Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 BEST Areas for All Budgets!

Bangkok is an amazing city in Southeast Asia with many things to offer, from vibrant nightlife and delicious street food to incredible temples, shrines, and historical areas. However, deciding where to stay in Bangkok can be challenging for the same reasons!

Whether you are traveling with your family, solo for the first time, or just want an area to enjoy the nightlife, I’m here to tell you exactly where you will find everything for your interest and budget!

In this post, you’ll find 6 of the best neighborhoods in the city with hotel recommendations for all budgets – from cheap backpacker’s hostels to luxurious 5-star boutique hotels.

To get you started, the best neighborhood where to stay in Bangkok is Sukhumvit, an area full of life where you will always find things to do! But I will also be giving you options in Siam, Riverside, Silom, Khao San and Chinatown plus two bonus sections with some great hotels for families and some more near the Bangkok airport.

As you can imagine, Bangkok is a trendy destination for tourists worldwide and good hotels are constantly selling out very fast, so I recommend you book yours as soon as possible!

So, are you ready to visit Bangkok? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Ready to book right this second? I can’t blame you, Bangkok is really an incredible city, so let’s get right to the best of the best:

• Best luxury hotel: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
• Best mid-range hotel: Adelphi Suites
• Best budget hotel: Ekanek Hostel

To help you visualize everything, here are the 6 neighborhoods I am recommending for a great stay in the city:

1. Sukhumvit – where to stay in Bangkok for the first time

Sukhumvit has something for everyone – from nightlife to shopping and eating opportunities; this is one of the best places to stay in Thailand, Bangkok!

Sukhumvit is an 18 km long road in the city center, full of restaurants, bars (visit Soi Cowboy street!), clubs, shopping centers, and the best place to stay in Bangkok if you want to be where all the action happens.

Even though this is not a very authentic or traditional part of the city, it is modern and fun. You will always find something to do, as it is a real Bangkok tourist spot!

One of the best things about Sukhumvit is how easy it is to get around. It is well connected through the subway (MRT) and the elevated Skytrain (BTS) that can take you from one point to another in no time. So I suggest you use Sukhumvit as a base to start off your trip, check out my post on 3 Days in Bangkok if you’re looking for the perfect itinerary to follow!

If you think Sukhumvit is the perfect area for you, here are the hotels I recommend in this neighborhood:

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 Thong Lo – This is a unique 5-star accommodation and one of the best hotels in the Sukhumvit area, with gorgeous rooms and excellent facilities! You will be happy to know this hotel also has an outdoor pool and a fantastic terrace where you can relax after a full day of exploring Bangkok!
• Skyview Hotel Bangkok – One of the best 5-star luxury hotels in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, with contemporary rooms. Their on-site pool bar, Liquid, is one of the nicest ones in Bangkok, where you can have a few drinks and cocktails while swimming in their rooftop pool.

Middle-priced (US$140 – US$200)

• Adelphi Suites Bangkok – Awaits you with an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a very cool fitness center! The rooms are spacious, with huge windows, excellent facilities, and beautiful decorations. You can even arrange day trips at the front desk; the staff is so friendly you just have to ask!
• Hotel Clover Asoke – Another great place to stay in Bangkok for a middle budget. This hotel is close to Skytrain stations and Terminal 21 Shopping Mall. All the rooms are air-conditioned, tidy, spacious, and super friendly!

Budget (Up to US$140)

• K.V. Mansion – Incredible aparthotel and one of the best cheap options in Bangkok, Sukhumvit. You will get free WiFi all over the accommodation, friendly staff and tidy rooms. Plus you’ll even have access to currency exchange and car rental facilities.
• Twothree A Homely Hotel – This will definitely make you feel at home! This superb Bangkok accommodation has a great outdoor pool, a gym, and spacious rooms that are very nicely decorated. Plus, you will benefit from free WiFi and a nice seating area.

Book your hotel in Sukhumvit here

2. Siam – best neighborhood to stay in Bangkok for shopping

Siam Square is the best place to stay in Bangkok for shopping and fashion lovers, as you will find all the most popular shopping centers there!

Siam area is also located on Sukhumvit road, but a bit further away, closer to the river. Siam Square is the city’s best area if you want the top shopping experience, as you will be close to fashionable and modern shopping centers such as MBK, Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Central World Mall, and more.

The area is glamorous and loved by tourists and all types of locals alike. Plus, it’s effortless to get around thanks to the Skytrain and you will be close to many great restaurants (especially Western restaurants), bars, and cinemas.. Sounds perfect to me!

It’s good to note that Siam is not the most traditional part of the city as well, but instead it is a family and child-friendly area, as you will not find many clubs and Thailand nightlife experiences around.

Oh, and while you’re there, you have to go to at least one sky bar and enjoy a fantastic view and delicious drinks!

Because Siam Square is one of the most popular areas in Bangkok, it is only natural that the hotel rooms are being booked fast, so I suggest you find your perfect accommodation as soon as possible!

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Pathumwan Princess Hotel – This award-winning five star hotel in Bangkok is centrally located in the Siam Square area. It has very stylish and clean rooms and excellent service! One of the best things about this classy hotel is that it is near MBK Shopping Center and Wat Arun!
• Grand Hyatt Erawan – One of the best 5-star luxury hotels with resort-style facilities that is centrally located in Bangkok’s Siam area. It also features easy access to the city’s leading shopping centers like Central World, Siam Paragon, Erawan Mall, and Gaysorn via Skywalk!

Middle-priced (US$110 – US$200)

• Holiday Inn – This is my first recommendation for a middle-priced stay in Siam. Situated 500 m away from Siam Paragon and Platinum Mall, It has a fitness center, a pool, and 3 dining options. It is also within 500 m from public transportation: Chit Lom and Siam BTS Stations!
• Amari Watergate – Just meters from Pratunam Market and the ferry terminal, Amari Watergate features an outdoor pool, spacious rooms, a spa, and 3 restaurants. Needless to say, you will be close to all the essential attractions in the Siam area!

Budget (Up to US$110)

• Mercure Bangkok Siam – I know I say this a lot, but this is an incredible Bangkok hotel that offers beautiful views over the city and the neighborhood! Each room has free WiFi, a minibar, a fridge, and all the other facilities you may need during your stay!
• Happy 3 – This is my last recommendation for a budget stay in Siam. This hotel is close to Skytrain stations, and I’m sure you will enjoy the indoor pool! This Bangkok accommodation is close to MBK Shopping Center and Siam Paragon Mall!

Book your hotel in Siam here

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3. Bangkok Riverside – where to stay in Bangkok for families

If you want to enjoy stunning views in Bangkok’s most romantic and historical part, you should choose Riverside!

Suppose you are not fond of the modern and glamorous parts of the city and want to enjoy the traditional vibe of Bangkok. In that case, Riverside is a very scenic area full of temples, historical attractions, shrines, and the Royal Palace – it is a trendy tourist spot!

Riverside is stretched along the Chao Phraya River, a little bit far away from the downtown area making it a bit quieter, perfect for families. Even though there are not many public transportation options, there is a Skytrain stop (Saphan Taksin), ferries down the river, taxis (they’re cheap in Thailand), or a tuk-tuk to get from one point to another.

On the other hand, Riverside is where you will find the city’s most luxurious, 5-star hotels. Here are my recommendations:

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – One of the best resorts in Thailand, located in the Riverside area, overlooking the Chao Phraya River. The rooms are decorated in Thai style; they’re spacious and sparkling clean. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a private boat shuttle that can take you to the closest Skytrain station, which is highly convenient!
• Chatrium Bangkok Hotel Riverside – This is another excellent 5-star Riverside Bangkok hotel that awaits you with an outdoor pool as well, but also a great spa and fitness center that you can use during your stay. Moreover, you will also be able to choose from 6 dining options and benefit from free parking and WiFi.

