Ratchadaphisek, or simply Ratchada, is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to Ratchadaphisek area you will find the essential information about the neighborhood with the most popular attractions and things to do in Ratchada, transportation, and selection of hotels according to your budget.
If you are a person of new generation who is passionate about the lively lifestyle in large cities, Ratchadapisek area is the place, where you should consider staying in Bangkok. Ratchadaphisek Area, known as Ratchada, is the New Central Business District in the city center, where numerous leading department stores, educational institutions, hospitals, sports centers and office buildings are located.
In the past, Ratchada was only recognized as entertainment district with many famous night clubs and bars, RCA and huge massage parlors. Now it is becoming a new hip area with many chic community malls and chillax cafes that attract both local and foreign tourists to experience the lively atmosphere. The area is popular with Chinese and Japanese tourists, but not as popular as Sukhumvit area for western tourists. Ratchada also has surprisingly affordable luxury hotels and unique accommodations available for a good value.
Where is Ratchada Area in Bangkok?
Ratchada is located in the northeastern part of Bangkok. The area stretches along the street of the same name, Ratchadaphisek Road. This road has a total distance of 45 kilometers with surrounding atmosphere varying from old neighborhoods to business districts. However, the main tourist area stretches from Rama 9 intersection heading to the Ratchada - Lat Phrao intersection.
Things to Do in Ratchada Bangkok
Ratchadaphisek Area is offering lifestyle tourist attractions with many activities and various places to go to from day to night, so you will always find nice things to do in Ratchada.
Jodd Fairs Night Market: One of the latest night markets in the city, where you can find all what you need from many different stalls including must-eat delicacies, street food, traditional snacks, souvenirs, arts and crafts.
The One Ratchada Night Market: Once a bustling Ratchada Train Night Market, now The One Ratchada comes with a variety of food and beverage stalls to choose. These are also pubs with live music in the night market.
Thailand Cultural Centre: A venue for exhibitions and various performances such as concerts, plays, as well as various conferences.
Fortune Town: A shopping center specializing in computers, mobile phones, cameras, IT gadgets and accessories. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafés, food court and Lotus’s supermarket.
The Street Ratchada: Bustling commercial complex on Ratchadaphisek Road that is open 24 hours and features a variety of clothing and accessories shops, casual restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, beauty salons, co-working spaces, board game shops, as well as a 24/7 supermarket.
The Esplanade Mall: A 7-storey shopping and entertainment complex with many shops, a modern theatre, an ice skating rink, fitness centers, bookstores, clothing stores and plenty of dining options.
Royal City Avenue (RCA): A famous entertainment area with various pub and nightclubs, located between Rama IX Road and Phetchaburi Road.
Central Plaza Grand Rama 9: Large department store that is filled with famous restaurants, food court, supermarkets, brand name stores, bookstores, IT equipment stores, banks, internet service providers and a movie theater.
Golden Dome Cabaret Show: One of the leading ladyboy musical shows, where you can witness top-rated performers in a spectacle of music, lights, and artistic expression with world-class costumes and scenes.
Mirinn Cabaret Show: The newest truly transvestite cabaret show at RCA Plaza, where you can enjoy the perfect combination of Cabaret and Thai Martial Arts Show.
Let's Relax Spa Experience: One of the best value spas in Bangkok, situated at the Street Ratchada and offering high-quality spa treatment services with various choices of traditional Thai massages, aromatherapy, hot stone spa treatments, and more.
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class: Learn how to cook authentic Thai cuisine inside the 100 year old Siamese Cookery House and visit a Thai market place to get your hands on traditional ingredients that will be used for the class.
Transportation in Ratchada Bangkok
Ratchadaphisek is one of the rapidly developing areas in Bangkok and it is easily reachable by public transportation, making Ratchada a perfect base for getting around the city.
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 for getting around the area.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ratchada
By Train: Airport Rail Link train connects the airport to MRT Metro at Makkasan Station. There you can transfer to MRT Phetchaburi station and travel from there to any station in Ratchada area.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Ratchada area with private transfer service. All-inclusive price includes a luxurious ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ratchadaphisek area takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. The price should be approximately 250-300 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Explore Bangkok right away by booking Bangkok Airport luggage delivery to send your luggage from the airport to your accommodation within the city.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Ratchada
By Train: SRT Red Line train from Don Mueang Airport stops at Bang Sue station, which is connected to MRT Blue line running to Phetchaburi, Phra Ram 9, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Khwang, Sutthisan and Ratchadaphisek stations in Ratchada area.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to Ratchadaphisek area takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The price should be approximately 150-200 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Places to Stay in Ratchada Bangkok
Ratchadaphisek has a great choice of accommodation, from affordable four and five-star hotels to budget hostels. It's easy to find hotel you like at a price that suits you in Ratchada Bangkok. Keep in mind that the best hotel deals are booked well in advance.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Ratchada
Double DD House Suthisan: Affordable accommodation with a spa and wellness centre, 100 meters from Sutthisan MRT Station.
Blissotel Ratchada: Budget hotel provides ATM/cash machine on site, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, a 10-minute walk from Phra Ram 9 MRT Station.
Mango 10 House: Cheap apartment-style hotel with private balconies, located in the Huai Khwang area, opposite Thailand Cultural Centre.
Mid-Range Hotels in Ratchada
Praso @Ratchada12: Casual hotel offering tastefully decorated rooms and suites in a charming, modern, and private living environment boasting all the latest facilities and appliances, just 3-min leisurely walk to the Huai Khwang MRT station.
Mestyle Garage Hotel: Uniquely designed hotel that was born from the owner's passion for collecting cars, motorcycles, and art, not far from MRT Huai Khwang station.
STAY Hotel BKK: Stylish hotel in Ratchadapisek 17 with 134 rooms and suites creatively designed in a minimal appearance with a combination of marble and wooden decoration for a comfort and relaxation, located just 10 minutes from MRT Sutthisan station.
Luxury Hotels in Ratchada
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada: Five-star hotel with direct access to MRT Huai Khwang Station offers travelers affordable luxury with 407 elegantly spacious rooms and suites.
Amaranta Hotel: Luxurious hotel with modern fully furnished guestrooms and suites, rooftop pool, rooftop bar, fitness center in Huai Khwang, Ratchada.
Amanta Hotel & Residence Ratchada: 4-star hotel featuring executive support services, 25-meter outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped fitness center, within a five-minute walk from MRT Thailand Cultural Centre station.
Tips for a stay in Ratchada Bangkok
If you want to stay in the area to mingle with local residents and still want to be close to the city center with easily accessible public transport, Ratchadaphisek area is a good place to stay in Bangkok.
With a good number of budget accommodations and hostels, Ratchadaphisek area could be an alternative stay for travelers who don't like parties and crowds of Khao San Road.
As it is not far from the central area, traffic conditions in Ratchadaphisek area can be heavy, meaning that a 15-minute trip can turn to be 1-hour long journey. MRT Metro should be your preferred choice if you are not willing to waste your time in traffic jams.
Stay connected with your loved ones during a stay in Thailand by getting the Tourist SIM Card, which is offering generous data with affordable packages.
Popular Day Tours from Bangkok
Bangkok Day Tour: Visit the stunning Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew), Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram (Wat Pho), then cross the river on a ferry boat and stop by Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
Ayutthaya Day Tour: Admire Thailand's history and cultural heritage and explore the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, roam markets, and discover some of Thailand's most charming temples in Ayutthaya.
Floating Markets Day Tour: Take a tour to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, ride long-tail boat down Amphawa Floating Market's river and watch a train passing through the middle of a bustling market at the Maeklong Railway Market.
Kanchanaburi Highlights Day Tour: Travel back in time and recapture Kanchanaburi's triumphs and tragedies on the River Kwai Bridge and discover WW2 landmarks including the Death Railway.
Other Bangkok Areas
Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering where to stay in Bangkok? To make your visit in the capital city easier, find the guide to the best Bangkok areas and choose accommodation according to your preferences and trip plan.
Detailed guides to other popular Bangkok areas:
