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Bangkok the capital of Thailand was a city we weren't sure we would like. It's big, busy and can feel chaotic. Cities are not normally places we like to spend much time, but after a few days we began to fall in love with a city that blends rich royal heritage, sacred golden temples and modern urban life.
Bangkok is home to more than 400 Buddhist temples, including Wat Pho, where you'll find the famous 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha. Beyond its culture, heritage and history, Bangkok is also a shopper's paradise, with hundreds of shopping centres spread across the city. Some are enormous, world-class malls, while others are much more niche. We particularly loved exploring the MBK Centre, where entire floors are dedicated to photography shops and camera equipment.
Deciding where to stay in Bangkok can make a huge difference to how you explore and enjoy the city. The Thai capital is enormous, busy and made up of very different neighbourhoods, from the modern skyscrapers and rooftop bars of Sukhumvit to the historic temples of the Old Town and the atmospheric streets of Chinatown.
Choosing the right area means spending less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring. Bangkok's BTS Skytrain, MRT and river boats make it relatively easy to get around, but staying close to one of these transport networks can make your visit much easier.
Whether you're visiting Bangkok for the first time, travelling as a couple, looking for a family-friendly hotel or simply want somewhere beautiful to relax after a day of exploring, this guide covers the best areas to stay in Bangkok and our recommended hotels in each.
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Contents
Bangkok is the gateway to many adventures in Thailand, but it's much more than simply somewhere to fly into and leave again.
The city combines glittering temples, enormous shopping malls, incredible street food, rooftop bars, colourful markets and the Chao Phraya River, all alongside a fascinating mix of old and new.
For first-time visitors, Bangkok can initially feel overwhelming. The city is huge, traffic can be intense and attractions are spread across different neighbourhoods. This is why choosing the right area to stay is so important.
The good news is that Bangkok has an extensive public transport network. The BTS Skytrain and MRT connect many of the city's main commercial and residential areas, while river boats provide another useful way to travel around the centre.
For us, the biggest consideration when choosing a Bangkok hotel would be the location. A beautiful hotel isn't necessarily a good choice if you're spending huge amounts of time travelling to the places you want to visit.
Bangkok is made up of a huge number of neighbourhoods, but you don't need to consider all of them when choosing where to stay. These six areas offer different experiences and cover most of what visitors are looking for from a visit to Bangkok.
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's most convenient areas, with a huge choice of hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Excellent BTS and MRT connections make it a practical base for exploring the wider city.
Riverside
Bangkok's Riverside is home to some of the city's most famous luxury hotels, many with views across the Chao Phraya River. It's a more relaxed and romantic option, particularly suited to couples and special occasions.
Old Town
Bangkok Old Town is the place to stay if exploring the city's historic sights is your priority. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and other famous temples are close by, while the area has a more traditional atmosphere than modern Bangkok.
Silom & Sathorn
Silom and Sathorn offer a mixture of restaurants, rooftop bars, nightlife and modern city living. With both BTS and MRT connections, it's also a convenient alternative to Sukhumvit for exploring Bangkok.
Siam
Siam is Bangkok's shopping and entertainment hub, with huge malls, restaurants and excellent BTS connections. Its central location and range of modern hotels also make it a practical choice for families.
Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown, or Yaowarat, is one of the city's most atmospheric areas, particularly after dark when the streets fill with food stalls and restaurants. It's a great choice for travellers wanting to experience a more traditional and energetic side of Bangkok.
Choosing a hotel in Bangkok isn't just about finding somewhere with good reviews or a nice swimming pool. The city is huge, and staying in the right neighbourhood can make a noticeable difference to how much time you spend exploring rather than travelling between attractions.
Stay Near Public Transport
This is probably the most useful piece of advice we can give when choosing where to stay in Bangkok.
When comparing hotels, don't just look at the price and photos. Check how close the hotel is to a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, particularly if you plan to explore different parts of the city.
Bangkok's traffic can be extremely busy, and journeys that look short on a map can take considerably longer by road. Staying within easy walking distance of a BTS or MRT station can make getting around much easier and give you more flexibility during your trip.
The BTS is particularly useful for areas such as Sukhumvit, Siam and Silom, while the MRT provides access to areas including Chinatown and parts of the historic centre.
Think About What You Want to See
Bangkok's attractions are spread across a large area, so think about your itinerary before deciding where to stay.
If your priority is visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Bangkok's historic temples, staying in Old Town or along the Riverside can make more sense than staying several kilometres away in Sukhumvit.
If you're more interested in restaurants, shopping and nightlife, Sukhumvit, Silom or Siam may be a better fit.
You don't necessarily need to stay right next to every attraction, but choosing an area that suits the majority of your itinerary can save you a lot of time.
Don't Assume the Cheapest Hotel Is the Best Value
Bangkok has accommodation for almost every budget, from hostels and guesthouses to some of Asia's most luxurious hotels.
However, the cheapest room isn't always the cheapest overall option. A hotel that's further from public transport or the places you want to visit could mean spending more on taxis and losing valuable time travelling.
Sometimes paying slightly more for a well-located hotel can provide better value overall, particularly if you're only spending a few nights in Bangkok.
Consider the Hotel Facilities
Bangkok can be hot and humid, and sightseeing can be tiring, particularly if you're spending your days walking around temples and markets.
A hotel with a swimming pool, air conditioning, comfortable rooms and somewhere to relax can make a big difference, especially for longer stays or family trips.
If you're travelling as a couple or celebrating a special occasion, you might also want to prioritise hotels with rooftop bars, spas, river views or good restaurants.
Check How You'll Get There From the Airport
Bangkok has two major airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, so it's worth checking your arrival airport before booking.
Suvarnabhumi has an Airport Rail Link connecting it with central Bangkok, while taxis and private transfers are also widely available. If you're arriving late at night or travelling with lots of luggage, a hotel with straightforward airport access can make your first day considerably easier.
Don't Try to See Everything From One Base
If you're only visiting Bangkok for a few days, there's no need to choose a hotel based on being equally close to every attraction.
Bangkok's neighbourhoods each have their own character, and part of the fun is exploring them. Pick an area that suits your priorities, make use of the BTS, MRT and river boats, and accept that you'll probably need to travel between different parts of the city during your stay.
Bangkok is a massive, and each neighbourhood offers a totally different experience, so choosing the right area to stay can have a big impact on your trip. From the modern streets of Sukhumvit and the luxury hotels of the Riverside to the historic temples of Old Town and the food-filled streets of Chinatown, there is an area to suit every type of traveller. Below, we've broken down the best areas to stay in Bangkok, what each neighbourhood is known for and some of the best hotels to consider in each.
Best for | First-time visitors, restaurants, nightlife and transport
If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time and aren't sure where to stay, Sukhumvit is one of the easiest areas to consider. It's one of Bangkok's busiest and most developed neighbourhoods, with an enormous choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment.
Sukhumvit stretches across a huge part of Bangkok, so the exact location matters. Areas around Asok, Phrom Phong and Thonglor are particularly useful for visitors, with the BTS Sukhumvit Line running through the area and providing easy access to other parts of the city.
You'll find an enormous choice of restaurants, cafés, bars, shopping malls and hotels, ranging from affordable stays to some of Bangkok's most luxurious properties. The biggest advantage is convenience, with the BTS and MRT making it much easier to explore Bangkok without relying entirely on taxis.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is a stylish five-star option in a convenient part of Sukhumvit, with modern rooms, a large swimming pool and excellent facilities. Its location makes it easy to reach the area's restaurants, shopping and public transport, making it a particularly good base for first-time visitors.
BOOK | CARLTON HOTEL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT
Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is a good mid-range option for travellers who want modern facilities and a central Sukhumvit location without moving into Bangkok's ultra-luxury hotel bracket. It's well positioned for exploring the neighbourhood's restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
BOOK | NOVOTEL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 20
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
For something more luxurious, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok combines contemporary design with excellent facilities and a stylish atmosphere. With a swimming pool, restaurants and a great location close to the attractions of central Bangkok, it's particularly well suited to couples and travellers looking for a more indulgent city stay.
