Neil Aronson (Updated Jan 2025) Here is our updated guide to the most recommended Bangkok hotels and areas to stay. In this article we aim to help you figure out where to stay in this massive city of 10 million people. It can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers to navigate where to stay in Bangkok.
Bangkok is often used by travelers as a jumping off point for travel to other parts of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai in the north, or the many fantastic islands and beaches to the south.
If you are planning to visit our home city, Chiang Mai, check our complete and updated Guide to Chiang Mai Province. Not just the city!
For what to do in Bangkok, take a look at our activities list.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Areas For Bangkok Hotels:
Getting There And Around
First of all, Bangkok Thailand is huge. It is one of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 10 million people. Similar to most of Thailand, the humid rainy season is May-October. During the winter dry season, it is still very warm, especially in the city among the concrete.
Airport
Bangkok Thailand has two main airports. The newer international airport Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is one of more modern ones in Asia. It is large but easy to navigate, and I have never had to wait in any long lines. Located east of downtown, about 40 minutes drive. But that depends on the time of day. Traffic around Bangkok can be epic.
Don Mueang Airport used to be the international airport before the opening of BKK. After renovations, it is now used at a regional airport for low cost airlines. So if you are traveling the region, you may use it.
Dozens of major airlines have service to Bangkok Thailand. Our favorite from the US is Korean Airlines through Seoul. Eva, Japan, and China Airlines are good as well. You can look up flights on our Book Travel page.
Flying into the international airport is one way to get there. Many people who are traveling around Thailand will take a train, bus, or local flight to get to Bangkok. The options for traveling cheaply around Thailand are many. 12Go is the best source for trains, busses, and local flights on Bangkok Airways.
Air Asia is probably the most popular regional airline, and can take you all over Southeast Asia.
Getting Around Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok isn’t a walkers’ city. It’s hot, humid, and polluted, so it’s best to take local transport between sights. The exceptions are Chinatown and the area around the Grand Palace, which have several attractions within walking distance. In Siam and Ratchaprasong, elevated walkways connect major shopping malls and BTS Skytrain stations, making it easier to go between hotels and different attractions in the area on foot.
If you just want to get to the end of a long street or need to reach the other side of a neighborhood, take a tuk tuk. These noisy three-wheeled vehicles are often hard to resist, but drivers sometimes trap tourists into stopping at tailor or gem shops (that pay them commissions). Refuse any unrequested stops.
Bangkok has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, a Skytrain (BTS), an underground metro (MRT), and a network of water buses and taxis on the Chao Phraya River. Traffic congestion is a common issue in the city, so taking the ‘subway’ is recommended if possible.
Songthaew’s are a local favorite option. It is your budget option. Small red busses the will drop you off around town, less than 30 baht. Grab is a local Uber type rideshare company that is available in Thailand. Regular cabs are also readily available.
Boats are a great way to get around the famous Riverside area of Bangkok with its many historical monuments, temples and architecture. Several kinds of boats (express boats, river taxis and longtail boats) run up and down the Chao Phraya River, connecting with the local suburbs on the Thonburi side and along the river, while ferries can be used to cross the river at various points.
We recently took water taxis to get to Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and . It is really cheap and easy to hop on and off. There are piers all up and down the river, and especially at all the tourist spots. It is also a great way to see the city.
Popular Areas To Stay
Since it is a large city, choosing the right area to stay in is important. Each area provides a different vibe and things to do. Depending on what you want to do while in Bangkok Thailand, will determine where you want to stay. The BTS train runs through the city, but not through all areas.
Without a doubt, I always book hotels through Agoda. Not just in Thailand, but all over the world. Easy to use, great service if you need it, and rewards program.
Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotels
Home to the upmarket business center of the city and many of the most popular nightlife venues. Terminal 21 shopping mall is right in the heart of Sukhumvit and next to the Asoke BTS station, making it easy to get anywhere. This area was the last location we staying in, at the Hilton Bangkok Grande Asoke, which is amazing by the way.
This area is also just a couple of BTS stops from Siam and Siam Square, another shopping mecca. The small sois of Siam Square are alive with record stores, bookstores, cafes, and bars. Siam Square has the best shopping in Bangkok and is full of amenities, like cinemas, massage parlors, and salons. The Nana and Asoke areas along Sukhumvit are particularly popular for nightlife.
Sukhumvit is arguably the best area to stay for Bangkok hotels, nightlife, and has it all when it comes to dining and clubbing! Much of the action centers around Soi 11, Bangkok’s famous party street, a favorite with both ex-pats and visitors, with its extensive selections of restaurants, clubs, and bars. Our Hilton Hotel is next to the infamous ‘Soy Cowboy’, which is a short alley with bars and bar girls. Some great live music here too.
