Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in Southeast Asia. Most people traveling in Southeast Asia will inevitably fly into, out of, or pass through Bangkok on their trip. But finding a place to stay in Bangkok can be overwhelming. Indeed, Bangkok is a HUGE city (twice as big as Berlin!). And there are so many options depending on what you want to do and who you’re traveling with.
Are you a solo backpacker? Traveling with your soulmate? Your family? First time visitor? Wanna party? Looking for a quiet area? This guide will tell you where to stay in Bangkok, list the best hotels in Bangkok and the best neighborhoods in Bangkok!
Siam
Siam is the are you need to stay in if you want to go shopping in Bangkok! It has the highest density of shopping malls in the city (MBK Shopping Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Central Chitlom…). You can also go to the cinemas, have a drink in one of the cool bars of the area and enjoy a meal in a high-end restaurant. Siam is central and has easy access to all the sights in Bangkok.
Jim’s Thompson House is in Siam, you can also visit Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, one of the world’s biggest aquariums in the world. It’s also possible to watch a Thai boxing match for free outside the MBK shopping mall. You need to know Siam is very crowded, especially on weekends. Go elsewhere if you’re looking for a quiet area. Siam is more family-friendly. If you want to party all night, you should look elsewhere.
Where to stay in Siam
- Luxury: Pathumwan Princess Hotel. This luxury hotel is located just next to MBK Shopping Center and opposite Siam Square. It features an outdoor pool, a rooftop tennis court and a fitness center. The rooms are spacious, with a stylish decor. The hotel offers ten dining options, from Italian to Korean and Thai.
- Mid-range: Happy 3. This hotel is next to Jim’s Thompson House, close to the river ferries, and not far from the shopping malls. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a neutral color palette. It also features a restaurant, a bar and a rooftop terrace. There’s also a small indoor swimming pool.
- Budget: Siam Eco Hostel. This hostel is also close to the shopping malls. The rooms are clean, the beds are comfortable and you can either stay in a dorm or in a private room.
- Find all the Siam hotels here
Banglamphu
You’ll find the most famous backpacker party street in Banglamphu: Khao San Road. As they say in the movie “The Beach”, “Khao San is the center of the backpacking universe“. Anyone backpacking in Southeast Asia will come through here at one time or another. Hate it or love it, you have to see it. It’s centrally located, and close to several Bangkok tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
If you go to Bangkok to party, you should stay in this area. Bars offer happy hour day and night, there’s cheap street food, and cool little shops. Since it’s busy, noisy and crowded, I suggest to stay in one of the side streets to Khao San Road. You’ll find many budget options there regarding accommodation. FYI, Banglamphu is also not accessible via the Skytrain or the Bangkok Metro. You’ll have to take a tuktuk or a taxi.
Where to stay in Banglamphu
- Luxury: Riva Surya. It’s one of the few luxury hotels in the area, about five minutes away from Khao San Road. The rooms are elegant, comfortable and spacious, and they feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries. There’s also a fitness center, two swimming pools, and two restaurants. You can easily take a ferry to get to the Grand Palace.
- Mid-range: Casa Vimaya Riverside. This one is also five minutes away from Khao San Road. The staff is friendly, the hotel offers a rooftop pool and bar and the rooms are large, elegant and comfortable. The property itself is beautiful.
- Budget: Thanabhumi. It’s a very popular guesthouse. The rooms are basic but large and clean. There’s a common area to socialize with fellow travelers. The staff is welcoming and helpful. Great value for the money. Again, you’re not far from the crazy Khao San Road.
- Find all the Banglamphu hotels here
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is centrally located and features high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, rooftop bars and convenient public transportation (Skytrain and MRT). So it’s easy to get around the city. Sukhumvit is popular among expats, and you’ll find restaurants from all over the world in the area. There’s definitely a cosmopolitan vibe there.
Sukhumvit is another great area for clubbing, less trash and more upscale than Khao San Road. Head to Soi 11, you’ll see by yourself! However, there are two red light districts in the area, Nana Plaza (on Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy. You’ll see prostitutes on the streets for sure. Sukhumvit is a good area for first time visitors.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit
- Luxury: Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit. The service is top notch there, you won’t want to leave! The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable and bathrooms are huge! Don’t miss the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by beautifu greenery. There’s also a fitness center, a sauna, a spa, and a delicious brunch on Sundays.
- Mid-range: Novotel Sukhumvit 20. It’s a modern hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms. It features a fitness center, a rooftop pool area and a skybar on the roof. The breakfast is excellent.
- Budget: Fun Wan Hostel Bangkok. It’s a cool party hostel. It’s definitely a social hostel. It has a common area, a bar, they organize dinners and party games. This hostel is clean and comfortable, but the dorms are a bit small.
- Find all the Sukhumvit hotels here
Silom
Silom is Bangkok’s business district. It’s really easy to get to/from this area with the Skytrain and subway stations. You can go for a walk at the wonderful Lumphini park, head to the Patpong night market and have a drink at a rooftop bar (go to the Sky Bar!).
However you’ll notice a huge contrast between Silom by day and Silom by night (debauchery, crazy parties, red light district of Patpong…). You’ll find all kind of accommodation in Silom: budget, luxury, etc. Silom is a good neighborhood to stay in during Songkran, the 3-day New Year’s water fight in April.
Where to stay in Silom
- Luxury: Banyan Tree Bangkok. It’s a really nice luxury hotel with spacious and well-decorated rooms. It features a fitness center, a swimming pool, a sauna and a juice bar. There’s a sky bar on the roof, the Moon Bar and a nice restaurant, Vertigo. There’s a subway station nearby.
