Sathon Road is a major road in Bangkok, lined with skyscrapers and corporate offices, especially banking and finance related. It consists of the northbound Sathon Nuea Road (belonging to Bang Rak district) and the southbound Sathon Tai Road (belonging to Sathon district) separated by Khlong Sathon.
On the southern end of the roads is the Taksin Bridge, also commonly called Sathon Bridge, crossing the Chao Phraya River. Thus Sathon Road serves as an important transportation link between Phra Nakorn and Thonburi sides of Bangkok. The Bangkok skytrain also runs along most part of this road with stations Surasak and Saphan Taksin.
The skytrain extension to the other side of Chao Phraya is still under construction but is expected to begin operation in mid 2007. The intersection between Sathon and Narathiwat Racha Nakarin roads is a new commercial area filled with office buildings.
What to do
Shopping at Suan Lum Night Bazaar: a Fun Place to Shop and Dine
Suan Lum Night Bazaar, the first official night bazaar ever available in Thailand, right in the heart of the city. Located at the south-eastern corner of Lumpini Park. Open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to midnight some spots until 2:00 AM.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar has a lot of tourists turning up here and in turn the prices are going up. While it is a little more expensive than places like JJ (Chatuchak) weekend market, it is still worth a look. Some real cool shops here a bit trendier and cleaner than most night bazaars in Bangkok. Nice restaurants and bars in the area as well so come here do your shopping for clothes and Thai memorabilia and go get a decent meal or drink in the surrounding restaurants. Get here by using the MRT getting off at the Lumpini station or just get a taxi.
How to get there: Suan Lum Night Bazaar is on the corner of Wireless and RamaIV Roads. There is a Subway Station at Lumpini and the nearest BTS Skytrain station is Saladaeng. Bus routes: 4, 13, 14, 17, 22, 43, 45, 46, 47, 50, 62, 76, 109, 115, 116, 149, 173
What to see
Joe Louis Puppet Theatre
Unlike any puppet performance you have ever seen. Instead of remaining behind screens during the performance, the puppeteers are an integral part of the show. Traditional puppets give performances of the Ramayana (or Ramakien in Thai) the Indian epic tale, full of plots and sub-plots.
If it sounds terribly highbrow and boring, it isn't. The choreography and co-ordination of the puppeteers, as they move around the stage, is mesmerizing. Each puppet is controlled by 3 puppeteers visible on stage, who work together in perfect unison to produce the incredibly lifelike human movements of each puppet.
The puppeteers are classically trained dancers who imitate the movements of the puppets to literally bring them to life, capturing gestures and nuances. During the performance, the puppets are brought out into the audience - Hanuman the white monkey king mischievously moves among the audience, while the female puppet cleverly charms the men. Even the foreign teenagers in the audience (obviously dragged along by their parents for their obligatory dose of Thai culture) were suitably impressed.
Once a popular art, puppeteer declined after the reign of King Chulalongkorn and almost died out. Joe Louis (originally a mispronunciation of Liew) learned the skills as a child from his parents and began to make his own puppets, giving performances throughout the country. When he died, his wife continued with the theatre. Outside in the foyer are displays of the puppets, exquisitely decorated with coloured glass, a history of this incredible art and lots of information.
The show lasts one hour, just long enough to appreciate the subtlety and skill of the performance. The foyer contains an area which documents the history of the theatre and a display of how traditional masks are made.
Located in Suan Lum Night Bazaar(off Wireless Road), you can combine a visit to the theatre with a shopping trip. The Night Bazaar is a much smaller and more limited version of the famous Chatuchak weekend market, selling smart souvenirs, clothes, lighting, candles and lifestyle items - all incredibly good value.
Open: Puppet show: 19:30 - 20:45. Puppet museum: 18:30 - 19:15 Location: Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Contact: 02 252 9683-4 Subway: MRT Lumpini Station
Kukrit House
It is difficult to describe the many achievements and talents of Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Promoj, a great grandson of King Rama II, in a limited space. A visit to his home will give you an insight into the life, tastes and achievements of the man who was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand.
