Bangkok is a huge and modern city humming with nightlife and fervour. Administratively, it is split into 50 khet ( districts ), which are further split into 154 khwaeng, but these are more often used in official business and for addresses. Visitors will find the conceptual division below of the main areas more useful for getting around.

Sukhumvit

The long Sukhumvit Road, which changes its name to Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road going west, is Bangkok's modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Sky train intersection at Siam Square is the closest thing Bangkok has to a centre.

Silom

To the south of Sukhumvit, the area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand's sober financial centre by day, but Bangkok's primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Pat Pong come alive.

Rattanakosin

Between the river and Sukhumvit lies the densely packed Old Bangkok, home to Bangkok's best-known sights, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Khao San Road

On the northern part of Rattanakosin, Bangkok's backpacker Mecca Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu have everything the budget traveller is looking for.

Yaowarat and Pahurat

Along Yaowarat Road you will find Bangkok's Chinatown, while Pahurat Road is the home of the sizable Indian community. This multicultural district is filled with markets selling food, gold, fabrics.

Thonburi

The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with Wat Arun and many small canals to explore.

Phahonyothin

The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is best known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Baiyoke Tower 2.

Ratchadaphisek

The district north of Sukhumvit centred around Ratchadaphisek Road ( part of which is called Asoke ). This area is a popular with the locals for its nightlife, such as around Royal City Avenue (RCA).