Thailand attracts millions of tourists every year who come to experience its tropical radiance and mystical culture. Many travellers opt to stay in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city and a bonafide urban playground. But choosing where to stay in Bangkok can prove a challenge, as there are so many districts in this sprawling city.
In this article, we discuss where to stay in Bangkok and highlight areas that will be suitable for different kinds of travellers. From the tourist attractions of Old Town and budget-friendly Khao San Road to the lavish streets of Siam Square and vibrant lights of Sukhumvit, we showcase the best places to stay in Bangkok that will be the perfect hub for your trip to Thailand.
So if you’ve been considering visiting Bangkok, but aren’t sure where to stay, read on for some top inspiration and advice.
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Bangkok is filled with some incredible and interesting tourist attractions that draw travellers in from all over the world. If you’re visiting the Thai capital and want to make the most of the sightseeing opportunities, it’s important that you stay in an area that is close to the best things to do in Bangkok.
For travellers eager to jump into the thrilling cultural and metropolitan offerings of Bangkok, Old Town is the best place to stay.
Bangkok Old Town, referred to as Rattanakosin by locals, is the cultural hub of the city which makes it a great place to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing. It is home to some of the oldest landmarks in the city and is a great place to absorb the traditional architecture and heritage of Bangkok. By staying in Bangkok’s Old Town, you gain a glimpse into the local way of life, with vendors, markets and temples just steps away.
When staying in Old Town, you have easy access to some of the top attractions in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the National Museum. You won’t need to worry about using public transport, as the main sightseeing locations are just a short walk away. Alongside temples like Wat Arun and Wat Saket, you can also enjoy a visit to the Jim Thompson house and see the wide range of Thai art and antiques.
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to take walking tours of the Old Town. It provides a much more immersive experience of the area and will allow you to feel a deeper connection to your surroundings as you discover the hidden gems and colourful street art. You can also enjoy walks along the Chao Phraya River which is a very scenic spot at sunset.
The Old Town area has many boutique hotels and guesthouses that capture the charm of traditional Thai architecture while still providing modern amenities. For a real treat, consider staying in riverside accommodations for stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to boat tours. The wide range of options makes it one of the best places to stay in Bangkok and suitable for a variety of travellers.
Price will always factor into your choice of where to stay in Bangkok, no matter what kind of traveller you are. Fortunately, if you’re in the market for an affordable Thailand trip there are plenty of cheap hotels in Bangkok that make for the perfect base for a trip to the capital.
The best place to stay in Bangkok on a budget has to be Khao San Road, a lively backpacking hub that won’t break the bank.
There is no place in Bangkok more suited to backpackers and budget travellers than the famous Khao San Road. This small street is packed with hostels, inexpensive guesthouses and budget hotels that are perfect for travellers looking for affordable accommodation in Bangkok. The atmosphere of Khao San is electric, with a wide variety of shops and amenities which add to its hipster vibe.
The accommodations in Khao San Road are varied, but typically cater to backpackers and travellers seeking inexpensive digs. There are a range of hostels and hotels with simple facilities like shared communal spaces, private rooms and helpful staff.
As you walk down Khao San Road you will be enthralled by the magical atmosphere. There’s a vast array of fragrant street food stalls offering delicious and affordable Thai cuisine. You can also watch as street performers showcase their incredible skills from traditional musicians to fire dancers, adding to the eclectic energy of the area.
Khao San also has some spectacular nightlife, which is a great way to socialise with other backpackers as you hit the affordable bars and clubs that line the street. This does mean that it gets rather noisy and crowded at night, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet Khao San probably isn’t the best choice.
Khao San Road is very central, so you’ll have no issues seeing the top sights in Bangkok. The area is not served by the BTS Skytrain but you can easily jump on a tuk-tuk or use the Grab App to traverse the city. You can also utilise public buses and riverboats to access the main transport hubs for smooth sightseeing.
While there are cheap places to stay in Bangkok, the city is also suitable for those looking for a luxury city escape. In recent years, many lavish hotels and villas have been established that offer an unparalleled lavish experience that is perfect for travellers looking to pamper themselves in style.
You can find a collection of exquisite hotels in many areas of Bangkok, but the centre for all things luxury is certainly Siam Square.
Luxury travellers will feel right at home in Siam Square. This young neighbourhood is filled with some of the best shopping in Bangkok and has a stellar selection of high-end hotels and guest houses. There are so many lavish experiences to be had in Siam Square, from soothing massages to high-end dining, so the area is perfect for travellers looking to live in the lap of luxury on their holiday.
Siam Square is surrounded by fine dining restaurants serving gourmet cuisine from various parts of the world. These restaurants often boast award-winning chefs who will ensure the most sumptuous dining experience. Some luxury hotels in the area even feature rooftop bars with panoramic views of Bangkok, creating an ideal setting for sophisticated cocktails and relaxation.
Travellers who love shopping will delight in the exemplary range of shops and boutiques that make up the area. Luxury malls like Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery are the perfect places to pick up some amazing purchases and peruse the different shops. Outside of the shopping centres, you can find fresh and stylish designer boutiques offering jewellery and accessories from local and international designers.
Many luxury hotels in Siam Square offer incredible amenities that will attract lavish travellers and provide a serene place to stay in Bangkok. You can find Thai massages and aromatherapy offered at many spa hotels, which blend traditional and modern wellness techniques for the ultimate relaxing treatment. Likewise, the best hotels in Siam Square include access to state-of-the-art fitness suites that are fully equipped and feature personal training services.
Siam Square is very central, so you won’t need to worry about getting around. Major BTS stations are just a short walk away and ensure the whole city is just at your fingertips. If you want to travel by more exclusive means, many hotels will provide chauffeur services which can get you around Bangkok. While you may not need to be ferried around by a private driver for your entire stay, it can be especially useful for getting to and from Bangkok International Airport.
Although we mentioned the fabulous bars on Khao San Road, the nightlife in Bangkok can be experienced all over the bustling city. If you’re travelling to Thailand to dive into the thrumming parties and vibrant evening ambience, then you should try to stay in the animated area of Sukhumvit.
This vibrant, cosmopolitan district is the perfect choice for travellers searching for spirited nightlife. The area is filled with a range of chic lounges and popular nightclubs, as well as some adult entertainment complexes. Whether you prefer a roaring party or a relaxed rooftop, you are sure to find a venue that suits your style in Sukhumvit.
Sukhumvit has some of the best nightlife in Bangkok and you will find a unique experience around every corner. Places like Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza are popular tourist attractions in Bangkok as they feature go-go bars, neon lights and adult entertainment. It may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly an experience that is worth having and the vibrant atmosphere is truly enchanting.
While staying in Sukhumvit you can enjoy some of the best food in Bangkok. There are plenty of 24-hour restaurants in the area, serving everything from traditional Thai meals to international bites. These late-night eateries are a great place to pick up some quick grub after a long night of drinks and partying.
Accommodation in Sukhumvit ranges from international hotel chains to budget guesthouses. This makes it a great area to stay in Bangkok for any traveller eager to enjoy the nightlife, whether you’re a backpacker or on a luxury trip. If you are planning a longer stay in Bangkok, you will be pleased to know that there are many serviced apartments in Sukhumvit that are the perfect home away from home.
Choosing where to stay in Bangkok can be a difficult decision, especially as there are so many amazing neighbourhoods on offer. Whether you’re a sightseer, budget traveller, luxury seeker or nightlife enthusiast, you are certain to find the right place for your Bangkok getaway.
In this diverse cityscape, Bangkok truly has something for everyone. No matter your travel style or preference, Bangkok’s neighbourhoods provide an enriching experience that will stay with you for a long time and provide the perfect setting for a holiday like no other.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other guides for Thailand’s capital, like What to Do For 3 Days in Bangkok and Bangkok in November.
You can easily explore all the major sites of Bangkok in around 3 to 5 days. If you plan on taking day trips to famous sites like Ayutthaya, you may want to give yourself a few more days. While you can spend a lot longer in this ecstatic city, the humid heat and bustling crowds may wear you out.
In this instance, it can be a good idea to break up your trip and visit other destinations like Phuket or Chiang Mai to experience more of Thailand and keep your trip fresh and interesting.
Bangkok can be visited at any time of the year, but for the best experience, you should aim to go between November and March. The weather around this time is much more bearable as it is generally cooler and drier than at other times of the year.
This is also the period when many of the top festivals take place in Bangkok, which adds a whole new layer of excitement and intrigue to your visit. Be sure to visit in January and February to take part in the spirited Chinese New Year Celebrations.
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