Where to Stay in Bangkok: A Guide to the Districts

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: By District

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 hotel we recommend in Banglamphu: Riva Arun Bangkok
• Top mid-range hotel we recommend in Banglamphu: The Orchid House 153 
• Top budget hotel we recommend in Banglamphu: Casa Nithra 
• Top hostel we recommend in Banglamphu: Samsen Sam Place

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 ex-pats and affluent locals. The Skytrain makes it easy to navigate, while the shopping and entertainment options are endless.

• Top luxury hotel we recommend in Sukhumvit: Akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok 
• Top mid-range hotel we recommend in Sukhumvit: Adelphi Forty-Nine 
• Top budget hotel we recommend in Sukhumvit: Travelodge Sukhumvit 11
• Top hostel we recommend in Sukhumvit: Red Planet Bangkok Asoke 

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 hotel we recommend in Chinatown: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
• Top mid-range hotel we recommend in Chinatown: Grand China Hotel
• Top budget hotel we recommend in Chinatown: Krung Kasem Sri Krung Hotel
• Top hostel we recommend in Chinatown: Talakkia Boutique Hotel

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 hotel we recommend in Silom: Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park
• Top mid-range hotel we recommend in Silom: Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sathorn 
• Top budget hotel we recommend in Silom: Triple Two Silom 
• Top hostel we recommend in Silom: Lullaby Inn

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 hotel we recommend in Riverside: The Siam 
• Top mid-range hotel we recommend in Riverside: Ariyasomvilla
• Top budget hotel we recommend in Riverside: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
• Top hostel we recommend in Riverside: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

More on Thailand:

• 3 Days in Bangkok: Things You Should Not Miss 
• 27 Thailand Photos That Will Amaze
• Getting a Bamboo Tattoo in Thailand
• RTW Travel Recap: 3 Weeks in Thailand
• Complete Guide to the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand
• Free Things to do in Phuket, Thailand
• Self Guided Kayak Adventure Tour of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand

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