To get there take the BTS Skytrain to Asok, Nana or Phrom Phong station, or the MRT (subway) to Sukhumvit station.
High End: Carlton Hotel is a 7-minute walk from Emporium Shopping Mall, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a terrace. Each room at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, and a kids’ club.
Luxury: Hilton Bangkok Grande Asoke – Another 5-star hotel, and where we most recently stayed. The location is amazing, right across the street from the BTS station and Terminal 21 shopping mall. The interior is very nice and staff is amazing. The room was perfect, and make sure you get breakfast included, it is worth staying there just for that. Also ask for a room facing the mall if you want a good of the city action. Even the public bathroom is nice, as pictured!
Luxury: Okura Prestige Bangkok – A large 5-star modern luxury hotel and a trendy choice in the Sukhumvit area. It is part of the Okura chain of luxury hotels, and the hotel’s Japanese heritage has inspired its interior design, attention to detail, and excellent service.
LUXURY: Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – I consider this to be the best value luxury hotel in the city. It may not be 5 stars but for the price, you can’t beat it. Not only are the rooms amazing, but there is also so much going on here. The xyz(SM) bar is a really social place to grab a drink, and there’s a re:mix(SM) lounge complete with a pool table and beanbag chairs.
Luxury: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit – is fortunate to have Sky-high LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar. Commanding the hotel’s two upper-most floors, the 33rd and 34th levels, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, LUZ has quickly gained a reputation as “the place to be” since its September 15, 2023 debut. LUZ offers authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, mocktails, spirits and more. In a spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, diners on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s 34th floor infinity pool.
Serviced Apartment: 137 Pillars Residences — If you’re looking for a cozy high-end apartment in central Bangkok, then 137 Pillars Residences may be just the ticket. These light and airy classic-styled apartments include a large bedroom, a separate living area, a kitchen including a washer/ dryer, and a small balcony.
Mid-Range: Adelphi Suites Bangkok is vibrant pubs and dining areas, this modern haven offers spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning city views. Delight in diverse Western and Asian cuisine at Monsoon Restaurant, and enjoy the convenience of in-suite washer/dryer and full-size fridge.
Facilities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It is just a 2-minute walk from Nana BTS Skytrain Station.
Mid Range: Skyview Hotel Bangkok is a modern hotel near the Phrom Phong BTS station and high-end malls like The Emporium, this property features a rooftop pool, stylish rooms, and a relaxed ambiance.
Mid Range: La Petite Salil Sukhumvit 11 is a popular boutique hotel that combines charm with convenience. It’s situated in the lively Sukhumvit 11 area, close to nightlife and public transport options. Guests praise its excellent service and cozy rooms. Inspired by beautiful local flowers, rooms at Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 11 are furnished with colorful walls and floral motifs.
Budget: Jellybean The Blocks Hostel – Jellybean The Blocks is a great hostel for socializing, with a rooftop terrace, a bar downstairs, and organized social events like pub crawls and movie nights. The dorms are small, but the beds are excellent and come with individual outlets and reading lights.
Budget: Sukhumvit On Nut Guesthouse — If you prefer the Sukhumvit area, this guesthouse offers budget-friendly rooms close to the BTS Skytrain station, providing easy access to various parts of the city.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a 1 km stretch of shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors and is home to the backpacker scene – though it is adding more mid-range hotels and boutiques every year. (Banglamphu is the name of the surrounding neighborhood.) People either love it or hate it but it is well worth a visit. It’s centrally located and close to many of Bangkok’s top attractions (like the Grand Palace).
Highlights here include the cavernous Lava Gold Club and the roof top Gazebo, recently voted as one of the best bars in the world, with live bands, sheesha pipes, and plenty of good cheer.
Banglamphu is an old part of town, and you do not need to walk far from Khao San before you are surrounded by traditional shophouses, local homes, temples, and restaurants that have been here for generations.
Banglamphu’s close vicinity to Bangkok’s most prominent attractions has kept development at bay, and the area is still refreshingly free of modern malls and skyscrapers. Some of the old shophouses have recently been converted into neat boutique guesthouses, hotels, and cozy cafes.
The Khao San/ Banglamphu area does not have a Skytrain or Subway MRT, so the best way to get to/ from Khao San Road is by ferry (walking distance to the river), taxi, Grab car, bus, or by one of Bangkok’s iconic Tuk-Tuks.
