Where To Stay In Bangkok: Best Neighborhoods And Hotels

When it comes to figuring out where to stay in Bangkok, there are lots of neighborhoods to choose from since the capital is massive in size. It thrives on the tourism industry with plenty of things to see and do, and the different neighborhoods have adjusted to suit visitors for many travel needs.

To make it easier to find the best hotels in Bangkok, no matter if you're traveling solo, as a couple or with family or friends, I’ve divided the city into seven of its most popular neighborhoods and then listed some of the best hotels to stay.

The Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In Bangkok

When planning where to stay in Bangkok, I recommend you consider these top neighborhoods:

• Sukhumvit: Ideal for first-time visitors due to its central location, great nightlife, and easy access to shopping malls and restaurants.
• Siam Square: Perfect for shoppers with its proximity to major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and MBK Center, mostly luxury hotels.
• Silom: Great for families with kids, offering family-friendly accommodations, and nearby parks like Lumpini Park, plus easy access to entertainment and dining.
• Khao San Road & Old City: Best for a young backpacker crowd and nightlife enthusiasts. As well as those wanting to be near cultural landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
• Thonburi: A more traditional area of Bangkok ideal for budget travelers and longer-term stays, offering a glimpse into local life with affordable guesthouses and authentic street food experiences.
• Riverside: Perfect for luxury stays with its upscale hotels offering stunning views of the Chao Phraya River, along with fine dining and spa facilities.
• Chinatown: A haven for foodies with its bustling markets, street food stalls, and eateries serving authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine.

1. Where to Stay in Bangkok for First-Time Visitors: Sukhumvit

Best area for: First-time visitors, shopping, nightlife, couples, families, multicultural.

Sukhumvit is considered Bangkok’s leading commercial district. One of the four major highways of Thailand runs right through the area. This highway, called Sukhumvit Road, brings in locals for shopping as well as many tourists who seek to explore the numerous sois or side streets for shopping, food stalls and massage places.

If you’re interested in the best place to stay in Bangkok for your very first time visiting the city, then this area will be great for you! It's got a little bit of everything – social activity, shopping, nightlife, spas and even some majorly delicious food. If you stay in Sukhumvit, you can still enjoy numerous green parks such as Benchakitti Park or Lumphini Park, one of my personal favorites!

To find cultural and historical attractions, you will need to get out of the area. Luckily, other parts of Bangkok are well connected from here via its public transport through the MRT and BTS stations. It's easy to use, so traveling to another district is a breeze, plus you can save time and avoid the heavy traffic.

I personally love staying around Sukhumvit because the area is a great mix, filled with street stalls, massive five-star hotels, and lots of smaller shops, galleries, and boutiques where you can also find some of Bangkok's hidden gems.

The Best Hotels in Sukhumvit

Volve Hotel Bangkok

The Volve Hotel Bangkok is one of the most conveniently located hotels in Sukhumvit because it is close to the Thong Lo BTS station and numerous shopping centers. This hotel is excellent for couples and features must-have amenities, including air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and rooms of different shapes and sizes.

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SkyView Hotel Bangkok

This hotel includes desirable amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, a swimming pool, an airport shuttle, and a bar. The staff speaks numerous languages, including English. One feature that separates the Skyview Hotel Bangkok from the rest of the competition is the luxurious restaurants near the hotel, as well as the brief five-minute walk to the EmQuartier Shopping Mall.

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Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park

This hotel in Bangkok includes 1388 rooms and suites within close proximity to nearby restaurants and shopping centers, making it a popular hotel in Sukhumvit. Some key amenities include fast Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk. They also offer family rooms or larger 2-bedroom suites. I recommend booking your room with M Club lounge access.

The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park is in central Sukhumvit and has numerous in-house eating options like the Goji Kitchen & Bar, Chinese cuisine at The Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Japanese cuisine at Soba Factory, and Thai at Siam Tea Room.

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Tints of Blue Hotel

This hotel is located in a quieter section of Sukhumvit, making it excellent for couples. Sleep in well-designed hotel rooms with private balconies. There's also an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Asok BTS Station, while also close to the Emporium Shopping Mall and EmQuartier Shopping Mall.

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2. Where to Stay in Bangkok for Shopping: Siam Square

Best area for: Brand and luxury shopping, high fashion, 5-star hotels, couples, families.

Siam Square is an area of the city of deep contrasts, full of traditional points of interest, open-air shopping complexes, an overall innovative atmosphere, colleges and universities, and high fashion. Many flock to Siam Square because of its luxurious shopping centers and fashion scene, which makes it popular among international jetsetters.

Siam Square stretches across a large area from Rama 1 Road to the nearby Chulalongkorn University Campus and Phayathi Road, so there is tons of square footage and malls to explore.

If you want to find the best hotel to stay in Bangkok for shopping, then this is the location for you.

The Best Hotels in Siam Square

Mercure Bangkok Siam

One of the most attractive features of the Mercure Bangkok Siam is that it is within a 5-minute walk from MBK and Siam Shopping Centres as well as the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. This means you can stay in a lovely air-conditioned room and enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi before going out shopping or to try any of the numerous restaurants nearby.

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Pathumwan Princess Hotel

The Pathumwan Princess Hotel is located next to the MBK shopping center, so you don’t have to travel far to reach your destination. It is also conveniently located next to multiple restaurants and offers relaxing massage treatments and meditation rooms while air-conditioned and offering room service.

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LIT Bangkok Hotel

The LIT Bangkok is a modern hotel close to BTS National Stadium Skytrain Station and Siam Paragon. An in-house spa is available and an on-site restaurant serves international cuisine. This hotel is close to nearby shopping centers and it also has an airport shuttle to help you transport all your shopped goodies back home.

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Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok

This non-smoking hotel is well-known for its infinity pool and excellent room service. It's close to many of the local shopping centers. Each room includes a minibar, an electric kettle and a TV with international channels. Check with the front desk to make local restaurant reservations and find the best locations for spa or massage treatments in the area. International cuisine is available, and the entire hotel is air-conditioned for your comfort.

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3. Where to Stay in Bangkok for Families with Kids: Silom

Best area for: Families with kids, shopping, business travelers, night markets, good public transport connection.

Not everyone traveling to Bangkok is interested in raving nightlife or excessive shopping. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Bangkok for families, then Silom is the neighborhood for you. This region is actually one of Bangkok’s most significant financial districts and is home to fine hotels, small malls, great restaurants, and some of the best public transportation available.

You’ll be able to reach every other popular neighborhood in Bangkok in less than an hour and be back in time for dinner. Plus, this neighborhood is friendly for young children and the crowds are reasonable, so you can walk during the busiest hours and be right.

There are some exciting daytime activities nearby like Thailand’s Creative & Design Center (TCDC) Library and Exhibition space. At night, Asiatique The Riverfront is a great place for sunset and beyond.

Note though, that Silom transforms after dark and comes alive at night as it’s Bangkok’s original red-light district and Patpong Road and Soi Thaniya have lots of go-go bars and massage houses that are rather suspicious-looking.

The Best Hotels in Silom

Lebua at State Tower

This hotel is known for its spectacular river and city views while being close to many of the public transport, making it an oasis of luxury within the Silom district. Families who stay here are close to some of Thailand’s most popular attractions but can also sit back, relax, and enjoy luxurious restaurants and local cuisine.

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SO/ Bangkok

Located right next to beautiful Lumphini Park with some rooms overlooking the green oasis, you'll be treated to luxury amenities and an infinity pool overlooking the skyline. SO/ Bangkok also has a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotels' location offers easy access to many of Bangkok’s important landmarks, it is a mere ten-minute walk from Silom Road and Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain Station.

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Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

This hotel is a five-minute walk from Chongnonsri BTS Skytrain Station and is conveniently located next to many of the cultural and historical sites in the Silom region, making it one of the best hotels for families. It offers many of the typical amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi and also offers a complimentary shuttle and on-site restaurants and bars.

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Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

The luxurious Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, connected to Surasak BTS Skytrain Station, offers an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and three dining options. All rooms are modern and air-conditioned with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee facilities.

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4. Where To Stay In Bangkok For Nightlife & Close To The Grand Palace: Khao San Road & Old City

Best area for: Nightlife, a young crowd, backpackers, budget travelers, easy access to the river & the Grand Palace.

The Old City and Khao San neighborhoods are close to the Grand Palace and are definitely the center of the universe for individuals who want an authentic Bangkok experience not dominated by shopping or luxury. If you're wondering where to stay in Bangkok for budget travelers and backpackers, it will have to be on Khao San Road!

The area is home to a lot of hostels, budget guesthouses and mid-price hotels. There are tons of backpacker trails, street market stalls, and cheaper food options too.

If you’re traveling in a group and looking to party, Khao San is also an excellent location. The energy in this area is buzzing and popular with young people and college students.

The Best Hotels in Khao San

Due to its popularity with backpackers and young adventurers, many local hotels are budget-friendly, especially for group stays. Here are the best hotels for backpackers and budget traveler that I recommend:

• Riva Surya Bangkok: Located by the river and within walking distance to the Grand Palace – Check rates on Booking.com
• Neighbor Phuthon: Quiet, more residential, a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road – Check rates on Booking.com
• BED STATION Hostel Khaosan: In the perfect location, clean and very social hostel, even has a gym – Check rates on Booking.com
• Chillax Resort: Boasts some extra features like a pool, just a few streets away from the party areas – Check rates on Booking.com

5. Best Traditional Area To Stay In Bangkok + Good For Lower Budget: Thonburi

Best area for: A local Thai atmosphere, more residential, budget travelers, couples, longer stays.

Thonburi is a more traditional neighborhood in Bangkok and is on the other side of the Chaophraya River because it was originally a separate city. It is characterized by its interesting layers of depth that won’t intrigue a short-term visitor but are great for exploring if you plan a longer stay in Bangkok.

Plus, there are numerous regions of historical significance since Thonburi was traditionally the home of new settlers in Bangkok coming from countries like China, India, and Portugal.

The Best Hotels in Thonburi

Since Thonburi is a more traditional neighborhood, many of the local hotels are in the mid-price range. If you want to stay near the riverside and enjoy classic amenities like in-house restaurants and spas, then two fabulous hotels are for you:

• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort: Most luxe hotel by the river, great breakfast buffet – Check rates on Booking.com
• Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok Hotel: Great rooms and an even greater rooftop pool area – Check rates on Booking.com
• PAMAhouse Boutique Hostel: Choice of dorm or private rooms, it's clean and super chill – Check rates on Booking.com
• The Pattern Boutique Hotel: Private comfortable rooms with bathroom and great breakfast – Check rates on Booking.com

6. Where to Stay in Bangkok for Luxury Hotels: Riverside

Best area for: Luxury 5-star hotels, near the river, scenic views, easy access to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

If you’re seeking a high-end luxury stay while in Bangkok, then the Riverside neighborhood is for you. This location, once the traditional heartland of the city, today retains many of its historic roots. You’ll be able to enjoy water taxis, scenic parks, old temples and palaces, and historical landmarks all at your doorstep. All you have to do is choose any of the luxurious five-star hotels and book your room.

This area straddles the river and remains a seductive area for tourists, especially because the atmosphere is pleasant and far calmer than that of the rest of the city, which is also great for families.

The Best Hotels in Riverside

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

This hotel houses multiple award-winning restaurants, a luxury spa, a massage center, a fitness center, and the rooms come with every possible amenity. Close to public transport, it’s easy for you to visit other neighborhoods in Bangkok.

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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok offers luxurious 5-star accommodation with amenities including a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and a bar. Indulge at the buffet breakfast each morning. Some rooms feature balconies, and the hotel also has a sauna and options for cycling hire.

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Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

This hotel building is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and includes suites with phenomenal city and river views. All of the rooms feature classic amenities like mini bars, air conditioning, and turndown service. Get pampered at the spa and or sweat it all out at the fitness center. One thing that makes this hotel unique is that it features a private dock that has a river shuttle service available every 15 minutes to reach other parts of the city.

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7. Where To Stay In Bangkok For Foodies: Chinatown

Best area for: Foodies, street food paradise, budget stays, a cultural melting pot, markets, festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Besides all of the food, Chinatown is popular destination for its wooden shop-houses and shoppers flock to this 1 km main road to visit market stalls and gold shops.

If you’re foodies, then Bangkok's Chinatown is for you. This neighborhood is one of the largest of its kind in the world and remains a popular tourist attraction and food haven for people interested in trying street cuisine. Foodies can find a little bit of everything here, including traditional Thai dishes, Chinese variants, and even strange Western foods that seem out of place amidst the cultural dishes.

The Best Hotels in Chinatown

Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown

A more traditional hotel in the Chinatown with standard amenities, including air conditioning, a saltwater pool and free Wi-Fi. Although this building as close to the street food centers, it is walkable from the public transportation systems, making it easy to get around during your stay.

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Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

This boutique hotel is within walking distance of Hua Lumpong MRT station, local nightlife and attractions and features a cozy library where you can play board games and relax if it's too hot to go outside.

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103 – Bed and Brews

Located near street food centers in Chinatown and nearby the Golden Buddha Temple. Enjoy air conditioned rooms complete with a private bathroom while remaining within budget. There is free Wi-Fi, housekeeping, a local bar and restaurant.

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Luk Hostel

The Luk Hostel is a simple air-conditioned hostel option that includes a bar and is near attractions like the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace. Enjoy a clean shared bathroom as well as a complimentary breakfast before you begin a day of exploring Bangkok.

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Where To Stay In Bangkok – Final Words

When considering where to stay in Bangkok, the city offers so many different options tailored and areas. From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses run by Thai families, Bangkok caters to all.

Choosing the perfect base in Bangkok is crucial as distances are large and traffic is heavy. Nevertheless, Bangkok is a city meant to be explored beyond the confines of your accommodation so don't forget to venture beyond the neighborhood you decide to stay in.