Ready to find out where to stay in Bangkok and book your dream hotel?
Bangkok is a big bustling metropolis with various areas and neighborhoods spread across the city. From Rattanakosin and its charming neighborhood close to all the temples and historic sites, to the Sukhumvit area with its futuristic skytrain, fancy malls and high end hotels. There’s lots on offer when it comes to choosing accommodation in Bangkok.
It’s not surprising that many tourists visiting for the first time are overwhelmed and have a hard time putting their finger on where to stay in Bangkok. But don’t worry, it’s normal to feel this way when visiting an unfamiliar destination.
That is why I created this accommodation guide – to help you understand the different neighborhoods and confidently book a hotel in Bangkok.
I hope you keep reading because this guide will answer all your questions related to where to stay in Bangkok. From the different areas and neighborhoods, the atmosphere to expect, convenience and a list of hotels to suite any budget. This information will help you book your hotel in Bangkok with ease.
About: this guide was created after visiting Bangkok numerous times and while we were living in Bangkok for over 4 months between the end of 2023 and the first 3 months of 2024.
Where to stay in Bangkok – Planning
Whether you’re searching for the best place to stay in Bangkok for 24 hours or for 3 days, the best thing to do is to first decide what you want to do in Bangkok. And then start to understand how Bangkok is laid out. These are the 2 most important aspects that will help you lean towards those places and areas that align with your Bangkok travel plan.
“Of course, if your sole purpose of visiting Bangkok is to take advantage of reasonably priced luxury hotels then just book your stay at →The Standard or →The Okura Prestige“
‘This article is divided into sections. The first section is a quick overview of Bangkok. Then I break down each area into neighborhoods‘
Bangkok Areas Overview
While Bangkok is indeed a big city, it can be divided into 2 different sections. The modern Bangkok and the old and historic part of the city. Below is an overview of these 2 very distinct areas.
Old Bangkok
Old Bangkok is the cultural and historic side of the city. It’s a charming part of the city with quiet neighborhoods, old buildings, stilted riverside houses and an absurd amount of really cheap and good local cuisine. This part of the city incorporates the majority of Bangkok’s cultural attractions including the Royal Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho (reclining Buddha) and various other sites.
Khaosan road is within the Old City confines but isn’t a good place to stay. Instead consider soi Rambuttri or the nearby local neighborhoods. Riverfront boutique hotels are a favorite with couples and offer a calm and romantic atmosphere. Yaowarat and the larger Chinatown area is a foodies haven within old Bangkok. The old part of Bangkok is relatively compact which makes it easy and hassle free if you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time.
Top 3 recommended hotels:
| Category | Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | →Bed Station Hostel | $24 | 8.6/10 |
| Mid-Range | →Casa Vimaya Riverside | $104 | 8.5/10 |
| High-End | →Riva Arun Bangkok | $160 | 9.1/10 |
All select hotels are convenient and within a 5 to 10 minute walk of restaurants, bars and Khaosan road. Cultural sites are also within walking distance. Prices are based on 1 night stay for 2 people for standard option and may change depending on seasonality.
Modern Bangkok
The modern part of Bangkok is where all the towering skyscrapers, glitzy malls, luxury hotels and fancy restaurants are located. And all this mixed with local culture such as street food vendors on every corner, night time pop-up markets, tuk-tuks zig-zagging through traffic, and the skytrain cruising above all the chaos and connecting all the different neighborhoods together.
Sukhumvit is often referred to as the best area to stay in modern Bangkok. This is quite inaccurate because Sukhumvit is a massive road that crosses through Bangkok and incorporates various popular neighborhoods along a 10 km stretch. Ekkamai, Thonglor, Asoke, On Nut, Siam and even the red light district area Nana are all part of Sukhumvit. Along Sukhumvit are loads of restaurants, bars, pubs, malls, hotels which also spill into the sidestreets (called soi in Thai) that branch off Sukhumvit. While this is a big area, it doesn’t feel so because the skytrain makes moving around effortless.
Silom and Sathon is the business district of Bangkok. Located south of Sukhumvit this part of the city is connected via the Silom BTS line (skytrain). This is the posh and fancy part of the city which consequentially is also expensive. Here you’ll find exclusive and high end hotels such as Banyan tree Bangkok and The Sukhothai. Lumpini, the greenest area and biggest park in Bangkok is in this part of the city.
Top 3 recommended hotels (Sukhumvit)
| Category | Name | Area | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | →Miami Hotel Bangkok | Asok | $85 | 8.5/10 |
| Mid-Range | →Novotel | Phloen Chit | $215 | 8.5/10 |
| High-End | →The Okura Prestige | Phloen Chit | $315 | 9.1/10 |
Every selected hotel is within a 5 to 10 minute walk to the skytrain station. And is in a prime location for restaurants, bars and amenities. Prices are based on 1 night stay for 2 people for a standard room and may change depending on seasonality.
Related article: →How to get from Bangkok airport to Khaosan area
Where to stay in Bangkok – Neighborhoods
Below is a reflection of the places we have stayed in Bangkok. After deciding on the neighborhood, we always do a lot of research about the actual hotel. Above all, the hotel must be in a convenient location and within a short walk to various dining options and lounges/bars or some sort of evening entertainment. But also in a quiet area so we get a good night sleep. Any nearby open air food courts are always a plus. And if we’re staying in modern Bangkok, the hotel must be within a short walk to the BTS skytrain. This allows us to move around the city easily.
We aren’t too picky about hotel amenities but it obviously must be clean, have comfortable beds and be fairly modern. We do splurge sometimes and look for things like pool (maybe even a rooftop one) onsite restaurants and a nice lounge area.
All hotel recommendations listed below are our personal favorites and all meet the requirements listed above. But don’t just take our word for it because they all have an excellent review rating by loads of other previous guests.
You may like → What is the most convenient place to stay in Bangkok
Old Bangkok
Khaosan Area – for Culture
When I say Khaosan area I am not necessarily referring to the infamous backpacker street. It’s a fun place for a wild night out but not to actually stay in unless you just want a place to crash after getting hammered.
I am referring to the areas and neighborhoods wrapping around Khaosan. Just parallel with Khaosan is Soi Rambuttri it’s a nice area with dozens of restaurants and lounges. Personally I think Rambuttri is one of the best places to stay if you want to be within walking distance to the temples and also have lots of nearby amenities.
Walking 5 minutes north from Rambuttri there is a number of boutique hotels facing a river. It’s a really gorgeous neighborhood that offers a local feel. Over the last few years this area and surrounding neighborhood have turned into a hip and trendy area of sorts. There’s old local wooden buildings turned into guesthouses and various restaurants and local eateries.
Things to do
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Take the taxi ferry to Wat Arun →taxi ferry location
- →Go on a canal tour
- Shop at the Banglamphu market
- Eat at a Michelin guide local eatery – Patonggo Cafe and Ten Suns
- Watch the sunset at Rocco Club rooftop
Where to stay near Khaosan
Below is a list of the best places to stay in the charming neighborhoods surrounding Khaosan. None of the places are directly in Khaosan road. It’s a relatively small and compact area and everything is within a 5 to 10 minute walk. The base prices are for 2 people for 1 night. Please use prices as a guideline as they may change depending on seasonality.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →Lamphuhouse Bangkok | $29 | 8.5/10 |
| →Zee Thai Hostel | $29 | 8.6/10 |
| →Korbua House | $44 | 8.3/10 |
| →Vali Villa Bangkok | $78 | 8.7/10 |
| →Lamphu Tree House Boutique Hotel | $80 | 8.7/10 |
| →Chillax Resort | $85 | 8.6/10 |
| →Villa De Khaosan | $110 | 8.6/10 |
| →Chillax Heritage | $125 | 8.9/10 |
| →Riva Surya | $295 | 9.0/10 |
Chinatown – for Food
One part of Bangkok that we really love is Chinatown. It’s an old quarters where most Chinese immigrants first settled in Bangkok. As the rest of Bangkok, the side streets that branch off the busier mainroad is where the local neighborhoods are and you’ll find old Chinese wooden houses converted into nice boutiques. Soi Nana has recently popped up as a hip and trendy side alley. Chic cocktail bars and restaurants are dotted along this few hundred meters road.
But it’s the absurd amount of local food and eateries that stands out in Chinatown. Walk down Yaowarat road at night, this road is lit up with neon lights and lots of good and cheap local eateries.
Things to do
- Visit Wat Traimit and the world’s largest gold Buddha
- Relax at Romaneenart Park
- →Definitely do an all-inclusive food tour
- Soak in the views at Sky View 360 at Grand China Hotel
- →Explore Chinatown by bike on this tour
Where to stay in Chinatown
The Chinatown area isn’t that big but neither small. In the list below I have included the best places to stay that are close to the main food scene and also walking distance to Soi Nana where you’ll find trendy cocktail lounges.
The base prices shown in the table below are for 2 people for 1 night. Please use prices as a guideline as they may change depending on seasonality.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →The Orientale | $30 | 8.4/10 |
| →103 – Bed and Brews | $45 | 8.5/10 |
| →Pho Place | $53 | 8.8/10 |
| →MarloweTonysHome | $75 | 9.3/10 |
| →ASAI Bangkok Chinatown | $120 | 9.1/10 |
| →Baan2459 | $150 | 8.6/10 |
| →Loy La Long Hotel | $155 | 8.9/10 |
| →The Mustang Blu | $160 | 8.6/10 |
Modern Bangkok
Riverside – for Scenery
Bangkok riverside refers to the properties dotted along the waters edge along the Chao Phraya river. The options here are rather distinct as river front hotels stretch from the Old Bangkok limits all the way down the river spilling into the modern parts near Silom.
As you can imagine, staying here is very scenic. It isn’t just relaxing to sit in the terrace and watch the boats passing by, but you’ll also get amazing sunset views of the city skyline from afar.
If you plan staying riverfront, I would recommend staying close to the old part of Bangkok. Views are particularly scenic as you’ll be directly facing Wat Arun. It’s mostly smaller boutique hotels there that have a more cosy and traditional feel. You’ll also be close to cultural sites such as temples and the Grand Palace. Also the famous streetfood in Yaowarat is within reach.
Further down near the Silom area are some of the most exclusive properties of big international brands. Views are equally stunning from this part of the river front. You’ll also be close to some of the finest dining options in Bangkok. And visiting a rooftop bar or pool is a must. In most cases these amenities will probably be part of the riverfront hotel you stay in.
Bangkok’s riverfront is popular with couples and families.
Things to do
- Take the ferry to Wat Arun
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- →Discover Bangkok’s temples by boat
- Icon Siam by ferry
- Asiatique also by ferry
- →Enjoy a luxury sunset river cruise
Where to stay Riverside
Below are 6 recommended places to stay by the river in Bangkok. I have divided them to reflect in which part they are located. Old Bangkok will be close to temples, the Grand Palace and Rambuttri and Khaosan. Silom/Sathon is a business district and upscale neighborhood boasting fine dining restaurants, rooftop lounges and chic cocktail bars.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Area | Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Bangkok | →sala rattanakosin | $165 | 8.1/10 |
| Old Bangkok | →Riva Arun Bangkok | $137 | 9.1/10 |
| Old Bangkok | →ARUN Riverside Bangkok | $175 | 9.0/10 |
| Silom/Sathon | →Shangri-La Bangkok | $300 | 8.9/10 |
| Silom/Sathon | →The Peninsula Bangkok | $560 | 9.2/10 |
| Silom/Sathon | →Mandarin Oriental Bangkok | $1380 | 9.2/10 |
Silom & Sathorn
I’ve grouped these areas together because they spill into each other and both form part of Bangkok’s business district that sits south of Sukhumvit. This area that extends west from Lumphini park is arguably the most upscale part of the city. Some of the most famous rooftop bars like Lebua and the lounge above the pixelated Mahanakhon tower are here.
I would say that if you want an area that mixes luxury and local, definitely stay here. Because while there’s loads of fine restaurants, exclusive hotels and chic bars to choose from, there’s a local atmosphere. Just north of Silom is Bangrak, famous for it’s lively streetfood scene. And also numerous cheaper accommodation options. Also, similar to Sukhumvit, you can move around by skytrain via Silom BTS line. From Sukhumvit line you can interchange to this line in Siam.
Things to do
- →Mahanakhon SKYWALK
- Sunset drinks at Lebua Skybar
- Relax at Lumphini park
- →Book a city day tour
- →Bangkok Midnight Food Tuk Tuk Tour
Where to stay in Silom and Sathorn
The below table offers an overview of the best properties in Silom and Sathorn for any budget.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →Qilombo Hostel Silom – HQ | $35 | 8.5/10 |
| →W3 wakewalkwork | $29 | 9.0/10 |
| →Silom SPACE Hostel | $45 | 9.0/10 |
| →At 21 Saladaeng | $60 | 8.8/10 |
| →PASSA Hotel Bangkok | $95 | 9.0/10 |
| →Triple Y Hotel | $105 | 9.1/10 |
| →Le Méridien Bangkok | $275 | 8.8/10 |
| →Banyan Tree Bangkok | $335 | 8.7/10 |
| →The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakho | $395 | 9.2/10 |
Dive into Bangkok culture after dark
Discover Bangkok’s enchanting nightlife on a tuk-tuk tour. Glide through the city’s illuminated streets, marvel at ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, and explore bustling markets and palaces. Indulge in street food delights as your local guide unveils the city’s secrets. →book it here
Where to stay in Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is often mistaken as an area. Actually, Sukhumvit is a main artery that crosses through Bangkok and incorporates various other areas that are popular places to stay in Bangkok. The best hotels are often along a side street branching off Sukhumvit. Regardless of where you decide to base yourself in Sukhumvit, it is very easy (and fast) to move around by BTS.
As always, all the recommended places to stay are in a prime location and close to dining, drinking and entertainment options. And most importantly all are within no more than 10 minutes walk to the skytrain (BTS) station.
Ekkamai and Thonglor – Hip and Trendy
I’ve grouped these 2 places together because they’re just 500 meters apart and have a similar atmosphere. Ekkamai and Thonglor are side streets that branch off Sukhumvit road. Known as the hip and trendy area of Bangkok here you’ll find cool hangout spots, chic lounges, upper scale restaurants and fancy hotels such as the Marriot.
The main distinction is that Thonglor feels a bit more fancy. There’s a number of posh Japanese restaurants and chic lounges. This also makes this neighborhood more expensive both for amenities and even accommodation. Ekkamai is more laid back offering a wider range of dining options and accommodation for different budgets.
Things to do
- Eat, Meet, Drink at the Commons
- Dine at Sushi Yorokobu
- →Experience Bangkok by tuk-tuk
- Relax at an Onsen Spa
Where to stay in Thonglor and Ekkamai
Thonglo is rather upscale and accommodation prices start from around $50 a night. In the table below, the cheaper options are all located in Ekkamai. Prices or for a standard room for 1 night for 2 persons and may change due to seasonality. Use prices as a guideline.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →Studio Ekkamai | $95 | 8.0/10 |
| →THA City Loft Hotel by TH District | $75 | 8.3/10 |
| →Chill Inn Bangkok | $55 | 8.7/10 |
| →The Salil Hotel | $125 | 8.4/10 |
| →Grande Centre Point | $145 | 8.9/10 |
| →Staybridge Suites | $165 | 8.9/10 |
| →SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok | $210 | 8.8/10 |
| →Hotel Nikko Bangkok | $190 | 8.8/10 |
| →Madi Paidi | $360 | 8.9/10 |
Phra Khanong – Up and Coming
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area that is cheap, has a decent amount of amenities, has easy access to the BTS skytrain and isn’t very touristic, then definitely consider Phra Khanong. Ekkamai and Thonglo are the next stops on the BTS line so very easy and fast to move between these 2 areas..
We actually lived in Phra Khanong for an entire month and loved it for various reasons. Besides cheaper accommodation prices, Phra Khanong offers a local and western type of mixed atmosphere. As is the case with other BTS stops, just outside the terminal is a lively atmosphere with lots of dining options, some outdoor bars and even cafes.
A 7 minute walk from the BTS there’s W market. It’s like a beer garden with lots of little kiosks wrapping around and all serving different food. From local Thai dishes, to sweet and sour crispy pork from the Chinese place and Mexican food. Even a burger and steak place is here and a bar serving various drinks. Make sure to visit Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant if you want something more special. Pridi Banomyong 2 alley is across the street and where you’ll find loads of local dining options.
Things to do
- Eat and drink at W market
- Stuff your face with local food
- →Experience Bangkok by tuk-tuk
- Go for sunset cocktail at Cielo Sky Bar
Where to stay in Phra Khanong
Accommodation in Phra Khanong is mainly budget to mid range options with prices rarely being over $50 a night. The list below reflects those budget categories. The prices shown are per night for a standard room for 2 people. Please use prices as a guideline as they may change depending on seasonality.
Should you want something more high-end, consider Ekkamai or Thonglo as they are only 1 or 2 BTS stops from Phra Khanong.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →Comfy Crib Hostel Bangkok | $29 | 8.0/10 |
| →Bedever Bangkok Boutique Hotel | $45 | 8.8/10 |
| →The White Den Sukhumvit 44 | $39 | 9.2/10 |
| →Thaisun Bangkok Hotel | $75 | 8.5/10 |
| →Bangkok Feliz Sukhumvit 69 | $49 | 8.8/10 |
| →Hide and Seek Boutique Hometel | $79 | 9.3/10 |
| →ibis Styles | $83 | 8.3/10 |
| →Jasmine Resort Hotel | $90 | 8.3/10 |
Siam – for Shopping
Bangkok is renowned as a shopping destination and this is pretty obvious in Siam. While there a loads of shopping opportunities around the Sukhumvit area, Siam stands out as this is where you’ll find the largest concentration of malls. MBK, Central World and Siam Paragon for luxury goods are the main malls.
In short, the main shopping district in Siam is like entering a neighborhood entirely dedicated to malls that are so big, with so many levels and different sections that we often got lost inside. Certainly you’ll find accommodation in Siam. However it seems like the majority of amenities such as restaurants and lounges are all within a mall.
The BTS stop in Siam is also the busiest in Bangkok. Because besides being a popular area with both tourists and locals, Siam is the interchange station for the Silom BTS line which goes to Silom and Sathon.
Note: while Siam is a great place to stay if you intend doing lots of shopping, it doesn’t really reflect what Bangkok truly is. Bangkok has so much to offer so I suggest spending at least a day exploring other parts of the city. Also, the food courts in the malls isn’t where you’ll get really good food. Wake up early, go out, visit the temples, maybe ride a boat along the canal, have a meal on a red plastic chair. →or at least consider doing a tour
Things to do
- Well obviously shopping
- Buy cheap goods at MBK
- Visit Jim Thompson house
- Marvel at Erawan Shrine
- Wander around Pratunam market
Where to stay in Siam
Below is a table with the best places to stay in Siam close to the malls. I have also included a few places that are in Phaya Thai and Ratchathewi. Both these areas are within a 10 to 20 minute walk to the popular malls.
→click any property to view prices for your dates ⤵
| Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| →The Posh Phayathai By Benya* | $55 | 9.0/10 |
| →Hotel Thomas Bangkok* | $90 | 8.8/10 |
| →Anajak Bangkok Hotel* | $120 | 9.0/10 |
| →Bed@Town Hostel | $55 | 8.6/10 |
| →White Lodge Hotel Bangkok | $39 | 8.0/10 |
| →P18 Hotel | $68 | 9.5/10 |
| →LiT BANGKOK | $110 | 8.9/10 |
| →Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong | $220 | 9.3/10 |
| →Novotel Bangkok Siam | $220 | 8.3/10 |
| →Pathumwan Princess Hotel | $245 | 8.8/10 |
| →Centara Grand at Central World | $225 | 8.7/10 |
| →Siam Kempinski Hotel | $590 | 9.3/10 |
HEY, just so you know…
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