LUXURY: Nouvo City Hotel – The rooms at Nouvo City Hotel are bright and spacious, with a work area, rainfall showers, a minibar, bathrobes, slippers, satellite TV, and 24-hour room service. There are two pools: one on the third floor, and a more casual rooftop pool and Jacuzzi with loungers and cabanas overlooking the city.
Mid Range: D&D Inn — Situated in the lively Khao San Road area, D&D Inn offers budget accommodation with easy access to the bustling street life of this popular backpacker destination.
Budget: Baan Chart Hotel — Tucked away in a quiet street but still close to the action of Khao San Road, Baan Chart Hotel provides affordable rooms with a relaxed atmosphere.
Budget: Rambuttri Village Plaza — Located near Khao San Road, Rambuttri Village Plaza offers budget accommodation in a lively neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, bars, and street vendors.
Bangkok Old Town
Old Town, Rattanakosin is a historic area, bordered by the Chao Phraya and canals which served as moats for the old city. Bangkok’s most revered historical attractions are located in Rattanakosin.
The area is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, palaces, monuments, and museums. The Old City area is relatively small and ideal for walking to explore the area. Here, you’ll find the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).
To get there, take the river ferry (Chao Phraya Express) to the Tha Tien or Tha Chang piers, or the MRT subway to Sanam Chai station.
High End Boutique: Aurum The River Place — Stylist hotel also across the river from Wat Arun. Boasting lovely views of the Chao Phraya River from the rooftop garden, it is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Wat Pho. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Aurum The River Place is a 7-minute walk from the Flower Market and a 15-minute walk from the Grand Palace.
High End: Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road, and has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a restaurant. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and luggage storage for guests.
Mid Range: The StandardX Bangkok Phra Arthit has an outdoor swimming pool along the river, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Bangkok. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Mid Range: DE Phanakron Boutique Hotel is set in the Bangkok Old Town district. It is located a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road, one mile from Wat Saket and a 20 minute walk from Bangkok National Museum. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy American and British dishes at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
Mid-Range: Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok — The riverfront hotel to wake up to postcard views of Wat Arun.
Budget: Sawasdee Bangkok Inn: Positioned in the heart of the city, this budget hotel is close to popular attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Silom/Sathon
This is Bangkok’s Wall Street (through the day). After nightfall, the people and environment changes considerably. The skyline is lined with skyscrapers boasting the names of local and international financial institutions, law firms, and corporations. You are close to Lumphini Park.
The small sois between Silom Road and Surawong Road becomes alive with people, street life, sidewalk stalls, and street food vendors. Tourist and locals come here to see the infamous Patpong red-light district. It’s filled with go-go bars and brothels.
Go food exploring along Charoen Krung Road. Bang Rak is an old part of Bangkok and is home to some classic Thai restaurants that have been there for generations.
This area is home to King Power Mahanakhon. Bangkok’s tallest building at 320m has an open-air observation deck, a bar, and a skywalk with a dizzying transparent glass floor.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is another popular attraction in Silom. It was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant.
Take the BTS Skytrain to one of three stations: Sala Daeng (for Patpong), Chong Nonsi (closest to Silom Road and King Power Mahanakhon Tower’s Skywalk), or Saphan Taksin (for the riverfront and the Chao Phraya Express boats).
You may also take the MRT (subway) to the stations of Silom and Lumphini. By river boat, the pier is Taksin, outside the Saphan Taksin station of the BTS Skytrain.
Luxury: Kimpton Maa-Lai — The Kimpton Maa-Lai is one of Bangkok’s newest 5-star luxury hotels. It’s a high-end hotel with world-class service but with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel, so if you like dogs, you can meet some cute furry friends around.
Luxury: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok: Known for its contemporary design and wellness-focused approach, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city.
High End: Banyan Tree Bangkok — This hotel is famous for its rooftop restaurant and bar with stunning city views. It’s a five-star hotel that combines luxury with a touch of Thai hospitality.
Luxury: Sukhothai Bangkok — A luxurious hotel blending traditional Thai architecture with modern comfort, located in the heart of the city.
Serviced Apartments: Oriental Residence Bangkok — The Oriental Residence Hotel is a modern, classy hotel with a great location within walking distance of both Lumpini Park and Sukhumvit Road.
Mid Range: Prince Theatre Heritage Stay – This theatre-themed hotel has been around for 100 years, first as a casino and then a cinema. Now it’s a boutique hotel located right along Chareon Krung’s riverside street food area. The interior is all cinema-inspired, with a collection of private rooms, suites, lofts, family rooms, and shared dorms.
