The Thai capital is a fascinating and sprawling city, and choosing where to stay in Bangkok can make a huge difference to your experience. In this guide, I'll tell you which are the best areas to stay in Bangkok, from modern settings like Sukhumvit to more traditional ones like Chinatown.
Plus, I give you my top Bangkok hotel recommendations for different budgets and travel styles.
In case you don't have time to read the whole article, my favorite hotel is the Amara Bangkok, if you prefer to stay in Khao San the Wild Orchid is an excellent option.
Where to sleep in Bangkok
1. Sukhumvit: Modernity and Good Connections
Sukhumvit is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan areas of Bangkok. Here you will find a wide range of hotels in Bangkok of all types, from luxury chains to budget options.
This is the best area to stay in Bangkok if you want to have good public transport connections, with several BTS (Skytrain) stations, which make getting around easy. Although it is a more expensive area to stay in Bangkok, the services and variety make it a comfortable and safe option.
Recommended Hotels in Sukhumvit
- €€€€ Carlton Hotel: Luxury hotel with an amazing pool, good sauna and gym and a magnificent breakfast.
- €€€ The Landmark: Well located, good pool and with impressive views.
- €€ Citadines: Spacious, modern studios and apartments with kitchen.
- € S33 Compact: Modern rooms and very good buffet breakfast.
2. Khao San Road: Youthful Atmosphere and Backpackers
Khao San Road is a good area if you are looking for cheap hotels in Bangkok. It is known for its many Bangkok hostels with a youthful and relaxed atmosphere. It is also famous for its nightlife.
To be honest, I don't really like the nightlife on Khao San Road, which is the least authentic place in Thailand. So if you see any Thai people, they are probably working because they don't usually go out there. However, if you want to have fun while meeting other foreigners, it's a great place and staying in the area can be a good idea.
One of the drawbacks of the area is the lack of metro or train stations nearby, however, you can reach the main temples and Chinatown by boat. Then, another problem can be the noise, in the hotels I recommend below you can sleep well. The area is ideal if you are on a tight budget and want to be in the center of youth nightlife, you will not be disappointed.
Recommended Hotels in Khao San Road
- € Wild Orchid: Excellent location, nice pool and they have a place to leave your bags after checking out.
- € Khao San Art Hotel: Simple and economical hostel, ideal for short stays and enjoying the area.
- € BBHouse: Simple private rooms at an unbeatable price and a nice terrace.
- € NapPark Hostel: A very popular place among backpackers, with a good atmosphere and cheap shared rooms.
3. Silom: Business and Nightlife
Silom is known as Bangkok's financial district, but it also has an active nightlife. During the day, you'll see office buildings and professionals everywhere, while at night the area comes alive with popular bars and clubs.
This is the best area to stay in Bangkok and my favorite because of its balance between an urban atmosphere and places to go out at night. In addition, there are accommodation options in Bangkok that range from luxury hotels to accommodations for smaller budgets.
Recommended Hotels in Silom
- €€€ SO Sofitel: Luxury hotel with views of Lumpini Park and elegant design.
- €€€ Amara Bangkok: Comfortable rooms, swimming pool on the terrace with unbeatable views and varied breakfast. This is one of the best hotels in bangkok with an excellent quality-price ratio.
- €€ ibis Silom: A modern hotel with affordable rates and a good location.
4. Riverside: Tranquility and views of the Chao Phraya River
If you prefer a quieter area with beautiful river views, Riverside is a great option. This area is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It is the entire part of Bangkok that is on the riverbank and goes from the area near Khao San Road to the Asiatique shopping centre.
Although the accommodations here tend to be mid-range and high-end, they offer a unique experience and stunning views. It's also a good choice if you're going on a honeymoon to Thailand or looking for charming accommodation to enjoy Bangkok.
Recommended Hotels in Riverside
- €€€€€ Mandarin Oriental: Iconic hotel, known for its luxury and attention to detail. It is the perfect accommodation for a honeymoon in Thailand or simply to enjoy Asian luxury.
- €€€€ Chatrium Hotel Riverside: Modern hotel with excellent river views and easy access to the centre by boat.
- €€€ Riva Surya: Riverside boutique hotel with good value for money.
5. Pratunam: Shopping and Budget Accommodation
Pratunam is a busy area known for its markets and shopping malls for good shopping. It is also ideal if you are looking for cheap hostels or hotels in Bangkok.
Another advantage of Pratunam is the excellent location in the center, with subway stops in the area that will give you access to many tourist attractions in the city. In addition, a metro station is Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The biggest drawback of being in the center of Bangkok is the hectic atmosphere with traffic everywhere.
Recommended Hotels in Pratunam
- €€€ Baiyoke Sky Hotel: Hotel with good views, an impressive viewing point and an unbeatable breakfast.
- €€ Glow Pratunam: Modern hotel located above a shopping center, perfect if you love shopping.
- € Marwin Space: Simple and comfortable rooms.
6. Chinatown: Thai Culture and Gastronomy
Chinatown is the most authentic area of Bangkok, I love it. Here you will find street markets, food shops and where many of the most famous restaurants are located. best street food restaurants. It is undoubtedly the best neighborhood to stay in Bangkok to see a more local and traditional side of Chinese-Thai culture and sample the flavors of the city.
Another advantage is that in the area there are metro stops that take you directly to the Grand Royal Palace and Wat Pho, two Bangkok must-seesAlthough there are fewer luxury hotels, you will find accommodation options in Bangkok that are affordable and full of charm.
Recommended Hotels in Chinatown
- €€€€ Shanghai Mansion: A hotel with beautiful traditional Chinese style decor from the 1920s, it's like a trip back in time. It has a great location and Spanish speaking staff (my namesake, Andrés).
- €€€ W22 by Burasari: Simple but modern hotel, very well located, steps from the market.
- € Norn Yaowarat Hotel: Modern and cozy hotel with a great atmosphere that feels more like a hostel, located in the heart of Chinatown, with private and shared rooms.
7. Siam: Shopping and Entertainment
Siam is Bangkok's shopping paradise, with malls such as MBK, Siam Paragon and Central World. This area is very central and offers a more urban feel.
If your idea of a trip to Bangkok includes shopping and entertainment, Siam is the perfect choice. Although it is a slightly more expensive area.
Recommended Hotels in Siam
- €€ Novotel Bangkok: Very central and with excellent facilities for the price.
- €€ Siamese ibis: Economical option in an unbeatable location.
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Bangkok
- Consider the connection with transportation: Bangkok is a large city, staying close to the BTS or MRT can save you a lot of time. Siam and Silom are central areas with easy access to public transport.
- Select the area according to the environment:Each area offers something unique: Khao San Road is ideal if you are looking for nightlife and a young atmosphere, while Riverside gives you tranquility and river views.
- High season: If you are travelling between November and March, I recommend booking your hotel in advance. The hotels with the best value for money sell out quickly.
- Check the deposit policy:In Thailand, it is very common for hotels to ask for a deposit upon check-in. Mid-range and high-end hotels usually block it on a card, while budget hotels usually prefer cash. You will get your money back upon check-out.
✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off! If you’re after something more budget-friendly, IATI has basic plans for backpackers.
Map of Areas to Stay in Bangkok
Final Thoughts
With so many options for where to stay in Bangkok, you can choose the place that best suits your preferences and budget to make the most of your Bangkok vacation.
In this Bangkok travel guide You can continue reading my other articles about the city and the central area of Thailand. Also, here you have all the articles about accommodation in Thailand.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Bangkok and Thailand
- What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees
- 5 Best Tours from Bangkok
- Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- How to Go from One Airport to Another in Bangkok (for Free)
- Thailand route (July or August): 14 and 21 day itinerary
- What to see in Ayutthaya: 8 essentials in 1 day
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.