The longest road in Thailand, both it and its many adjoining 'sois' (roads) are poor on traditional tourist attractions but rich in of-the-minute shopping, eating and nightlife. While there are touches of 'Thai-ness' on every corner, the many fashionable restaurants, bars, air-conditioned malls, luxury hotels and hip clubs give the area a distinctly modern, cosmopolitan, aspirational flavour.

Small immigrant populations, a large expat community and many tourists, means foreigners of all descriptions are especially well catered for when it comes to things to see and do here, day or night. And yet the bustle of the streets - especially the abundant pavement vendors and snarled traffic - still offers the relentless sensory bombardment that is so typically Bangkok. Some of the city's most sinful spots, red-light districts Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (off Soi 23) are also found here. And little, stress-busting pockets of calm can be found in the sweet cafes, atmospheric restaurants and lush day spas that hide down many of its sois. Making exploring its daunting options and overcoming its staggering length incredibly easy is the elevated Skytrain (BTS) that stretches along most of it.