Budget: Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe – This hostel is great for digital nomads or anyone who needs to do work on the road. There is a coworking space within the hostel and it’s not a party hostel, so you can get a good sleep. One of the newer hostels in Bangkok.
Siam & Ratchaprasong
Siam is famous shopping in Bangkok and has the city’s highest density of shopping malls – MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Central Chitlom are all here. I worked for the Sea Life Center over 10 years ago!
Visit Jim Thompson`s House. Get a feel for how it was to live in old Bangkok and visit the lovely Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai house/ museum. Jim Thompson was the man who made Thai silk world-famous, and his house is today a museum.
Visit Erawan Shrine, which is a statue attracting thousands of daily visitors hoping for good fortune.
Take the BTS Skytrain to one of three stations: Siam, Chit Lom, or National Stadium.
Luxury: Grand Hyatt Erawan — Just next to the Erawan Shrine. And just down the road from all the shopping.
High End: Intercontinental — I have stayed here several times. The rooms are nice, and can walk to malls and parks.
Mid Range: Mode Sathorn: With the opening of Mode Sathorn, Siam@Siam gets the second design hotel in its Bangkok portfolio, which the brand is somewhat predictably characterizing as “fashionable lifestyle.”
The property has 201 rooms and suites in five categories, each featuring a different design concept, plus a presidential suite on the 36th floor. F&B offerings come in the form of three restaurants and three bars.
Budget: Ibis Bangkok Siam: Located in the vibrant Pratunam area, this hotel is close to shopping centers like MBK and Siam Paragon. It offers modern and comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinese merchants moved to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in the early 1780’s, making Chinatown the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok Thailand. The neighborhood was defined by trade then and still is today.
These days, Chinatown isn’t set as a tourist attraction. It is a genuine Chinese neighborhood where people work and live. The streets of Chinatown are vivid and hectic – packed full of people, market stalls, and a concentration of gold shops. One of the best places for street food.
Visit The Sampeng Market. The narrow lanes surrounding Sampeng Square form Chinatown’s biggest and most popular market. Here you will find every trinket known to man. Navigating these narrow lanes can be challenging, but just go with the flow, have fun, and enjoy the craziness. You can make a good deal on Chinese goods like tea, spices, and pottery.
To get to Chinatown, take the river ferry (Chao Phraya Express) to the Ratchawong pier or the MRT (subway) to Hua Lamphong station.
MID-RANGE: W22 by Burasari – The rooms here are plain but comfortable, with wood furnishings and decent beds, and the walls are well soundproofed (this is important when you’re trying to get a good rest in Chinatown!). There is a rooftop bar, a laundry room, and a common area with a pool table.
Mid-Range: The Mustang Blu — Mustang Blu is perfect for anyone looking for a unique boutique hotel with tons of charm and history.
Mid-Range: Shanghai Mansion — Shanghai Mansion is the trendiest boutique hotel in Chinatown at the moment. The Shanghai of the 1930s inspires the hotel’s decor.
Mid-Range: Hotel Royal @ Chinatown — Featuring a rooftop salt-water pool, this is the perfect place to escape the heat of Chinatown’s streets. The rooms and apartments are quite large, making them a good choice for families or groups.
BUDGET: At Hua Lamphong Hostel – This hostel is pretty straightforward, with six-bed mixed-gender dorms, huge lockers, and en-suite bathrooms. It’s in a perfect location for travelers, as Bangkok’s train station is right across the street.
Riverside/ Thonburi
This area in Bangkok Thailand comprises the entire west bank of the Chao Phraya River – across the water from the city’s center. If you’re sensitive to breathing polluted air then staying in Thonburi can make a noticeable difference on allergies. On this side of the river there’s a slower, more relaxed Bangkok that gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Thai culture.
Canals make their way through the relatively isolated neighborhoods. Vendors sell noodles from old Thai long tail boats and locals prefer to bicycle through the sois. The most popular tourist activity is to hire a long tail boat and explore the waterways and floating markets.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok: A legendary luxury hotel located along the Chao Phraya River, known for its elegance, impeccable service, and historical significance.
The Peninsula Bangkok: Another upscale hotel on the riverside, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s praised for its luxurious accommodations and excellent facilities.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort: Situated along the Chao Phraya River, this resort-style hotel offers a tranquil setting with lush gardens and a range of recreational facilities.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: Situated along the river, this five-star hotel is known for its spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and beautiful gardens.
We hope this helps you plan your visit and to decide which of the Bangkok hotels to stay.
Do not forget Travel Insurance when visiting Bangkok Thailand. For why, and options, visit our guide. Why Do I Need Travel Insurance.
