Bangkok by skytrain: Surasak

This station, number S5 on the Silom line, doesn't have a great deal to offer in terms of tourist attractions or nightclubs, but it's close to the river and there are a few pleasants places to enjoy a quiet meal before you head on to bigger and better things. The station is located near the west end of Sathorn road and borders the financial and business district of Bangkok which is mostly populated by corporate offices and schools.

Directly under the station is a covered eating area surrounded by carts offering varied Thai food, from bamee moo daeng (egg noodles with red pork) to the khao pad moo/gai/neua (fried rice with pork/chicken/beef). Each dish is around 25B.

The most noticeable building on the south side of the station is the large, colonial mansion which serves as the famous Blue Elephant Thai restaurant and cooking school. Well known for exporting Thai food and culture overseas, it's a great place to enjoy delicious (but pricey) food among the beautifully decorated rooms.

If you want to head to the other side of the river across the Sathorn bridge from this station, you can catch the BTS shuttle on the street in front of the Blue Elephant. Free tickets are available at the BTS ticket office and you can check the BTS website for routes and maps. A skytrain extension across the river is planned.

As you walk east on Sathorn you'll come to the embassy of the Holy See, which is here as more of a diplomatic presence than anything else. Just pass this you'll come to the imposing St. Louis Hospital. Directly across the road from this you'll see Bangkok Christian College, one of the oldest schools in the city at 153 years. There actually isn't much to see due to the high gates and tight security, but it explains the crowds of uniformed youths populating this area in the early afternoon, as does another local Thai school in the neighborhood.

Directly after the Bangkok Christian College, you can turn north into Pramuan Road and then left again into Siwang Road. Large trees offer shade from the sun, and two restaurants here can satisfy your appetite. On the south side of the road is Sweet Basil (02 234 1889), a Vietnamese restaurant open for lunch and dinners, and Ban Chiang, a bit further down the road.

After this, this area provides little to see save for small shops, car dealerships and mechanics. If you want to see more, it's probably best to head either to Saphan Taksin station to explore the area around the Chao Phraya river, or to Sala Daeng station to check out the bustling Thanon Silom area.