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Where to Stay in Bangkok? Best Areas & Places to Stay

Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering where to stay in Bangkok? To make your visit in the capital city easier, find the detailed guide to Bangkok best areas and places to stay and choose accommodation in the best area of the city according to your preferences and trip plan.

Best Areas & Places to Stay in Bangkok

The list of Bangkok best areas and places to stay, including the most popular areas in Bangkok and the best rated accommodations in each area, is provided below.

1. Sukhumvit Area in Bangkok

Sukhumvit is the area of the city that we always recommend for the first-time visitors who are looking where to stay in Bangkok. Sukhumvit is known as the central area as well as the Central Business District (CBD) that is bustling with business centers, shopping complexes, numerous dining spots, unlimited nightlife, and a variety of hotels suitable for different budgets and therefore is a very convenient place to stay in Bangkok for the majority of travelers.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Sukhumvit Area

Nearby attractions

Terminal 21 Mall with the best spot for cheap eats in Bangkok, Emporium Mall, EmQuartier, Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Nana Plaza (Sukhumvit 4), Soi Cowboy (between Sukhumvit 21 and 23), Soi Arab (Sukhumvit 21), Khlong Toei Market

Transport

Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area is easily accessible, as one of the BTS SkyTrain lines spans along Sukhumvit Road. Popular BTS stations for tourists to stay nearby are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, and Phra Khanong. Asok is the most convenient station, as it is right in the center of the Sukhumvit area and is directly connected to MRT Metro Sukhumvit Station, which makes getting around the city very easy.

Con

As it is the central area, traffic conditions in the Sukhumvit area can be quite heavy, meaning that a 15-minute trip can turn to be 1 hour long journey. Public transportation such as BTS, MRT, or even Airport Rail Link should be your preferred choice if you are not willing to waste your time in traffic jams. However, during rush hour, trains are packed, so you shouldn’t expect much comfort.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Sukhumvit Area

When searching where to stay in Bangkok Sukhumvit area, you will find plenty of places for different budgets, even if higher-end business class hotels dominate the area along Sukhumvit Road. Some of the best rated hotels in Sukhumvit Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels in Sukhumvit.

2. Silom & Sathorn Area in Bangkok

Silom, together with Sathorn, is another good area to stay in Bangkok, as it's one more financial and business hub of the city that is home to the local and international establishments, banking institutions, audit, and law firms. This Bangkok area consists of Silom, Sathorn, Surawong, and Narathiwas-Ratchanakarin (north of Chan Road) Roads and is different from Sukhumvit area as Silom gives you green spaces with a huge Lumpini Park where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. Most of the hotels in the Silom area are up-scale hotels set up in skyscrapers with trendy rooftop bars and top quality services offered to tourists. Silom Area is also packed with amazing cafes, high-end restaurants, and spots for a lively nightlife. This area is a perfect place to stay in Bangkok for anyone looking to have a good time.

Silom & Sathorn Area

Nearby attractions

Bangkokian Museum, Neilson-Hayes Library, Assumption Cathedral, Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, Wat Hua Lamphong, Wat Maha Phruettharam, Wat Yan Nawa, King Rama VI Statue, Soi Patpong, Patpong Night Market, Silom Complex Mall, Rooftop Bars, Lumphini Park

Transport

Silom and Sathorn areas can be easily reached by BTS SkyTrain. The central stop of the area is Sala Daeng BTS station, which is on the same BTS line as Bangkok’s shopping district, Siam Square, and Saphan Taksin station (for jumping on Chao Phraya Express Boat). MRT Metro Silom station is also in the area, so you can get from the Silom area to Chinatown or Sukhumvit directly.

Places to Stay in Silom & Sathorn Area

While most of the hotels in the Silom and Sathorn areas are up-scale hotels, it is still possible to find more affordable places to stay in the alleys of this Bangkok area. Some of the best rated hotels in Silom and Sathorn Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

  • The Inn Saladaeng - affordable 3-star hotel behind Silom Complex shopping mall
  • Pula Silom - budget accommodation next to BTS Sala Daeng station

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels in Silom and Best Hotels in Sathorn.

3. Siam Area in Bangkok

If you’re looking where to stay in Bangkok with fresh and trendy areas being your preference, the Siam area is the place where you need to start your search for accommodation. Siam is a famous shopping and entertainment district that is easily reachable from different parts of Bangkok. There is a top university, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and chic cafes scattered around the area. Siam is a lively place worshiped by the upper-class teenagers for fashion shopping and hanging out during the daytime.

Best Bangkok Areas - Siam Area

The Siam area actually consists of 3 main sections:

1. Siam Square: a shopping hub for everyone

2. Ratchaprasong: an up-scale shopping area with CentralWorld and many luxurious malls such as Gaysorn

3. Ploenchit: area with some shops and offices, mostly home to foreign embassies

Nearby attractions

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), MBK Center, Erawan Shrine, Jim Thompson House, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, CentralWorld, Madam Tussauds Museum, Wat Pathum Wanaram

Transport

Siam area is easily reached by BTS SkyTrain, as Siam station is the station where BTS Silom and Sukhumvit lines connect. There is also Sapan Hua Chang Pier, where you can get on the Saen Saep Express Boat and travel to the old town of Bangkok.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Siam Area

In case you are looking for comfort and top notch service during your stay in Bangkok, you will find a good selection of high-end hotels in Siam Area, as many big brand names offer accommodation in this part of Bangkok. Some of the best rated hotels in Siam Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels near Siam Square and Best Hotels in Ploenchit.

4. Bangkok Riverside Area

Bangkok Riverside Area is one of Bangkok best areas that can be found along the Chao Phraya River and covers Charoen Krung Road, Charoennakorn, and Rama III Road. The Riverside area offers a relaxing atmosphere with spectacular views of the river and is becoming increasingly popular among tourists as it is close to most of the cultural-historical attractions that are a must-see for Bangkok’s first-time visitors. There are several luxury hotels, high-rise condominiums, and corporate buildings located on both sides of the river, many of them linked to BTS SkyTrain by private shuttle boat services.

Bangkok Riverside Area

Nearby attractions

Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Asiatique the Riverfront, The Royal Barges Museum, Phra Sumen Fort, Church of Santa Cruz, Holy Rosary Church, Bang Khun Phrom Palace, Wat Kalayanamit, Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruises

Transport

Getting around the Riverside area is easy with Chao Phraya Express Boats, Cross River Ferries, and chartered boats. Reaching other Bangkok areas is also not a problem, as you can take a boat to the central pier (Sathorn Pier) and transfer to BTS SkyTrain at the nearby Saphan Taksin BTS Station for continuing your trip to the city.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Riverside Area

Riverside is another area that is recommended for luxury-loving travelers who are looking where to stay in Bangkok, as numerous 5-star hotels here not only provide superb service but also offer magnificent views of the majestic Chao Phraya River. More affordable accommodation options can normally be found on another side of the river. Some of the best-rated hotels in Bangkok Riverside Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

  • Kaloang home - the real traditional Thai living lifestyle place on the Chao Phraya River

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

More hotels and other accommodations on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok can be found here: Best Hotels near the Chao Phraya River.

5. Khao San Road Area in Bangkok

Khao San Road area is the most popular location to stay in Bangkok between backpackers. If you are looking for a party, this is your place! Khao San Road is located in the Banglamphu area, just north of and just outside of Bangkok Old Town, the area where many famous temples, the Grand Palace, and other historical attractions can be found. Khao San Road is also the best area for nighttime hangouts with dozens of restaurants and bars, tattoo shops, and massage salons.

Khao San Road is by far the cheapest area to stay in all of Bangkok, as there are many budget accommodations available. However, the road itself is busy and bustling with tourists all night long, so the noise from the street can make it impossible to sleep. There are streets nearby, such as Soi Rambuttri and Sam Sen Road, where you can find a better stay and escape from the noise and chaos.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Khao San Road Area

Nearby attractions

Democracy Monument, October 14 Memorial, Phra Sumen Fort, Santichaiprakarn Park, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chana Songkhram, The National Gallery

Transport

Khao San Road is easily accessible from both airports of Bangkok, as you can take a direct bus S1 from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and a direct bus A4 from Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Historical and cultural attractions are within walking distance. Khao San Road area is not far from the Chao Phraya River, so you can take the boat for sightseeing. The most important piers are Tha Chang (for the Grand Palace), Tha Tien (for Wat Pho), and Rachawongse (for Chinatown). All Chao Phraya Express Boats go to Sathorn Pier, where you can transfer to BTS SkyTrain. Beware of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers in the area, as usually they operate on their flat rate and will hardly miss a chance to rip you off.

Places to Stay in Khao San Road Area

Khao San Road is a long-time favorite area to stay in Bangkok for budget travelers, as the selection of affordable accommodations there is really wide. Some of the best rated hotels in Khao San Road Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

  • Riva Surya Bangkok - 4-star hotel offering luxury and comfort along the Chao Phraya River

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels near Khao San Road and Bangkok Old Town Hotels.

6. Suvarnabhumi Airport Area in Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi area is suitable for those who are waiting for a connecting flight or have a flight departing early in the morning. The accommodation at Suvarnabhumi Airport is very convenient but quite high priced. However, there are many reasonably priced hotels in the nearby Lat Krabang District, and most of them offer shuttle service between the airport and hotel.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport Area

Nearby attractions

The Paseo Mall, Mega Bangna Mall, The Mall Bangkai, Wat Lan Boon, Suvarnabhumi Outdoor Market, Train Market Srinakarin

Transport

Taking a taxi is the most convenient option for traveling around if you are staying in the Suvarnabhumi Airport area. Taxi to/from the airport should cost less than 100 THB. Airport Rail Link is another useful choice, as Lat Krabang station is just 1 stop from the airport. Central Bangkok can also be easily reached by Airport Rail Link, as it’s the cheapest and fastest way for getting into the city from the Suvarnabhumi area. You can take a train to Ratchaprarop station, which is just 200 meters from the Pratunam shopping area.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Airport Area

While the airport itself has only one official hotel and some capsule accommodations that might not fit for most travelers, there are plenty of accommodations in close proximity to the airport. Some of the best-rated hotels in Suvarnabhumi Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

  • Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - the only official airport hotel in Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is 24-Hour Flexi – with no set check-in time, arrive when it suits you and checkout 24 hours later

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

If you will be traveling via the second airport of Bangkok, Don Mueang Airport, you can consider staying overnight in the Don Mueang area.

7. Pratunam Area in Bangkok

Pratunam area is a commercial district that is very popular between retailers and foreigners, looking where to stay in Bangkok. Pratunam is located in the heart of the city, at the intersection of Petchburi Road and Ratchaprarop Road, and also includes the areas of Victory Monument, Ratchathewi, and Makkasan. Pratunam area features numerous shopping centers and accommodations for a good price.

Places to Stay in Bangkok - Pratunam Area

Nearby attractions

Baiyoke Tower II Observatory and Revolving Roof Deck, Bangkok Dolls Museum, Phaya Thai Palace, Suan Pakkad Palace, Thai Labour Museum, Victory Monument, Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall, Indra Square, Krungthong Plaza, Palladium Night Market

Transport

Pratunam area can be reached by BTS SkyTrain as Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, and Victory Mounment BTS stations are located in the area. Phaya Thai BTS station is connected with the same named Airport Rail Link station, making a trip to Airport Rail Link Ratchaprarop station (the nearest station to Pratunam Market) easy from anywhere in Bangkok. At Pratunam Pier, there is Saen Saep Express Boat service available for getting to the old town of Bangkok. Pratunam area is easily accessible from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) by a direct bus A3. What are the options for traveling to Pratunam from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)? Check here: Bangkok Airport to Pratunam Area.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Pratunam Area

Travelers looking where to stay in Bangkok during their vacation that includes bargain shopping should definitely consider staying in Pratunam Area. Being one of the best Bangkok areas for shopping, Pratunam is also home to a wide range of different class hotels and other accommodations. Some of the best rated hotels in Pratunam Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Centre Point Pratunam - hotel near Pratunam Market right across from Platinum Fashion Mall
  • Lemontea Hotel - well-rated hotel, conveniently located in the middle of Pratunam Fashion Market
  • Century Park Hotel - an elegant 4-star hotel located in the Victory Monument Area
  • Spenza Hotel - hotel within a 10-minute walk from Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link Station

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels near Pratunam Market.

8. Bangkok Chinatown Area

Bangkok Chinatown area, also known as Yaowarat, is one of the oldest and unique cultural areas of Bangkok. The streets of Chinatown are full of colorful buildings and decorations. The area boasts its multi-cultural environment. Chinatown is a good place to stay for food lovers or people planning to visit all the main attractions of Bangkok. There are many boutique accommodations, garments, and the prices here are affordable.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Chinatown Area

Nearby attractions

Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha), Chinese Heritage Centre, Yaowarat Road, Odeon Circle, Sampheng Market, Guan Yin Shrine, Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)

Transport

You can easily come to Chinatown by public transportation. You can take MRT Metro from anywhere in the city to Hua Lamphong MRT station, which is the nearest to Chinatown. Taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat is another convenient option for getting to Chinatown, as you can board the boat at Sathorn Pier (near Saphan Taksin BTS station) and get off at Rachawongse Pier.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Chinatown Area

You should definitely give a try to Chinatown in case you are a food lover looking where to stay in Bangkok for the authentic cuisine and culture. Some of the best rated hotels in Bangkok Chinatown Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

  • Merge Hostel - budget accommodation with a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and bar
  • W22 by Burasari - 3-star budget boutique lifestyle hotel with a youthful vibe in Bangkok Chinatown

Mid-Range Hotels:

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotel in Yaowarat.

9. Chatuchak Area in Bangkok

Chatuchak area is a good Bangkok area to stay if you need to be around Don Mueang Airport, Mo Chit Bus Terminal, or Mochit Van Terminal. The area is far from most of the main shopping malls and tourist attractions, as the only famous place around is Chatuchak Weekend Market. However, both MRT and BTS lines pass this area, so it's easy to get to anywhere in the city. The nearby Soi Ari is a hip place with plenty of cheap dining options. When considering where to stay in Bangkok, pay attention to the fact that accommodation in Chatuchak Area is normally slightly cheaper than in other areas.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Chatuchak Area

Nearby attractions

Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market), Chatuchak Friday Night Market, Children's Discovery Museum, JJ Mall, Queen Sirikit Park, Railway of Thailand Museum, Wachirabenchatat Park, Or Tor Kor Market, Ratchayothin Night Market, Elephant Tower, Central Plaza Lat Phrao, Union Mall

Transport

There are direct buses A1 and A2 from Don Mueang Airport to the Chatuchak area. BTS SkyTrain and MRT Metro are excellent ways to get in and around this area and other parts of the city. The main BTS stations in Chatuchak area are Sanam Pao, Ari, and Saphan Khwai, before reaching its final destination at Mo Chit, where you can change to MRT at Chatuchak Park station. Going around by taxi is also possible, but insist on the meter.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Chatuchak Area

As the area is a bit out of the city center, accommodations in Chatuchak are usually more affordable than in other of the best Bangkok areas listed above. Some of the best rated hotels in Chatuchak Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • The Quarter Ladprao by UHG - hotel set on the Ladprao intersection and adjoining to MRT station
  • C U Inn Bangkok - stylish 3-star hotel on Vibhavadi Road, close to the famous Chatuchak weekend market
  • The Lek Aree - accommodation located just a 10-minute walk from BTS Ari Station

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels near Chatuchak Market.

10. Ratchadaphisek Area in Bangkok

If you are a person of the new generation who is passionate about the lively lifestyle in large cities and looking where to stay in Bangkok, the Ratchadapisek area is the place where you should consider staying. Ratchadaphisek Area, known as Ratchada, is a commercial and residential area in the city center, which is becoming a new hip area. The area is popular with Chinese and Japanese tourists, but not as popular as the Sukhumvit area for western tourists. The Ratchada area not only has many chic community malls, chillax cafes, nightclubs, and huge massage parlors but it also has unique and stylish accommodations available for a good value.

Where to Stay in Bangkok - Ratchada Area

Nearby attractions

Jodd Fairs Night Market, Thailand Cultural Centre, Fortune Town, The Esplanade Mall, Royal City Avenue (RCA), The One Ratchada Night Market

Transport

Ratchadaphisek Area is convenient for traveling by MRT Metro, which runs along a good length of the road, making it easy to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market or Central Latprao Shopping Mall and to connect to BTS SkyTrain or Airport Rail Link. The main MRT stations in Ratchada area are Phetchaburi, Phra Ram 9, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Khwang, Sutthisan, and Ratchadaphisek. Bangkok taxi is another way to get around the area.

Places to Stay in Bangkok Ratchada Area

If you are looking for a Bangkok area to stay that would offer good value accommodation and wouldn't be too far from the city center, the Ratchada area is worth taking a look. Some of the best-rated hotels in Ratchada Area are listed below.

Budget Friendly Hotels:

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Praso@Ratchada12 - hotel in one of the best locations in Ratchadapisek area
  • Mestyle Garage Hotel - uniquely designed hotel not far from MRT Huai Khwang station
  • STAY Hotel BKK - stylish hotel in Ratchadapisek 17, 10 minutes from MRT Sutthisan station

Luxury Hotels:

For more recommended accommodation options in this Bangkok area, check Best Hotels in Ratchada.

Tips for staying in Bangkok

If you want to have a complete experience of staying in Bangkok, book a hotel with one of the best infinity pools in Bangkok and/or featuring one of Bangkok rooftop bars and restaurants.

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