional Thai dance performances as acts of gratitude or prayer. Despite being surrounded by busy shopping malls and traffic, the shrine remains a peaceful spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Bangkok.
Dinner: Menya Itto at Gaysorn Village
When evening approaches, head to Gaysorn Village for dinner at Menya Itto, one of Japan’s most celebrated ramen restaurants.Originally from Tokyo, Menya Itto has consistently ranked among Japan’s top ramen shops. The Bangkok branch stays true to the original recipes and preparation techniques.
The restaurant is famous for its tsukemen dipping ramen, where thick noodles are served separately from a deeply flavourful seafood-based broth. The broth is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a rich and satisfying bowl of ramen that attracts long queues in both Tokyo and Bangkok.
Snack Shopping: Big C Ratchadamri
No Bangkok visit is complete without a snack-shopping stop at Big C Ratchadamri, one of the most popular supermarkets among tourists.
Here you will find a wide selection of Thai snacks, dried fruits, herbal balms, instant noodles, spices, and souvenirs. Many travellers visit Big C to stock up on famous Thai treats such as Tao Kae Noi, Pocky, Chao Sua Rice Crackers, Dried Mango and more.
It’s also one of the most convenient places to buy gifts before leaving the city.
Relax at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is one of the most stylish luxury hotels in the Chidlom–Langsuan area.
Opened in 2020, the hotel quickly became known for its contemporary design, lush greenery, and vibrant social atmosphere. The property blends modern architecture with garden-inspired spaces, creating a relaxing oasis just minutes away from the busy Ratchaprasong shopping district.
Even if you are not staying overnight, the hotel is worth visiting to experience its beautiful lobby, art-filled interiors, and relaxed lifestyle vibe. Kimpton Maa-Lai is also home to several popular dining and nightlife venues, making it a favourite gathering spot for both locals and travellers.
Nightlife: Bar.Yard at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
End the day with drinks at Bar.Yard, the vibrant rooftop bar located at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.
Known for its tropical rooftop garden atmosphere, Bar.Yard offers lively music, creative cocktails, and stunning skyline views. The atmosphere is relaxed yet energetic, making it a favourite nightlife destination among both locals and visitors.
As the city lights illuminate Bangkok’s skyline, Bar.Yard provides the perfect setting to end a full day exploring Chidlom.
Few districts in Bangkok combine food, culture, fashion, and nightlife so seamlessly. For travellers looking to experience the hidden side of Chidlom beyond shopping malls, this itinerary reveals a neighbourhood where Bangkok’s modern lifestyle meets timeless traditions, all within one unforgettable day.
This article is part of our Bangkok District Guide Series on AroiMakMak, where we explore the best neighbourhoods for food, culture and hidden gems.
