Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts hotels in Ratchaprasong

Ratchaprasong Bangkok Travel Guide

Ratchaprasong is one of the most vibrant shopping districts in Thailand's national capital. Chit Lom is the closest BTS Skytrain station to Ratchaprasong. The skywalk where shoppers can easily stroll between Chit Lom Station and Platinum Fashion Mall is open from 06:00 to 24:00, but each of Ratchaprasong's many shopping centres and restaurants have their own opening and closing hours. Over 20 BMTA bus lines such as 2, 15, 25, 40, 54, 73, 501 and 508 serve Ratchaprasong, which stands at the intersection of three busy roads, Ratchadamri, Phloen Chit, and Rama I.

Ratchaprasong is primarily known for its sprawling shopping complexes, restaurants, and luxury hotels. However, there are also half a dozen serene shrines scattered throughout Ratchaprasong where shoppers can relax, meditate, or pose for photographs.

The Erawan Shrine is the most famous of the eight Ratchaprasong shrines. Millions of people leave offerings of gold leaves, jasmine garlands, incense, and candles at this shrine believed to bring good fortune. People whose prayers were answered sometimes pay dance troupes to perform in front of the Erawan Shrine, which features a Brahma Sahampati statue. Trimurti (Central World), Ganesh (Central World), Narayana (Hotel Intercontinental), Lakshmi (Gaysorn Plaza), Indra (Amarin Plaza), Jatulokbal (Royal Thai Police Headquarters) and Umathevi (Big C Ratchadamri) are the names of the seven other Ratchaprasong shrines.

There are just as many places to eat at Ratchaprasong as there are places to shop. The amount of restaurants in the food courts of Ratchaprasong shopping complexes may be outnumbered only by the amount of roadside food stalls where visitors can grab cheap snacks in the middle of shopping or on the way home. The CentralWorld shopping centre food court alone boasts over 50 restaurants while Erawan Bangkok's Urban Kitchen features 14 international restaurants in a more upscale environment. Most Ratchaprasong nightlife spots are located inside or on the rooftops of the area's many luxury hotels with Vertigo and Moon Bar on top of the Banyan Tree Hotel being one of the best rooftop bars, offering panoramic views perfect for a photo.

CentralWorld, one of Southeast Asia's biggest shopping complexes, is the largest of Ratchaprasong's numerous shopping centres and department stores. The most expensive and luxurious items for sale in this part of Bangkok, however, are found in the more upscale Gaysorn shopping centre. Shoppers searching for traditional Thai handicrafts will find the best selection at Amarin Plaza. Many Ratchaprasong shopping complexes also include bowling alleys, cinemas, karaoke, and other fun activities.