M.R. Kukrit was one of Thailands most interesting characters. He was a noted performer and choreographer of the traditional Thai Khon dance drama, writer of stories that have become Thai classics such as Phai Dang, founder, publisher and editor of the influential Siam Rath newspaper, actor with Marlon Brando in The Ugly American and founder of the Social Action political party, of which he was the leader when he served as Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975.
He was a man of impeccable taste which is mirrored in Baan Kukrit his Bangkok home.
The house is set in beautiful tropical gardens with ponds. The architecture is in the Ayutthaya style constructed of teak wood. The main residence building is furnished with antiques such as a lion-leg bed that was used by King Rama II . The library holds books on many subjects, ranging from fiction to philosophy.
There is a smaller house called Ho Kwang, which he used as a private retreat for relaxing and a Thai-style pavilion, with solid teak pillars and furnished in his impeccable taste.
How to get there: Located at Soi Sathon 3, also with access through Soi Narathiwat 7. The nearest public transport is BTS Skytrain at Chong Nonsi Station. Bus routes 22, 62, 77, 162 Open Times : 10.00 am.-17.00 pm. on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (not open on in lieu of Public Holidays) Admission fee : Adult 50 Baht, Child 20 Baht Tel : 0 2286 8185, 0 2287 2937
Lumpini Boxing Stadium Lumpini Stadium, located to the east of Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road, is Bangkok's second major boxing stadium. Bouts at Lumpini are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.00 pm, and twice on Saturdays at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm.
It's easy to tell when a fight is in progress by the hundreds of motorcycles parked outside on the road. Ticket prices are similar to those at Ratchadamnoen Stadium and vary according to the seating. Outer circle seats are around 500 baht while a ringside seat can cost from 800 to 1,500 baht depending on the card.
Show time: Tuesday, Friday Saturday nights at 6.30 pm. and Saturday afternoon at 5.00 pm. Ticket prices: Baht 500, 800 and 1,500 for ringside. How to get there: Subway to Lumpini Station, Bus routes: 4, 13, 22, 45, 47, 74, 141 Tel: 0 2252 8765
Where to dine
Sorrento (Italian)
66 North Sathorn Road
BTS Station: Chong Nonsi, Sala Daeng
T.02-234-9841
This authentic Italian Restaurant is located on North sathorn Road, next to Evergreen Laurel Hotel and adjacent to Soi Pipat. The menu contains an array of imaginative and inventive dishes. What you should not miss is Spaghetti Alla Sorrento, with a sauce made from mixed seafoods. You will be sure to like the friendly atmosphere here.
Vertigo (Grill)
61st Floor, Banyan Tree Hotel, South Sathorn
T.02-679-1200
Seeking an adventurous dining experience? Vertigo is the citys most exciting restaurant. Vertigo is a stylish and sophisticated open-air grill and bar, which offers panoramic views of the city and surroundings. It is the highest alfresco city hotel restaurant in the world. The d?cor takes on that of a modern and trendy restaurant with stainless steel cutlery plates and funky music to add to the avant-garde atmosphere. Guests can indulge in a wonderful selection with top quality products.
The Bangkok skytrain runs along most part of this road with Surasak station and Saphan Taksin station.
There is a pier at the terminal station, Saphan Taksin, where the passengers can change their route to boat trips on Chao Phraya River.
Likely to Silom Road, although it is a short length, the traffic mostly shows the red lights and is badly struck in the morning and in the evening. Please keep avoiding to go on the road. Sky train is more recommended.
Shopping at Suan Lum Night Bazaar: a Fun Place to Shop and Dine
Joe Louis Puppet Theatre 
Once a popular art, puppeteer declined after the reign of King Chulalongkorn and almost died out. Joe Louis (originally a mispronunciation of Liew) learned the skills as a child from his parents and began to make his own puppets, giving performances throughout the country. When he died, his wife continued with the theatre. Outside in the foyer are displays of the puppets, exquisitely decorated with coloured glass, a history of this incredible art and lots of information. 
Kukrit House 
He was a man of impeccable taste which is mirrored in Baan Kukrit his Bangkok home. 
Lumpini Boxing Stadium
