Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok? This culturally rich capital is full of wonderful temples, delicious restaurants, huge shopping malls, and plenty of tourist attractions. But it’s important to find the best area in Bangkok for you, as each has its pros and cons.
Visit the Chinatown area and treat yourself to a combination of Thai spices and Chinese cuisine, stroll the bustling, colorful Khao San Road, or book a rooftop pool with views of the Chao Phraya River. We recommend that you spend at least 3-5 days in this bustling metropolis to easily explore the best attractions.
In this post you’ll find the best areas to stay in Bangkok if you’re visiting for the first time, looking for nightlife, or if you’re a food lover.
- Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels
- Where to stay in Bangkok
- 1. Khao San Road – Best for Nightlife
- 2. Chinatown – Best for Street Food Lovers
- 3. Riverside – Best for River View
- 4. Business & Embassy District – Best for Shopping
- 5. Sukhumvit – Best for First Time Visitors
- Bangkok Guide: FAQ
- Where to Stay in Bangkok: Map of the Best Areas
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Where to stay in Bangkok
1. Khao San Road – Best for Nightlife
Where to stay in Bangkok if you’re looking for nightlife? As the sun goes down on Khao San Road, bars and nightclubs will open, where you can party until dawn to loud music. This bustling, colorful street is filled with tourists, live music, and women offering massages.
Street vendors offer not only Thai food but also all kinds of fried spiders, scorpions, and bugs. If you like nightlife and you’re looking for an area not too far from the attractions, this is the place for you. Khao San Road is easy to explore on foot, there is a pier nearby where you can hop on a tourist boat to the Grand Palace, so you don’t need a TukTuk to get there.
The Khao San Road area is a good choice for budget travelers as there is plenty of cheap accommodation and hostels, but we don’t recommend it for families. Although there are many restaurants and street vendors in the area where you can eat cheaply, we recommend Chinatown if you want to eat and taste authentic Thai and Chinese food.
Khao San Road is definitely worth a visit, but as we’ve been to Thailand twice, Khao San Road is overrated and doesn’t add much to your Bangkok experience. So we’d recommend spending just a little time here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap dining options | 30-minute walk from the metro |
| Great nightlife | Noisy |
| Ideal for backpackers |
Riva Surya
Riva Surya is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just minutes from Khao San Road. This modern boutique hotel offers 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool, and leisure facilities.
The hotel is within walking distance of the pier from where you can take the Chao Phraya Express boats to Wat Pho or the Grand Palace. Enjoy panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River or the Old Town from your room, or visit the hotel bar, the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
Photo credit: Riva Surya
The Ember Hotel Khaosan
The Ember Hotel Khaosan is perfectly located 2 streets away from Khao San Road, yet in a quiet street. The hotel’s rooftop bar is the perfect place to relax or watch a charming sunset. The Ember Hotel Khaosan’s vintage-style rooms are designed with comfort in mind and offer everything you need for a relaxing getaway in this city.
The hotel’s restaurant and bars serve free coffee and tea throughout the afternoon to ensure a perfect stay. Enjoy cooked-to-order à la carte breakfasts and buffet platters of bread, fruits, salads, and other items.
Photo credit: The Ember Hotel Khaosan
Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan
Chillax Heritage Hotel offers a rooftop pool and fitness center. All rooms are well equipped with modern facilities and furnishings, ensuring a stylish and comfortable retreat. The charming rooftop pool has plenty of lounge chairs with views of the bustling city.
The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection of Asian and European cuisine. This is a great value-for-money hotel if you want to stay near Khao San Road.
Photo credit: Chillax Heritage Hotel
2. Chinatown – Best for Street Food Lovers
Where to stay in Bangkok if you’re a street food lover? Bangkok’s historic Chinatown is the perfect place to delve into the city’s heritage past and entice you to discover its hidden mystique.
It’s easy to get to by metro and be sure to come here after sunset when the neon lights come on, making it a great place for evening walks and photography. The streets are full of colorful shops, street vendors, and delicious food stalls serving the best street food.
There are plenty of food vendors and restaurants to choose from. From grilled seafood to savory pastas and sweet desserts, the choice is here endless. The specialty dishes, in particular, are matched with great attention to detail in texture, color, and flavor.
Treat yourself to a combination of Thai spices and Chinese cuisine, and you will have an unforgettable culinary experience. Chinatown has become one of our favorite areas in Bangkok, that we would love to return to any time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Close to the Metro | Noisy |
| Best street food | Few Accommodation |
| Easily accessible attractions |
Shanghai Mansion
Where to stay in Bangkok if you want to be closest to Chinatown? The Shanghai Mansion is a hidden gem, beautifully located in the heart of Chinatown. Decorated in traditional Chinese style, this place combines Shanghai’s dynamic temperament with modern living. The rooms have everything you need for a relaxing stay.
The free-standing bathtub is the ideal place to relax after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. It’s a short walk to the metro station, which provides easy access to Bangkok’s most popular destinations. Relax and recharge at one of Chinatown’s best-known and award-winning boutique hotels.
Photo credit: Shanghai Mansion
Ago Hotel Chinatown
Ago Hotel Chinatown is located on the edge of Chinatown’s rich heritage. You can easily access the metro station from the accommodation, and Chinatown is just a 10-minute walk away. It offers comfortable, cozy, and spacious rooms with air conditioning and beautiful views of the skyscrapers.
There are many restaurants in the surrounding area, but you can also dine in the hotel restaurant to make your stay more comfortable and memorable. The accommodation offers a buffet breakfast, which is enough to fill you up to start the day.
Photo credit: Ago Hotel Chinatown
Asai Chinatown
The ASAI Chinatown is perfectly located near Chinatown and right next to the metro station. Just steps from the door you’ll find street markets, world-famous street food, hidden bars, art, history, and culture. Relax in spacious and well-designed rooms with everything you need to make your stay comfortable.
There is also a cozy organic garden, where peace and harmony reign. Immerse yourself in a delightful mix of Thai and Chinese influences at JAM JAM Eatery & Bar, where you’ll be meticulously presented with a menu.
Photo credit: Asai Chinatown
3. Riverside – Best for River View
Where to stay in Bangkok if you prefer the view and are planning a romantic getaway? Hotels by the river are the perfect choice, especially if they also have a rooftop bar or pool. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Chao Phraya River from a hotel infinity pool with a special cocktail or freshly squeezed juice.
Take a buffet cruise with live music on the Chao Phraya River, a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Or just jump on one of the Hop on Hop off boats, which will allow you to easily reach the main attractions of the city.
There are cheaper and more expensive restaurants along the river bank, so it’s a unique experience to spend a few hours tasting delicious Thai food over dinner and watching the city lights. The Riverside area in Bangkok is a good choice for families and couples who like a peaceful view.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hop-on-hop-off boat for easy access to the main sites | Metro connection is far away |
| Great views of the city | More expensive hotels |
| Perfect for sunset watching |
Four Seasons Hotel
Where to stay in Bangkok if you’re planning a luxury getaway with river views? The Four Seasons Hotel is a peaceful paradise located on the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the river from the infinity pool, taste the imaginative cuisine of the hotel’s restaurants, or simply relax in one of the nearly 300 guest rooms.
This super elegant luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern interiors and selected furnishings. Discover the smoky flavors of charcoal at Chao Phraya Terrace, where they serve dishes made with fine ingredients and traditional charcoal grilling techniques.
Photo credit: Four Seasons Hotel
Millennium Hilton
The Millennium Hilton is an excellently located riverside hotel overlooking the city lights. The hotel’s free shuttle ferry takes you to Sathorn Pier, from where you can easily take the metro to Bangkok’s main attractions.
The elegant, modern-style rooms and suites offer everything you need for a relaxing stay. Visit the hotel’s rooftop Jazz Club for stunning 360-degree views of the city, the perfect place to relax, or make your trip unforgettable with a riverside dinner.
Photo credit: Millennium Hilton
Avani Plus Riverside
Avani Plus Riverside is located in the heart of the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Guests can enjoy stunning views from the rooftop infinity pool or a delicious dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants.
The pool is located on the 26th floor and offers a refreshing swim with panoramic views of the city and river. The rooftop bar and restaurant offer a range of delicious food and cocktails. Breakfast offers a wide variety of local and international dishes to suit different tastes.
Photo credit: Avani Plus Riverside
4. Business & Embassy District – Best for Shopping
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok? One of the best areas in Bangkok is the Silom, you’ll find everything from huge shopping malls, skyscraper rooftop bars, and swimming pools to the best restaurants.
Visit the King Power Mahanakhon, one of Bangkok’s tallest buildings, which offers incredible views over the bustling streets. Head to one of Bangkok’s biggest shopping malls, Siam Paragon, and you’re guaranteed to find the newest trends.
Lumpini Park is also in the heart of Silom. We really liked being here, escaping the noise of the city and relaxing. A very clean and well maintained park surrounded by trees, you can even go boating on the lake if you like, have a picnic under the trees or take a nice walk.
Silom is famous for its high rooftop bars, so as the sun goes down, treat yourself to a cocktail with a panoramic view. We recommend you choose a hotel with a rooftop pool in this area for an unforgettable experience on your trip to Bangkok.
Recommended post → Best Bangkok Hotels with Pool
We think it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok, full of shopping malls and easy to get to almost anywhere by metro. Perfect for families, luxury and business travelers, couples, and especially those who love shopping.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best shopping centers | Further from the sights |
| Very good metro transport | |
| Best Rooftop Bars |
The Okura Prestige
Where to stay in Bangkok if you’re looking for the best rooftop infinity pool hotel? Located near BTS station, Okura Prestige offers facilities that will take your stay to new heights.
Our favorite is the infinity pool on the 25th floor of the hotel, which is one of the most impressive architectural elements of the hotel. The perfect place to relax, swim, or simply unwind and experience Bangkok from a different perspective.
Experience unforgettable authentic flavors and modern cuisine in the hotel’s three elegant dining rooms, where Japanese-influenced cuisine and an endless selection of Asian and European dishes await you.
Photo credit: The Okura Prestige
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn is centrally located in the business district and has direct access to the BTS Sky Train system. The hotel also has an infinity pool, gym, and 2 restaurants. The nearly 400 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites feature the latest amenities for the comfort of leisure and business travelers while offering stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Step into the hotel’s Antito restaurant, serving Italian cuisine, or visit the Glass House restaurant, where you can choose from a range of dishes, including fresh salad bars with homemade dressings, and authentic Thai, Japanese and Chinese favorites.
Photo credit: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Sindhorn Midtown Hotel
The Sindhorn Midtown Hotel is located in the center of local events, business offices, and entertainment areas. Prepare to experience an unparalleled luxury hotel stay in Bangkok in one of nearly 400 sophisticated rooms and suites that exude relaxed elegance and charming local charm.
The 18th floor of the hotel has a beautiful infinity pool with a great view of the metropolis. The hotel’s unique restaurants present authentic recipes and innovative Asian fusion creations.
Photo credit: Sindhorn Midtown Hotel
5. Sukhumvit – Best for First Time Visitors
Where to stay in Bangkok for a first-time visitor? Known for its luxury hotels, huge shopping malls, and boutiques, Sukhumvit Bangkok is also home to some of the most exclusive restaurants, as well as plenty of street stalls and a bustling night market.
Sukhumvit area can be divided into 3 parts, lower, middle, and upper areas, from Nana BTS station to On Nut BTS station. Bangkok’s first metro line runs through this area, offering comfortable public transport. You can get there directly from the airport, so this area is perfect for first-time visitors in Bangkok.
The upper area of Sukhumvit starts from Nana station, an area famous for its lively nightlife and nightclubs. The central Sukhumvit area is home to two luxury shopping malls, Emquartier and Emporium, which are also easily connected to the BTS Skytrain.
The area is very tourist friendly and in most shops and restaurants speak English very well. From luxury accommodations to budget hotels, the Sukhumvit area offers travelers a wide range of options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct access from the airport | Further from the sights |
| Good metro transport | Not giving the real Thailand experience |
Carlton Hotel Sukhumvit
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok with your family? The Carlton Hotel Sukhumvit is a luxury hotel in Bangkok, and 2 BTS stops are located nearby. This stylish and modern hotel has more than 300 elegant rooms and suites, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer fabulous views of the capital. Guests can relax by the swimming pool, enjoy refreshing treatments in a spa, or work out in the Fitness Studio.
The hotel also offers an impressive range of dining options, from all-day dining to a lobby espresso bar, poolside snacks, and unique dining experiences. We highly recommend this hotel for anyone traveling with a family, in a group, or alone.
Photo credit: Carlton Hotel Sukhumvit
Skyview Hotel
The Skyview Hotel is in a great location, just 5 minutes from Phrom Phong BTS station. Liquid is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful pool bars, where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and cocktails.
All rooms are equipped with modern facilities and furnishings, with spectacular views of the skyscrapers or the park. The hotel serves a varied breakfast, from Thai to fusion dishes, with plenty of choice. Located in the city’s biggest fashion center, this bustling design hotel is the perfect urban escape for any traveler.
Photo credit: Skyview Hotel
Aira Hotel
Aira Hotel, Bangkok’s newest 4-star hotel, offers an eclectic atmosphere of Thai splendor that cannot be compared to anything else. Enjoy the spacious elegant space and take in the great city view, or enjoy the delicious food from the room service selection while looking out over the city in your jacuzzi.
The Pastel restaurant is the perfect place to taste the authenticity and deliciousness of ‘homemade’ cuisine, where every dish is a promise of a journey away. The hotel offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes for breakfast every day, as well as a choice of European and Asian cuisine.
Photo credit: Aira Hotel
Bangkok Guide: FAQ
Top tours
From Bangkok Visit Saduak Market
City Midnight Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk
City Highlights Temples and Market Walking Tour
Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with free Beer
Private trip to Ayutthaya and the Floating Market
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bangkok is from December to March.
Getting there & around Bangkok
Most people arrive by plane. The city’s attractions are easy to explore as public transport is well-developed. You can also travel by tuk-tuk, taxi, or boat.
Where to Stay in Bangkok: Map of the Best Areas
We’ve categorized Bangkok into 5 areas to help you find the best places to stay.
We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in Bangkok helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Bangkok
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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