Where to stay in Bangkok: best areas and neighborhoods

Getting accustomed to Bangkok can be challenging at first. The first major distinction is between the Old City and the New City: the former is where the oldest attractions are found, such as the Grand Palace and numerous temples, while the latter is the more modern part, with skyscrapers, commercial and financial districts, and the famous rooftop bars. Besides this main distinction, which is great for getting oriented, you should know that Bangkok is divided into 50 districts (called khet), further divided into 169 sub-districts (called khwaeng). The central district is Phra Nakhon, which includes the island of Rattanakosin, the heart of the Old City.

Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Bangkok: all our advice on the best neighborhoods to stay in and which ones to avoid!

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Areas to avoid: While Bangkok is generally safe, it is best to avoid the very peripheral neighborhoods without any notable tourist attractions. Areas to avoid include Soi Lat Phrao, Soi Sukhumvit, Soi Phaholyothin, Soi Suphaphong, Soi On Nut, Soi Chalermprakiat, and Sanam Luang, all peripheral areas.

Bangkok is a city of two faces: one extremely modern, with sky bars and skyscrapers, and one traditional, where attractions such as the Grand Palace and numerous temples can be found. The area where you stay depends on the experience you want to have.

If you want a more authentic experience, we recommend Rattanakosin, the Old City of Bangkok, where the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are located. Khao San Road, the center of nightlife and the place chosen by backpackers, with very cheap accommodation, is also nearby! Another great area to stay is Chinatown.

If you seek fun and modernity, head to the new city. Here you will find the district of Sukhumvit, mainly frequented by Westerners living in Bangkok, the district of Siam, the most important commercial area of the city ideal for families, and Silom, an important financial area with some of Bangkok's most famous rooftop bars!

Finally, Riverside is one of the most exclusive areas of Bangkok. It stretches along the river, with wonderful views of the temples and luxury hotels!

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Bangkok. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

Bangkok Riverside, best for families and luxury seekers

• Pros: Luxurious hotels with great views, peaceful atmosphere
• Cons: Generally expensive, further from the BTS Skytrain and MRT.
• Main attractions: The river itself, boat tours, Asiatique The Riverfront
• Average prices: from about $40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Bangkok is divided into two parts by the Chao Phraya River, which also represents the point where the city was born. This is the most scenic area of the entire capital, with splendid views of the temples, such as the wonderful Wat Arun, and full of luxury hotels. The Riverside extends for several kilometers, but the best area to stay is definitely the one from the Sathorn Bridge in the south to the beginning of the Chinatown bend in the north.

Riverside is especially recommended for those who want a luxurious and comfortable experience, but also for families who want a quiet area with all services. Here you will find some of the most beautiful hotels in the Thai capital.

Finally, the location is excellent: you will be halfway between the Old City and the New City, and you can move quickly using the numerous hotel taxis or those that run through the nearby streets.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Rattanakosin, best for first-timers

• Pros: Walkable access to major historical landmarks, traditional Thai atmosphere
• Cons: Limited public transport (no direct BTS or MRT access)
• Main attractions: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
• Average prices: from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Rattanakosin is the historic center of Bangkok. Bounded by the Chao Phraya River on one side and Maha Chai Road on the other, this area includes some of the most important attractions and landmarks of the capital: here you will find the Grand Palace and the temples Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho.

Rattanakosin is especially recommended for those who want to experience the most authentic Bangkok, for those who are not interested in the wild nightlife of the New City. However, it is also ideal for young people, given the proximity to the famous and chaotic Khao San Road, and for those looking for cheap accommodation.

Finally, staying here allows you to easily move around the area on foot. The attractions are not far from each other, and along the Chao Phraya River, there are a series of small piers that will allow you to cross the river by boat.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about £35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Khao San Road, perfect for young

• Pros: Incredibly cheap, great for backpackers
• Cons: Can be very noisy and chaotic, not suitable for quiet nights
• Main attractions: Khao San Road itself, vibrant street life, and nearby temples and markets.
• Average prices: from about $30,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

The historic center of Bangkok also includes Khao San Road, which is the backpacker's paradise. Here it is possible to find hostels and accommodation at very low prices, the street is always very busy, and you will be a stone's throw from the city's main attractions.

It is, in fact, a recommended area especially for young people and those who want to spend little: there are many small restaurants with very low prices, and at night the street becomes a large night market where you can taste the famous Thai street food. But, above all, Khao San Road is the nightlife center of the Old City: a zone absolutely not recommended if you want to sleep at night!

Finally, staying here will allow you to reach the main attractions on foot. Alternatively, you can take the fast and cheap tuk-tuks, or opt for a taxi.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $30,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Chinatown, to stay on a budget

• Pros: Fantastic and affordable street food, vibrant atmosphere
• Cons: Can be very crowded, especially at night, and traffic can be a nightmare.
• Main attractions: Yaowarat Road (the main street), Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
• Average prices: from about $30,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Chinatown is one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city! The main street is Sampaeng Lane, entirely pedestrian, while the side streets are divided by category, and you can find small shops and stalls selling almost everything!

In many ways similar to Khao San Road, Chinatown is a recommended area for young people and those who want to save money! If you are looking for peace and quiet, we recommend avoiding this neighborhood! Here, prices are very competitive, the offer is very high, and there are many activities to do, both day and night.

Finally, staying in Chinatown will allow you to reach the historic center on foot. Alternatively, you can use the metro, taxis, or tuk-tuks!

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $30,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Siam, for families and shopping enthusiasts

• Pros: Unrivaled shopping, great public transport connections
• Cons: Can feel impersonal and is often very crowded and busy.
• Main attractions: Siam Paragon, MBK Center, Siam Discovery
• Average prices: from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

One of the best areas in the New City is certainly Siam, the cosmopolitan and commercial soul of Bangkok. It develops around Siam Square, where some of the largest shopping centers, such as Central World, Siam Center, and MBK, are located. At the same time, there are many attractions for children and teenagers, such as the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium or the famous Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

It is an area recommended for both families and those who want to enjoy shopping and entertainment. The accommodation offer is also very wide, with small hostels and hotels up to large luxury chains. During the day, the area is very busy, thanks to the many activities to do!

Finally, here is one of the main Skytrain stops. This will allow you to move easily throughout the capital!

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Sukhumvit, best for nightlife and expats

• Pros: Best nightlife in the city, excellent public transport connections
• Cons: crowded and noisy, overwhelming for those looking for a quiet stay.
• Main attractions: Themed bars, rooftop lounges, and trendy dining spots.
• Average prices: from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Sukhumvit is one of the most important avenues in all of Bangkok, as well as being one of the four main roads in Thailand. Here you will find luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and some of the most famous rooftop bars in the city. There are also plenty of shopping centers for shopping sprees and nightclubs. This avenue is very long, covering about 12.5 km in the city. The best area to stay is between Nana station in the west and Phra Khanong station in the east.

Sukhumvit is the area where mainly expats live, Westerners who have moved to Bangkok. There is very little Thai tradition: instead, it is the heart of nightlife and shopping! An unmissable spot is Soi Cowboy, a street completely illuminated by neon lights and very busy and chaotic. This area is therefore recommended especially for young people and those seeking fun.

Finally, staying here you will necessarily have to move with the Skytrain. There are several stations and stops along the street, which will allow you to easily reach every area of Bangkok!

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Silom, for business travelers and nightlife

• Pros: Great transport links, diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife
• Cons: Can feel very commercial, expensive
• Main attractions: Lumpini Park, Patpong Night Market, and rooftop bars with incredible views.
• Average prices: from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally, the Silom district, business area by day, nightlife center by night. The district develops along the eponymous road, 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. Here you will find some of the most famous rooftop bars, such as the Sky Bar Lebua, where scenes from the film "The Hangover" were filmed, the Vertigo & Moon Bar, or the Sky Bar Bangkok.

It is a recommended area especially for young people and those who want to stay up late. In addition to the many rooftop bars with spectacular views of the city (note the required dress code to enter), this is also where the Patpong red-light district is located, which hosts the famous night market.

Finally, staying here you can easily move around with the skytrain. The main stop is Silom MRT Station, well connected to the entire city!

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about $35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Bangkok

Bangkok is a very extensive city, with many completely different neighborhoods and a unique atmosphere. The best solution is always to stay in the city, whether it is your first time visiting the city or if you have several days available. In the latter case, the best option is to use Bangkok as a base and then move around during the day to visit the surroundings, such as Ayutthaya!

The choice to stay in Bangkok, and not in the surrounding areas, is mainly due to convenience and organization: in the city, you can easily move around by metro, taxi, or tuk-tuk, whereas outside the city, you would always have to move by taxi, ensuring you take official ones and negotiate the price. This would also significantly extend travel times, taking essential time away from visiting the Thai capital!

Travel Tips for Bangkok

• Public Transport: Bangkok's traffic is legendary, so relying on public transport is a great idea. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are clean, efficient, and connect the major business, shopping, and nightlife districts. For a unique experience, use the Chao Phraya Express Boat on the river to visit historical sites. Taxis and tuk-tuks are plentiful, but always insist the taxi driver uses the meter and agree on a fare with a tuk-tuk driver beforehand.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the "cool" season from November to February. The weather is relatively dry and the temperatures are more bearable. The "hot" season is from March to June, and the "rainy" season is from July to October, with short but intense downpours.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Thai Baht (฿ or THB). While many places accept credit cards, cash is king for street food, small shops, and market stalls. It's a good idea to carry a mix of smaller denominations (฿20, ฿50, ฿100) for these purchases.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Thai culture is centered on respect. You should always be respectful of the monarchy and the Buddha. When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and take off your shoes before entering. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and the feet the least, so avoid touching people with your feet. A friendly "wai" (a slight bow with palms pressed together) is the traditional greeting.

Bangkok accommodation price map

Booking.com

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