Middle-priced (US$120 – US$170)

• The Grand Sathorn – This is a 4-star, middle-priced hotel in the Riverside area with amazing facilities. This hotel has an awesome rooftop swimming pool overlooking Bangkok’s skyline! You will be able to use a free riverboat shuttle that can take you around, or you can take a train to Downtown Bangkok to see all the attractions there.
• Riva Arun Bangkok – Has super stylish and clean rooms and 4-star amenities and facilities. You will surely enjoy your meals at the open-air restaurant with gorgeous views of the Chao Phraya River! It is also located a short walk from Wat Pho and Wat Arun!

Budget (Up to US$120)

• Ibis Hotel Bangkok Riverside – Want to stay in the luxurious Riverside area on a tight budget? This Riverside hotel awaits you with beautiful, stylish rooms, a great restaurant and bar, and perfect facilities. Plus, a free shuttle will take you to the closest Skytrain station whenever you want!
• Prince Theatre Heritage Stay – This is my second budget recommendation for this neighborhood and a lovely hotel set in a 1900s film theater! It has nice rooms, a daily continental breakfast, and a cool on-site bar that is a cinema room refurbished where they serve signature cocktails inspired by original films!

Book a hotel in the Riverside area here

4. Silom – best neighborhood to stay in Bangkok for nightlife

Silom is an excellent area with outstanding restaurants, an iconic night market, and vibrant nightlife, so you will never get bored while there!

Suppose you are staying in the Silom area. In that case, you can enjoy a stroll in Lumpini Park – the biggest park in the city, catch some fresh air and enjoy the locals doing their daily Tai Chi there.

Besides being the city’s green lungs, Silom is also famous for having Patpong Night Market and their “Red Light District” there.

By day Silom is known to be Bangkok’s financial district, but at night everything changes! If you are a party and clubbing lover, I suggest you go on the two famous streets: Patpong 1 and Patpong 2, and enjoy the fantastic bars and clubs open all night long.

Suppose you are not that fond of partying until the morning. In that case, you can visit the other streets in this area, and you will easily avoid all that music and noise and enjoy a relaxing time there.

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• SO Bangkok – One of the best 5-star hotels in Bangkok! The rooms are stunning, with a décor inspired by the 5 essential elements: Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire. You can rent bicycles at the hotel, relax in the rooftop infinity pool, or enjoy a drink in their rooftop bar. Plus, this 30-stories hotel is super close to Lumpini MRT Subway Station!
• Tower Club At Lebua – Another gorgeous 5-star hotel in the Silom area that provides world-class entertainment, facilities, and service. During your stay, I recommend you enjoy a drink at one of the best rooftop bars and a luxurious meal at their award-winning restaurant! Let’s not forget the outdoor pool and private balconies with stunning views!

Middle-priced (US$50 – US$170)

• W Bangkok – This hotel offers luxury accommodations, modern amenities, and free WiFi in public areas for a mid range price. Boasting an outdoor pool, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, I think this is a great choice!
• Amara Bangkok Silom Hotel – Located only 6 minutes away from Patpong, in the Silom area. The on-site restaurant is excellent, with delicious daily breakfast, free WiFi, a fitness center, a bar, and the rooftop pool has incredible views of the Bangkok skyline!

Budget (Up to US$50)

• Ekanek Hostel – Located 1 minute drive from Patpong night market, this hostel has a comfortable terrace, a shared lounge area, and a bar. The staff is accommodating and can help you plan your day if needed, plus the hostel also offers vegetarian or American breakfast as well as private bathrooms!
• Urban Hostel Bangkok – My other budget recommendation for this neighborhood. This hostel has excellent prices and great service; they even offer some private rooms! Urban Hostel offers free WiFi, a terrace, and air conditioning, and some rooms have a lovely patio!

Book your hotel in Silom here

5. Khao San – best area to stay in Bangkok on a budget

Khao San is the old city area where all the iconic attractions are located and the perfect place to see authentic Bangkok life!

