Where to Stay in Bangkok

By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

The rooftop bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Sathon. One of Bangkok’s best rooftop views.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Siam and Ratchaprasong are my favorite areas for first-time visitors. Excellent shopping, restaurants, and BTS Skytrain connections. The Anantara Siam is one of my favorite hotels here.

Sukhumvit is best for restaurants and nightlife. Stay near Asok for the best transportation connections or Phrom Phong for upscale shopping, restaurants, and a more family-friendly atmosphere.

The Riverside is best for luxury hotels and sightseeing. Riverboats provide access to Bangkok’s famous temples, and the best hotels have wonderful views and pools. The Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons are two of Bangkok’s finest hotels.

Bangkok Layout

Siam and Ratchaprasong are central Bangkok’s main shopping districts. Sukhumvit extends east, while Silom and Sathon are to the south. The Chao Phraya River runs along the western side of central Bangkok.

Bangkok Old Town, home to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, is near the river, west of Siam. Chinatown lies between Old Town and the modern shopping districts. Khao San Road is north of Old Town, and Thonburi is across the river.

Location matters. Bangkok’s traffic is terrible, and short taxi rides can take surprisingly long. Stay near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, or choose a riverside hotel with convenient boat connections.

My kids and I riding the Skytrain in Bangkok. Staying near a BTS or MRT station makes getting around the city much easier.

Best Areas in Bangkok For…

• First-Time Visitors: Siam and Ratchaprasong. Central location, shopping, restaurants, and excellent BTS connections.
• Luxury Hotels: Riverside. Bangkok’s finest hotels, river views, pools, and easy access to historic attractions.
• Restaurants and Nightlife: Sukhumvit. Stay near Asok for convenience, Nana for nightlife, or Thong Lo for upscale restaurants and bars.
• Families: Siam, Phrom Phong, or Riverside. Siam is the most convenient, Phrom Phong has excellent malls and parks, and Riverside has some of the best resort-style hotels.
• Shopping: Siam and Ratchaprasong. Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK, and several other major malls are within walking distance.
• Temples and Historic Attractions: Riverside or Old Town. Best for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and riverboat sightseeing.
• Street Food: Chinatown. Busy markets, excellent food, and lively evenings along Yaowarat Road.
• Budget Hotels and Backpackers: Khao San and Banglamphu. Cheap accommodation, bars, and restaurants, but less convenient public transportation.
• Quieter Stays: Riverside or Thonburi. Choose carefully, as some hotels are a long way from the main shopping and nightlife areas.

My Favorite Hotels in Bangkok

Our suite at the Anantara Siam. One of my favorite hotels for a first visit to Bangkok.

• Best Luxury Hotel: Mandarin Oriental
• Best Modern Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Bangkok
• Best Hotel for First-Timers: Anantara Siam
• Best Hotel for Shopping: Siam Kempinski
• Best Hotel for Restaurants and Nightlife: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
• Best Boutique Hotels: Hansar Bangkok • Ariyasom Villa
• Best Hotel for Families: Anantara Riverside
• Best Hotel for Couples: Banyan Tree
• Best Hotel near Khao San Road: Riva Surya
• Best Airport Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Our suite at the Radisson Blu Plaza in Sukhumvit. A good upscale hotel near Asok and Phrom Phong.

Our suite at the Anantara Riverside. A great choice for families who want a large pool and resort-style hotel.

Our suite at the Chatrium Residence Sathon. A bit out of the way, but spacious suites, full kitchens, a huge pool, and great for families.

The 8 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

1. Siam and Ratchaprasong

Best for first-time visitors, shopping, and transportation.

Siam is Bangkok’s main shopping district, with enormous malls, restaurants, cinemas, and excellent Skytrain connections. Siam Paragon is the most upscale mall, MBK is better for budget shopping and electronics, and Siam Center and Siam Discovery have smaller fashion and lifestyle stores. CentralWorld, a short walk east in Ratchaprasong, is another enormous shopping complex.

The smaller streets of Siam Square have cafes, shops, and restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Jim Thompson House and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

Siam BTS station is where the Sukhumvit and Silom lines meet. It’s one of the most convenient locations in Bangkok for getting around without taxis.

I also like Ratchaprasong, around Chit Lom and Ratchadamri BTS stations. It has some of Bangkok’s best luxury hotels, including the Anantara Siam and Hansar. These are quieter hotel locations than the busiest streets around Siam Square, while still being close to the malls.

Best Hotels in Siam and Ratchaprasong: Anantara Siam • Hansar Bangkok • Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square • Siam Kempinski • Pathumwan Princess

The huge pool at the Anantara Siam. A great central hotel close to the Skytrain and major shopping malls.

The Pathumwan Princess Hotel (large building with blue windows) is directly connected to MBK mall and a short walk from National Stadium BTS station.

2. Sukhumvit

Best for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and upscale hotels.

Sukhumvit stretches for miles, with luxury hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It’s one of Bangkok’s most popular areas for visitors, but where you stay along Sukhumvit makes a big difference.

The BTS Sukhumvit Line runs along the main road through the central hotel districts. I recommend staying within a five- to ten-minute walk of a station.

• Asok: My favorite part of Sukhumvit for first-time visitors. Asok BTS connects with Sukhumvit MRT, giving you access to both rail systems. Terminal 21 shopping mall, restaurants, and hotels are all nearby. Busy traffic and crowded sidewalks are the main drawbacks.
• Phrom Phong: Excellent for families, shopping, and restaurants. Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere are nearby, along with Benchasiri Park. More upscale and less focused on nightlife than Nana.
• Nana: Best for bars and nightlife, particularly around Sukhumvit Soi 11. Nana Plaza and nearby streets have a visible adult entertainment scene. I wouldn’t choose this area for families.
• Thong Lo: One of Bangkok’s best areas for upscale restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightlife. More spread out than Asok, so you’ll probably use taxis more often.
• Ekkamai: Good restaurants, cafes, and a somewhat quieter atmosphere. Farther from the main sightseeing attractions but still connected by BTS.

Benjakitti Park, near Asok, is one of the best parks in central Bangkok and a good place to escape the traffic.

Best Hotels in Sukhumvit: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit • Radisson Blu Plaza • Ariyasom Villa

The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is one of my favorite luxury hotels in Sukhumvit. Excellent restaurants, a beautiful pool, and direct access to Asok BTS by a pedestrian bridge.

3. Riverside

Best for luxury hotels, river views, and sightseeing.

The Chao Phraya River is home to many of Bangkok’s finest hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, and Anantara Riverside. The best properties have beautiful pools, excellent restaurants, and river views.

The Riverside is particularly good for visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown. Riverboats connect many of the major attractions and are often faster and more enjoyable than taxis.

The important thing is choosing the right location. Hotels near Saphan Taksin BTS and Sathorn Pier are especially convenient because you can use both the Skytrain and riverboats. Some luxury hotels farther along the river rely on hotel boats and taxis, making trips to Siam and Sukhumvit less convenient.

The Mandarin Oriental is my favorite traditional luxury hotel in Bangkok. The Four Seasons is a more contemporary choice, with beautiful grounds, restaurants, and riverfront pools. Both are excellent.

Anantara Riverside is farther south and feels more like a resort. I particularly like it for families, though you’ll use the hotel’s boat service or taxis to get around.

Best Riverside Hotels: Mandarin Oriental • Four Seasons Bangkok • Anantara Riverside

4. Silom and Sathon

Best for central hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

Silom is one of Bangkok’s main business districts, with office towers, restaurants, bars, street food, and good public transportation. It has a more business-oriented atmosphere than Sukhumvit during the day but plenty of nightlife in the evening.

Sala Daeng BTS and Si Lom MRT stations make this one of Bangkok’s most convenient areas for getting around. Lumphini Park is nearby and excellent for morning walks.

Patpong is the area’s best-known red-light district, but it’s only a small part of Silom. There are plenty of good restaurants and hotels away from the adult nightlife.

Sathon, immediately south of Silom, has some excellent luxury hotels. The Banyan Tree is one of my favorites, particularly for its rooftop bar and views. It’s not directly beside a BTS station, so expect to use taxis occasionally.

Best Hotels in Silom and Sathon: Banyan Tree • Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

The luxury suites, spa, rooftop dining, and fantastic views make the Banyan Tree Bangkok one of my favorite hotels for couples.

5. Bangkok Old Town (Rattanakosin)

Best for temples, historic attractions, and traditional Bangkok.

Bangkok Old Town is the historic center of the city, bordered by the Chao Phraya River and canals. It’s home to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and several important museums and temples.

Many of the main attractions are close enough to visit on foot, though Bangkok’s heat makes walking tiring, particularly in the afternoon. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and the Grand Palace.

The area is quieter in the evenings than Sukhumvit or Khao San Road. It’s a good choice if sightseeing is your main priority, but less convenient for shopping and nightlife.

Sanam Chai MRT station is useful for Wat Pho and the southern part of Old Town. Riverboats are another good way to get around.

Best Hotel in Old Town: Chakrabongse Villas. A beautiful boutique property beside the river, close to Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.

6. Chinatown

Best for street food, markets, and lively evenings.

Bangkok’s Chinatown dates back more than two centuries and remains one of the city’s busiest commercial and food districts.

Yaowarat Road is the main attraction, particularly in the evening when food stalls and restaurants draw large crowds. The surrounding streets are packed with markets, gold shops, traditional businesses, and small restaurants.

Chinatown is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore on foot, though the sidewalks can be crowded and traffic is heavy. It’s a great place to stay if food and street life are your priorities.

Wat Mangkon MRT station makes Chinatown much easier to reach than it used to be. The main drawbacks are noise, crowded streets, and fewer luxury hotel choices than Siam or Riverside.

Nearby attractions include Wat Traimit, Sampeng Market, and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market, which is a short ride away.

Best Hotel in Chinatown: Shanghai Mansion. A distinctive boutique hotel right on Yaowarat Road.

7. Khao San and Banglamphu

Best for budget hotels, backpackers, and nightlife.

Khao San Road is Bangkok’s traditional backpacker district, packed with cheap hotels, bars, restaurants, and street vendors. It’s noisy, busy, and stays lively late into the night.

The surrounding Banglamphu neighborhood has quieter streets, local restaurants, and some good midrange hotels. Soi Rambuttri is a popular alternative to staying directly on Khao San Road, though it can still be busy.

The biggest advantage is the location near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and other historic attractions. Accommodation and food are generally cheaper than in Siam or Sukhumvit.

The main drawback is transportation. There’s no BTS or MRT station immediately nearby. Sam Yot MRT is roughly a 20- to 30-minute walk from Khao San Road, and Phra Arthit Pier provides access to riverboats. Otherwise, you’ll rely on taxis, buses, and tuk-tuks.

I wouldn’t stay directly on Khao San Road unless nightlife is a priority. For a quieter hotel nearby, I prefer Riva Surya, which overlooks the river.

Best Hotels near Khao San Road: Riva Surya • Buddy Lodge

8. Thonburi

Best for canals, riverside hotels, and quieter neighborhoods.

Thonburi is the large area west of the Chao Phraya River. Parts of it are quieter and more residential than central Bangkok, with canals, temples, markets, and traditional neighborhoods.

Wat Arun is the area’s most famous attraction. Khlong Bang Luang and its Artist House are also worth visiting, and long-tail boat trips through the canals are a good way to explore.

Transportation depends heavily on where you stay. The BTS Silom Line and MRT Blue Line both serve parts of Thonburi, while riverboats connect the waterfront with central Bangkok. Areas farther from the river and train stations are less convenient.

I wouldn’t recommend most of Thonburi for a first visit unless you specifically want a quieter hotel or a riverside resort.

Best Hotels in Thonburi: Anantara Riverside Resort • The Siam (across the river in Dusit)

The Siam is one of Bangkok’s most distinctive luxury hotels, with beautiful suites, Thai antiques, and a quiet riverside location. It’s north of the main hotel districts, so allow extra time for getting around.

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok’s traffic can be terrible, especially during rush hour. For most visitors, I recommend staying within a five- to ten-minute walk of a BTS Skytrain or MRT station. A cheaper hotel far from public transportation can quickly become inconvenient.

• BTS Skytrain: Best for Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathon. Siam is the interchange between the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Asok is particularly convenient because it connects with the MRT.
• MRT: Useful for Chinatown, Old Town, Silom, and Asok. The Blue Line serves Wat Mangkon in Chinatown and Sanam Chai near Wat Pho.
• Riverboats: Excellent for the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and riverside hotels. Sathorn Pier connects with Saphan Taksin BTS. Both public express boats and tourist boats operate along the river.
• Taxis: Useful for luggage, late evenings, and destinations away from the trains. Traffic can make even short journeys surprisingly slow. Grab is another convenient option.
• Tuk-tuks: Fun for a short ride, but generally more expensive than metered taxis. Agree on the price before leaving.

BTS and MRT are separate systems, so changing between them may require a separate ticket or payment.

Staying near a BTS or MRT station makes exploring Bangkok much easier. Khao San Road and some riverside hotels are less convenient for rail transportation.

Where to Stay in Bangkok for One Night

If you have a late arrival or early departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), I recommend the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, formerly the Novotel. It’s the airport’s official hotel, with a covered underground walkway connecting it to the terminal and a free shuttle.

The hotel has a large pool, restaurants, and a convenient 24-hour stay policy. I always walk between the hotel and terminal, but the shuttle is useful with lots of luggage.

The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most convenient full-service hotel for an overnight connection at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi with central Bangkok. The train to Phaya Thai takes about 26 minutes and costs 45 baht. Trains generally run from 5:30 AM to midnight. Phaya Thai connects with the BTS Skytrain, while Makkasan connects with the MRT at Phetchaburi.

If you arrive in the afternoon and don’t fly out until the following afternoon or evening, I would stay downtown instead. Bangkok is worth exploring, even if you only have one night.

Important: Bangkok has two major airports. Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) are far apart. Make sure you’re booking a hotel near the correct airport.