The National Stadium area around the BTS station of the same name is one of Bangkok's emerging cultural precincts. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre anchors the corner at Pathumwan intersection, while the historic Hua Mak Stadium building — the original National Stadium — sits nearby. The Old Town and newer residential and cafe development in the streets south of Rama I Road are worth exploring.
The surrounding streets, particularly between National Stadium BTS and MBK Center, contain a mix of sports shops, traditional tailors, and cafe-focused new businesses. The area is significantly more walkable than most of Bangkok and benefits from the proximity of Chulalongkorn University. For sporting events, the stadium hosts football (soccer) matches and athletics competitions on a regular schedule.