Where to stay in Bangkok: The best areas and 16 hotels

Bangkok is a city that spans a vast area, with dense traffic and a metro network that covers only part of it. The choice of area significantly impacts how much time you'll spend commuting and what kind of experience you'll have each evening.

Sukhumvit is the most popular area for foreign visitors, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife around the BTS stations. Silom is more business-oriented during the day and lively in the evening, while the Riverside area offers the most luxurious hotels with views of the Chao Phraya.

In this guide, you'll find four areas that cater to different needs, from travellers who want easy access to the metro to those who prefer the historic atmosphere near the Grand Palace.

What to see and do in Bangkok

Bangkok is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, and has been the country's capital since 1782, when King Rama I founded the Chakri dynasty and moved the capital from Thonburi to the opposite bank. Today, the wider metropolitan area exceeds 10 million inhabitants and covers an area of over 1,500 square kilometres, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest cities.

The historic centre, known as Rattanakosin, is the island where the original city was built, delineated by canals that resembled those of Venice, giving Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East" in the 19th century. Here you'll find the Grand Palace, built in 1782 and serving as the official residence of the kings for approximately 150 years, as well as the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha statue, Thailand's most sacred symbol, likely made from semi-precious jade and adorned with three different golden robes depending on the season.

Slightly further south is Wat Pho, known for its enormous 46-metre-long reclining Buddha statue, and also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage therapy, with a school operating within the temple since 1955 offering lessons to visitors. On the opposite bank of the river stands Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with its central pagoda approximately 70 metres high, decorated with porcelain fragments and shells, a technique reminiscent of the Chinese merchant ships that once arrived at the city's port.

Modern Bangkok developed rapidly after the 1960s, resulting in one of Asia's most impressive skylines today. The Sukhumvit area and Silom boast skyscrapers, shopping centres like Terminal 21 and ICONSIAM, and a network of BTS Skytrain and MRT subway lines, which opened in 1999 and 2004 respectively, to alleviate the city's infamous traffic congestion.

Food in Bangkok is among the best in the world in terms of quality and value. You'll find street food markets like Chinatown with streets full of small noodle and seafood stalls, as well as fine dining Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the legendary Jay Fai noodle shop, known for its crab omelette. Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Mango Sticky Rice are classic dishes you'll encounter everywhere, from street vendors to luxury hotels.

Distances within the city are considerable and traffic is often slow, so choosing a neighbourhood near a BTS or MRT station makes a big difference. From Sukhumvit to Rattanakosin is about 8 km, approximately 40 minutes by taxi due to traffic, or about 30 minutes combining BTS and a river taxi. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is often faster than a taxi for the journey to the temples, with a ticket costing just 15 to 30 baht depending on the line.

If you have time, a day trip to Chatuchak Market is worthwhile, one of the world's largest markets with over 8,000 stalls open only on weekends, or a boat trip through the canals of Thonburi to see old Bangkok away from the skyscrapers, with wooden houses on stilts that recall what the city was like a century ago.

For another perspective of the city, head up to a hotel or bar rooftop, such as the famous Sky Bar at Lebua, made famous by the film Hangover 2, to see the illuminated skyline at night. Bangkok completely transforms between day, with its heat and traffic, and night, when the markets light up and the temperature becomes more bearable for a stroll.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

The main international airport is Suvarnabhumi, approximately 30 km east of the city centre. The best option is the Airport Rail Link train, which reaches Phaya Thai station in about 30 minutes at a cost of around 45 baht, from where you can connect to the BTS Skytrain. A taxi from the airport to Sukhumvit costs approximately 300 to 400 baht plus tolls, taking 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.

The second airport, Don Mueang, mainly serves low-cost flights and is located about 25 km north of the centre. It does not have a direct rail connection, so the most convenient option is a taxi, costing around 250 to 350 baht and taking 40 to 60 minutes, or an express bus to the centre costing about 30 baht but taking longer.

In any case, at Suvarnabhumi, it is recommended to take a taxi from the official taxi stand on the ground floor, where you get a numbered slip, to avoid overcharging. Always ask for the meter to be switched on, as it is legally mandatory.

If you arrive late at night, the train stops operating around 1 am, so a taxi remains the only option. Many hotels also offer private transfers at a fixed price, which is useful if you are travelling with a lot of luggage.

The best areas to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is the most popular area for foreign visitors and expatriates, with a huge variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars around the BTS Asok, Nana, and Thong Lo stations. It's the best choice if you want easy access to the metro and many entertainment options.

Pros:

• Excellent connection with BTS Skytrain
• Wide variety of restaurants and bars
• Many shopping centres nearby

Cons:

• Can be noisy in the evenings
• Some areas have vibrant nightlife
• Distance from historic temples

Recommended accommodation:

1. Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Hotel with a pool and gym, near a BTS station.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

2. Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
Modern hotel with spacious rooms and city views.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

3. Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel
Practical choice next to Terminal 21 shopping centre.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

4. Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok
Hotel with a rooftop pool, on a quiet side street within Sukhumvit.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

5. Zenith Sukhumvit Hotel
Budget hotel near Nana, good for a short stay.

• Average cost: approximately 35€ per night

6. The Blocks Hostel Sukhumvit 10
Modern hostel with dorms and private rooms, popular with backpackers.

• Average cost: approximately 15€ per night

Silom

Silom is Bangkok's business district, bustling with offices during the day and lively at night with Patpong Market and many bars. It's a good base for those who want to combine easy access to MRT and BTS with relatively low prices.

Pros:

• Good connection with BTS Silom and MRT
• Lower prices compared to Sukhumvit
• Close to markets and street food

Cons:

• More business-like atmosphere during the day
• Fewer tourist amenities
• Some streets have a vibrant night market

Recommended accommodation:

7. I Residence Hotel Silom
Apartments with kitchenettes, a good option for longer stays.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

8. Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom by IHG
Reliable chain option with a pool, near BTS Chong Nonsi.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

9. Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom
Recently renovated hotel with comfortable rooms.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

10. Artino Hotel Silom
Small boutique hotel on a quiet side street in Silom.

• Average cost: approximately 40€ per night

11. Trinity Silom Hotel
Budget option with a good location near Patpong.

• Average cost: approximately 30€ per night

Riverside, Chao Phraya

The area around the Chao Phraya River is home to some of Bangkok's most luxurious hotels, offering river views and access to boat services that easily take you to the temples and Chinatown. It's a calmer option compared to Sukhumvit.

Pros:

• River views and sunsets
• Easy boat access to the temples
• Calmer atmosphere in the evening

Cons:

• Distance from BTS and MRT stations
• Fewer budget hotel options
• Requires a boat or taxi for many journeys

Recommended accommodation:

12. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Luxury resort with large gardens by the river.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

13. Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Hotel with a pool and river views, next to a free shuttle boat.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

14. The Royal River Hotel
Budget option with river views, near Khlong San.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

15. Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside
Modern hotel with a rooftop pool and river views.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

Rattanakosin, Old Town

Rattanakosin is the historic island where original Bangkok was built, with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun all nearby. It's the best option if you want to wake up close to the city's most important monuments and avoid heavy traffic.

Pros:

• Walking distance from the main temples
• Historic and picturesque atmosphere
• Close to good street food in Chinatown

Cons:

• Far from the BTS and MRT network
• Less nightlife
• Very crowded in the mornings around the temples

Recommended accommodation:

16. Royal Rattanakosin Hotel SHA Plus
Hotel next to Rajdamnoen Square, near Khao San Road.

• Average cost: approximately 35€ per night

17. Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Boutique hotel with Wat Arun views from the rooftop.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

18. 1905 Heritage Corner
Old mansion converted into a small hotel with traditional style.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

19. Khaosan Palace Hotel
Budget option right on the famous Khao San Road.

• Average cost: approximately 20€ per night

How much does accommodation in Bangkok cost?

Bangkok remains one of Asia's most affordable major destinations. A budget room in a guesthouse or simple hotel starts around 15 to 25 euros per night. Mid-range hotels with pools and good locations near BTS cost approximately 40 to 70 euros, while luxury hotels by the river or in the city centre exceed 120 to 200 euros per night.

There is no generalised city tax on accommodation like in European cities, but most mid-range and high-end hotels add a service charge and VAT, totalling around 17% to the bill, which often isn't shown in the initial online price.

Food is very cheap if you eat at street food stalls, with a plate of noodles or Pad Thai costing about 1.50 to 3 euros. A meal in a simple restaurant costs around 5 to 8 euros, while dinner in a mid-range restaurant with a drink costs approximately 15 to 25 euros per person. Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants start from 40 euros and upwards.

Transport is also inexpensive. A journey by BTS or MRT costs around 0.50 to 1.50 euros depending on the distance, while a metered taxi within the city usually costs 2 to 6 euros for short trips. Apps like Grab are popular and provide a fixed price before booking.

When to visit Bangkok

The best period is from November to February, when temperatures range around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius and humidity is lower compared to other months. This is the peak tourist season, so accommodation prices rise, and early booking is recommended.

From March to May, intense heat prevails, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, while the monsoon season from June to October brings daily downpours, usually short and heavy in the afternoon. Nevertheless, accommodation prices are lower during these months and the city is less crowded.

If your trip coincides with April, it's worth seeing Songkran, the Thai New Year in the middle of the month, with water festivities throughout the city. In November, Loy Krathong takes place, when thousands of small baskets with flowers and candles are released into canals and the river, one of the most beautiful sights you'll see in Thailand.

Practical tips for your stay

• Choose a room near BTS or MRT. Traffic in Bangkok can be very slow during peak hours, so proximity to a metro station saves a lot of time daily.
• Use a taxi app. Apps like Grab give you a fixed price before booking, helping you avoid haggling with drivers who might not use a meter.
• Beware of humidity in summer. If travelling from March to May, prefer a hotel with a pool, as the heat and humidity are intense all day.
• Book early for November and December. This is the period with the best weather conditions, so good hotels fill up quickly and prices rise.
• Try the river ferry for transport. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is cheap, fast, and takes you directly to the temples without needing a taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area is best for a first visit to Bangkok?

Sukhumvit is the most convenient option because it has excellent BTS connections and a wide variety of hotels and restaurants.

Is it better to stay by the river instead of Sukhumvit?

If you prefer a calmer atmosphere and views, yes, but you will need a boat or taxi for many journeys as the area is not served by BTS.

How many days are needed to see Bangkok?

Three to four days are sufficient for the main attractions and a day trip to a market or the canals.

Do I need to rent a car in Bangkok?

No, traffic is difficult, and the BTS, MRT, and boat networks cover most points of interest.

What is the cheapest period for accommodation in Bangkok?

The rainy season months, from June to October, usually have lower prices due to less tourist traffic.

Is it safe to stay near Khao San Road?

Yes, it is a busy tourist area, although it can be noisy at night due to the bars and street market.

Conclusion

The choice of area in Bangkok mainly depends on whether you want easy access to the metro or prefer the historic atmosphere near the temples. Sukhumvit and Silom are the most practical options for daily commuting, while the Riverside area and Rattanakosin offer a calmer and more picturesque stay.

Whichever area you choose, the combination of BTS, MRT, and Chao Phraya boat allows you to explore the entire city without great expense or delay.

See also our guides on where to stay in Dresden and where to stay in Cappadocia.