Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Complete Guide
Being the capital of Thailand, Bangkok has made a name for itself globally from being a financial city to being a party hub and everything in between.
Bangkok is also considered as the gateway city to the beautiful islands in the country which is extremely popular with travellers as a pit-stop.
I often find myself thinking about what I enjoyed more – the shopping, the parties or just being able to chill when I wanted. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bangkok Thailand, this guide is for you.
We will cover off all types of Bangkok accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Bangkok hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Bangkok 2023, the best Bangkok hotels, best places in Bangkok to visit, the best places to stay in Bangkok, hotels near Bangkok attractions, Bangkok neighborhood guide and many more.
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Sukhumvit – Where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife
The area around Sukhumvit is considered to be the heart of Bangkok and the best neighborhood to stay in Bangkok, where classy restaurants, luxury hotels, spas, etc are located inside some amazing and beautifully built buildings.
The streets are dotted with cafes, bars and shopping centres; you are never a couple of hundred metres away from a bar or cafe here. This is the best area to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing.
The Sois (streets/by-lanes) is especially famous for its nightlife where the party stays on until sunrise and beyond.
Although the traffic situation might not be ideal, it is advisable to explore the area on foot else you might end up in a traffic log for quite a while otherwise you can head to the nearest BTS skytrain station.
The overall vibe is quite relaxed in the area and a few recommended attractions are Benjasiri Park, WTF Gallery & Cafe, TCDC, Soi Arab and Cheap Charlie’s. Below is a list of places to stay if you are wondering where to stay in Sukhumvit.
Best places to stay near Sukhumvit
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near Sukhumvit:
Barn & Bed Hostel
The BoB Hostel
Click Hostel
Usman Hostel Halal
Budget Hotels near Sukhumvit:
La Petite Salil Sukhumvit Thonglor 1
Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn
karaarom hotel
IR-ON Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels near Sukhumvit:
Volve Hotel Bangkok
Hotel Nikko Bangkok
B House 49 Bangkok
Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor
Family Friendly Hotels near Sukhumvit:
ViVi Avenue Thonglor
Compass Skyview Hotel
VOQUE Hotel & Serviced Residence Sukhumvit 51
CityCenter Sukhumvit 3bedrooms
Affordable Luxury Hotels near Sukhumvit:
Ariyasom Villa
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit
Khao San Road – Where to stay in Bangkok for Backpackers
Khao San Road was traditionally a massive rice market which was only 400 metres long. Over the last two decades, Khao San has become synonymous with backpackers.
The area is dotted with cheap hostels, dormitories, guesthouses, bars, cafes, massage parlours and street vendors.
Khao San Road comes to life at night and the whole area morphs into a beautifully lit, vibrant market party with lights and glow-signs all over until wee-hours of the morning. It is advisable to explore the area on foot as vehicles are not allowed to enter the area once evening sets in.
Over the past few years, the scene of Khao San Road is changing as more hotels are being built to offer comfort and luxury rather than being just a place with hostels and guesthouses.
The area is centrally located with easy access to many of Bangkok’s attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (reclining Buddha) and the Giant Swing.
Almost every other spot in the area is a proverbial party place or a place to chill and meet people. For an authentic Thai feel of the place, check out the nearby sois as they are offbeat and less crowded. Khao San Road is a street food lovers’ delight as they serve everything from fresh fruits to deep fried insects to soothe the taste buds.
Since the train and metro system do not connect with Khao San Road, the only modes of transportation are taxis, buses, tuk-tuks and bike-taxis to get traverse from the area. Wondering what to do during the day near Khao San? A visit to the famous Bangkok National Museum, Phra Sumen Fort, Wat Chana Songran are recommended.
Best place to stay near Khao San Road Bangkok
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near Khao San Road:
Slumber Pool Party Khao San
Khao San Social Capsule Hostel
Tales Khaosan (Cafe & Hostel)
Nappark Hostel @Khao San
Sloth Hostel Khaosan
Budget Hotels near Khao San Road:
Violet Tower at Khaosan Palace
Khaosan Palace Hotel – SHA Extra Plus
Buddy Lodge, Khaosan Road
The Mulberry Bangkok Khaosan Road
Mid range Hotels near Khao San Road:
Villa Cha-Cha Banglumphu
Central Old Town Cottage
Riva Surya Bangkok
Praya Palazzo
Family Friendly Hotels near Khao San Road:
New Siam Palace Ville Hotel
Wild Orchid Villa
New Siam Riverside
Trang Hotel Bangkok
Affordable Luxury Hotels near Khao San Road:
Casa 17 Hotel
The Raweekanlaya Bangkok
Villa De Pranakorn – Relais & Châteaux
Riva Arun Bangkok
Pratunam – Best area to stay in Bangkok for shopping
One of the busiest and cheapest wholesale areas of Bangkok is Pratunam night market where you can find almost anything you desire at rock bottom prices.
Although Chatuchak weekend market is considered to be the best however since it is only on the weekends, the next best shopping area has to be Pratunam. With shops selling all kinds of clothing to fabrics, it is a hot-spot for businessmen and shoppers alike.
Pratunam is open 24X7 but it is advisable to visit before sundown as many vendors shut shop after sunset. The area nearby is also known for its big-ticket attractions and landmarks of Bangkok such as Baiyoke Tower which is the tallest building in Thailand, Suan Pakkad Palace, etc.
Best place to stay in Pratunam
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Pratunam:
White House Hostel
Natee Hostel
Good Day Hostel
The Cocoon Hostel
Budget Hotels in Pratunam:
Kim Korner Hotel
White Palace Bangkok
Blutique Hotel
City Park Hotel Bangkok Pratunam
Mid range Hotels in Pratunam:
Baiyoke Sky Hotel
NAP Hotel Bangkok
Amari Watergate Bangkok
K Maison Boutique Hotel
Family Friendly Hotels in Pratunam:
De Lavender Bangkok Hotel
Theme Boutique Hotel Bangkok
Le Grande City Pratunam
Siam Star Hotel
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Pratunam:
Akara Hotel
The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam
De Prime@Rangnam
Pullman Bangkok King Power
Siam – Where to stay in Bangkok for First timers
Siam and its surrounding area is known as shoppers’ paradise, filled with shopping malls ranging from budget bargain shops to trendy wear shops to high-end designers labels and boutiques, Siam is the best area to stay in Bangkok for first time.
Siam station which is conveniently located just above the square is probably the busiest in Bangkok if not Thailand. A massive shopping mall, the MBK Shopping Mall is exclusively for electronics where you can find any kind of electronic items at a reasonable cost.
The narrow sois of Siam is filled with bars, cafes, bookstores, etc to cater to every need. To get the best deal out of anything you purchase here is to haggle and bargain as much as possible. There are also a number of hotels in the area that caters to all kind – budget to luxury.
Although the area is extremely busy, it is considered quite safe at any time by locals and travellers alike. Siam is also a great place if you’re wondering where to stay in Bangkok for one night.
Neighbourhood attractions here include Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Art & Culture Center, National Stadium, Siam Paragon, Central World, Siam Vintage, APEX.
Best place to stay in Siam – Bangkok
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Siam:
Lub d Bangkok Siam
Lazy Sunday hostel
Siam Stadium Hostel
Budget Hotels in Siam:
Reno hotel
White Lodge Hotel Bangkok
ibis Bangkok Siam
House Of Papa Bangkok Siam
Mid range Hotels in Siam:
Pathumwan Princess Hotel
Mercure Bangkok Siam
LiT BANGKOK Hotel
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Family Friendly Hotels in Siam:
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri Bangkok
Holiday Inn Bangkok
Happy 3 Bangkok
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Siam:
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Silom – Where to stay in Bangkok with Family
The quintessential financial district of Bangkok is Silom which is also known as “Thai Wall Street” as the area is filled with skyscrapers that houses big financial institutions, corporations and law firms both local and international.
The Bangkok skyline looks quite nice once the sun goes down as the big and small glow-signs atop the buildings light up the night sky.
Albeit being within these big concrete buildings, it does not feel like an urban jungle like other big city financial areas. The area is well connected with the train system and it functions like clockwork.
Once business hours are over, Silom turns into a lively and vibrant open market where street vendors sell everything from cheap clothes to drool worthy street food.
The infamous red light district of Bangkok – Patpong night market is located here that attracts both tourists and locals. The nearby Sathorn Street is filled with accommodation that suits the needs of all budgets. Other nearby attractions include Sky Bar, Indian Hut, Bangkokian Museum.
Best place to stay in Silom
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Silom:
I-Sleep Silom Hostel
Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe
BRB Hostel Bangkok Silom
Warm Window Silom
Budget Hotels in Silom:
Furama Silom Hotel
Kokotel Bangkok Surawong
Sabai Sathorn Service Apartment
Silom Avenue Inn
Mid range Hotels in Silom:
Silom Serene A Boutique Hotel
ibis Styles Bangkok Silom
Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok
The Raya Surawong Bangkok
Family Friendly Hotels in Silom:
P1 Silom Pan
Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
SO BANGKOK
iSanook Bangkok
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Silom:
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (best hotel to stay in Bangkok)
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
The Quarter Silom by UHG
Amara Bangkok Hotel
Le Meridien Bangkok
Chinatown – Where to stay in Bangkok for couples
Being one of the oldest districts of Bangkok, Chinatown was first visited by Chinese traders in 18th century and they have been here since then.
Amidst perpetual Bangkok traffic, bright neon lights, traditional Chinese architecture, beautiful temples, street vendors lines up along the main Yaowarat road and the sidewalks. Among steamy carts with fresh local specialties and stalls with fruit juices, it feels very alive and connected to the city.
The district of Chinatown is the place in Bangkok to shop for gold and gold jewellery. If jewellery hunting is not your forte then the 200-year-old tradition of Chinese community is sure to charm you. Watching the locals offer prayers at the beautiful temples and shrines does have a sense of peacefulness and tranquillity in itself.
A peek into some of the traditional Chinese pharmacies that is still prevalent and often crowded goes to show the number of faith people still have in the traditional way of treating ailments.
Although it is a lively and wonderful neighbourhood with views of the river and Wat Arun (Buddhist temple), there’s nothing much to do here as a tourist once the sun goes down apart from relaxing.
The nightlife here can be described as non-existent so it is better to head out to nearby areas for a good time, you can go via the BTS Skytrain or a tuk tuk and. Local must-visit attractions here include Samphanthawong Museum, Wat Traimit, Pak-Khlong market are a delight to walk through, most of these attractions are within walking distance.
Best place to stay in Chinatown Bangkok
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Chinatown:
Merge Hostel
Luk Hostel
Photohostel
Hostel Urby
Budget Hotels in Chinatown:
Norn Yaowarat Hotel
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
Pho Place
Live Local Hotel
Mid range Hotels in Chinatown:
China Town Hotel – SHA Plus Certified
The Mustang Blu
Roam at Ba Hao Residence
Marlowe-Tony’s home
Family Friendly Hotels in Chinatown:
W22 by Burasari
The Unforgotten B&B
The Krungkasem Srikrung Hotel
The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Chinatown:
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown
Grand China Bangkok
Thonburi – Where to stay in Bangkok on a Budget
The west bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite the busy city centre is known as Thonburi. Being a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the area is more laid-back and relaxed. Thonburi gives its visitors and guests a peek into the traditions of Thai culture which is rather calming and peaceful.
To explore the area where canals are dominant, age-old boats are always at your disposal which is also one of the popular tourist activity. The floating markets here are a sight to behold with vendors selling their merchandise from their Thai longtail boats.
The preferred mode of transportation by the locals on this side of the river is a bicycle. Residents here are extremely warm and welcoming to tourists and also invite them into their homes to relax and share a meal.
Since the Skytrain is not quite connected to Thonburi, people mostly get by using tuk-tuks and boats. The main attractions here are Taling Chan Floating Market, Arun Ammarin Road, Khlong Bang Luang Artist Village, Princess Mother Memorial Park, Wang Lang Market.
Best place to stay in Thonburi Bangkok
Budget Hotels in Thonburi Bangkok:
Focal Local Bed & Breakfast
Zenniq
Kaya Place
Anurak Guesthouse
Mid range Hotels in Thonburi Bangkok:
Admire Thonburi
Amanah Bangkok Hotel
Beerapan Hotel
Luxury Hotels in Thonburi Bangkok:
Chakrabongse Villas
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
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