Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Bangkok: Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide

Best Places to Stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is an incredibly diverse city with many neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. Therefore, whether you crave street food, shopping, or sightseeing, selecting the right area can significantly impact your vacation. We have stayed in multiple neighborhoods and combined our experiences with advice from local residents to recommend the best options for various interests and budgets.

Best Bangkok Hotels

If you’re short on time, here are our top picks for where to stay in Bangkok:

• Shangri La Bangkok – Renowned as the best hotel in Bangkok with impressive riverside views.
• Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok – A luxurious option located in the Khao San Road area.
• Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit – Conveniently positioned in the city center at 250 Sukhumvit Road.

1. Khao San Road – Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget

Khao San Road is known as Bangkok’s famous street, especially for budget travelers. It offers an energetic atmosphere filled with hostels, street vendors, and easy access to top attractions. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, we recommend staying in this lively area.

With options ranging from cheap accommodations to vibrant nightlife, Khao San Road is ideal for young travelers. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider nearby quieter neighborhoods.

Here are the hotels we recommend in the Khao San Road area:

Suggested Hotels Near Khao San Road

• Luxury Hotel near Khaosan
  • Riva Surya Bangkok: A refined 4-star hotel featuring elegant rooms and a stunning view of the Chao Phraya River, ideal for those seeking a touch of luxury.
• Mid-Range Hotels
  • Casa Nithra: A highly recommended spot for its clean rooms and rooftop pool.
  • Old Capital Bike Hotel: A uniquely decorated vintage home offering a friendly atmosphere and excellent service.
• Budget Hotel
  • Thanabhumi: An affordable option with private apartments situated conveniently for exploration.
• Apartment Rental
  • Studio near Khao San Road: A beautiful studio suitable for small groups, located close to the river.

Things to See Near Khao San Road

This lively neighborhood is also prime for people-watching. Settle at a patio with a drink and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, it’s close to essential attractions like:

• The Grand Palace – The iconic royal residence.
• Wat Pho – The temple housing the famous reclining Buddha.
• Wat Phra Kaew – Home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
• Wat Arun – Known as the Temple of Dawn, a must-see for its stunning architecture.
• Chao Phraya River – Exploring this river via taxi water is a unique way to experience Bangkok.
• Democracy Monument – A significant historical landmark surrounded by street food options.

Getting There: No direct high-speed transportation links the area to the city, so expect to rely on tuk-tuks or local buses for travel. A scenic walk to the river allows you to utilize water taxis for a fun experience.

2. Bangkok Riverside – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Luxury

The Riverside area of Bangkok, while distanced from the shopping of the Siam Square, boasts some of the city’s best hotels. Our recent stay along the river was our favorite experience yet!

Although it may be on the pricier side, if you can afford to splurge, the experience is worth it. Many hotels provide complimentary shuttles to major attractions, ensuring you’re never far from the action.

Best Hotels in the Riverside Area

• Luxury Hotels
  • Mandarin Oriental – A legendary establishment among five-star hotels in Bangkok.
  • Capella Bangkok – This luxurious hotel features modern amenities including a Michelin-star restaurant.
  • Avani Riverside – A reasonable luxury choice with a beautiful pool view.
• Mid-Range
  • Royal Orchid Sheraton – A solid mid-range option with a luxurious feel.
  • Ramada Plaza by Wyndham – Offers a comfortable stay with delightful dining experiences.
• Budget
  • Ibis Bangkok Riverside – Excellent value with attractive amenities.

Things to See on the Chao Phraya River

Staying along the river allows easy access to some of the most recognizable attractions:

• Grand Palace – A beautiful location brimming with history.
• Wat Arun – Another iconic temple worth a visit.
• Wat Po – A must-see attraction featuring the reclining Buddha.
• China Town – A bustling area perfect for shopping and dining.
• Flower Market – Explore the largest flower market in Thailand.

Getting There: Although the MRT doesn’t provide direct service to Riverside, the Skytrain from Taksin Bridge is easily accessible. Hotels typically offer free shuttles to the train stations.

3. Silom Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Foodies

Silom serves as the financial district of Bangkok, but it’s also a thriving culinary hotspot. If you’re a food lover, this is the perfect neighborhood for you.

Enjoy a blend of authentic Thai cuisine and vibrant nightlife, balanced between modernity and tradition.

Suggested Hotels in Silom

• Luxury
  • SO Sofitel Bangkok – This upscale hotel is popular among fashionable visitors, offering a rooftop bar and luxurious amenities.
• Mid-Range
  • Baan K by Bliston: An ideal choice with spacious rooms and a convenient location near public transit.
• Budget
  • Pas Cher Hotel De Bangkok: Offers great value, being only a short walk away from the BTS.
• AirBNB Apartment Rentals
  • One Bedroom Luxury Condo: Located conveniently close to public transit.

Things to See in the Silom Neighborhood

Silom features fantastic dining options along with nightlife spots such as the famous Patpong Night Market. For those preferring a quieter experience, head to Saladaeng Road for excellent restaurant choices.

Don’t miss a relaxing morning at Lumphini Park followed by a visit to the Bangkokian Museum.

• Lumpini Park – A peaceful retreat amidst Bangkok’s hustle.
• Patpong Night Market – A lively market in the red light district.
• Saladaeng Road – A hub for both food and nightlife.
• Lalai Sap Market – A glimpse into local life.
• Sky Bar – Perfect for capturing sunset views over the city.

Getting There: Thanks to convenient public transit options, navigating Silom is quite manageable.

4. Chinatown – Best Place to Stay in Bangkok for Culture

Bangkok’s Chinatown ranks among the largest in the world, providing an exciting area filled with energy, especially during festivals.

This area is steeped in history and authentic Chinese food, complemented by numerous Thai street vendors that emerge in the evening.

Local Tip: Should you be transiting through Bangkok by rail, Chinatown offers a great option for affordable accommodations.

Recommended Hotels near Chinatown

• Luxury Hotel
  • Shanghai Mansion – A boutique hotel that immerses guests in oriental charm.
• Mid-Range Hotel
  • Hotel Royal Bangkok – Centrally located with a delightful rooftop pool.
• Budget Guest House
  • River View Guest House – A popular budget option offering beautiful river views.
• Best AirBNB in Chinatown
  • Studio in the Heart of Chinatown – Conveniently located with easy access to major transport links.

Things to See Near Chinatown

• Yaowarat Road – The busy main street featuring a variety of shops and eateries.
• Indulge in the delicious street food available throughout the area.
• Wat Traimit – Home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue.
• Eiah Sae – A historical coffee shop known for its authentic Thai coffee.
• Sampeng Lane (Soi Wanit 1) – A narrow shopping street known for wholesale goods.

Getting There: While there are no direct train services, the MRT’s Hua Lampong stop is conveniently located nearby. There are also budget-friendly public buses servicing the area.

5. Sukhumvit Area – Where to Stay in Bangkok for the First Time

Sukhumvit may not house many traditional attractions, yet it makes up for this with fantastic shopping and dining options. This area is ideal for those wanting to dive into the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant life.

Visited by locals and tourists alike, Sukhumvit is a hub for trendy restaurants, charming cafes, and lively nightclubs.

Best Hotels in Sukhumvit

• Best Luxury Hotel in Sukhumvit
  • Okura Prestige – An elegant hotel featuring exceptional views and an infinity pool.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sukhumvit
  • Novotel Sukhumvit – Conveniently located near shopping options with complimentary shuttle services.
• Best Budget Accommodation in Sukhumvit
  • Analog Hostel – A modern, trendy hostel popular among young travelers.
• Best AirBNB in the Sukhumvit Area
  • Luxury in the Heart of Sukhumvit – A brand-new condominium with stunning city views.

Things to See in Sukhumvit

• Terminal 21 – An innovative shopping mall designed like an airport terminal.
• Emporium – A luxury shopping destination near Benjasiri Park.
• EmQuartier – Known for its shops, restaurants, and bakeries.
• Gateway Mall – A Japanese-themed shopping mall with a variety of dining options.
• Nana (Soi 11) – Features nightlife options, including trendy bars and nightclubs.
• Soi Cowboy (Soi 23) – Known for its vibrant nightlife scene.
• W District – Offers an outdoor food market with diverse street food options.

Getting There: Several BTS stations serve the Sukhumvit area, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.

6. Siam Area – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Shopping

The Siam area is a shopper’s paradise, featuring impressive malls like Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, and Siam Center, all conveniently located near each other.

With options ranging from high-end shops to local boutiques, Siam caters to all shopping enthusiasts.

Where to Stay in Siam

• Luxury
  • Centara Grand Hotel Bangkok – Located within a major shopping mall, renowned for its rooftop bar views.
• Mid-Range
  • Ibis Bangkok Siam – Offers an outdoor pool and is just steps from MBK shopping mall.
• Budget
  • Chao Hostel – A centrally located hostel providing an affordable stay.
• AirBNB
  • This AirBnB is conveniently located near MBK Center with 24-hour airport pickup available.

Things to See in Siam

• Siam Square – The central hub filled with malls, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Jim Thompson House – A museum dedicated to the king of Thai silk.
• MBK – The oldest shopping mall, known for its bargains.
• Siam Ocean World – An aquarium ideal for family visits.
• Thai Boxing – Try to catch a match at the local stadium for a fun experience.

Getting There: Utilize the BTS stations at Siam Square, National Stadium, or Chit Lot for local transit.

7. Banglamphu – Bangkok Budget Neighborhood

Banglamphu has expanded beyond Khao San Road, offering more affordable accommodations and eateries, making it ideal for budget travelers.

This neighborhood shares many attractions with Khao San Road, providing similar experiences with a slightly quieter atmosphere.

Banglamphu Suggested Hotels

Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, Banglamphu offers clean and straightforward lodging suitable for long-term stays in Southeast Asia.

• Mid-Range
  • Casa Nithra – Features a rooftop pool, within a short walk to Khao San Road.
  • Bann Chantra – A charming BnB set in a traditional Thai home.
• Budget
  • New Siam Guest House – A nostalgic choice for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Hansa Bangkok House – A clean and affordable boutique hotel option.

Things to Do in Banglamphu

Experience all the classic attractions of Bangkok, from the Chao Phraya River to the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. This area is perfect for first-time visitors.

8. Pratunam Area – Where to Stay for Families

Pratunam offers a more budget-friendly alternative to Siam, positioned conveniently within walking distance of all the major attractions.

This area is less crowded and offers great local market opportunities for shopping and dining.

Hotels Near Pratunam

With more affordable accommodation options that are not quite on the luxury scale yet still comfortable, this area has something for all budgets.

• Luxury
  • The Berkley Hotel Pratunam – A luxury stay featuring a rooftop pool with impressive views.
• Mid-Range
  • Novotel Platinum – A stylish hotel atop a major fashion mall.
• Budget
  • Pratunam 19 Hotel – A central budget option perfect for families.

Things to See in Pratunam

• Pratunam Market
• Victory Monument
• Neon Market
• The Palladium World Shopping Centre
• The Platinum Fashion Mall
• Four Face Buddha

Getting Around Bangkok

Navigating Bangkok using public transit is straightforward and economical.

Transit: Use the BTS (above ground) and the MRT (below ground) train lines. Be mindful of the direction and line connections.

Water Taxis – These options provide an enjoyable way to explore the Chao Phraya River.

Taxis: Always insist on using the meter for fair pricing. It’s essential to agree on prices beforehand if the meter isn’t an option.

Getting to and from the airport: The Airport Rail Link connects to Suvarnabhumi Airport, while affordable A1 buses service Don Muang Airport.

Plan Your Bangkok Trip

Use the Thai Baht for transactions in Bangkok. For up-to-date currency conversions, consider using a reliable currency converter app.

Bangkok’s climate is known to be hot year-round. The city experiences three primary seasons:

• Hot Season: March to June, with April as the hottest month.
• Rainy Season: July to October, characterized by frequent rain.
• Cool Season: November to February, where temperatures occasionally dip below 80°F.

Note: While helpful links have been included, they direct you to reliable resources for booking accommodations, various services, and travel insurance to ensure a smooth trip.

Ultimately, you will enjoy every moment spent in Bangkok, renowned as the Land of Smiles for a reason.