Where To Stay In Bangkok

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Bangkok is one of the most lively and diverse cities in South East Asia, and many people don’t realise that it’s also huge! With over 50 neighbourhoods making up the city, choosing where to stay can confuse first-time visitors. The BTS Skytrain and MTR make getting around the centre easy, meaning many visitors rightly stay in a select few central districts with everything you need for a great trip. The Bangkok Airport Rail Link takes just 25 minutes to reach the centre and connects with the Skytrain to the rest of the city, so getting in and out is super easy.

Each neighbourhood has its own pros and cons, with the famous Khao San Road area being an affordable backpacker hub, Sukhumvit and Siam home to towering skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls, and the Riverside the location of many 5-star luxury brands, with views over the gently flowing Chao Phraya River. Here are some tips to help you choose where to stay in Bangkok. 

Where To Stay In Bangkok

Khao San

Side View Of A Young Woman using her mobile in Khao San.
Khao San is a good choice for budget travellers when choosing where to stay in Bangkok for the first time.

It’s very unlikely you haven’t heard of Khao San Road, one of the most famous streets in Thailand. Home to bars, restaurants, nightclubs and hostels, it’s a backpacking mecca known for cheap food, beer and accommodation.

The Khao San area is a great place to stay if you’re looking to party or meet other travellers, or need to stick to a budget.

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Khao San Road itself may be noisy, but that’s not to say that slightly further away, you won’t find equally affordable options – it can be a perfect choice if you want to be close to Bangkok’s Old Town attractions, such as the Grand Palace or Wat Arun, which are two of the most famous sights in the city.

Pros

  • One of the most affordable and lively neighbourhoods to stay in, in a central location close to many attractions.
  • Very affordable and a much-loved backpacking neighbourhood, so it’s also great for meeting people.
  • There are some excellent food options and easy access via MTR to the downtown area.

Cons

  • There are so many backpackers here, so this neighbourhood can get very noisy at night, particularly during the evenings and weekends. On Khao San Road, multiple bars, clubs and restaurants often play loud music and host parties.
  • Accommodation is affordable, so this is not the place to stay if you’re looking to splash out on a high-end hotel, as you’ll find few of them in the area.

Hotels in Khao San

Modern Hotel Room bed
It doesn’t matter where you stay in Bangkok, you’ll find a range of hotel rooms for all budgets.
Luxury – Ayathorn Bangkok

A hotel just a short distance from Khao San Road., Ayathorn is just 700m from Wat Saket and inside has its own garden and bar area. The stylishly decorated rooms have a large bed, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. The hotel also offers a well-equipped fitness centre, outdoor pool and terrace alongside an on-site restaurant.

Mid-range – Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel

This centrally located hotel is just 400m from Khao San Road and is a great mid-range option close to the attractions in the Old Town. Many spacious rooms have city views, a balcony or overlook the sparkling blue pool. Aside from the infinity pool, the hotel serves up a great continental breakfast and is within walking distance of the temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Budget – Villa De Khaosan by Chillax

This super affordable budget option is very popular with travellers, but despite its low prices, guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, an elegant lounge area, room service, and quick access to the Grand Palace. Before venturing out to enjoy the city, visitors can satisfy themselves with a huge hotel breakfast that includes à la carte, American and vegetarian options.

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Sukhumvit

Bangkok City 360° Panorama, Nana And Sukhumvit Road
Sukhumvit is a popular destination to pick a hotel when deciding where to stay in Bangkok.

Sukhumvit is one of the most central neighbourhoods in Bangkok in the city’s ‘downtown’ area. Anyone looking for high-end hotels, a wealth of shops (both high street and high-end), upmarket food choices and easy transport options should consider Sukhumvit.

The neighbourhood is an ideal fit for families, business travellers, and even backpackers, with a few budget hotels available. Many expats choose to live here for convenience, as shopping malls like Terminal 21 and the Big C Supermarket provide everything you need to get by.

Although there are street food stalls and local cafes, you’ll find Michelin-starred dining, western chain restaurants, sleek coffee shops, and co-working spaces here. The only downside to consider in this area is Nana Plaza which is part of Bangkok’s wider red-light district, which may be off-putting for some visitors, however, there is so much choice on offer it is easy to avoid the area.

Pros

  • Everything you need at your fingertips, including restaurants, shops, and quick access by MTR to Bangkok’s main attractions.
  • Perfect for any traveller, as many expensive and budget options exist here, including some familiar large hotel chains.
  • A foodie paradise –-the neighbourhood is home to some of Bangkok’s best restaurants, from local cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Cons

  • Unless you have already seen the sights, this is not the place to stay for first-timers as it is a little bit further away from Bangkok’s famous temples and palaces.
  • The shops and restaurants here are often much more expensive than in Bangkok’s Old Town.

Hotels in Sukhumvit

Luxury Hotel And Five Star Room Service
For a touch of luxury, you’ll find plenty of hotels offering five-star service in every Bangkok neighbourhood.
Luxury – Shama Petchburi 47

Shama Petchburi is one of the best luxury properties to stay at in Sukhumvit. Not only does it have quick access to the airport, but it also offers a fitness centre, swimming pool and rooms that include their own kitchenettes. You’ll enjoy fluffy bathrobes, slippers and a flatscreen TV inside your room. Surrounded by some great shops and restaurants, it is only a short journey on the sky train to reach neighbourhoods such as Siam or Silom.

Mid-range – Miami Hotel Bangkok

Although it originally opened in the 1960s, Miami hotel has been recently renovated to have a stylish new look with cool bright 1960s retro design. Not only is it in a convenient location close to both Nana and Asok Skytrain stations, but the rooms are modern, spacious and provide minibars, private bathrooms and comfortable beds. In the centre of the hotel is a lovely swimming pool, and some rooms have French doors opening directly onto the pool, plus there is a helpful 7-eleven on the ground floor.

Budget – Jono Bangkok Asok Hotel

If you’re looking to stay in Sukhumvit but still want an affordable option, then this hotel is a good bet. Jono has clean, modern rooms, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. The hotel has a lovely lounge area for chilling out and the reception staff are extremely helpful with any information you might need for travelling around the city. The hotel is not far from Lumphini Park and even closer to the beautiful Benchakiti Park in case you need a break from the heat of the city.

Bangkok Riverside

Bangkok river and buildings at sunset
Riverside has an excellent choice of hotels if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River snakes its way through the city, with a thousand off-shoots into canals leading to the riverside and Old Town, often compared to Venice. The river is an important waterway, and alongside it are some of Bangkok’s most famous temples, making it an excellent location for sightseeing.

Although it is further away from downtown, Skytrain and MTR access is reasonably good. However, the picture-perfect sunset views and slow boat cruises here mean many of the best luxury hotels have put down roots. If you’re looking to splurge while being close to attractions, this could be the place for you.

If you’re keen on staying here without the price tag, a few boutique guesthouses are quite affordable along the opposite side of the riverfront. Taking a boat to jump off at individual sights can work out less expensive than taxis. Plus, the neighbourhood is far quieter than Khao San or Sukhumvit, so is often favoured by families and couples.

Pros

  • A great option for families- the riverside is a quiet location close to many famous attractions.
  • It has some of the best views in Bangkok, and you can enjoy a scenic slow boat along the river.
  • Travelling by boat is affordable to see the closest attractions here.

Cons

  • Bangkok Riverside is home to some of the city’s most expensive hotels, so this is the place to stay if you want to splash out or for a special occasion.
  • The riverside may be close to attractions, but it is quite far from the shops and restaurants of downtown, although you will find several MTR stations nearby.

Hotels in Bangkok Riverside

Rolled up white towels on the hotel bed.
List of where to stay in Bangkok
Luxury – Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Renowned as one of the best hotel brands in the world, the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok is no different to its properties worldwide.

Not only does this incredible property offer spectacular views of the river, but the traditionally decorated rooms have Thai silk furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and high-tech Japanese toilets; plus, some rooms even have private butlers.

The hotel houses an expansive outdoor pool, yoga classes, a fitness centre, and local cooking classes. MO’s French restaurant by Alain Roux has two Michelin stars, and there are two additional restaurants to choose from.

Mid-range – The Salil Hotel Riverside

Perched in a great location on the riverside, this property is a great mid-range option if you don’t want to go over budget. The rooms at The Salil are spacious, with private bathrooms, free toiletries, coffee machines and balconies. Guests can enjoy an American buffet breakfast and amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, gym and peaceful garden area.

Budget – Ibis Bangkok Riverside

Although this Ibis property is on the other side of the river, it is the perfect budget option and reaching the centre is simple by taxi. The rooms are classically comfortable – exactly what you expect from an Ibis, with flatscreen TVs, fridges and private bathrooms.

As is common in Bangkok, even this budget hotel has its own beautiful outdoor pool and due to its location, there is a free shuttle bus to the nearest Skytrain station.

Silom

Cityscape View Of Bangkok Business Building In Business Zone At Bangkok,Thailand
Choosing where to stay in Bangkok can be daunting as there are so many hotels in this busy city.

Despite being home to another of the city’s red-light districts, Silom is Bangkok’s business and financial hub. Steel skyscrapers, housing banks and law firms are aplenty here, and as you may imagine, this modern and well-developed area is one of the cleanest and quietest areas to stay while still being close to the centre.

Lumphini Park is a green oasis in Silom, popular with runners, dog walkers and tourists, while a multitude of Skytrain and MTR stations or your own two feet means the bright lights and shops of Siam or Sukhumvit aren’t far away.

Although the Patpong district is best avoided, its night market is certainly an excellent place to grab some local street food if you’re staying in this area on a budget. Silom has many high-rise buildings and some of Bangkok’s best rooftop bars. Drinks may be a little pricier than a street stall beer, but the spectacular city views are worth it.

Pros

  • One of the quietest, cleanest and greenest places to stay in Bangkok, the business district is an ideal neighbourhood for all types of travellers.
  • There are some great coffee shops and green spaces like Lumphini Park to get away from the heat of the city, plus a whole host of rooftop bars with amazing views.
  • There are a number of useful Skytrain stations here so that you can reach neighbourhoods like Siam and Sukhumvit in a short time.

Cons

  • Some travellers may find Silom a little soulless due to the number of skyscrapers, banks and businesses, so it’s not ideal if you want to meet other travellers.
  • Some hotels may be on the pricier side in this neighbourhood.

Hotels in Silom

Room service serving sweet VIP dessert in design hotel on room.
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok? Check out our top picks.
Luxury – The Standard

The Standard is one of Bangkok’s most well-known luxury hotels. All the rooms are stylishly designed with kitchen furniture, private bathrooms and balconies. Breakfast options include Continental, full English or American options and hotel amenities on offer are a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, terrace and its own restaurant. It is also just one block from the Sky train station, meaning you can easily reach downtown and the airport.

Mid-range – Le Meridien

Located in the heart of Bangkok’s business district, Le Meridien is just a five-minute walk from the Patpong night market and the Saladaeng BTS station, so there is plenty of food options on offer and reaching the sights is easy. All the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows offering city views, flatscreen TVs and living areas. The hotel also boasts an outdoor sundeck and swimming pool and its own spa where you can enjoy massages and treatments.

Budget – Beanstalk Bangkok

Beanstalk is an ideal budget hotel in this normally slightly pricier neighbourhood. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and guests can enjoy a vast range of breakfast options daily. The hotel also has its own bar and helpful 24-hour reception service, alongside easy access via the Skytrain to Sukhumvit and downtown Bangkok.

Siam

Modern Luxury Hotel Room Interior
You’ll find plenty of modern hotel rooms that won’t break the bank when deciding where to stay in Bangkok.

Siam is one of the busiest areas in Bangkok- somewhat interchangeable with Sukhumvit since they are just a few Skytrain stops apart, Siam is home to several of the city’s biggest shopping malls.

Siam Square is the hub of this neighbourhood, close to which you’ll find Siam Discovery, Siam Center and MBK, containing both local and high street stores, and Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Village, with the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

Food options are over-abundant here: inside the malls are multi-level food courts serving everything from 50p Pad Thai to Michelin-starred restaurants, plus some excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee spots.

Despite its constant thrum of activity, staying here isn’t noisy or intense – in fact, there are a great mix of expensive hotels, mid-range chains such as Novotel and Ibis, and budget options available. Siam BTS is the main interchange station connecting the different Skytrain lines so it’s also an ideal area for combining shopping and dining with sightseeing.

Pros

  • Siam is the location of many of Bangkok’s best shopping malls. These include Siam, Paragon, Siam Discovery and MBK, which contain a lot of High Street and designer shops.
  • The shopping malls and their surrounding area also have all of the food choices you could desire for all types of budgets.
  • Siam is the Skytrain’s central interchange station; from here, you can easily reach Sukhumvit and Old Town Bangkok quickly.

Cons

  • Siam can be an expensive place to stay, and you’ll find many exclusive hotel chains here.
  • If you don’t like shopping or your budget is very low, this might not be the area for you.
  • Although this area has a high concentration of taxis, this transport option may be slow here due to frequent traffic jams.

Hotels in Siam

Luxury hotel and five star room service, various food platters, bread and coffee as in-room breakfast for travel and hospitality brand.
Treat yourself to a bit of luxury in a Bangkok hotel.
Luxury – Anantara Siam

Anantara is one of the world’s most respected luxury hotels, and their centrally located Siam Hotel offers all of its typical amenities, such as a spa, outdoor pool and a health club. The hotel is excellent for kids as they provide special children’s toiletries and even bedtime snacks for younger guests.

The rooms are furnished with beautiful wood and silk decorations, flatscreen TVs and huge ensuite bathrooms. Some of the rooms even have their own private plunge pool. Onsite, the hotel has nine different restaurants, lounges and bars to choose from, ranging from Japanese food to Thai. On top of this, it’s just a short walk to all of the best shopping and eating in Bangkok.

Mid-range – Centara Grand at CentralWorld

Considering its mid-range price, Centara Grand offers all of the amenities you would expect at any of the luxury hotels in the city. There are nine different dining options and an outdoor pool, and via the Skywalk, you can be in multiple shopping centres within minutes. All of the rooms have beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, bathtubs and fluffy robes. If you’re keen on relaxation, the spa has hot pools, massage rooms and a fitness centre, plus the hotel has a beautiful rooftop bar with panoramic views of Bangkok.

Budget – Siam@Siam

Siam@Siam hotel is a design-lovers dream, just a five-minute walk from the nearest Skytrain station and housing its own infinity pool. All of the rooms are individually designed, with minibars, flatscreen TVs and ensuite bathrooms. It is within walking distance of multiple shopping malls and has its own restaurant called Party House One and a rooftop bar for sunset drinks.

Chinatown

Night view of Chinatown Street in Bangkok
For action after dark, Chinatown is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Bangkok.

Chinatown is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Bangkok- in fact, Bangkok has one of the highest populations of Chinese settlers in Asia. Bangkok’s Chinatown is awash with neon signs, bustling street stalls and great Chinese restaurants, so you won’t be short of food options if you stay here. Not only that, but Chinatown is close to many of the major attractions in Bangkok, and it has its own MRT station, meaning you can easily get to the rest of the city.

Chinatown is also one of the most affordable places to stay, with a great mixture of local guest houses and budget hotels. The only downside to staying in this neighbourhood is that it can be quite noisy at night due to the numerous bars, restaurants and markets.

Chinatown is the perfect neighbourhood for those who want the central location of Khao San Road, without noisy partying and many touristy shops, as instead, you’ll find an authentic slice of China in Thailand.

Pros

  • Chinatown has some of Bangkok’s best and most affordable food options, which can be great if you’ve overdone it with Pad Thai.
  • A very affordable place to stay, a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the Old Town and the riverside.

Cons

  • Due to the densely packed shops, restaurants and bars, this area can get noisy at night, although much of it is focused around Chinatown’s one main street, outside of this, it can be pretty quiet.

Hotels in Chinatown

Typical Hotel Room
When thinking about where to stay in Bangkok, picking the right neighbourhood can save you travelling time.
Luxury – Hotel Royal @ Bangkok Chinatown

With arguably one of Bangkok’s best salt-water infinity pools overlooking the city skyline, Hotel Royal offers modern rooms with flatscreen TVs, living areas, dining areas and private bathrooms. Within the hotel, there is also a fitness centre, and the staff on the tour desk are extremely helpful for booking trips within the city or to the airport. Just over 200 m from the nearest MRT station, it is surrounded by the buzzing restaurants of Chinatown while still having quick access to the rest of the city.

Mid-range – W22 by Burasari

If you stay at the W22, you’ll feel like you’re in a Thai villa in the jungle despite being in one of Bangkok’s busiest neighbourhoods. The hotel’s rooms have ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs and comfortable beds designed using sleek wood and leather. Although this hotel does not have a pool, it has a lounge area and billiards table and serves a continental breakfast daily. It is not within walking distance of temples and attractions, however, sights like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are just a short taxi or motorbike ride away.

Budget – Tamni

Tamni is also designed using lots of wood and plant life, making it feel like an oasis in the heart of Chinatown. Although the hotel is a small budget option, it has a garden, parking, lounge and terrace area. The guest rooms are clean and spacious with air-conditioning, large comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel has a varied restaurant that serves Thai and European cuisine and the property is next to Hua Lamphong MTR station, which links to the Old Town and downtown Bangkok. 

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India-Jayne Trainor
India-Jayne Trainor is a British/Australian freelance writer, photographer and contributor to various online blogs and travel websites. She has travelled to almost 30 countries, most recently Cuba and Sri Lanka. Her work focuses on solo female travel, having spent two months backpacking alone through South East Asia as well as living in Germany for a year. Her favourite country to date has been Hong Kong, but she is happy in any country by the ocean. Her next destinations are Uzbekistan and a road trip through the American Mid-West. India is currently based in London, UK.