Are you wondering where to stay in Bangkok, Thailand? Well you’re in the right place because I’ve visited the Thai capital many, many times and have plenty of tips to share on all the best places to stay in Bangkok.
Thailand’s capital is known locally as Krung Thep – ‘the City of Angels’ and is home to over 11 million people. It’s a massive, exciting, vibrant, and diverse city with so many things to do and see – from golden temples and floating markets, to soaring skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. You’ll never get bored in Bangkok!
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, so there’s plenty of accommodation in Bangkok for all budgets and type of travelers. Most people start their Thailand adventures in the capital city, but this massive, sprawling megalopolis can get quite congested with traffic so it takes time to get around.
Bangkok can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors – some people love it, but some hate it. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Bangkok much on my first visit because I was staying in a noisy, seedy, area far away from the historic places I wanted to visit.
Now I know where to stay in Bangkok I have a much better experience and have grown to love the city. I think the key to having an enjoyable trip is planning your itinerary for Bangkok carefully and staying in a good area close to the attractions you want to visit to avoid stress and wasting time being stuck in traffic.
If it’s your first time I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Bangkok so that you don’t have to rush around. Treat yourself to a nice hotel and allow time to relax, get over the jet lag, acclimatize to the heat, and enjoy exploring at a more leisurely pace for a better experience.
To help you have a good experience I put together this guide that explains the best areas to stay in Bangkok with my recommendations of the best hotels for all budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels so there’s something to suit everyone!
But first, lets get to know the city a bit better so that you can decide which area is best for your trip!
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Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Bangkok
The sprawling megalopolis of Bangkok has many different districts, areas, and neighborhoods, each of which have their own character, attractions, and pros and cons.
So have a look at a map of Bangkok and choose a location to stay that has the kind of vibe your after and is close to the places you want to visit. It’s also important to consider proximity to public transport like ferry piers or the BTS and Skytrain to make getting around quicker and easier.
Some areas of Bangkok are older and more historic, whilst others are ultra modern. Some, like infamous Khao San Road, are very touristy but are close to the temples and palaces in the historic area of Old Bangkok. Other districts popular with visitors are right in the heart of the modern city offering easy access to all the food, shopping, and nightlife that Bangkok is famous for.
Areas like Sukhumvit and Siam are more modern, home to shopping malls, international restaurants and nightclubs catering to Thais and expats. While these districts are further away from the historic temples and tourist attractions they do offer easy access to the futuristic BTS skytrain and a more authentic insight into modern Thai lifestyle.
Map of Bangkok
Here’s a map of the popular areas to stay in Bangkok so you can get your bearings:
The Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok (A Quick Summary)
Here’s a quick rundown of the best areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Rattanakosin and Banglamphu – Best for first time visitors interested in history and backpackers wanting to party on Khao San Road.
- The Riverside – Best for first time visitors who want a more peaceful, luxurious stay.
- Chinatown – Best for foodies and budget travelers looking for a bustling, cultural, experience
- Sukhumvit – Best for modern hotels, restaurants, and nightlife with easy access to the rest of the city.
- Siam – Best for families and shopaholics seeking a modern central location while avoiding the red light districts.
- Silom and Sathorn – Best for business travelers seeking upscale, modern amenities.
- Lat Krabang – Best for layovers and easy access to Suvarnabhumi airport, but far from central Bangkok.
Carry on reading and I’ll go into more detail about these areas and recommend the best hotels in Bangkok for all budgets.
Accommodation Options in Bangkok
There is such a huge range of accommodation in Bangkok that you are literally spoilt for choice – there is something for every type of traveler and every budget.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap backpacker hostel or a budget guesthouse, a charming boutique hotel, homely serviced apartment, or a luxurious modern suite with a rooftop infinity pool, you will find plenty of options in all areas of the city.
Plus, Bangkok hotels are generally much cheaper than you’ll find in America or Europe so you can expect great value for money or splash out and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.
BTW: As hotel room rates fluctuate I’ve provided links to Booking.com so you can check the current price for your dates and check reviews. I’ve used affiliate links so if you find my recommendations useful and chose to book I can earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps to keep this site going so thank you!
