Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the first destinations one visits when starting to discover the wonderful South East Asia. At first glance Bangkok can seem chaotic and can leave you feeling a bit disoriented, which is why choosing the right place to stay becomes essential!
Here's everything you need to know about where to stay in Bangkok: our tips on the best districts to stay in and which ones to avoid!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Bangkok is a city of two faces: one extremely modern, with skybars and skyscrapers, and one traditional, with attractions such as the Royal Palace and numerous temples. The area in which to stay depends on the trip you want to experience.
If you want a more authentic experience, we recommend Rattanakosin, the Old City of Bangkok, where the Royal Palace and Wat Pho are located. Not far away is also Khao San Road, the centre of nightlife and the place of choice for backpackers, with really cheap accommodation! A great neighbourhood to stay in is Chinatown.
If you're looking for fun and modernity, then head to the New Town. Here you'll find the Sukhumvit district, mainly frequented by Westerners living in Bangkok, the Siam district, which is the city's most important shopping area and also ideal for families, and Silom, an important financial area with some of Bangkok's most famous rooftop bars!
Finally, Riverside is one of Bangkok's most exclusive areas. It runs along the river, with wonderful views of temples and luxury hotels!
Recommended areas tosave money: Khao San Road, Rattanakosin, Chinatown, Silom
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Bangkok Riverside, Siam
Recommended areas foryoung people: Khao San Road, Rattanakosin, Sukhumvit, Silom
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Bangkok. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Bangkok on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Bangkok area guide
Settling in Bangkok can be difficult at first approach: it is the largest city in Thailand, with over 8 million inhabitants and an area of 1,568.7 sq km! The streets are also very busy and it is easy to get lost among them.
Thefirst major distinction is that between Old Town and New Town: the former is the area where the oldest attractions, such as the Royal Palace and numerous temples, are located, the latter is the more modern part, made up of skyscrapers, commercial and financial districts and the famous rooftop bars. Apart from this main distinction, which is great for getting acclimatised, you should know that Bangkok is divided into 50 districts (called khet), which in turn are divided into 169 sub-districts (called khwaeng). The central district is Phra Nakhon, which includes Rattanakosin Island, the heart of the Old City.
Areas to avoid: although Bangkok is safe, it is generally best to avoid districts that are too peripheral and have no particular tourist attractions. Areas to avoid include Soi Lat Phrao, Soi Sukhumvit, Soi Phaholyothin, Soi Suphaphong, Soi On Nut, Soi Chalermprakiat and Sanam Luang, all of which are peripheral areas.
Bangkok Riverside
Bangkok is divided into two parts by the Chao Phraya River, which is also where the city was born. This is the most scenic area in the entire capital, with splendid views of temples, such as the marvellous Wat Arun, and full of luxury hotels. The Riverside stretches for several kilometres, but the best area to stay is definitely from the Sathorn Bridge in the south to the beginning of the Chinatown loop in the north.
The Riverside is especially recommended for those who want to experience luxury and comfort, but also for families who want a quiet area with all amenities. Some of the finest hotels in the Thai capital can be found here.
Finally, the location is great: you'll be halfway between the Old Town and the New Town, and you can get around quickly using the many taxis from the hotels or circling the nearby streets.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Varmtel | 3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, airport transfers, shared kitchen and free WiFi in all areas. Ideal for couples and families |
Residence with hotel rooms and studios. Swimming pool, gym, airport shuttle, restaurant. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with 4 dining options, 2 outdoor pools, 24-hour gym and boat shuttle service to the BTS Skytrain station. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel with spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, gym, 4 restaurants, 24-hour reception, tour desk and 17 meeting rooms. Perfect for couples, families and business travellers |
Rattanakosin
Rattanakosin is the historical centre of Bangkok. Lying between the Chao Phraya River on one side and Maha Chai Road on the other, this area contains some of the capital's most important sights and attractions: here you will find the Grand Royal Palace and the temples Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho
Rattanakosin is an area recommended mainly for those who want to get to know the more authentic Bangkok, for those who are not interested in the wild nightlife of the New Town. However, it is also ideal for young people, given its proximity to the famous and chaotic Khao San Road, and for those who want to find cheap accommodation: here you can sleep for as little as €15.00 per night!
Staying here, you can get around the area easily on foot. Attractions are not far away from each other, while along the Chao Phraya there are a number of small jetties that allow you to cross the river by boat.
Average prices in the district range from around €15.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with terrace, swimming pool, free bike rental, 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Ideal for couples and families | |
Guesthouse 2 km from the Royal Palace. 24-hour reception, laundry service, rooms with private bathroom. Free WiFi connection. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Hostel with express check-in and check-out, rooms with private bathroom, shared lounge, free WiFi in all areas and terrace. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel on the riverbank, 10 min walk from the Royal Palace. Incredible city views, 24-hour reception, laundry/dry cleaning services, tour desk. Ideal for couples |
Khao San Road
Photo by User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage. Bangkok's old town also includes Khao San Road, a backpacker's paradise. Here you can find hostels and cheap accommodation, the street is always busy and you'll be within walking distance of the city's main attractions.
It is, in fact, an area especially recommended for young people and those who want to spend little: accommodation here starts at €10.00 per night, there are plenty of small restaurants with really low prices, and at night the street becomes a big night market, where you can taste the famous Thai street food, spending on average €5.00 per person. But, above all, Khao San Road is the centre of the Old Town's nightlife: an area absolutely not recommended if you want to sleep at night!
Finally, staying here will allow you to walk to the main attractions. Alternatively, you can take the fast and cheap tuk tuk, or opt for a taxi.
Average prices in the district range from around €10.00 for low-cost accommodation to €80.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
2-star hotel with restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi in all areas. Communal lounge and luggage storage. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with mixed or female-only dorms. Shared bathrooms divided between males and females. Shared terrace and lounge, 24-hour reception. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel with swimming pool with entrance in the heart of the street. Irish pub, Thai restaurant, top-floor pool with view and gym. Ideal for couples | |
3-star hotel 5 min walk from Khaosan Raod. WiFi connection, communal lounge, air-conditioned rooms. Ideal for couples and small groups |
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most chaotic districts in the city! The main street is Sampaeng Lane, which is entirely pedestrianised, while the side streets are divided by category and you can find shops and boutiques selling really anything!
In many respects similar to Khao San Road, Chinatown is an area recommended for young people and those who want to save money! If you are looking for peace and quiet, however, we advise you to avoid this district! Here the prices are really competitive, the offer is very high and there are plenty of activities to do, both during the day and at night.
Finally, staying in Chinatown will also allow you to walk to the city centre. Alternatively, you can use the metro, taxis or tuk tuk!
Average prices in the district range from around €10.00 for low-cost accommodation to €100.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, shared lounge, restaurant, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
3-star hostel with luggage storage and ATM service. Rooms with balcony overlooking river, lounge area and shared bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
Hostel with 24-hour reception, shared lounge, restaurant, WiFi, tour desk. Private rooms and dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with terrace pool, gym, restaurant, 24-hour reception, tour desk. Ideal for couples |
Siam
Photo by Allie Caulfield. One of the best areas in the New City is definitely Siam, the cosmopolitan and commercial soul of Bangkok. It develops around Siam Square, where some of the biggest shopping malls are located, such as Central World, Siam Center and MBK. At the same time, there are many attractions for children and young people, such as the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium or the famous Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.
This is an area recommended both for families and for those who want to enjoy shopping and entertainment. The hotel offer is also very wide, ranging from small hostels and hotels to large luxury chains. During the day the area is very busy, also thanks to the many activities to do!
Finally, one of the main Skytrain stops is located here. This will allow you to move easily throughout the capital!
Average prices in the district range from around €15.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel next to the Skytrain station. 24-hour reception, tour desk, WiFi, pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel with 24-hour reception, Thai restaurant, laundry service and family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Residence with easy access to shopping centres, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, laundry service and excursions. Ideal for families | |
5-star hotel 5 min walk from the Skytrain station. Swimming pool, gym, restaurant and rooftop bar with city views. Ideal for couples |
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of the most important boulevards in all of Bangkok, as well as being one of Thailand's four main streets. It is overlooked by some of the city's most famous luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and rooftop bars, as well as shopping malls for shopping sprees and nightclubs. This boulevard is very long indeed, running about 12.5 km in the city. The best part to stay in is between Nana station in the west and Phra Khanong station in the east.
Sukhumvit is the area mainly inhabited by expats, Westerners who have moved to Bangkok. There is very little Thai tradition here: instead, it is the heart of nightlife and shopping! Don't miss, for example, Soi Cowboy, a street completely lit up by neon lights and very busy and chaotic. This area is therefore especially recommended for young people and those looking for fun.
Finally, staying here you will necessarily have to get around by skytrain. There are fun stations and stops along the way, allowing you to easily reach every part of Bangkok!
Average prices in the district range from around €15.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel located among numerous nightclubs. Red Square Rooftop Bar on the 24th floor, swimming pool, gym and restaurant. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Hostel 5 min walk from skytrain. 24-hour reception, coin-operated washing machines, cinema room, private rooms and dorms with free WiFi. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with saltwater pool, gym and restaurant. Mini-club for the little ones. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with direct access to MRT Sukhumvit and BTS Asoke train stations. Spa and wellness centre, two swimming pools, gym, restaurants, room service. Ideal for couples |
Silom
Finally, the Silom district, by day a business area, in the evening the centre of nightlife. The district stretches along the street of the same name, Silom Road, which runs from the Chao Phraya River in the west to Lumphini Park in the east. It is a cosmopolitan area, full of skyscrapers, luxury restaurants, offices and shopping malls. Some of the most famous rooftop bars can be found here, such as Sky Bar Lebua, where scenes from the film'The Hangover' ('The Hangover') were filmed, Vertigo & Moon Bar or Sky Bar Bangkok.
This is an area that is especially suitable for young people and those who want to keep the early hours. In addition to the many rooftop bars with spectacular views over the city (beware of the dress code required to enter), here you will also find the red light area Patpong, where the famous night market is held.
Finally, staying here you can easily get around by skytrain. The main stop is Silom MRT Station, well connected to the whole city!
Average prices in the district range from around €15.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with air-conditioned family rooms, bar and restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi in the entire building. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with 24-hour reception, Cozy Roof top Bar, business centre and restaurant. Rooms and dorms with shared bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with swimming pool, gym, restaurant and bar. Room service, Orchid Lounge open 24h, WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel with the famous rooftop bar. Luxurious suites with river views, 2-star Michelin restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa and wellness centre. Ideal for couples or groups of up to 6 people |
Countries near Bangkok where to stay
Bangkok is a very large city with many completely different districts and a unique atmosphere. The best option is always to stay in the city, whether or not it is your first time visiting the city and even if you have several days at your disposal. In the latter case, the best option is to base yourself in Bangkok and then move around in the day to visit the surroundings, e.g. Ayutthaya!
The choice of sleeping in Bangkok, and not in the surrounding area, is dictated above all by a question of convenience and organisation: in the city you can get around easily by metro, taxi or tuk tuk, while going out to nearby villages you should always move around by taxi, making sure you get into the official ones and haggle over the price. This would also greatly lengthen the journey time, taking away essential time from visiting the Thai capital!
SEE ALSO: Excursions from Bangkok: the best day trips around Bangkok