A walk on Khao San Road means visiting unique Bangkok tourist attractions and museums such as Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Kaew, among others. Khao San Road will show you the good side of Thailand and a bit of the city’s history.

It is also an excellent place for budget travelers and a cool Bangkok backpacker area, as you will find many affordable hotels and hostels (and not many luxurious 5-star hotels, in fact, it is more of a backpacker destination).

If you are a party animal, this is definitely another great place to be! There are many bars, food stalls, and nightclubs in the area; this place never sleeps. Even though Khao San Road is a lively area, it does not have an MRT station close or any public transportation, so you would have to take a taxi after the metro.

Here are the hotels I recommend near Khao San Road:

 

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Praya Palazzo – A superb 5-star hotel close to Khao San Road, The Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. The rooms and the entire hotel are decorated exquisitely, providing world-class services. During your stay, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, the excellent art gallery, and free WiFi!
• Riva Surya Bangkok – Another superb option for anyone who wants to feel like a princess/prince while staying in the Khao San area! This beautiful modern hotel is only 5 minutes from Khao San Road and offers stunning views over the river and indoor and outdoor dining options!

Middle-priced (US$80 – US$200)

• Baan Noppawong – My first recommendation for an excellent value for money in Khao San Road. This hotel is hosted in one of the few colonial houses left in Bangkok, and it only has 7 guest rooms where you can stay. The rooms are beautiful, with wooden floors and ceilings and Thai antiquities!
• Old Capital Bike Inn – Another great option in Khao San Road awaits you with excellent, clean rooms decorated with hand-painted porcelain and classical furniture! You will benefit from free WiFi during your stay and a great breakfast, and I recommend you serve delicious coffee at their on-site coffee shop!

Budget (Up to US$80)

• Bangkok Saran – One of the most gorgeous 3-star Bangkok hotels, located only 10-minutes away from Khao San Road by foot and super close to Wat Arun, offers magnificent city views from the rooms! Of course, you will also get free WiFi, and you can choose from different types of rooms, including a single or a 5-person room.
• Villa Phra Sumen – An accessible accommodation located only 1.6 km from Grand Palace and 600 m from Khao San Road. This lovely place features a beautiful garden, tidy rooms, and Thai and international restaurants that can be found within walking distance of the hotel!

Book your stay in Khao San here

6. Chinatown – where to stay in Bangkok for foodies

This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bangkok! Set in the early 1780s, this neighborhood is a genuine Chinese neighborhood full of incredible street food stalls offering tasty Thai food, fresh seafood, roasted duck, dim sum, and traditional desserts.

As you can imagine, the streets of Chinatown are full of life and, of course, neon signs that give this great area a unique atmosphere! Even though you can find something to do everywhere in this neighborhood, Yaowarat Road is full of world-class street food vendors!

So if you think this is the best area that suits your need, here are the best accommodation options:

Luxury ($160 and up)

• The Unforgotten B&B – Set 3 km from Jim Thompson House Museum and 3.1 km from Wat Saket. The Unforgotten B&B offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant, and a shared lounge.
• The Mustang Blu – This incredible hotel features a terrace and views of this busy city. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi, what else can you wish for?

Middle-priced (US$70 – US$160)

• Tamni – This fantastic hostel provides accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. It also has a shared kitchen, and you can be sure that you will find a seating area in your room and free WiFi.
• Ama Hostel – An adult-only accommodation just perfect and beautifully decorated! Among the facilities, Ama Hostel offers a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar where you can enjoy and have a beer!

Budget (Up to US$70)

• Ago Hotel – Featuring a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge, this budget hotel is the perfect option if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on your stay!  
• Hostel Urby – Conveniently located within walking distance of many restaurants, this three star adults-only hostel awaits you with a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. It is also close to Princess Mother Memorial Park, the Museum of Siam, and all the main tourist attractions!

👑 Luxury price:	$180
💵 Mid Range:	$100
🛏️ Budget:	$80
💰 Accommodation prices:	Low
📍 Best neighborhood:	Sukhumvit
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Adelphi Suites
👛 Best budget hotel:	Ekanek Hostel

BONUS 1: Best hotels for families in Bangkok

Even though Bangkok is a vibrant and diverse city with a vivid nightlife and many fun activities, at the same time, it is a very family-friendly place with different areas and hotels that can provide the peace and relaxation needed for a great vacation.

There are many child-friendly hotels in Bangkok for all budgets and preferences. Here are my recommendations:

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Banyan Tree Bangkok -If you and your family want to be spoiled with luxury during their stay in Bangkok, this is the best option. The spacious rooms offer gorgeous views over the city, and the guests can enjoy free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. During your stay, I suggest you spend some relaxing time at Vertigo and Moon, one of the best rooftop bars, and enjoy yourself!
• Oriental Residence Bangkok – Another fantastic 5-star hotel in Bangkok that offers world-class service. The rooms are bright and have a kitchen, which is super convenient, especially if you are traveling with smaller kids! This gorgeous hotel is close to Lumphini Park, a beautiful place where you can take a walk and relax with your children!

Middle-priced (US$150 – US$200)

• Shanghai Mansion – Housed in a refurbished building originally built in 1892, Shanghai Mansion recreates the elegance of Shanghai in the 1930s. It is located in Bangkok’s Chinatown and offers a restaurant, a jazz bar, and free WiFi access.
• Novotel Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit Ploenchit is another excellent 4-star hotel close to Ploenchit BTS Skytrain Station in the Sukhumvit area. This grand hotel awaits you with an outdoor pool, rooftop bar, fitness center, sauna, and personal trainers!

Budget (Up to US$150)

• Talakkia Boutique Hotel is one of the best budget places and a gorgeous boutique hotel in Bangkok to stay with your family! You can book a family room with a private bathroom and enjoy free WiFi, on-site dining, clean rooms with city views, and a delicious breakfast every morning!
• Theatre Residence – is another one of the best budget places in Bangkok for families traveling to the city on a tight budget. This hotel is close to Wang Lang Pier. It awaits you with an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery and a dining room serving snacks, beverages, and a la carte specialties.

BONUS 2: Best hotels near the airport

Even though Bangkok has 2 airports, most international tourists land through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). As you can imagine, BKK Airport is far from the city, which can be an issue if you are traveling on a tight schedule or have a layover and want to catch a quick nap.

Either way, one of the best options is to stay near the BKK Airport, so you can have a relaxing day (or night) while waiting on your flight.

• Luxury: Summit Windmill Golf Residence – If I’m being honest, this is one of the best hotels I’ve seen! This residence features free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, an outdoor pool and a golf course. Its location is just another plus – just 15 minutes away from the airport!
• Mid Range: Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi – Offering an infinity outdoor pool,  restaurants, a fitness center, Le Meridien Family Kids Club and luggage storage, this incredible resort will make you want to postpone another day of your flight!
• Budget: Ploen Pirom – Just 8 km away from the airport, this budget hotel has an on-site restaurant serving incredible Thai food, free private parking, a garden, and a bar where you can enjoy local beers, wine and cocktails!

FAQs about the best hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

Conclusion

We are done! I’m sure you are ready to visit Southeast Asia, right? I have recommended the top 6 neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, all with different hotel options. Whether you are looking for a luxury 5-star hotel, traveling on a budget, or traveling with family, I’m sure I covered everything!

To make things easier for you if you still can’t decided, here are my top hotel picks:

• Tower Club At Lebua – One of the best luxury hotels! You will definitely feel like Thai royalty if you stay here.
• The Mustang Blu – if you are a foodie and love street food but still want to have a luxurious stay, this is the best option for you!

Just a reminder, Bangkok is an incredible place to visit, so most hotels tend to be fully booked in the blink of an eye. If you find the best fit for your vacations, book ASAP!

And if you want to learn more about this beautiful country, I can find all my articles about Thailand here.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to tell me in the comments below. I am always curious to hear from my readers!

Yulia

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