Best for | Luxury hotels, couples and river views
For a more romantic and relaxed side of Bangkok, look towards the Chao Phraya River. The Riverside offers a very different experience from staying in the busy centre of Sukhumvit, with the river providing a beautiful backdrop to some of the city's most impressive hotels.
The Riverside is home to some of Bangkok's most famous luxury hotels, many of which have swimming pools, spas, restaurants and rooms overlooking the water. The river itself also becomes part of the experience, with boats connecting different parts of the city and beautiful views, particularly around sunset.
This area is particularly appealing for couples, special occasions and anyone who wants their hotel to feel like part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
One of Bangkok's most historic luxury hotels, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok occupies a prime position beside the Chao Phraya River. With elegant rooms, excellent dining, a swimming pool and a renowned spa, it's an exceptional choice for travellers looking to make their hotel a central part of their Bangkok experience.
BOOK | MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK
Shangri-La Bangkok
Shangri-La Bangkok is a long-established riverside hotel offering extensive facilities and beautiful views across the Chao Phraya. Its location close to Saphan Taksin and the BTS network makes it particularly convenient for exploring the city, while the swimming pools, restaurants and riverside setting give you plenty of reasons to stay close to the hotel.
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is a good option for travellers who want a riverside location and spacious accommodation without necessarily moving into the very highest luxury price bracket. The hotel has a large swimming pool, river views and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a particularly appealing choice for longer stays and families.
Best for | Temples, history and sightseeing
If your main reason for visiting Bangkok is to explore its famous temples and historic sights, consider staying in Bangkok's Old Town, also known as Rattanakosin. This is one of the city's most historic areas and offers a very different experience from the modern skyscrapers and shopping malls found around Sukhumvit and Siam.
This is where you'll find attractions including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun nearby, alongside historic streets, markets and traditional neighbourhoods. Staying here means you can spend more time exploring the sights on foot rather than travelling across the city to reach them.
The trade-off is transport. Old Town doesn't have the same BTS coverage as Sukhumvit or Siam, although the MRT has made parts of the historic centre much easier to reach. For a short, sightseeing-focused trip, however, the location can be fantastic.
Riva Arun Bangkok
Located beside the Chao Phraya River, Riva Arun Bangkok is a boutique hotel with beautiful views towards Wat Arun. Its location makes it particularly well suited to couples and sightseeing-focused travellers, with many of Bangkok's historic attractions within easy reach and the riverside providing a memorable setting.
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok is another atmospheric riverside option, with some of the hotel's rooms and restaurant spaces offering views towards Wat Arun. Its location close to Wat Pho and the Chao Phraya makes it a great choice for travellers wanting to stay close to Bangkok's historic heart.
BOOK | SALA RATTANAKOSIN BANGKOK
The Printing House Poshtel
The Printing House Poshtel offers a more affordable way to stay close to Bangkok Old Town's major attractions. With a convenient location and stylish design, it's a good option for budget-conscious travellers who want to spend more of their time exploring the city rather than on their accommodation.
Best for | Food, nightlife, rooftops and central city living
Silom and neighbouring Sathorn offer another excellent base in Bangkok, particularly if you want a mixture of restaurants, nightlife and easy access to the rest of the city. The area has a more urban feel, with modern skyscrapers sitting alongside traditional markets, local restaurants and quieter streets.
Silom is also close to Lumphini Park and has both BTS and MRT connections, making it a useful alternative to Sukhumvit. This means you can easily explore Bangkok during the day before returning to an area with plenty of restaurants and nightlife in the evening.
The area is also home to some of Bangkok's famous rooftop bars, making it a particularly popular destination after dark when the city's skyscrapers light up.
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn is a convenient choice for travellers who want to explore Bangkok while staying somewhere with excellent transport connections. The hotel has direct access to the BTS Skytrain via a skybridge, alongside modern rooms, a large swimming pool and city views, making it particularly useful for sightseeing.
BOOK | EASTIN GRAND HOTEL SATHORN
Amara Bangkok Hotel
Amara Bangkok Hotel offers a comfortable mid-range option in a central Silom location. Its rooftop swimming pool provides great city views, while the surrounding restaurants and nightlife make it a convenient base for travellers wanting to experience Bangkok beyond the main tourist attractions.
W Bangkok
W Bangkok brings a more design-led and contemporary feel to your stay in Silom. With stylish interiors, restaurants and bars within the hotel and plenty of nightlife nearby, it's a good option for travellers who want a lively Bangkok experience without compromising on comfort.
Best for | Shopping, families and transport
Siam is Bangkok's shopping and entertainment hub and one of the most convenient areas to stay if you want easy access to the rest of the city. The neighbourhood is centred around Siam BTS station, which provides an important interchange between the Sukhumvit and Silom BTS lines.
The area is packed with huge shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and entertainment options, including some of Bangkok's most popular shopping destinations. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring the malls before heading back to your hotel or continuing on to another part of the city.
Siam is also a particularly practical choice for families. There's plenty to do when you need a break from sightseeing, while the excellent transport links make it easy to reach other parts of Bangkok without relying on taxis.
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Located directly beside Bangkok's major shopping district, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a luxurious option for travellers who want excellent facilities and plenty of space. With multiple swimming pools, elegant rooms and Siam's shopping malls just a short walk away, it's particularly well suited to families and those looking for a high-end stay.
BOOK | SIAM KEMPINSKI HOTEL BANGKOK
Pathumwan Princess Hotel
Connected to the MBK shopping complex, Pathumwan Princess Hotel is an excellent choice if shopping and convenience are high on your list. Its central location puts you close to Siam's major malls and BTS station, while the hotel itself offers a range of facilities including a swimming pool and spacious rooms.
BOOK | PATHUMWAN PRINCESS HOTEL
LiT Bangkok Hotel
LiT Bangkok Hotel is a stylish option for travellers looking for a more boutique feel while staying close to Siam's shopping and transport network. With Siam BTS station and Bangkok's major shopping malls nearby, it's a convenient base for exploring the city while still offering a more intimate hotel experience.
Best for | Food, culture and atmosphere
Bangkok's Chinatown, known locally as Yaowarat, is one of the city's most atmospheric neighbourhoods and a great place to stay if you want to experience a different side of Bangkok. The area is packed with traditional shops, markets, temples and some of the city's best-known street food.
During the day, Chinatown is busy with locals going about their daily lives, while after dark, Yaowarat Road comes alive with food stalls, restaurants and neon signs. It's a particularly good area for food lovers, with everything from traditional Chinese-Thai dishes to seafood and street food.
Chinatown is also well connected to the rest of Bangkok thanks to the MRT, with Wat Mangkon station providing easy access to the heart of the neighbourhood. This makes it possible to stay in the atmospheric streets of Yaowarat while still having a convenient way to explore other parts of the city.
If you're looking for a more traditional and energetic Bangkok experience, Chinatown is a great alternative to the modern hotel districts of Sukhumvit and Siam.
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Located in the heart of Yaowarat, Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is one of the area's most distinctive boutique hotels. Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, the colourful interiors and atmospheric design make this a particularly memorable place to stay, while its location puts Bangkok's famous Chinatown food scene right outside your door.
BOOK | SHANGHAI MANSION BANGKOK
W22 by Burasari
W22 by Burasari is a more affordable option for travellers wanting to stay close to Chinatown's markets, restaurants and street food. Its location makes it easy to explore Yaowarat on foot, while the more relaxed price point makes it a good choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want a central location.
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown offers a modern and stylish alternative in the heart of one of Bangkok's oldest neighbourhoods. With Wat Mangkon MRT station nearby and Chinatown's food scene on the doorstep, it's a convenient option for travellers who want contemporary accommodation while staying close to the action.
Choosing where to stay in Bangkok isn't just about finding a good hotel. The best area for you will depend on what you want to get from your trip, whether that's seeing the city's famous temples, enjoying Bangkok's food scene, relaxing beside the river or being close to the nightlife.
Below, we've broken down the best areas to stay in Bangkok for different types of travellers, making it easier to choose a neighbourhood that fits your trip.
Best areas | Sukhumvit, Old Town and Riverside.
If this is your first time in Bangkok, Sukhumvit is one of the easiest areas to base yourself. The neighbourhood has a huge choice of hotels, restaurants and bars, while the BTS Skytrain and MRT make it relatively straightforward to explore other parts of the city.
If sightseeing is your main priority, however, Bangkok Old Town or the Riverside may suit you better. Old Town puts you closer to attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, while the Riverside gives you easy access to the Chao Phraya River and several of Bangkok's most famous hotels.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Located in the heart of Sukhumvit, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is a great base for first-time visitors wanting to explore Bangkok. With the BTS and MRT nearby, you'll have easy access to many of the city's attractions, while the hotel's modern rooms, rooftop pool and range of facilities provide a comfortable place to relax after a busy day exploring.
Best areas | Siam, Riverside and Sukhumvit.
For families, Siam is a particularly convenient area to stay. The neighbourhood has huge shopping malls, plenty of restaurants and excellent BTS connections, while many hotels offer swimming pools and larger rooms.
Riverside is another good choice if you want a more relaxed atmosphere and a hotel where you can spend some downtime between sightseeing. Parts of Sukhumvit also work well for families, particularly around Phrom Phong, where you'll find restaurants, shopping and convenient transport links.
When booking a family hotel, look for a pool, family rooms or suites and a location within easy walking distance of public transport.
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Located in the heart of Siam, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a great option for families looking for a little extra space and plenty of facilities. The hotel has multiple swimming pools and is conveniently located for Bangkok's major shopping malls, restaurants and BTS Skytrain, making it easy to combine sightseeing with some downtime.
Best areas | Riverside, Sukhumvit and Silom.
Bangkok can be a fantastic city break for couples, with rooftop bars, river cruises, excellent restaurants and plenty of luxury hotels.
For a more romantic stay, we'd look towards the Riverside, where you can find hotels overlooking the Chao Phraya and enjoy a quieter atmosphere away from some of the busiest parts of the city. Many riverside hotels also have swimming pools, spas and restaurants with views across the water.
If you'd prefer a livelier trip, Sukhumvit has a huge choice of stylish hotels, rooftop bars, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach.
Shangri-La Bangkok
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Shangri-La Bangkok is a beautiful choice for couples looking for a more romantic stay. With river views, swimming pools, a spa and several restaurants, the hotel offers plenty of opportunities to relax together while its riverside location and nearby BTS station make exploring Bangkok easy.
Best areas | Riverside, Sukhumvit and Siam.
Bangkok is home to some spectacular five-star hotels, and if your hotel is an important part of your trip, there are several areas worth considering.
The Riverside is particularly well known for luxury accommodation, with several iconic hotels occupying prime positions along the Chao Phraya River. It's a great choice if you want spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, swimming pools and river views.
Sukhumvit and Siam also have an impressive selection of luxury hotels, particularly if you'd rather be surrounded by shopping, restaurants and modern Bangkok.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Set along the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is one of the city's most renowned luxury hotels and makes a memorable choice for travellers looking for a high-end stay. With elegant rooms, exceptional dining, a spa, swimming pool and riverside setting, the hotel offers the kind of experience where the accommodation becomes an important part of the Bangkok trip.
Best areas | Old Town, Chinatown and parts of Sukhumvit.
Bangkok is one of the easier cities in Thailand to visit on a budget, with everything from hostels and guesthouses to affordable boutique hotels.
For budget accommodation, Bangkok Old Town and Chinatown are worth considering. Both areas put you close to some of Bangkok's most interesting streets, markets and attractions without needing to stay in one of the city's more expensive hotel districts.
Sukhumvit also has budget-friendly options, although prices can vary considerably depending on exactly where you stay.
If you're travelling on a tight budget, prioritise a hotel close to public transport or within walking distance of the places you want to visit. Saving money on the room isn't as useful if you're then spending a significant amount on taxis.
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
Located in the heart of Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown is a stylish option for budget-conscious travellers who still want modern facilities and a central location. The hotel is close to the area's famous food scene and within easy reach of the MRT, making it a convenient base for exploring Bangkok without spending more on accommodation than necessary.
Best areas | Chinatown, Sukhumvit and Silom.
Bangkok is one of the world's great food cities, so choosing where to stay can be a big part of the experience.
For street food and atmosphere, Chinatown, or Yaowarat, is hard to overlook. The neighbourhood becomes particularly lively in the evening, with food stalls and restaurants filling the streets around Yaowarat Road.
Sukhumvit offers a different food experience, with everything from Thai restaurants and street food to international dining and high-end restaurants. Silom is another excellent choice, particularly if you want to combine restaurants with rooftop bars and nightlife.
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is an excellent choice for food lovers who want to be surrounded by Bangkok's famous street-food scene. The colourful boutique hotel puts you within easy walking distance of the restaurants and food stalls of Yaowarat Road, making it easy to head out and explore the neighbourhood's incredible food scene after dark.
Best areas | Sukhumvit, Silom and Thonglor.
If nightlife is high on your Bangkok itinerary, Sukhumvit and Silom are two of the most convenient areas to consider.
Sukhumvit has a huge selection of bars, restaurants and nightlife venues, particularly around areas such as Nana, Asok and Thonglor. Staying close to the BTS means you can move around the area easily without relying entirely on taxis.
Silom offers a different atmosphere, with rooftop bars, restaurants and nightlife mixed among Bangkok's modern skyscrapers. The area also has both BTS and MRT connections, making it practical for exploring during the day.
W Bangkok
Located in the heart of Bangkok's Silom area, W Bangkok is a stylish choice for travellers who want to combine a luxury stay with easy access to the city's nightlife. The hotel has a lively atmosphere, modern design and excellent dining and bar options, while its location makes it easy to explore both Silom and the wider Bangkok nightlife scene.
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit is a convenient choice for first-time visitors, with excellent BTS and MRT connections, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. For temples and historic sights, Bangkok Old Town is better, while the Riverside is a great option for luxury hotels and river views.
Where should I stay in Bangkok for my first visit?
For your first trip, consider Sukhumvit, the Riverside, Old Town or Siam. Sukhumvit is particularly convenient for getting around, while Old Town puts you closer to many of Bangkok's most famous temples and historic attractions.
Where should I stay in Bangkok with family?
Siam, Riverside and Sukhumvit are all good options for families. Look for hotels with swimming pools, larger rooms and easy access to the BTS or MRT to make exploring Bangkok easier with children.
Where should I stay in Bangkok with kids?
Siam is a particularly convenient choice for families, with shopping malls, restaurants and excellent transport links. Riverside and Sukhumvit are also worth considering, especially if your hotel has a pool and family-friendly facilities.
Is Sukhumvit a good place to stay in Bangkok?
Yes, Sukhumvit is one of the most popular areas for visitors. It has a huge choice of hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife, while the BTS Skytrain makes it easy to explore other parts of Bangkok.
Is it better to stay in Bangkok Old Town or Sukhumvit?
Choose Old Town if temples, history and sightseeing are your priorities. Sukhumvit is better suited to travellers looking for restaurants, shopping, nightlife and easy access to Bangkok's public transport network.
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok for nightlife?
Sukhumvit and Silom are two of the most popular areas for nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants and rooftop venues. Sukhumvit also has excellent BTS connections, making it convenient for getting around after dark.
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok for couples?
Riverside is a popular choice for couples thanks to its luxury hotels, river views and more relaxed atmosphere. Sukhumvit also has plenty of stylish hotels, restaurants and rooftop bars for a livelier city break.
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing?
Bangkok Old Town is one of the most convenient areas for sightseeing, particularly if you want to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and other historic attractions. The Riverside is another good option, particularly for access to the river.
How many nights should I stay in Bangkok?
We'd recommend at least 3 nights for a first visit. Four or five nights gives you more time to explore Bangkok's temples, markets, neighbourhoods and food scene without having to rush between attractions.
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