Bangkok is a vast city, with a multitude of neighborhoods, each with its own attractions, advantages... and disadvantages. Choosing where to stay can quickly become a headache: depending on the length of your stay and what you're looking for, some areas will be much more suitable than others. The goal of this article is to introduce you to the capital's main neighborhoods, to help you make an informed choice.
A quick aside: I live in Bangkok. So I haven't really stayed in hotels here (except once, during Covid quarantine), but I know the city like the back of my hand. Therefore, I think I can advise you on where , and especially why, to stay in a particular area.
If you have any suggestions for other destinations, please let me know!
As for the hotels I recommend, they are either establishments I've visited for business or personal reasons, recommended by acquaintances and friends, or found after extensive research. These suggestions are subjective, of course, but they will give you a good starting point.
Bangkok has over 1500 hotels , spread across a dozen key areas. This guide aims to save you time by helping you pinpoint the neighborhood that best suits your preferences, budget, and how you plan to explore the city.
Where to stay in Bangkok? Quickly choose according to your needs
To help you get a clearer picture, here's a first summary of the most practical neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, depending on your preferences. The idea isn't to designate a "best neighborhood" that works for everyone, but to quickly guide you based on your priorities: sightseeing, transportation, budget, nightlife, local atmosphere, or comfort.
| You are looking for… | Recommended neighborhood | To remember |
|---|---|---|
| A first practical stay | Siam / Sukhumvit | The simplest choices for getting around, going out and easily accessing transport. |
| The temples and the old town | Bang Lamphu / Rattanakosin | Convenient for visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and historical sites. |
| Nightlife | Sukhumvit / Silom | Two convenient areas for restaurants, bars and nightlife. |
| Street food and local atmosphere | Chinatown | A vibrant, photogenic neighborhood, lively in the evenings and well served by the MRT. |
| Shopping | Siam / Pratunam | Very central, well-connected, with direct access to shopping centers and markets. |
| River views and more comfortable hotels | Riverside | Ideal for beautiful hotels, views of the Chao Phraya and a more relaxed atmosphere. |
| One night before/after a flight | Near the airport in question | Recommended only for an overnight stay, not for visiting Bangkok. |
For a long time, and even today, many travelers consider Khao San Road to be the benchmark. And let's be honest, this choice is understandable: it's where you'll find a high concentration of budget hotels, a festive atmosphere in the evening, and above all, the advantage of being close to the main sites and temples of the old city.
The paradox is that, to this day, Khao San Road still doesn't have a BTS or MRT station in its immediate vicinity (this will change once the metro construction in this area is complete, which is currently underway). Depending on your travel style and the sights you want to include in your Bangkok trip, it might be more practical to stay near a metro line to more easily explore other parts of the city.
Most of Bangkok's popular neighborhoods have one thing in common: they are located along the BTS (Bangkok's elevated metro) or the MRT (underground metro). This is a real advantage for getting around the city center and avoiding some of the traffic jams.
You can search directly here based on the neighborhood you are interested in:
1. Staying overnight in Bang Lamphu / Khao San Road: convenient for visiting the old town
Why stay near Khao San Road?
Let's start with the classic, since it's probably the neighborhood everyone's heard of. Its popularity exploded in the 80s, coinciding with the rise of tourism in Thailand. Since then, it's become the go-to spot for backpackers and anyone passing through Bangkok, a sort of default accommodation for anyone new to the city.
The main reason being its proximity to the main tourist attractions in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, to name just a few.
Khao San Road is indeed adjacent to the area known as " Rattanakosin Island ," which forms the original Bangkok. This makes it an ideal spot to start a visit to Bangkok, especially if you are interested in its history.
To clarify a little, Khan San Road is just one artery in a district called Bang Lamphu , which is pleasant overall and offers a very local atmosphere, with a wide choice of hotels.
My advice: avoid Khao San itself, it's too noisy in the evening and prefer the alternatives I suggest below.
For more peace and quiet, move a little further away to the first Samsen streets (between Soi 1 and Soi 4) or even to the neighbouring Thewet district.
- An example of a popular hotel in this area is the Lamphu Tree House (with swimming pool please, that will delight families!)
Also close to this area is Khao San's more pleasant counterpart, the aptly named Soi Rambuttri , which is practically opposite it and runs parallel to it.
- Here, a popular hotel, appreciated for its value for money, is the Rambuttri Village (from €23).
Take some time to stroll along Phra Athit Road, around Phra Sumen Fort. In the evening, you'll find a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants frequented by Thais, not just tourists.
Among the drawbacks of this neighborhood, public transportation is currently limited. While there are buses, it's not always easy to navigate the system. Taxis or tuk-tuks remain the most common way to get around, but beware of scams ; few taxis will use the meter (don't negotiate; if you want to play it safe, download an app similar to Uber, such as Grab Taxi ).
The good news, however, is that as the city develops, there is now an underground metro line (MRT) running through the lower part of Rattanakosin, with a stop, Sanam Chai , near the Siam Museum, not far from the flower market (Pak Klong Talat) and Wat Pho (reclining Buddha). There is also a line currently being extended, which will pass near Khao San Road and through Rattanakosin.
Advantage:
- Proximity to the main temples of the old city
- Lively atmosphere in the evening
- Large choice of restaurants
- Large choice of hotels
Disadvantages:
- Little public transport
- Local transport at excessive prices
- Prone to scams (often related to transportation)
- noisy at night
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— Chillax Heritage (rooftop pool, near Khao San and the river)
— New Siam II Guest House (guesthouse with outdoor pool, near Phra Athit)
— Lamphu Tree House Boutique Hotel (with swimming pool, as mentioned above)
— Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel (more luxurious)
2. Stay in Siam/Pratunam: central, convenient, but very commercial
Why sleep in the Siam – Pratunam district:
Known for its sprawling malls—those stores that rival Galeries Lafayette—it's not necessarily the first neighborhood that comes to mind when looking for accommodation in Bangkok. Yet, you'll be right in the heart of the city. This is undeniably convenient, as it's very well-connected and you'll be roughly equidistant from all the main attractions. If shopping is on your agenda, you'll have the capital's famous shopping centers nearby, starting with Siam Square , which has undergone a major facelift in recent years, even becoming entirely pedestrianized—a rarity in Bangkok! You also have the popular MBK , also recently renovated, Siam Paragon , Central World, and Pratunam Mall, to name just a few of the most well-known. However, there are also more historical and cultural attractions, such as the Jim Thompson House and the Erawan Shrine. This area thus offers a blend of culture and a wealth of shopping opportunities.
In terms of transportation, you're at the crossroads of the two main BTS lines, with the Siam station , and also close to the Phaya Thai BTS station, which connects to the Airport Link , convenient for those wanting to reach the airport quickly (or arriving by train). Overall, it's a good compromise between staying close to the main attractions and having easy access to public transport while enjoying a lively area.
However, check the exact location of the hotel: Siam, Pratunam and Phaya Thai cover a fairly large area, and you won't be everywhere at the foot of the BTS.
This is the ideal choice if you are more of a city dweller and don't like being isolated, but if you also want a bit of greenery, there is Lumphini Park nearby , one of the largest in Bangkok.
Advantage:
- In the heart of the modern city
- Perfect for shopping
- Well served
- Not too far from the main attractions
Disadvantages:
- Traffic can be heavy (if you plan to return by taxi or tuk tuk)
- Environment may be noisy, crowded
- Hotels and restaurants in this area can be more expensive than in other areas of Bangkok.
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— Nap Hotel Bangkok (free local shuttle to reach the hotel area)
— Lemontea Hotel Bangkok (near Pratunam Market, convenient for shopping)
— Hotel Tranz (at the foot of the BTS Phaya Thai and the Airport Rail Link, convenient for reaching Suvarnabhumi)
— LiT BANGKOK Hotel (with outdoor pool and spa)
3. Sleeping in Sukhumvit: the practical choice for going out and getting around
Why sleep in the Sukhumvit district:
Sukhumvit is a vibrant, modern neighborhood, making it one of Bangkok's most well-known, which is why many people gravitate toward this lively area for accommodation. The presence of a skytrain and subway line obviously plays a role in this, and it's also a neighborhood home to a fair number of expats.
But to tell the truth, Sukhumvit is quite vast, because it is actually a long avenue! In fact, Sukhumvit is actually divided into several districts, including Asok, Thong Lor and Ekkamai.
I'll focus here on the Asok area, which is well-connected, central, and also to keep things simple and targeted. It offers a mix of offices and apartments, making it a blend of work and living space. You'll find shopping centers like Terminal 21 , EmQuartier , and Emporium at the next station, as well as a plethora of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world (including the ever-popular Thai street food) and numerous shops (massage parlors, tailors, souvenirs).
It's also a lively neighborhood in the evenings, ideal for relaxing at the end of the day ( I talk about it in more detail here ). Whether it's in one of the many rooftop bars , like the Nest Rooftop Lounge or the chic Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie, or on a festive street like Sukhumvit Soi 11.
Note that this area is also home to two red-light districts: the famous Nana Plaza on one side and the infamous Soi Cowboy on the other . But don't worry, apart from the evenings in Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy itself, the environment remains very family-friendly.
For those seeking a bit of peace and quiet, Asok has the advantage of being close to another large Bangkok park, which has undergone a significant expansion: Benchakitti Forest Park . This allows those who wish to do so to take a breather and find some greenery amidst this urban jungle.
While the complex offers a number of advantages, its biggest drawback is that it is a little out of the way from the main sites to visit.
Advantage:
- Lively and modern area with many restaurants, bars and clubs for nightlife
- Lots of shops and shopping malls
- Good public transport links, with the BTS skytrain and MRT underground lines
- Wide choice of accommodation, from hostels to luxury hotels
Disadvantages:
- Traffic can be very heavy during rush hour
- Nightlife can be noisy and may disturb some travelers looking for a quieter location
- Prices may be higher than in other less touristy areas of Bangkok.
- Further away from the city's main attractions
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— S BOX SUKHUMVIT HOTEL (compact rooms: 14 m² for the Box 5.5 category)
— Arte Hotel (rooftop infinity pool, in Soi 19)
— Galleria 10 Sukhumvit by Compass Hospitality (on Soi 10, with a small rooftop pool)
— Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok (rooftop pool and family rooms)
4. Staying in Silom: a good compromise between BTS (highway), restaurants and river access
Why sleep in the Silom district:
Silom is quite well-known for its Patpong night market , which is essentially a red-light district. But it's also a business district and a lively area. In the northern part of Silom, you'll find shopping malls (yes, there are many in Bangkok), massage parlors, bars, restaurants, and if you enjoy jogging or walking, it's also an ideal spot thanks to its proximity to Lumphini Park.
The southern part of the district opens onto Charoen Krung, a historic street overlooking the river and of interest. There are also numerous restaurants and nightlife spots, such as the now very famous (especially since the film The Hangover Part II) sky bar at the Sirocco (unfortunately, it has become very expensive) or the surprising Maggie Choo’s bar/restaurant at the foot of the Novotel.
From the Saphan Taksin Bridge , at the end of Sathorn Avenue, it's the perfect spot for boat trips on the Chao Phraya River and through the klongs (Bangkok's canals). Thanks to the river or even the MRT metro, you'll be just a stone's throw from Chinatown and other attractions like Asiatique, The Riverfront , a night market set up in former docks, where you can also catch the famous Calypso cabaret and its ladyboys.
Among Silom's attractions is the Mahanakhon Tower , with its distinctive cubic architecture, an observatory 314 meters high offering breathtaking views of the entire capital. Finally, Silom is very well served by public transport, including the BTS Skytrain with stations between Sala Daeng and Saphan Taksin, and the MRT with stations at Silom and, potentially, Lumpini.
Advantage:
- Located in downtown Bangkok, Silom is a very convenient area for getting around and accessing the city's main attractions.
- Very lively, Silom offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs for nightlife, as well as shopping malls for shopping.
- Silom is also home to many business buildings, making it an attractive area for business travelers.
- Silom is well served by public transport, including the BTS skytrain and the MRT underground metro.
Disadvantages:
- The area can be quite noisy, especially at night due to the busy nightlife.
- Prices in restaurants and bars may be higher than in other areas of Bangkok due to the popularity of the area.
- Silom is a busy area, so it can get very crowded on the streets, especially during peak hours.
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— ibis Styles Bangkok Silom (with family suites consisting of two connecting rooms)
— At 21 Saladaeng (spacious family room)
— SO/ BANGKOK (luxury: superb view of Lumphini Park)
— Dusit Thani Bangkok (ultimate luxury: same as park view)
5. Sleeping in Chinatown: local atmosphere, street food and MRT within easy reach
Why sleep in Chinatown:
A new addition in this latest edition of this article. After all, Chinatown is a unique neighborhood that also offers a number of advantages, making it an attractive option for staying in Bangkok. Firstly, the neighborhood itself is an attraction, and secondly, you'll be close to the historic district, accessible from Chinatown by boat on the Chao Phraya River or by the MRT.
Examples of sites to see in Chinatown include:
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the most important Chinese temple in Bangkok
- Wat Traimit, famous for its golden Buddha
- Yaowarat, its main thoroughfare, is a street food paradise in the evening but also interesting during the day.
- Talat Noi, a neighborhood within a neighborhood, with undeniable historical and architectural interest
- Song Watthe new place that's happening
Chinatown is a cosmopolitan area that combines tradition and modernity. It is a lively and typical place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Chinese-style buildings, temples, ornate archways and traditional gates bring a charm and authentic atmosphere to the area. Sampang Lane is a maze of alleys where you can go shopping while the I'm Chinatown shopping center, with its giant dragon at the entrance, offers a refreshing break.
The main street Yaowarat is a mix of stalls, restaurants and shops during the day. But in the evening, it changes completely and fills with food stalls offering Chinese and Thai dishes, famous throughout the city.
Advantage:
- Chinatown is a very lively area with a strong presence of the Chinese community, which offers a unique cultural experience.
- It is one of the best preserved areas in terms of architecture and provides a glimpse of Bangkok in the past.
- The area is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly for the street food offered at Yaowarat stalls at night.
- It is very well located for exploring Bangkok's historic district, with many temples and monuments nearby accessible by boat from the Chao Phraya or from the MRT.
- Hotels and accommodation in Chinatown are generally cheaper than in more touristy areas of Bangkok.
Disadvantages:
- The area can be noisy and crowded, especially in the evenings, which can be difficult for those looking for a quiet place to rest.
- Chinatown's narrow, congested streets can make it difficult to navigate by car or taxi.
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— Hotel Royal Bangkok (rooftop pool, in the heart of Chinatown)
— Bangkok Chinatown (near the Sam Yot MRT station, with dormitories and private rooms)
— ASAI Bangkok Chinatown (near Wat Mangkon MRT and Yaowarat restaurants)
— The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG (with swimming pool and gym)
6. Staying at Victory Monument: a local alternative, but not necessarily ideal for a first visit
Why sleep in the Victory Monument district:
Victory Monument is a lesser-known area, but it boasts an undeniable advantage: it's a true public transportation hub. Located along the BTS Sukhumvit Line and close to numerous bus stops, it's an ideal starting point for exploring the city. Furthermore, it's just a few stops from the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market . It's also near the train to Suvarnabhumi International Airport . It's also within reasonable distance of a more outlying attraction in the old city, the Marble Temple (Wat Benchama Bophit), and close to a lesser-known attraction, the Suan Pakkad Palace . Another palace in the area is the Phaya Thai Palace , which houses a little-known historic café, the Norasingh Café.
Around the square, you'll find numerous street vendors, a few shopping centers, as well as restaurants and bars, including the Saxophone Bar, which hosts live jazz bands (and which I highly recommend!). You'll also find plenty of options for food, with a mix of local restaurants and street food along Soi Rangnam. For those wanting a bit of greenery nearby, there's even a small park: Santiphap Park.
In summary, Victory Monument is in my opinion an ideal neighborhood for travelers already somewhat familiar with Bangkok who wish to discover another side of the city and benefit from easy access to public transport.
Advantage:
- Central location with easy access to public transport (BTS and buses).
- Close to shopping malls, restaurants, bars and street vendors.
- Easy access to Chatuchak weekend market.
- Within reasonable distance of attractions like the Marble Temple, Suan Pakkad Palace.
- Less touristy and more authentic district of Bangkok
Disadvantages:
- Lack of vibrant nightlife compared to some other popular areas of Bangkok.
- Traffic is often heavy around Victory Monument Square.
- Area less known to tourists, which can make it less practical for certain tourist activities.
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— fyn park hotel (compact rooms of 17 to 18 m², some with garden views)
— VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument (near Victory Monument and Victory Hub shopping mall)
— Yello Rooms Hotel Victory Monument (offers family rooms)
— The Tada Parkview Hotel (with outdoor pool, near Santiphap Park)
7. Sleeping on the banks of the Chao Phraya: hotels with a view
In a city like Bangkok, known for its canals and therefore for a particular history with water, it might seem logical to want a view of the Chao Phraya, the river that crosses the city and also cuts it in 2.
The obvious advantage is the possibility of taking boats to move on the river and admire the views of the city and the temples. By sailing, you can also easily reach the historic center. This is an area that is particularly home to luxury hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental, the legendary first hotel in Bangkok which opened its doors in 1876. We can also mention the Peninsula Hotel, the Millenium or the Shangri-La, each offering high-end bars and restaurants with breathtaking views of the river.
However, there are also more local accommodations, right on the river bank or with a view. For shopping, there is also the now iconic Icon Siam, the River City for art lovers. You can also walk along the historic artery of Charoen Krung, Bangkok's first street. Note that it is on the river bank that the French embassy is also located, next to the Mandarin Oriental.
There are also restaurants with a view of the river, such as Jack's Bar, also popular for a drink in the evening. Another possible outing is a romantic dinner on one of the cruise boats that allow you to enjoy a typical meal while admiring the city's illuminations at nightfall.
Advantage:
- Panoramic views of the city from luxury hotel rooms, restaurants and bars.
- River cruises to admire the city at night or to easily reach the historic center.
- A varied choice of restaurants, with a wide range of local and international cuisine.
- Proximity to shopping malls such as Icon Siam and River City for shopping.
Disadvantages:
- Luxury riverside hotels can be more expensive than those in the city center or other areas of Bangkok.
- Boats traveling on the river can also be noisy and disrupt the sleep of people sensitive to noise in the evening and morning.
- Depending on the exact location, using additional transportation to travel to other parts of the city may be necessary.
Note that most 4 or 5 star hotels offer their guests a shuttle between their private dock and a public dock in order to then take the regular boat or even go to certain specific points on the river.
Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:
— River View Residence (near Chinatown, very good view of the Chao Phraya)
— River Home Bangkok (low price, but no view…)
— Ibis Bangkok Riverside (with outdoor pool and children's pool)
— Millennium Hilton Bangkok (affordable luxury)
8. Sleeping near Bangkok airports: useful for a transit night
If you have an early morning flight the next day or are on a layover in Bangkok, sleeping near an airport can be a convenient option to avoid traffic jams and early morning wake-ups.
There are two international airports in Bangkok:
- Suvarnabhumi International Airportthe main hub, which welcomes the majority of tourists from abroad (more than 55 million passengers per year),
- Don Muang International AirportThe former airport primarily serves domestic and regional destinations. Although Don Muang is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Air Asia and Nok Air, it remains a busy airport for travelers transiting through Thailand. Destinations from Don Muang are mainly in Asia, but also include some more distant locations.
Although there is now a metro line to Don Muang from the new Bang Sue Station (or Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, its official name), there is still no train connecting the two airports to this day due to the lack of a junction between Bang Sue and Phaya Thai, where the Airport Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport departs from.
Near Don Muang:
If you're planning a trip to the Impact Challenger for a sporting event, concert, or exhibition, or if you simply want to avoid going into the city after a long journey, staying near Don Muang Airport is an excellent option. Furthermore, the immigration services located along Chaeng Watthana Road at the Government Complex are easily accessible from the airport.
Near Suvarnabhumi
There isn't much to see or do, as it's quite far from the city center and the historic district (about 40 km). The nearest attraction is Ancient Siam , a park featuring replicas or actual ancient structures and temples emblematic of the country, which is more than 30 km from the airport.
There's also the Bang Pu Recreation Center , located nearby, which offers a pleasant seaside setting with mangroves and seagulls. As a small consolation, there's now a shopping mall nearby, Central Village, a convenient outlet center for last-minute shopping.
However, if you plan to leave the next day for destinations to the east such as Pattaya or the islands off Trat ( Ko Chang , Ko Mak or Ko Kood ), sleeping near Suvarnabhumi Airport may be a logical option.
Une fois votre quartier choisi, retrouvez mes repères pour préparer votre séjour à Bangkok : transports, idées de programme et durée à prévoir dans la capitale.
If you are interested in this article format, here is a list of my other guides:
