Choosing where to stay in Bangkok can seem pretty overwhelming the first time you look into it. You are faced with a map of this huge city with no obvious centre and tourist attractions scattered all over the place.
Over 9 million people call Bangkok their home and there are over 1700 hotels to choose from. It is an intense city full of tall buildings, crazy traffic, unusual smells, and enough going on to keep you busy for your whole stay and (possibly) leave you desperate to come back for more.
Finding the best area to stay in Bangkok might seem confusing at first so we have compiled this post to help you find the best neighbourhood to stay in Bangkok. We have also picked out the top hotels in Bangkok for each of these areas so you can be sure to have a great base for your stay in the capital.
The Best Area to Stay in Bangkok
In this section, we will describe all of our favourite areas in Bangkok to give you a good idea of what you can expect to find there on arrival. Hopefully, this will help you to decide which area is right for you!
We have included links to our favourite hotels on Agoda or Booking.com. We use both of these for booking our hotels. It seems strange, but prices are lower than if you book directly with the hotel (we have had to sit in the lobby and book on our phones to extend our stay, as it was cheaper than doing it at the desk!).
In most cases, you get free cancellation as well so you have nothing to lose in booking today.
Sukhumvit Road – Best Area in Bangkok for Seeing it All
Sukhumvit Road is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok. It is one of the main roads in Bangkok and it is really really long. It is a popular place for accommodation in Bangkok and there is a huge range of Bangkok hotels along the road, from budget to prices as sky-high as the rooftop bars that the city is famous for.
There are also loads of restaurants and plenty of street food options to fill you up when hunger strikes. It is also a good place to get a bespoke suit or dress made from one of the excellent tailors in the area.
One of the reasons that the Sukhumvit area is considered to be the best area to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing is that the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) runs along the road so it is easy to get from here to various places around the city, including the BKK airport via the Bangkok Airport Rail Link. Good transport links mean this could be the best area to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing.
If you are wondering where to stay in Sukhumvit, we think that the nicest area is probably between Soi 1 and 39 (these are the side alleys off Sukhumvit Road which all have a number). Soi 11 is a popular tourist hangout with loads of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit offers lush tropical gardens in the heart of the city and the pool is a lovely place to relax away from the bustle of the city.
The hotel is directly connected to Subway and BTS Skytrain stations, making it really easy to come and go and see the sights. They have a few great restaurants here and you should be able to find something for everyone’s tastes.
The buffet breakfast here offers a fantastic range of foods so you should be able to head out for a busy day sightseeing with your tummy well filled!
U Sukhumvit Hotel
U Sukhumvit Hotel: This is a nice hotel with a central location and lovely pool on the roof terrace. They offer a free tuk-tuk service to the main shopping area and it is also near to a sky train and subway station.
Bangkok Riverside – Best Area in Bangkok for Families
The Riverside area is one of our favourite places to stay in Bangkok. There are some great hotels in this area that offer fabulous views out over the river.
Although this area is not well served by the BTS you can get boats up and down the river very cheaply and this is a great way to get to some of the top sights in Bangkok that lie right by the river like the Grand Place, Wat Pho, Chinatown and Asiatique.
Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you will find loads of fabulous luxury hotels, some of which are up there with the best hotels in the worlds and feature gorgeous rooftop bars and swimming pools.
If you are wondering where to stay in Bangkok with family, then the Riverside is probably the best area to choose with lots of family-friendly hotels and many hotels that offer family rooms or family suites.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and Spa Hotel
The Anantara Riverside Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel, where you can relax by the rooftop swimming pool or enjoy a spa treatment surrounded by lush gardens filled with palms and plenty of leafy foliage. It feels a bit like you are out in the Thai countryside rather than near the centre of the sprawling capital.
This is a big hotel with 10 bars and restaurants where you can enjoy all sorts of wonderful food. The free shuttle boat will take you to Saphan Taksin Skytrain station and Asiatique night market every half an hour
The Siam Hotel Bangkok
The Siam is a boutique hotel located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is a new hotel but has been designed in a traditional style that gives it a historic atmosphere (helped by the small museum on-site).
The riverside infinity pool is spectacular and is probably the highlight of a hotel that also boasts fantastic service and a free shuttle boat service.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok offers the chance to stay in a historic luxury hotel that was actually the first hotel in Thailand when it first opened in 1879. Over the year the hotel has seen its fair share of famous faces including Sean Connery, Noel Coward, Joseph Conrad, Richard Nixon, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.
