Sukhumvit is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to Sukhumvit area you will find the essential information about the different parts of this neighborhood with the most popular attractions and things to do in Sukhumvit, transportation, and selection of hotels according to your budget.
If you are looking for accommodation in Bangkok but still have doubts about what is the best area to stay, you can consider Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit is the area in Bangkok that we always recommend for the first-time visitors.
Sukhumvit is known as the central area as well as Central Business District (CBD) that is bustling with business centers, shopping complexes, numerous dining spots, unlimited nightlife with countless rooftop bars and two popular red-light districts. There is a variety of hotels suitable for different budgets in Sukhumvit.
Where is Sukhumvit Area in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit area is often referred to the area along Sukhumvit Road from Nana in central Bangkok to the suburbs around Phra Khanong BTS Station. Asoke is the center of the area where BTS Skytrain Asoke Station and MRT Metro Sukhumvit Station intersect.
Main areas of Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Tourist life mainly takes place along the BTS SkyTrain Sukhumvit Line with the focus to the areas surrounding stations Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lor, Ekkamai and Phra Khanong.
Nana: Nana is mainly an entertainment area and famous for its night spots such as bars, pubs, and sex shops.
Asoke: Asoke is the center of Sukhumvit area, from which you can easily visit other parts of the city. Asoke is home to many high-rise office buildings, a wide selection of hotels, a large shopping mall of Terminal 21, and the entertainment district of Soi Cowboy.
Phrom Phong: Phrom Phong is one of the most upscale areas in Bangkok for shopping with high-end department stores, Emporium and EmQuartier.
Thonglor: Thonglor is a trendy and chic area where tourists, expats and Thai people gather. The surrounding area has a large selection of hotels, many high-rise condominiums, as well as cafes, restaurants, cozy bars and night clubs.
Ekkamai: Ekkamai is a quiet residential area, where many wealthy people live.
Phra Khanong: Phra Khanong is a residential area between Ekkamai and On Nut, offering affordable places to stay.
Things to Do in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Sukhumvit area has no popular temples or many traditional tourist attractions, but it offers many activities and many place to go from day to night, ensuring that you will always find things to do in Sukhumvit.
Terminal 21: A modern shopping mall where each floor has its own theme based on popular countries around the world. There are a variety of interesting shops, entertainment options, restaurants and the food court for the best Cheap Eats in Bangkok.
Emporium: The most luxurious department store in Bangkok with luxury brand and designer stores and fine dining restaurants. The place is recommended for those interested in high end products such as fashion clothes, jewelry, watches, etc.
EmQuartier: An upscale shopping mall next to Emporium, joined by a pedestrian bridge. It has a large market and many mid-range stores.
Benjakitti Park: The green space in the middle of Bangkok city at the intersection of BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit stations, next to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. You can do various activities here, such as picnicking, cycling, and even jogging around the lake.
Benjasiri Park: Known as the “Queen's Park”, as it was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit, the park is located near Emporium shopping center and BTS Phrom Phong station.
Nana Plaza (Sukhumvit 4): One of the best-known red light districts in Bangkok, full of adults entertainment - alcohol, girls, ladyboys, dance, music.
Soi Cowboy (between Sukhumvit 21 and 23): The most famous red light district in Bangkok. It has a small alley packed with bars and clubs.
Soi Arab (Sukhumvit 3/1): A small alley next to the mighty Soi Nana, with Halal restaurants and numerous shops selling Arab products.
Rooftop Bars: Sukhumvit is home to many rooftop bars, where you can enjoy nightlife with a spectacular view. The most famous rooftop bars in Sukhumvit are the following:
Above Eleven: Rooftop bar and restaurant on the 32nd floor at Fraser Suites Hotel Bangkok with breathtaking views.
Nimitr Rooftop: Restaurant and rooftop bar, situated on the 27th floor of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in the Phrom Phong area, offers a dining experience that is as breathtaking as the views.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) Class: Offered by Watchara MuayThai Gym in downtown Bangkok, this fun and interactive Muay Thai class lets you practice the art of self-defense and get that adrenaline rush.
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy: Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes at a reputable cooking school in Bangkok and shop at a local market for fresh ingredients before your class.
Khlong Toei Market: A typical Thai market with a variety of fruits, vegetables, food stalls, and cheap clothing.
Kamthieng House Museum: A 19th-century teak farmhouse from Chiang Mai. It is now the headquarters of the Siamese Society.
Let's Relax Spa at Thonglor: A multi-awarded spa featuring wide varieties of mineral bathtubs, sauna, steam, hot stone bed baths and massages with excellent service at a great price. They also have a branch at Terminal 21 and branches in several other locations along Sukhumvit Road.
Transportation in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Sukhumvit area is one of the best connected by public transport areas in Bangkok, making access to sightseeing and attractions easy.
BTS SkyTrain line spans along Sukhumvit Road. Popular BTS stations for tourists to stay nearby are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong. Asok is the most convenient station as it is right in the center of Sukhumvit area and is directly connected to MRT Metro Sukhumvit Station that makes getting around the city very easy.
To make your travel experience more efficient, book BTS Skytrain One Day Pass in advance for unlimited travel on the BTS Skytrain during a single day and avoid the long queues at ticket machines.
At the intersection with Soi 63, there is Ekkamai Bus Station serviced by buses and minivans running to destinations in Eastern Thailand such as Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, Chanthaburi and tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Sriracha, Sattahip, Koh Chang or Koh Samet.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit
By Train: Airport Rail Link train connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with BTS SkyTrain at Phaya Thai Station. There you can transfer to BTS and get off at any station on Sukhumvit line.
By Bus: Bangkok bus No. 552 connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport to BTS SkyTrain On Nut Station. Departures are scheduled every 20 minutes and price is 20 THB.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit with private transfer service. All-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: Bangkok taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit area takes approximately 1 hour but can take more during heavy traffic.
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 Sukhumvit
By Bus: Bus A1 can be used to transfer from Don Mueang Airport to BTS Mo Chit Station and MRT Chatuchak Park Station within 30 minutes. From there you can take SkyTrain or metro to Sukhumvit area.
By Train: SRT Red Line Train from Don Mueang Airport stops at Bang Sue Station which is connected to MRT Blue line, passing MRT Sukhumvit Station.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to Sukhumvit area takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Places to Stay in Sukhumvit Bangkok
Sukhumvit area has a great choice of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels to hostels. It's easy to find a hotel you like at a price that suits you.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Sukhumvit
Aspira Sukhumvit: Cheap hotel situated on Soi 7/1, 1 minute from BTS Nana station and within easy reach of the adult-oriented Nana Entertainment Plaza. This boutique hotel is NOT for families but appeals much more to adult single male travelers or groups of men.
Majestic Suites Hotel: Affordable 3-star hotel combines contemporary décor with the state-of –the-art technology, close to Nana.
S Box Sukhumvit Hotel: A backpacker hotel that has access to everything. The hotel is located on Sukhumvit 31, just 50 meters from Sukhumvit Road and 500 meters from BTS Phrom Phong station, providing a calm place to stay.
Le Fenix Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok: 3-star hotel featuring 147 cozy and comfortable rooms with contemporary furnishings. This hotel is located in Bangkok's vibrant street Sukhumvit Soi 11, within a walking distance to Nana BTS Station.
Chill Inn Bangkok Urban Hostel: Affordable and convenient accommodation decorated in a sleek and modern style, with furnishings that create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The hostel is just a stone's throw away from Ekkamai BTS station.
Mid-Range Hotels in Sukhumvit
Hotel Clover Asoke: Well-rated art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok city center. This 4-star hotel is a 5-minute walk to Asok BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT Station.
Sukhumvit Suites Hotel: Good 3-star hotel next to Interchange 21 building in between Sukhumvit 21 and Sukhumvit 23. All 73 non-smoking rooms are uniquely furnished in restful colors.
Thee Bangkok Hotel: A contemporary design hotel with a touch of modern classic luxe and a sense of tranquility. Thee hotel is only 7 minutes walking to BTS Asok Station and MRT Sukhumvit Station.
Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18: 4-star hotel by Radisson, offering a comfortable escape from the bustling city. The hotel is close to MRT Sukhumvit station.
IR-ON Hotel: A uniquely designed 3-star hotel offering ultimate relaxation and sincerest Thai hospitality right in the coolest hub of Sukhumvit area, Thonglor.
Luxury Hotels in Sukhumvit
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Fabulous 5-star hotel where you can experience the French art de vivre during your stay. This hotel has its own skywalk bridge that connects the hotel directly to the nearby BTS Asok Station, MRT Sukhumvit Station and Terminal 21.
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21: The 5-star hotel that is superbly located above Terminal 21 Shopping Mall with a surprisingly spacious outdoor lush garden with a jogging track, an infinity pool, a lap pool, a tennis court, and a golf putting range.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Luxury hotel with 338 elegant rooms and suites, a choice of renowned dining venues including the MICHELIN Guide listed, Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, and a Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of the cityscape, located between BTS Asok and Phrom Phong stations.
Emporium Suites by Chatrium: The 5-star apartment hotel, set in the luxury Emporium shopping complex, lies a minute's walk from Phrom Phong BTS station, providing guests with everything from a bespoke shopping experience to easy access to the Business District.
Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: 5-star hotel featuring 290 rooms and suites to serve business and leisure travelers, only 200 meters from the metro and SkyTrain, close to Interchange 21 building and Soi Cowboy.
Tips for a stay in Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is full of life. If you like modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, choose Sukhumvit area to stay in Bangkok.
If you are not a party lover, avoid staying near the red-light areas such as Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (Soi 23) that can be quite annoying from street prostitution.
As it is the central area, traffic conditions in Sukhumvit area can be heavy meaning that 15-minute trip can turn to be a 1-hour long journey. Public transportation such as BTS and MRT should be your preferred choice if you are not willing to waste your time in traffic jams.
Stay connect with your loved ones during a stay in Thailand, get the Tourist SIM Card which is offering generous data with affordable packages.
Popular Day Tours from Bangkok
Floating Markets Day Tour: Take a tour to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, ride long-tail boats down Amphawa Floating Market's river and watch a train passing through the middle of a bustling market at the Maeklong Railway Market.
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.
Bangkok Day Tour: Visit the stunning Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew), as well as Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram (Wat Pho). Cross the river on a ferry boat and stop by Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
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:
