Where to Stay in Bangkok: The 7 Best Areas and Hotels for Every Type of Traveller

The good news is that there is no shortage of great places to stay in Bangkok. You can sleep in a high-rise hotel overlooking the city, stay beside the Chao Phraya River, wake up within walking distance of Bangkok's biggest shopping malls or base yourself in a quieter neighbourhood filled with independent cafés and restaurants.

For a first trip to Bangkok, I would pay particular attention to public transport. Staying within short walking distance of a BTS Skytrain or MRT station can save you a surprising amount of time, especially if you're visiting during busy hours. Sukhumvit, Silom and Siam are particularly convenient for this, while the Old City and riverside areas offer a completely different experience but rely more on boats, taxis and walking.

So, where should you stay in Bangkok? In this guide, I'll take you through the best areas to stay in Bangkok, what each neighbourhood is like, who it’s best for, what you can expect nearby and some of the best hotels in each area. It’s all based on my countless visits to the city and having explored and stayed all over Bangkok over the years.

Quick Answer: Where is the best area to stay in Bangkok?

There isn't one single answer because the best area depends on what you want from your Bangkok trip. I’ll come bak with more in-depth descriptions in the article, but if you’re short on time, here is a short summary.

Sukhumvit is one of the easiest choices for first-time visitors, especially if you want restaurants, shopping, nightlife and excellent public transport.

Silom and Sathorn are a good option if you want a more polished city atmosphere, rooftop bars, restaurants and easy access to both the BTS and MRT.

Siam and Pathum Wan are ideal for shoppers and families who want to be surrounded by huge shopping malls and excellent transport connections.

Riverside is where I'd look if the hotel itself is an important part of the experience. The Chao Phraya views, luxury hotels and river boats give this part of Bangkok a completely different atmosphere.

The Old City and Rattanakosin are better for travellers who want to be close to Bangkok's temples and historic sights rather than modern shopping and nightlife.

Chinatown is a fantastic choice if food is one of your main reasons for visiting Bangkok. Yaowarat comes alive at night, with street food, restaurants, markets and narrow lanes to explore.

And then there is Ari, which is a very different side of Bangkok. It is quieter, more residential and filled with cafés, independent restaurants and a more local atmosphere.

Map of the Best Hotels in Bangkok

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Bangkok to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Sukhumvit – Where to Stay in Bangkok for First-Time Visitors

If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time and don't really know where to start, Sukhumvit is probably the easiest place to look.

Sukhumvit is a huge area, though, so don't simply book a hotel because it says "Sukhumvit" in the name. The neighbourhood stretches a long way along Sukhumvit Road and the atmosphere changes considerably from one part to another.

My recommendation is to look at hotels in or around the sections called Asok, Phrom Phong and Thong Lo. These areas are served by the BTS Skytrain and have an enormous choice of restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, bars and hotels. Asok is particularly convenient because BTS Asok connects with MRT Sukhumvit, giving you access to two major public transport lines.

My favourite area is around Thong Lo where you’ll find plenty of really good restaurants, cool bars and some of the more popular rooftop bars not far away.

Best Hotels in Sukhumvit

Grande Centre Hotel Terminal21

If convenience is your priority, it is hard to beat this one. The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 21 and the Asok BTS and MRT interchange, so you can get around Bangkok without spending half your day sitting in traffic.

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Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

This is a modern five-star hotel in Asok, with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and nice city views. It is particularly appealing if you want a luxury hotel without having to stay in one of Bangkok's ultra-expensive hotels.

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Grande Point Sukhumvit 55 Thong Lo

Located in the Thong Lo part of Sukhumvit, this hotel puts you closer to Bangkok's trendy restaurant and café scene while still giving you BTS access. The property has a large outdoor pool and spa facilities, making it a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing and comfort.

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Silom & Sathorn – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Rooftop Bars and City Life

Silom and Sathorn are two of my favourite areas to consider if you want a central Bangkok location without staying directly in the middle of the tourist-heavy Sukhumvit scene.

These neighbouring districts are Bangkok's major business area during the day, but after work the area changes considerably. You'll find restaurants, cocktail bars, rooftop bars, night markets and plenty of places to go for dinner and drinks.

The transport connections are excellent, with BTS stations including Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi and Surasak, as well as MRT stations around Silom and Lumphini. Lumphini Park is also nearby, which is the perfect spot for a run or morning walk.

Silom is generally livelier, particularly around Sala Daeng and Patpong, while Sathorn tends to feel more polished and residential. If you want rooftop bars and restaurants but don't want to stay in Sukhumvit, this is an area I'd definitely consider.

Best Hotels in Silom & Sathorn

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Banyan Tree is one of the area's best-known luxury hotels and is famous for its spectacular Vertigo and Moon Bar rooftop. The high-rise rooms, spa and skyline views make this a particularly memorable choice if you're looking for a special Bangkok stay.

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The Standard Mahanakhon

The Standard is one of Bangkok's more distinctive hotels, occupying part of the striking King Power Mahanakhon tower. The interiors are colourful and playful, while the rooftop pool, restaurants and bars make the hotel almost a destination in itself.

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The Sukhothai Bangkok

The Sukhothai offers a completely different experience from Bangkok's glass-and-steel high-rises. Set among gardens, lotus ponds and traditional Thai-inspired architecture, it feels surprisingly peaceful despite being in the middle of the city.

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Siam & Pathum Wan – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Shopping

If shopping is high on your Bangkok itinerary, Siam is the area to look at. This is Bangkok's major shopping district, with enormous malls connected by the BTS Skytrain and pedestrian walkways. Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and MBK are all within easy reach, while CentralWorld is also nearby.

The big advantage of staying around Siam is that you're not just surrounded by shops. Siam is also one of Bangkok's major transport hubs, making it easy to use the BTS to reach Sukhumvit, Silom and other parts of the city.

This is also one of the areas I'd consider for families. Having shopping malls nearby means plenty of restaurants, cafés, cinemas and indoor spaces when Bangkok's heat becomes too much.

The downside is that Siam is busy and commercial. If you're looking for quiet little streets and local charm, I'd choose Ari or the Old City instead.

Best Hotels in Siam & Pathum Wan

Siam Kempinski Hotel

This is one of Bangkok's luxury city hotels and has the advantage of being right beside the Siam shopping district. Despite the central location, the hotel is designed around landscaped gardens and swimming pools, giving it much more of a resort feel than you might expect.

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Pathumwan Princess Hotel

Connected to MBK Center, this is particularly practical hotel for those who want shopping and transport right outside their door. It has a large outdoor pool, fitness facilities and a location within walking distance of Siam's other major malls.

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Anantara Siam Hotel

Anantara Siam combines traditional Thai-inspired design with a very central location close to Siam and Ratchaprasong. The hotel has several restaurants, a large pool and a more classic luxury feel than many of Bangkok's newer high-rise hotels.

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Bangkok Riverside – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Luxury and River Views

Staying along the Chao Phraya River is one of the best ways to experience a completely different side of Bangkok.

The riverfront feels slower and more atmospheric than areas such as Sukhumvit. You can watch long-tail boats and river ferries pass by, see temples from the water and return to a hotel with a pool overlooking the Chao Phraya.

This is also where you'll find some of Bangkok's most famous luxury hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental, Capella and Four Seasons.

The main disadvantage is transport. The Riverside doesn't have the same BTS coverage as Sukhumvit or Silom, so you'll rely more heavily on hotel shuttle boats, public boats, taxis and Grab. For some travellers this is a disadvantage, but for others being beside the river is exactly the point, so it’s really a personal choice

Best Riverside Hotels in Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental is one of Bangkok's legendary hotels and has occupied its riverside position for well over a century. It combines old-world elegance with excellent dining, a beautiful riverside setting and the hotel's famous Authors' Wing, making it a particularly atmospheric choice for a special stay.

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Capella Bangkok

Capella is a more contemporary take on riverside luxury, with beautifully designed rooms and suites overlooking the Chao Phraya. The property has a resort-like feel, excellent restaurants and private villas, making it particularly appealing if you want your Bangkok hotel to be part of the experience.

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Four Seasons Hotel at Chao Phraya River

Four Seasons feels more like an urban resort than a traditional city hotel, with multiple pools, landscaped spaces and several excellent restaurants. It is located in the creative Charoen Krung area, giving you access to galleries, cafés and restaurants as well as the river itself.

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Old City & Rattanakosin – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Temples and History

If your main reason for visiting Bangkok is to see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the city's historic heart, staying in the Old City can make a lot of sense.

This is Bangkok at its most traditional. Instead of skyscrapers and enormous shopping malls, you'll find temples, markets, old buildings, street food and the winding lanes of Rattanakosin.

The biggest disadvantage is public transport. Unlike Sukhumvit, there is no BTS running through the heart of the Old City, so you'll generally need to walk, use boats, MRT connections and taxis.

For me, this is an area where I'd consider staying for a couple of nights rather than automatically choosing it for a longer Bangkok trip. If you want to spend your days exploring temples and historic neighbourhoods, though, the location can be fantastic. If you’re staying in Bangkok for longer it could make sense to have a couple of days here for sightseeing temples and change hotel later on.

Best hotels in Bangkok's Old City

Riva Arun Bangkok

Riva Arun is a stylish boutique hotel close to the river and within easy reach of Wat Pho and other Old City attractions. Its rooftop restaurant and views across the Chao Phraya towards Wat Arun are particularly appealing in the evening.

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Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

This boutique hotel has one of the most atmospheric locations in the Old City, directly opposite Wat Arun across the river. The rooms are contemporary but the real attraction is the setting, particularly if you can book a room or restaurant table with a temple view.

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The Printing House Poshtel

For something more affordable, The Printing House Poshtel offers stylish hostel and private-room accommodation close to the Old City sights. It is a good choice for solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors who want to stay somewhere with more character than a basic budget hotel.

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Chinatown – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Food and Nightlife

Bangkok's Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is one of the most exciting areas to stay if you travel primarily for food.

During the day, the area is filled with shops, markets, temples and businesses, while after dark the streets become a huge food destination. You'll find everything from tiny street-food stalls to restaurants and cocktail bars hidden inside old shophouses.

Chinatown has also become increasingly popular with Bangkok's creative crowd, particularly around Talat Noi and the nearby Charoen Krung area. At the same time, it has retained much of its old-school character.

The MRT makes Chinatown considerably easier to access than it once was, although the area itself is definitely best explored on foot. It’s also a great area to base yourself in if you’re looking for more budget friendly accommodation.

Best Hotels in Chinatown

Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

Shanghai Mansion is one of Bangkok's most distinctive boutique hotels, with Chinese-inspired interiors and a strong sense of place. Its location in the middle of Yaowarat makes it particularly convenient if your main plan is to eat your way through Chinatown.

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ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

ASAI offers a more contemporary and affordable take on staying in Chinatown. The design is modern and social, while the location makes it easy to step outside and immediately find yourself surrounded by markets, restaurants and street food.

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Ba Hao Residence

Ba Hao Residence is a tiny boutique guesthouse above the popular Ba Hao bar, with only a handful of rooms. The interiors combine Chinese antiques, contemporary design and the character of an old Bangkok shophouse, making this one of the more unusual places to stay in Chinatown.

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Ari – Where to Stay in Bangkok for Cafés and a More Local Feel

If you've already been to Bangkok and want to experience a side of the city that feels a little less touristy, Ari is worth looking at.

Ari is a residential neighbourhood north of central Bangkok, centred around Ari BTS station. It has become known for independent cafés, restaurants, bakeries, bars and small creative businesses, while still feeling like a neighbourhood where people actually live.

It’s noticeably quieter than Sukhumvit and Siam, which can be a huge advantage if you are staying in Bangkok for a while. At the same time, the BTS means you can still get into central Bangkok without too much hassle.

The trade-off is that Ari isn't the most convenient base for someone with a very short itinerary packed with temples and major attractions. You'll be travelling further south for many of Bangkok's classic sights.

Best Hotels in Ari

The Yard Bangkok Hostel

The Yard is one of Ari's best-known places to stay and has a friendly, social atmosphere without feeling like a party hostel. It has private rooms as well as dorms, lots of greenery and communal spaces, making it particularly appealing to solo travellers.

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Craftsman Bangkok

Craftsman is a design-focused hotel with a more sophisticated feel than many of the area's smaller accommodation options. The hotel has a rooftop pool and restaurant, and its location works well if you want somewhere peaceful to return to after spending the day exploring Bangkok.

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Abloom Exclusive Serviced Apartments

If you're staying in Bangkok for a longer period, Abloom is worth considering because it offers apartment-style accommodation rather than a traditional hotel room. Having more space and facilities makes it particularly practical for longer stays, while the BTS keeps central Bangkok within easy reach.

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How many days should you stay in Bangkok?

I'd recommend at least three days in Bangkok, although four or five days gives you much more time to explore without constantly rushing from one attraction to another.

With three days, you can see some of the major temples and historic sights, explore Chinatown, visit a few markets and spend an evening at one of Bangkok's famous rooftop bars.

With five days, you can slow down and experience some of the neighbourhoods as well as the major attractions.

And if you're travelling long-term like I am, Bangkok is actually a great city to spend a couple of weeks or even longer in. There is enough food, shopping, cafés, nightlife and neighbourhoods to keep you busy without having to treat every day like a sightseeing marathon.

FAQ Abut Where To Stay in Bangkok

Is it better to stay in Sukhumvit or the Old City?

If this is your first time in Bangkok, Sukhumvit is generally more convenient for getting around the wider city. The BTS and MRT make it easy to reach shopping districts, restaurants and other neighbourhoods without being stuck in traffic.

The Old City is better if your trip is primarily about temples, history and traditional Bangkok. You'll sacrifice some transport convenience, but you'll be much closer to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the historic centre.

Personally, if I had four or five days in Bangkok and wanted to see a bit of everything, I'd choose a hotel near the BTS or MRT. If I had already visited Bangkok several times, I'd be much more tempted to stay somewhere like Chinatown or Ari.

Is Sukhumvit a good place to stay in Bangkok?

Yes, particularly if this is your first visit. The biggest advantage is convenience. Sukhumvit runs along the BTS Skytrain and has an enormous concentration of hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping malls and nightlife. Asok is particularly useful because the BTS and MRT meet there, while Phrom Phong and Thong Lo offer a slightly more upscale and relaxed atmosphere.

Just remember that Sukhumvit is huge. Staying near a BTS station is much more useful than simply booking somewhere because it has "Sukhumvit" in the hotel name.

What should you look for when booking a hotel in Bangkok?

The first thing I would check is the distance to the nearest BTS or MRT station.

Bangkok is huge, and traffic can completely change your plans. A hotel that looks only a few kilometres from an attraction on Google Maps may take much longer to reach by car than you expect.

I would also look for a pool, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months. Bangkok can be incredibly hot during the day, and having somewhere to cool off in the afternoon is a huge bonus.

If you're staying for more than a few nights, look at the room size and laundry facilities rather than focusing only on the hotel's star rating. Serviced apartments can be excellent value for longer stays.

Finally, look at exactly which soi or street the hotel is on. Bangkok's neighbourhoods can change dramatically within just a few blocks, particularly around Sukhumvit.

Where should I stay in Bangkok for nightlife?

Sukhumvit and Silom are two of the main areas to consider. Sukhumvit has everything from casual bars to clubs and rooftop venues, while Silom and Sathorn are particularly well known for rooftop bars and cocktail spots.

Where should I stay in Bangkok for shopping?

Siam is the obvious choice for serious shopping. You'll be close to Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, MBK and CentralWorld, with excellent BTS connections to the rest of Bangkok.

Is Bangkok Riverside a good place to stay?

Yes, especially if you value the hotel and atmosphere as much as transport convenience. The Riverside has some of Bangkok's most beautiful luxury hotels and spectacular river views, but you'll generally rely more on boats and taxis than you would in Sukhumvit or Silom.

Is Chinatown a good place to stay in Bangkok?

Chinatown is a great option for food lovers and repeat visitors. Yaowarat is packed with street food and restaurants, while nearby Talat Noi and Charoen Krung add cafés, galleries and creative spaces.

Is Ari a good place to stay in Bangkok?

Ari is a good choice if you want a quieter and more residential neighbourhood. It is especially appealing for longer stays, cafés and restaurants, although you'll spend more time travelling to the major tourist sights than you would from central Sukhumvit or Siam.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city where location matters more than the number of stars on your hotel.

A beautiful hotel on the wrong side of the city can leave you spending hours in traffic, while a simple hotel five minutes from a BTS station can make your entire trip easier.

For a first visit, I'd start my search around Sukhumvit or Siam. If you want something more atmospheric, look at the Riverside or Old City. For food and a more chaotic Bangkok experience, Chinatown is hard to beat, while Ari is a great choice if you want to slow down and experience a more residential side of the city.

Bangkok has an enormous range of accommodation, so there is no need to compromise too much. Decide what you want your neighbourhood to feel like first, then find the hotel that fits your budget.

That, in my opinion, is the easiest way to find the right place to stay in Bangkok.

Plan Your Trip to Bangkok

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Bangkok. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

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Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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-Ingrid

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