- Mid-range: The Quarter Silom. A modern hotel with comfortable beds, nicely furnished rooms but also a fitness center and a swimming pool. The breakfast is delicious!
- Budget: The House of Phraya Jasaen. It’s a nicely decorated hotel, modern and well-located. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly.
- Find all the Silom hotels here
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown is the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok. It was first inhabited by Chinese traders. It’s crowded, with numerous gold shops, market stalls and colorful neon signs. The area is accessible thanks to two subway stations (Wat Mangkon and Sam Yot). Many restaurants there have been here for decades, and only serve one dish, but they mastered it.
Exploring this area is fun, and there are many budget accommodation options and boutique hotels. Chinatown is a good area to stay in for foodies. But honestly, there isn’t much amenities aimed to tourists there, and there’s no nightlife.
Where to stay in Chinatown
- Luxury: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok. This hotel is in a refurbished building originally built in 1892. The decor is inspired by the Shanghai of the 1930s. It offers a restaurant and a jazz bar but also a library, a spa and an indoor garden. The hotel is charming and elegant. Each rooms includes a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee-making facilities, and other amenities. You get complimentary experiences such as dim sum high tea, a 20-minute massage or a guided walking tour of Chinatown.
- Mid-range: W22 by Burasari. This 3-star hotel offers plain but comfortable rooms. There’s a rooftop, a laundry room, and a common area with a pool table.
- Budget: Norn Yaowarat Hotel. This hotel offers both dorm and private rooms. The rooms are well soundproofed (this is important when you’re trying to get a good rest in Chinatown!) and clean. Some rooms have a balcony. The staff is helpful and there’s a coffee shop on the first floor.
- Find all the Chinatown hotels here
Pratunam
Pratunam is also a great area to stay in if you’re into shopping. It’s not far from Siam, the hotels there are cheaper and it has a more authentic Thai feel. The Pratunam market is open 24/7! You can get clothes and wholesale prices there! Pratunam is also home to cheap food stalls serving delicious food. Baiyoke Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Bangkok (88 floors!), and you’ll find it in Pratunam! However, the area is also crowded, especially on weekends.
Where to stay in Pratunam
- Luxury: Amari Watergate Hotel. Another great luxury hotel! Comfortable and clean rooms, fitness center, spa, great breakfast, swimming pool, five dining options… There’s a subway station but also the Skytrain not far.
- Mid-range: Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam. A nice hotel which offers a delicious breakfast, a swimming pool and also modern and spacious rooms. It’s close to shopping malls and the night market.
- Budget: Lemontea Hotel. A nice budget hotel, modern and fresh. The rooms are not that big, but they’re comfortable. The staff is nice and welcomes you with a free cup of lemon tea. You’re just a few minutes away from the Platinum shopping mall.
- Find all the Pratunam hotels here
Thong Lor
In Thong Lor, you’ll find upscale bars, fashionable clubs and restaurants serving food from all over the world. An eclectic, sophisticated and unique neighborhood. Thong Lor is easily reachable thanks to the BTS Skytrain. Accommodation is not the cheapest in Bangkok, but you can find affordable accommodation in some guesthouses.
Where to stay in Thong Lor
- Luxury: Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. It’s a Marriott hotel, needless to say you won’t be disappointed. The rooms are large, elegant, well-decorated and comfortable. They feature tiled marble bathrooms. The breakfast buffet is excellent, there are several restaurants and a rooftop bar. But also a rooftop pool and a fitness center.
- Mid-range: Adelphi Forty-Nine. It’s a cosy 4-star hotel with nicely decorated rooms. They feature AC, a flat-screen TV, a private balcony and modern bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers. There’s also a rooftop bar and a rooftop pool.
- Budget: United Residence. This budget hotel offers nice, clean and spacious rooms. The beds are comfortable. It’s well-located and the staff is welcoming and friendly.
- Find all the Thong Lor hotels here
Riverside
You should stay there if you’re looking for a luxury hotel. It’s also considered the most romantic neighborhood. Indeed, luxury accommodation offers stunning views over the river. Riverside can be a great base if you’re here for sightseeing. Many of Bangkok’s top cultural attractions are near the river and you can explore Bangkok’s historic roots.
This is also where you’ll find most of the luxury hotels in Bangkok. Hotels and restaurants are more expensive here than other areas of Bangkok. Staying in the riverside is convenient if you want to enjoy ferry rides. The sunset there is stunning. You can also visit Wat Arun and the Flower market in the area. Keep in mind there’s no MRT station and only one Skytrain station (Saphan Taksin) to get there. Riverside is also great for families.
Where to stay in Riverside
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. It’s probably one of the best luxury hotels in Bangkok. Staying there is just… an experience! It’s the first luxury hotel in Thailand, presidents stayed there! The service is top notch. It features nine restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, a spa and wellness center. Moreover you have sweeping views over the Chao Phraya. Don’t miss it!
- Mid-range: Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel. Looking for an infinity pool? Stay at the Avani Riverside! The rooms in this hotel are large, modern and comfortable. The staff is helpful and the breakfast is great!
- Budget: Vera Nidhra. It’s a charming and cozy guesthouse. The rooms are comfortable and feature AC, flat-screen TV and fast free Wi-Fi.
- Find all the Riverside hotels here
Now you know all the best places to stay in Bangkok! Feel free to check out my Bangkok post, and my post listing the best places to visit in Thailand!
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Don’t travel without travel insurance! It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one. Here’s why get travel insurance!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Thailand? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
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