As you would expect the levels of service here are top-notch and the rooms offer elegant luxury, often with a view of the river. If you really are feeling extravagant you can go for one of their unbelievable suites for some unbelievable luxury. If you have the budget this is probably the best hotel to stay in Bangkok.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok: Enjoy a spectacular riverside setting and elegant rooms at this sumptuous hotel. They offer a shuttle boat service to get you into town, the perfect way to travel!
Khao San Road – Best Area in Bangkok for Nightlife
The legendary Khao San Road is probably the biggest backpacker and traveller hub in the world. This is the place to go if you are looking for budget accommodation, want to meet other travellers and be right at the heart of the traveller party scene. There is all sorts of weird and wonderful street food to try and it is a good place to pick up souvenirs, t-shirts and cheap backpacks.
This area is well located for easily getting to the main sights in the city, either by tuk-tuk, taxi, or river ferry.
Khao San Road itself can get pretty noisy so we recommend staying nearby, somewhere like Rambuttri Rd or Phra Sumen so that you can get away from the madness, but still be close enough when you want to venture out.
The Old Capital Bike Inn
The Old Capital Bike Inn is a great place to stay if you long for a bit of character in your hotel. This luxurious (but reasonably priced) hotel features quirky décor and has a real old Bangkok feel about it. It is a few streets away from Khoa San Road and within walking distance of the river.
This place is great for families as under 12s stay for free and a fun bonus of this place is the fact that they include a complimentary bike tour of the old town on one of their vintage bikes.
They only have a few rooms so be sure to book well in advance.
The Rambuttri Village Hotel
Rambuttri Village Hotel is a nice budget hotel in Bangkok that has a rooftop pool, and a nice inner courtyard with fish pond. It is set back from the road so it is not too noisy, but it is a great location to step out and find all sorts of street vendors, stalls and restaurants.
Book Your Room Now at Discount Rates
Chillax Heritage
Chillax Heritage is situated in Bangkok old town and has some uniquely designed rooms inspired by the story of the ancient epic, Ramayana. The location is just a 5-minute walk to Khao San Road, but is set far enough away from the madness.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a 15-minute walk away. The Chillax Heritage is a good value choice and has nice rooms plus a swimming pool and fitness centre.
Check Availability for Your Dates
Chinatown – Best Area in Bangkok for Street Food
Bangkok has a great Chinatown area that has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China itself. It is one of the oldest Bangkok neighbourhoods and is a fabulous, atmospheric maze of alleyways.
If you are looking for a more authentic atmosphere for your stay in Bangkok then you may like to stay in this area. It is best known for the fabulous street food that is always available. This is not only Chinese dishes but some of the most authentic Thai street food in Bangkok can be found in Chinatown.
Accommodation here is good value and it is a nice area to stay if you are looking for a cheap hotel in Bangkok. Chinatown doesn’t have the best transport links so you will need to get around by tuk-tuk or taxi, although the river isn’t too far away
Grand China Hotel
Grand China Hotel is a great choice of hotel in Chinatown. The hotel’s biggest claim to fame is that it houses the only revolving restaurant in Bangkok. It is a well-located place to stay as it is just a short walk to the nearest river bus stop and the Hualampong Railway Station.
As you are in the heart of Chinatown you won’t have to walk far to find some amazing food. Rooms here are great value.
Hotel Royal Bangkok
For less than $50 per night, you can enjoy a great location right in the heart of Chinatown. The rooftop pool and bar is the highlight (as always!). The rooms don’t look amazing but they are clean and have everything that you need. The breakfast buffet is brilliant with a wealth of options to choose from.
Book Your Room at Booking.com
Siam – Best Area in Bangkok for Shopping
The Siam area is actually still on Sukhumvit Road (we did say it was really long!) but is closer to the river. This is an area characterised by swanky new buildings and huge shopping malls (Siam Centre, Siam Paragon, Central World Mall, and MBK Center.
It is a good area for kids as many of these malls have great kids attractions inside which we have written about in this post. It is also a good choice if you are wondering where to stay in Bangkok for shopping.
In recent year Bangkok has become famous for its sky bars and there are a loads of good ones in this area like Red Sky Bar at Centara Grand and The Roof Gasto which you will find at the top of Siam@Siam.
This is a really modern feeling part of town with some really high-end luxury accommodation, as well as some good modern budget options. It is all very comfortable and quite central but it does lack a bit of character.
Siam @ Siam
This is a really stylish hotel that features some dramatic décor throughout. Many of the rooms have spectacular panoramic views out over Bangkok.
The highlight is the stunning infinity pool on the rooftop that allows you to look out over the city whilst having a swim. It is well located just a few minutes’ walk from the skytrain and MBK shopping centre.
Rooms here are around $100 which is amazing value.
Check Availability for Siam@Siam
Evergreen Place Siam
This is a great option if you are looking for a mid-budget place to stay in Siam (around $60). We love the kid’s area here and most of the rooms come with a kitchenette so this is a great choice for families.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Children under 12 stay for free but will have to pay extra for the (excellent) breakfast.
There is a nice big rooftop pool and the location is convenient just a couple of minutes from a Skytrain stop.
Isanook
Isanook offers a very affordable option in this area (under $40) but you still get to enjoy a fabulous rooftop bar and swimming pool. Rooms are large and a great buffet breakfast is included.
It is a fairly quiet area but there are plenty of small eateries nearby and a 7-eleven. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Samyan MRT Station. You can also catch the free shuttle bus to the station, Siam Square and Si Phraya Pier.
Silom – Best Area in Bangkok for Green Space
This is the financial district of Bangkok and home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in the city. One of the things that we love about this area is Lumphini Park which is the biggest park in the city and a good place to play with kids.
It is quite a quiet area to stay and has good transport links with the BTS and MRT subway as well as river taxis. Some people like the atmosphere of this area as there are fewer tourists. This makes street dining more of an authentic Thai experience.
Lebua at State Tower
The Lebua at State Tower is a high-end hotel that offers fantastic, VIP levels of service and some of the best views in town. The Lebua offers luxuriously appointed suites with a separate bedroom, living room and kitchenette.
You can enjoy a swim in the fabulous outdoor lagoon pool or enjoy a relaxing massage treatment at the hotel.
The Lebua is famous for its fabulous range of dining options. You can choose from the Michelin-starred Mezzaluna restaurant, Sirocco and Sky Bar (as seen in the Hangover movie) or the award-winning ‘Breeze’, a Pan-Asian restaurant.
If you are just looking for a fancy drink, you can choose between the Gin, Caviar and Vodka Bar or the champagne bar. All restaurants and bars offer spectacular views of the river and the city.
It is not as expensive as it sounds. You can get rooms for just over $100 per night.
Sofitel Bangkok Silom
Sofitel Bangkok has been designed by a revered Thai architect and a group of interior designers to give it a cutting edge, cool urban design.
The rooms are themed based upon the five elements of water, earth, wood, metal and fire. If you can tear your eyes away from the décor, you will find that many of the rooms offer outstanding views over Lumphini Park and the city skyline.
There is a lovely infinity pool that gives you the chance to gaze over the Bangkok skyline whilst taking a dip. If you need any more relaxation there is a sauna, solarium, Jacuzzi and hammam, to enjoy.
Click Here for Discounted Room Rates
Oriental Residence Bangkok
At the Oriental Residence, colonial charm meets contemporary elegance with their luxury suites overlooking Lumphini Park. These are great for anyone looking for luxury combined with a bit more space on their stay, each suite has its own fully equipped kitchen.
There is a fabulous indoor/outdoor swimming pool surrounded by cosy cabanas.
Check Availability at Oriental Residences
Centre Point Silom
If you like the sound of having your own suite with a kitchen, but at a lower price point, Centre Point Silom could be the answer. The hotel enjoys views of the Chao Phraya River and has a handy location close to Saphan Taksin BTS Station.
For relaxing after a hard days sightseeing there is a nice outdoor pool and a sauna, along with a fitness centre for health enthusiasts.
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Where to Stay At Bangkok Airport
Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) which is only used by Air Asia and Nok Air
If you have an early flight you may well want to stay near to the airport, otherwise, there is not much going for this area.
Vismaya Suvarnabhumi is a decent option just 10 minutes from the main airport. Rooms are nicely furnished and quite cheap. It has a decent swimming pool and a restaurant (which is great if you don’t want to traipse about finding food the night before your flight).
For overnight stays near Don Mueang airport, we like the Ibis Impact
Have you decided where to stay in Bangkok?
We hope that we have helped you to decide where to stay in Bangkok and that you now know how to find all the best areas to stay in Bangkok.
We know how overwhelming it can be to start your search from scratch so we have provided a few recommendations for accommodation in Bangkok. We have tried to find something for everyone and for all budgets. Hopefully, we have helped you to find a great place to stay in Bangkok.
Now you just have to decide what to do while you are there, so check out our Bangkok Itinerary for some suggestions of what to get up to. If you are travelling as a family be sure to read our Bangkok with kids guide as that includes loads of great ideas to keep your children entertained.
We recommend taking a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
If you are wondering where to go next, check out our Thailand Itinerary, Krabi Itinerary and guide to our favourite island. Like millions of others, you might head from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, if so be sure to check out our guide.