Best Hotels in Bangkok – Quick Picks
I’ll go into more detail into the areas of Bangkok and top hotels later, but if you’re in a hurry here’s a quick rundown of the best hotels in Bangkok by type …
A note about Air BnB’s
One thing to be aware of though is that short term apartment rentals on places like Air BnB are technically illegal, because they do not have a hotel license.
One time, I stayed in an condo in Bangkok that I found on Air BnB and it felt rather uncomfortable. The check in process was like a dodgy treasure hunt in the middle of the night and there were signs everywhere warning that short term stays were illegal and subject to fines and imprisonment.
So if you are looking for an apartment I recommend staying in an serviced apartment/ aparthotel like Sabai Sathorn Hotel and Serviced Apartment with a license rather than Air bnb to avoid the stress.
The Best Places to Stay in Bangkok & Top Hotels in Each Area
Here is a detailed guide to the popular districts for visitors and top rated hotels for each price range to help you decide where to stay in Bangkok.
Old Bangkok – Rattanakosin, Banglamphu, and Khao San Road
If you want to explore the historic temples and tourist attractions then stay in Old Bangkok.
The oldest part of Bangkok is Rattanakosin island and the Banglamphu area where you’ll find historic attractions, palaces, temples, museums, and markets nestled alongside the Chao Phraya River, and the famous Khao San Road.
Attractions in this area include:
The iconic Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is located in Thonburi, on the other side of the river opposite Wat Pho. It’s easy to hop on a ferry to cross the river to explore Wat Arun but the best views are to be had from the Rattanakosin side.
Many of the most famous tourist attractions are located within walking distance to each other in this area and there’s plenty of accommodation and facilities catering to visitors which makes this the best place to stay in Bangkok for first time visitors interested in exploring the history and culture of Thailand, and for backpackers and budget travelers looking for nightlife.
While I would not recommend staying on noisy Khao San Road itself, there are plenty of quieter streets in the Khao San area, like Soi Rambuttri, and the surrounding neighborhood which also have hotels and restaurants.
This area is no longer just a place for budget backpackers, there is a wider range of accommodation which now attracts locals, families, couples and anyone wanting to be visit the temples, soak up the history, and enjoy the nightlife.
This area has retained it’s traditional atmosphere – there are no huge modern malls or high rises here but it did receive a big face lift during the pandemic. The distinctive old yellow and green shophouses have been refurbished and are now home to boutiques and cafes, the piers and waterfront areas have been redeveloped, and Khao San road has been smartened up whilst still retaining it’s lively bars and nightclubs.
One of the downsides of this area is that it feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the city. However, a new metro MRT line is being built along Samsen Road which will connect the area to the rest of Bangkok’s mass transit ensuring better connectively in the future.
For now, the best way to get to the modern parts of the city is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat, or the open top Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, down to Saphan Taksin where you can connect to the BTS skytrain and MRT.
Riding on the river boats is one of my favorite ways to explore Bangkok, it’s worth a trip down the river just to soak up the sights and enjoy the refreshing breeze.
Best Hotels in Old Bangkok
Luxury: Riva Arun – Elegant 4 star riverside hotel near Wat Pho perfect for couples. Highlights include an outdoor swimming pool, rooftop bar and restaurant, and and stylish rooms with romantic views of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. If it’s full try their sister hotel Riva Surya, located nearer Khao San Road
Boutique: Sala Rattankosin – A modern, boutique hotel with a roof terrace that also boasts stunning views of Wat Arun from some rooms
Mid Range: Nouvo City Hotel – Great value 4 star hotel with 2 pools and canal views just 10 minutes walk from Khao San road.
Budget: Rambuttri Village Plaza – Long standing popular cheap hotel offering a variety of private rooms, a restaurant and rooftop pool. It’s located on cute, quiet, Soi Rambuttri opposite Khao San road so you can have easy access but still get a good nights sleep.
Backpacker: Bed Station Hostel Khao San – A clean, sociable hostel with shared dorms, private rooms and sociable common areas close to the nightlife on Khao San road.
Riverside
If you’re looking for peaceful, luxurious experience then the riverside area is unbeatable. Most of Bangkok’s best luxury hotels are located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river and offer stunning views, refreshing riverside breezes and an escape the traffic clogged streets and urban sprawl.
Bangkok was known as ‘The Venice of the East’ due to it’s vast network of canals centred around the Chao Phraya River so by staying on the riverside you can enjoy easy access via river boat to both historic sights like Wat Arun as well as modern malls like Icon Siam and Asiatique, which has a massive ferris wheel.
The Riverside area is a traditional area of the city, although the newly built brand name hotels have modernised the area and made it much more tourist friendly. The area is home to chic rooftop bars, beautiful temples and palaces, shopping centres and fine-dining restaurants. It’s a charming area with a fantastic mix of old and new and one of my favourite places to stay in Bangkok.
Staying on the east side of the river is more convenient location-wise but hotels on the west side are usually cheaper and many have their own river ferry offering a free shuttle to transfer you Central Pier on the other side where you can connect to the BTS skytrain or take a Chao Phraya River Cruise.
Best Hotels on the Riverside
Luxury: The Mandarin Oriental – Bangkok’s first and still best luxury hotel offers timeless charm, stunning riverside views, and the royal treatment
Family Friendly – Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – A sprawling 5 star resort with a large pool, 10 dining options, a kids club, and plenty of place to run around.
Boutique Hotel – The Siam Hotel, – A romantic and elegant classically styled boutique hotel on the riverfront
Mid-Range: The Millennium Hilton Bangkok for it’s breath taking sky beach and spacious rooms with stunning views, or the Lebua at State Tower – home to the famous sky bar from the movie ‘The Hangover.’
Budget – Kaloang Home – A charming, traditional Thai style home located right along the river in the Dusit area offering air conditioned private rooms and a riverside restaurant.
Chinatown
Chinatown is an area of Old Bangkok situated along the Chao Phraya River just south of Rattanakosin and the Grand Palace but before you get to Siam and Silom in modern Bangkok.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest and most authentic in the world. The heart of Chinatown is Yaraowat Road where you’ll find colourful Chinese temples, gold shops and piles of street food.
Just across the road from Chinatown Gate is Wat Tramit (the Golden Buddha Temple) one of the most famous temples in Bangkok. Talat Noi is also a lovely area to explore with colorful street art.
In the evening, bustling Yarowat Road comes alive with street food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. Chinatown has plenty of budget accommodation options but you won’t find many international chain luxury hotels in this area.
Staying in Chinatown offers a vibrant, cultural experience and a convenient location between old and new Bangkok. It’s especially convenient for Hua Lamphong Train Station and the 2 MRT stations offers easy access around the city.
Chinatown is the best place to stay in Bangkok for street food although it may seem a bit too crowded and chaotic for first time visitors. But I still recommend checking it out or taking a food tour here even if you decide not to stay in this area.
Best Hotels in Chinatown
Luxury: Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown – One of the few fancy modern hotels with rooftop salt water pool in this area.
Boutique: Shanghai Mansion – Unique boutique hotel on Yaowarat Road styled in a 1920’s Shanghai theme
Mid Range: Tamni – Contemporary hotel steps from Hua Lampong train station with a chic cafe offering everything from dormitories to family rooms, or, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown for clean, modern rooms near Yaowarat road.
Budget: Hostel Urby – Affordable dorms and private rooms in a lovely riverside terrace cafe and bar
Sukhumvit
If you’d prefer to stay in a more modern part of Bangkok and be close to all the action then consider the Sukhumvit area in the heart of the city center.
The Sukhumvit area is popular with tourists, expats and locals. It’s home to affluent residential areas, mid range and luxury hotels, shopping centres, fitness centres, cinemas, restaurants and bars.
While it doesn’t have many historical tourist attractions it still has plenty to offer. From street food stalls serving up cheap and delicious Thai food, to upscale international and Thai restaurants, fancy rooftop bars and lively night clubs, this area of Bangkok has it all.
If you need a break from the urban sprawl or want to get some exercise then luckily Benchakitti Park, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and Lumphini Park are easily accessible from Sukhumvit.
Some of the best shopping centers in this area include high end malls like Emporium and EmQuartier and Terminal 21, a unique mall where each level is themed on a famous cities around the world.
Even if you’re not into shopping it’s interesting to have a look around these malls and observe the Bangkokian lifestyle while enjoying the cool air conditioning.
The Sukhumvit area is also one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for nightlife. Head to Soi 11, trendy Thonglor and Ekkamai for some of Bangkok’s best bars and nightclubs.
However, be aware that some parts of Sukhumvit may not be for everyone, especially families with children, as it’s also home to numerous go go bars and adult entertainment centres like the infamous Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy.
Best Hotels in Sukhumvit
Luxury: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit– Award winning 5 star hotel with an excellent spa, gym, tropical pool, and 6 dinning options. It’s an oasis in the middle of Sukhumvit.
Luxury: The Bangkok Marriot Sukhumvit – A swish 5 star high rise hotel home to the popular Octave rooftop lounge and offering direct access to Thonglor BTS station.
Luxury: Skyview Hotel Sukhumvit – Great location near Emporium mall, spacious rooms with stunning views, beautiful rooftop infinity pool – what’s not to like!
Mid Range: Eleven Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – Great value for money in a great location for nightlife offering all the facilities of a 5 star at an affordable price. Or, Hotel Clover Asoke – A centrally located 4 star hotel with a rooftop bar and infinity pool and stylish rooms with floor to ceiling windows.
Apartment: Jasmine Grand Residence – Offers a selection of studios, suites, and apartments with a pool complete with waterslides – a great option for families or longer stays.
Budget: Sakura Sky Residence – Newly renovated, budget friendly rooms with a Japanese restaurant and rooftop bar in an unbeatable central location.
Backpacker: Rezt Bangkok – Clean and modern hostel offering both shared dorms and private rooms
Siam Square and Pratunam
Siam Square is hands down the best place to stay in Bangkok for shopaholics, or anyone looking for a centrally located and well connected area from which to explore the Thai capital.
The Siam area is also known as Pathum Wan, and is Bangkok’s main shopping district. North of this lies Pratunam, Ratchatewi and up and coming Ari which are also good locations to stay in Bangkok with plenty of budget hotels offering better quality and prices than those in Banglamphu.
Siam Square is where you’ll find multiple huge malls, attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants and BTS stations. You won’t find so much nightlife or girly bars here which makes it a good choice for families with children.
Siam is not just about shopping though, there are also cultural attractions here, plenty of good food and it’s not far from Lumphini Park.
Attractions in Siam include:
- MBK Center,
- Siam Discovery,
- Siam Center,
- Siam Paragon,
- Central World,
- Siam Ocean World,
- Madame Tussaud’s,
- Jim Thompson’s House.
- Siam Skyscape
- Erawan Shrine,
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre,
Most of the malls are upscale so if you’re on the hunt for bargains try MBK or Pratunam Market. If you’d like to get a glimpse of Old Bangkok in this area then check out the American silk trader Jim Thompson’s House and Museum.
Siam is also great for foodies, the malls all have food courts offering a huge range of global cuisines and there’s plenty of street food and restaurants to choose from too.
Plus, it’s one of the best areas in terms of public transportation, boasting six BTS stations including Phaya Thai Airport Link. Another thing I love about this area is the Saen Saep Express Boat that goes along the canal (klong) and takes you to the Golden Mount. It’s also close to the Victory Monument where a lot of mini buses leave from so it’s handy for taking day trips out of the city too.
Best Hotels in Siam
Ultra Luxury: Siam Kempinski Hotel – A timeless classic 5 star hotel next to Siam Paragon shopping centre with large landscaped grounds offering multiple pools and dining options. An oasis in the middle of Siam.
Affordable Luxury: Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok– A stunning modern high rise hotel with incredible rooftop pool in a convenient location for Siam Square, Upper Sukhumvit and Lumphini Park.
Mid Range: Mercure Siam – The great central location, facilities, rooms and value for money make this one of the best mid range hotels in Bangkok.
Boutique: Daraya Boutique Hotel – Located next to Jim Thompson’s House this cute boutique hotel oozes old world charm
Budget: Reno Hotel – Affordable modern rooms with plenty of natural light and a pool in a quiet alley near to Siam Square.
Backpackers and Digital Nomads: Lub D Siam – Popular hostel chain offering affordable dorms and private rooms in the heart of the shopping district. It’s home to one of the best coworking spaces in Bangkok so it’s ideal for digital nomads too.
Silom and Sathorn
Silom is Bankok’s financial district, Thailand’s version of Wall Street, and the best place for business travelers to stay. Silom and neighboring Sathorn are the heart and soul of the city’s financial institutions with modern skyscrapers that tower over the city and the Chao Phraya River. You can go up the impressive King Power Mahanakhon tower and admire the view from the viewing deck at 1,030 feet.
Silom and Sathorn offer a wide range of upscale apartments and luxury hotels suited to business travelers and tourists but it also still has the small streets (sois) filled with traditional street food vendors, shops, cafes, bars, and some good local Thai restaurants. It’s also close to Lumpini Park if you need a break from the city.
During the day time the streets of Silom are filled with business people, while after dark it turns into a nightlife hotspot offering trendy rooftop bars and chic restaurants. It’s also home of one of the sleaziest streets in the city; Soi Patpong – but if families avoid this street it’s a very safe area to stay in.
Best Hotels in Silom and Sathorn
Luxury: The W Bangkok – Fusing heritage and contemporary this stylish 5 star hotel has a spa, fitness center, rooftop pool and bar and multiple restaurants in the heart of Silom.
Apartment: Sabai Sathorn Hotel and Serviced Apartment – Beautiful modern suites and apartments next to the Mahanakhon Tower.
Mid Range: The Grand Sathorn – This popular 4 star hotel in a great location with a large rooftop terrace and pool is amazing value for money
Budget: The Cotton Saladaeng – Located opposite Lumphini park this contemporary hotel has a small pool and a variety of rooms to choose from.
Backpacker: iSanook Hostel – Cheap, cheerful, colorful hostel with shared dorms, kitchen and common areas.
Lat Krabang / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
If you need to stay near the airport then consider Lat Krabang, an area just outside the city where Suvarnabhumi airport is located.
Note that Bangkok has two airports – Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK.) Suvarnabhumi Airport receives most of the long haul flights, while Don Mueang Airport is where domestic and regional budget airlines like Air Asia fly from.
So if you’re flying into Bangkok from Europe or America you’re likely to start your Thailand adventure at Suvarnabhumi Airport! Although the airport itself is in Samut Prakan Province, the airport area (aka Lat Krabang) is where the best airport hotels in Bangkok are located.
If your flight arrives late, or you have an early departure, Lat Krabang is the ideal location to stay for quick and easy access to the airport. It’s a less urbanised and pretty local area but that makes it quite interesting if you’d like a more authentic insight into Thai life.
The Airport Rail Link goes to Phaya Thai and connects to the BTS system so it’s easy to get into central Bangkok but it takes about 30 mins to reach Phaya Thai and longer to reach the historic parts of the city so this area is not recommended if you want to do alot of sightseeing as your commute will be too long.
However, it’s not too far from Mueang Boran, The Ancient City Museum, a massive open air museum with replicas of famous buildings and temples in Thailand, which is well worth checking out.
Best Airport Hotels
Luxury: Ammata Lanta Resort – This magical temple themed 5 star resort on a lake next to the airport provides an unforgettable start or finish to your Bangkok trip.
Mid Range: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel – Modern 4 star hotel with all the comforts you’d expect from Novotel plus 24 hour check in and 24 hour free shuttle to and from the airport.
Budget: Vismaya Suvarnabhumi Hotel – Elegant modern hotel with outdoor swimming pool and airport transfer service.
If you need a hotel near Don Mueang Airport check out the Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel or, if you’re on a budget, try the Donmueang Place Hotel. Both these hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of the airport.
Tips for Planning your Trip to Bangkok
Now you have an idea of all the best places to stay in Bangkok but before you book your accommodation here’s some other important things to consider when planning your trip.
How Long To Spend in Bangkok
If you just want to explore the most famous temples, palaces, and tourist attractions then you should spend at least 2 days in Bangkok. If you have time I recommend spending 3 or 4 days in Bangkok to be able to also explore the museums, markets, malls and more authentic neighborhoods. It’s also well worth taking day trips from Bangkok to visit the floating markets and ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Check out this 3 – 4 day Bangkok itinerary for my recommendations on how to spend your time in the Thai capital, from the famous attractions that you should not miss to more off beat destinations and unique activities to try.
If you’re visiting Bangkok as part of a trip around rest of the country I recommend spending 2 weeks in Thailand to see the best of the North and South. Plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Bangkok when you arrive and you might also need to stay one more night in Bangkok at the end of your trip before you fly home.
When to Visit Bangkok
When planning your trip to Bangkok you should consider the weather to have the best experience.
Bangkok is hot and humid all year round but the best time to visit Bangkok is between November and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. The temperature is between 22°C / 71°F and 32°C / 90°F in December and January – the coolest months.
During this period the days are sunny and dry and it’s less humid making it the best time to get outside and explore the city and its surroundings. This is also the most popular time to visit Thailand so make sure you book your transportation, accommodation, and activities in advance.
The rainy season, from June till October, is not a bad time to visit with less crowds and lower prices. The cloud cover and rain showers bring relief from the hot, humid summer weather, and shouldn’t ruin your travel plans too much.
I don’t recommend visiting Bangkok in April and May as this is the hottest time of the year with temperatures frequently reaching over 40°C/104° , although it can be fun to get involved with the Thai New Year Songkran festivities and water fights on 15th April.
I also recommend you start your Bangkok sightseeing early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
Getting to and Getting around Bangkok
Getting to Bangkok is relatively easy as the city has some of the best flight connections in Southeast Asia and receives many international flights from all around the world.
Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabhumi international airport (BKK) – where mostly long haul international flights arrive and depart, and Don Mueang international airport (DMK) – for domestic and regional flights with low cost airlines like Air Asia. There are many domestic and international flights operating to and from this airport to places all over Thailand, and the rest of Asia.
If you’re traveling from outside Southeast Asia you’ll probably start your Thailand trip by flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you are flying to other places in Thailand you’ll probably fly out of Don Mueang. The two airports are connected by BTS and shuttle buses but are on other sides of the city so always double check which airport you need!
Entering Thailand is usually straightforward as most nationalities receive either a Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival which is valid for 30 – 60 days. You can extend this once by another 30 days for 1,900 Thai Baht at the Immigration Office. Check the latest news and current requirements at the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The airport rail link that connects the airport to the BTS Sky train is the quickest and cheapest way to get into the city. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Phaya Thai BTS station. Buses are also available but can be confusing if you don’t know Thai and I wouldn’t recommend cramming in at peak hour if you have a lot of luggage.
There are also plenty of taxis available at the airport, but this may take longer than the BTS if there is heavy traffic. A convenient way of booking a taxi if you don’t speak Thai is by using the Grab App. Grab is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber and is my favorite way of getting around Thailand now.
You can also ask your hotel if they offer an airport pick up or shuttle service or book an airport transfer for a smooth and stress free arrival – it’s not expensive and is worth it after a long flight.
You can also travel to Bangkok by train or bus from cities like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Singapore but it’s a long journey with limited direct options.
Bangkok is a sprawling and congested city, and due to the heat it’s not very walkable, so it’s best if you stay near the places you want to visit to avoid wasting too much time sitting in traffic or get acquainted with the city’s public transportation, it’s pretty quick and affordable once you know how to use it. Check out this handy guide to Bangkok’s public transport.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok and you’d like a local guide book this private, customizable full day Bangkok tour and your friendly guide will accompany you wherever you want to go and help you navigate public transport and get to know the city.
During rush hours the super modern BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are the quickest ways to get around Bangkok. There are also plenty of buses but they can be hot and crowded and confusing for visitors.
Boats and ferries are a refreshing way to travel along the rivers and canals. Taking either the local Chao Phraya Express Boat or the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is the best way to reach the older parts of the city and historic attractions like the Grand Palace.
Tuk tuks can also be a fun way to explore the city but make sure to agree on the price with the tuk tuk drivers before setting off. The most convenient way to hail a taxi or tuk tuk is using the Grab App.
Bangkok is the hub for all flights, trains and bus services around Thailand. Overland journey times can be long but there is a good network of domestic flights which will save a lot of time traveling around Thailand. The easiest place to book tickets online is at 12 Go Asia.
So now you know where to stay in Bangkok!
Bangkok is a fascinating and diverse city with so much to explore but it can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors. For the best experience, stay in an area of Bangkok that is close to the places you want to visit and things you want to do during your visit.
If you want to experience Bangkok in peace and luxury stay on the riverside, and if you want to explore the historic temples and palaces stay in Banglamphu.
If not, stay in a more modern and better connected area like Sukhumvit for nightlife, Siam for shoppers and families, or Silom and Sathorn for business travelers.
There’s so many hotels in Bangkok so you’re sure to find something you love, whatever your budget.
I hope this blog has helped you figure out where to stay in Bangkok – if you need more tips for your trip check out my other Bangkok blogs:
