Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis of skyscrapers, shopping malls, Buddhist temples and golden pagodas. It’s a place of contrast and difference. It’s a city that’s always full of life, sometimes confusing, at other times exciting yet always enthralling.
Thailand’s capital is a city that travelers return to time after time. Once is never enough to unearth the hidden secrets that Bangkok holds, and every time you might return you will find that there is somewhere new to stay, somewhere new to explore and somewhere else to visit.
Traveling to Bangkok though can seem intimidating at first. There are so many districts and different areas spread across the city while every street has its own distinct style and history. From the budget, backpacker scenes of Khao San Road to the glamorous restaurants and fine dining of Silom’s financial district, Bangkok has a unique area for every travel style and for every visitor’s needs.
We put this guide together to help you to decide where to stay in Bangkok, to make your trip that little bit easier to organize with a breakdown of the best places to stay in the city.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Banglamphu
Banglamphu is the heart of Bangkok’s old town and for many first time visitors to the Thai capital, it’s the first place they’ll end up staying in. The area is full of historic sights, traditional temples, markets and busy streets. There’s a bit of everything in the old town because as well as the local attractions the area has over the years become a magnet for backpackers from across the world starting their Southeast Asian odyssey on Khao San Road; a street full of bars, clubs and cheap eats that some love and others hate.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Banglamphu:
Riva Arun Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Chakrabongse Villas **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Banglamphu:
The Orchid House 153 **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Riva Surya Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Villa Phra Sumen Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top budget hotels we recommend in Banglamphu:
Casa Nithra **** Traveler Excellence Rating
ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Nanda Heritage Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top hostels we recommend in Banglamphu:
Samsen Sam Place **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Tara Place **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Adamaz House **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Sukhumvit
A world away from the old town but just a few kilometers through the chaotic, packed streets of Bangkok is Sukhumvit. This is the longest road in the city, stretching for kilometer after kilometer through the center, making it one of the world’s longest city boulevards. It’s a road that’s home to shopping malls and rooftop bars and it’s a favorite amongst expats and affluent locals. The Skytrain makes it easy to navigate, while the shopping and entertainment options are endless.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Sukhumvit:
Akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Ariyasomvilla ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Sukhumvit:
Adelphi Forty-Nine **** Traveler Excellence Rating
The Cabochon Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
U Sukhumvit Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top budget hotels we recommend in Sukhumvit:
Travelodge Sukhumvit 11 **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Smart Suites **** Traveler Excellence Rating
S Box Sukhumvit Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top hostels we recommend in Sukhumvit:
Red Planet Bangkok Asoke **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Atlanta Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
THEE Bangkok Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Related Article: Thailand Travel Guide
Chinatown
You might ask why it’s worth visiting the capital of Thailand, only to stay in Chinatown. That’s hardly Thai, is it? In fact, it’s one of the most unique districts in Bangkok, as well as being one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. The area is great for budget travelers and those looking for a bargain, while there are plenty of temples and Buddhas to see alongside lively and bustling markets and streets stalls. It’s also one of the oldest districts of modern Bangkok, dating back to the late 18th century when the city was made the capital of a Thai kingdom that has survived to this day.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Chinatown:
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Hotel Royal Bangkok at Chinatown **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Prime Hotel Central Station Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Chinatown:
Grand China Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Chinatown Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Miramar Hotel Bangkok *** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top budget hotels we recommend in Chinatown:
Krung Kasem Sri Krung Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
River View Guest House **** Traveler Excellence Rating
iCheck inn Regency Chinatown **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top hostels we recommend in Chinatown:
Talakkia Boutique Hotel *** Traveler Excellence Rating
La Locanda **** Traveler Excellence Rating
The Orientale **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Check out this Top 10 Bangkok (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide) when planning your trip.
Silom
Silom is the financial heartland of Bangkok. This is where business takes place. It’s more refined, to an extent at least, and Silom is home to some of the city’s favorite restaurants and fine dining experiences. At the same time though, it’s also home to some of Bangkok’s more infamous nightlife. The transport around Silom and access to other areas is excellent, as are the opportunities for shopping and visiting world class malls.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Silom:
Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
SO Sofitel Bangkok ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Silom:
Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sathorn **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Amara Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Baan K Residence by Bliston **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top budget hotels we recommend in Silom:
Triple Two Silom **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top hostels we recommend in Silom:
Lullaby Inn **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Kokotel Bangkok Surawong **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Red Planet Bangkok Surawong **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Riverside
Life in Bangkok happens along the river. It’s an integral part of the city, and when deciding where to stay in Bangkok, definitely consider booking accommodation Riverside. It’s both peaceful and chaotic, an enthralling mix of speeding boats and floating markets that can be navigated by water taxi or on the local ferries.
Staying Riverside gives you the best location in the middle of it all, close to the historic sights but always in reach of modern Bangkok’s city center. There’s always more time to take a cruise along the beautiful water, any time of day, but particularly at sunset.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Riverside:
The Siam ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Riverside:
Ariyasomvilla ***** Traveler Excellence Rating
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
The Peninsula Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top budget hotels we recommend in Riverside:
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Top hostels we recommend in Riverside:
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel **** Traveler Excellence Rating
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok **** Traveler Excellence Rating
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More on Thailand:
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Resources for Planning Your Trip to Thailand
Recommended Guide Books For Bangkok, Thailand:
- Lonely Planet Bangkok (Travel Guide)
- Lonely Planet Pocket Bangkok (Travel Guide)
- Top 10 Bangkok (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
- Lonely Planet Thailand (Travel Guide)
Bangkok, Thailand Map:
Search for Flights: Priceline or Skyscanner offers great deals to Bangkok, Thailand.
Find Accommodation in Bangkok – Read reviews and check prices for hotels in Bangkok at TripAdvisor or AirBnB. (Book today at AirBnB and get $40 off!)
TourRadar offers 250 trips through Bangkok with 12,000+ reviews. Check out ==>Bangkok, Thailand Tours.
Travel Insurance: We use Allianz travel insurance and have since our first trip to Mexico in 2003. They’ve been there for us on our adventures – and many friends and readers – multiple times over! If you want to book with Allianz Travel Insurance, simply use this link to get their travel insurance!
Search for Tours and Trips in Bangkok we recommend:
- Viator most popular Tours in Bangkok, Thailand.
- River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms-Start and end in Bangkok! With the in-depth cultural tour River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms, you have a 3 day tour package taking you through Bangkok, Thailand and 2 other destinations in Thailand. River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms is a small group tour that includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport.
- Tru Thailand Experience– Start in Bangkok and end in Koh Phangan! With the discovery tour Tru Thailand Experience, you have a 8 day tour package taking you from Bangkok to Koh Phangan and through Bangkok, Thailand and 3 other destinations in Thailand. Tru Thailand Experience includes accommodation as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
- Bangkok Stopover 3 Day– Start and end in Bangkok! With the self-guided tour Bangkok Stopover 3 Day, you have a 3 day tour package taking you through Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok Stopover 3 Day includes accommodation in a hotel as well as meals, transport and more.
- Gadventures Southeast Asia on a Shoestring– With other travellers your own age, you’ll enjoy this adventure’s pace, exploring the hill-tribes of northern Thailand before mellowing out on the white-sand beaches of the exotic south. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEO, you’ll enjoy the freedom of roaming where you want to and choosing your activities.
- Gadventures Thailand Hike, Bike & Kayak– Perfect for those who believe the best way to appreciate paradise is by jumping right into it. This adventure will have you hiking through forests and rice paddies, cycling through provincial villages, and experiencing Thailand’s intriguing combination of culture and the great outdoors. Kayak the turquoise waters of the Andaman and discover coral coves and white-sand beaches. With your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the main sights of Thailand while offering up plenty of flexibility so you can experience an adventure you’ll never forget.
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