


Silom Complex
About
Silom Complex offers a welcome air-conditioned escape from Bangkok's heat with multiple floors of family entertainment, including extensive arcade games, game zones, and kid-friendly shopping. This older-style Bangkok mall provides authentic local atmosphere with plenty of budget-friendly entertainment options that keep children engaged for hours while parents can also browse shops and grab refreshments.
Highlights
- ✓Extensive arcade game selection with both classic and modern games popular with Thai families
- ✓Budget-friendly entertainment with games significantly cheaper than Western equivalents
- ✓Air-conditioned comfort perfect for breaking up hot and humid Bangkok sightseeing days
- ✓Authentic local mall experience away from tourist-heavy areas
- ✓Food court with kid-friendly Thai dishes at very reasonable prices
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring small Thai Baht coins and bills for the arcade machines, as many older games don't accept large denominations. There are change machines but they can have lines during peak times.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings right after opening (10:30 AM) for the quietest experience before local families arrive in the afternoon.
- 3.The BTS Skytrain (Sala Daeng Station) or MRT (Si Lom Station) are the easiest ways to reach Silom Complex, avoiding Bangkok's notorious traffic and taxi complications.
- 4.Download a translation app before visiting, as English signage is limited compared to newer Bangkok malls, though staff are generally friendly and helpful.
- 5.Set a gaming budget with your kids beforehand, as arcade games can add up quickly. Many games cost 10-20 Baht per play (roughly $0.30-0.60 USD).
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM offer the coolest escape from midday heat with smaller crowds. Avoid weekends and Thai school holidays when the arcade areas get very busy and noisy. November through February provides the most comfortable weather for combining with outdoor Bangkok sightseeing.
What to Know
This is a moderately priced venue ($$) with most arcade games costing 10-40 Baht each. The mall has food courts with inexpensive Thai meals, clean restrooms, and easy BTS/MRT access. It's an older mall so expect a more local, less polished atmosphere than luxury Bangkok shopping centers.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The cool season (November to February) is most comfortable for traveling families. During Thai New Year (Songkran in mid-April) and school holidays, expect larger crowds and longer waits for popular games. No special holiday closures typically observed.
Nearby Eats
The mall's own food court offers excellent value Thai dishes including mild pad thai and fried rice options kids enjoy. For a sit-down meal, MK Restaurant (Thai suki/hotpot chain) on nearby Silom Road is extremely kid-friendly with interactive cooking at your table.
More Activities Near Pathum Wan
Silom Complex Children's Entertainment Zone
Silom Complex Children's Entertainment Zone offers a vibrant indoor playground and arcade experience in the heart of Bangkok, perfect for escaping the tropical heat while keeping kids entertained. This shopping complex dedicates entire floors to family fun, featuring modern arcade games, play zones, and interactive entertainment that appeals to children of various ages, making it an ideal afternoon retreat during your Bangkok adventure.
Chulalongkorn University Sports Center
This university sports center welcomes families with excellent swimming facilities and badminton courts at budget-friendly prices. Located in central Bangkok, it offers a refreshing break from temple tours and shopping, giving kids a chance to burn energy in a clean, well-maintained environment popular with locals.
Jim Thompson House Museum
The Jim Thompson House Museum offers families a fascinating glimpse into traditional Thai architecture and culture through guided tours of beautifully preserved teak houses set in lush tropical gardens. Kids will be captivated by the exotic setting, unique elevated houses on stilts, and intriguing story of the American silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared in 1967, making history come alive in an engaging way.
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The Emporium and EmQuartier shopping complex offers a welcome air-conditioned escape from Bangkok's heat with multiple dedicated play zones designed for children of different ages. These modern malls combine excellent shopping with thoughtfully designed family areas, interactive play spaces, and an impressive selection of international and Thai kid-friendly restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day here.