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What are the best areas to stay in Bangkok? This is probably the first and most important question you will be asking if you are planning a trip to Bangkok.
Bangkok is a huge bustling city. Trying to figure out the best place to stay can be overwhelming. In this guide we recommend and review the best areas to stay in Bangkok in 2026. We have lived in Bangkok and traveled extensively. So we are excited to share our advice and recommendations with you.
Also, we will recommend some of the best hotels in each of the different areas. In this article we are going to focus on the main accommodation hubs in Bangkok. We will also share some of the best attractions in each area. Bangkok is huge and of course there are LOADS of areas to stay. Each different area in Bangkok has its own unique vibe and its own advantages and disadvantages.
Before you travel – Make sure you plan how you will get to your accommodation from the airport
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss these amazing family friendly hotels in Bangkok and we also have a special guide on the best areas to stay in Bangkok with kids
Map of the best areas to stay in Bangkok
Summary of the best areas to stay in Bangkok
| Area to stay in Bangkok | Summary | Best hotels in the area |
| Khaosan Road area | The iconic and main backpackers hub. Bars, clubs, markets and street food. Lots of tour operators. Not close to the subway station. | Value for money: Jam Hostel Bangkok. Luxury: Riva Surya Bangkok |
| Phra Kanong Area | Great destination for families. Very central and well connected. Some good hotel deals in the area too. | Value for money: the Boss Mansion. Luxury: The Hyatt Place |
| Ratchathewi | Right next to the main shopping district of Bangkok. Central and well connected. Lots of mid range hotels. | Value for money: Siam Eco Hostel Luxury: Siam Kempinski Hotel |
| Sukhumvit road | Cosmopolitan, well connected and more expensive. Lots of malls and shops. Good transport. Less local food and culture. | Value for money: NK Guest House 2. Luxury: Sheraton Grande |
| Pinklao area | Nice area with malls, markets and plenty of food options. Some good value accommodation. Slightly out of the way. | Low budget: Indy House 59 Good value for money: Sunset Residence Pinklao |
| Chatuchak park area | Large park and Kid’s Discovery museum. Not lots of accommodation. Good area for families. Good public transport connections. | Low budget: Pillow and Bread Hostel. Great value for money: Aora Boutiqiue hotel. |
| Sutthisan district | North of Sukhumvit and cheaper. Not much to do in the area but well connected. | Great offers at the Double DD house. Great value for money at: Amaranta hotel |
| Silom District | Part of the business district. Lots of expensive hotels and some nice parks. Some cheaper accommodation is available in the area. Very good transport connections. | Great value for money: Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Amazing luxury: Bangkok Marriott Hotel |
| China Town | Lots of temples and some markets to visit in the area. Close to the river. Lots of mid range and budget accommodation. Not far from the MRT line. | Great value for money: Luk Hostel Stylish luxury: Lhong Yaowarat hostel |
| Bangkok Old Town | Very central. Lots of temples, historic buildings and an amazing morning market to explore. A short walk from Khaosan Road. | Great value for money: U&D Guest House Luxury and character: 1905 Heritage corner |
How do you get around Bangkok?
Bangkok is a huge city and it can take an hour or two to travel across Bangkok. We recommend planning to stay in an area which offers the type of attractions you are hoping to see. The best way to get around Bangkok depends on your budget and on the time of day.
1 Taxi around Bangkok (Grab or Bolt App)
In Bangkok taxis are very cheap. You can use the Grab taxi app for the Bolt taxi app the book taxi online. Alternatively, you can flag a taxi out the side of the road. If you do feel like a taxi we recommend asking them to use the taxi meter.
A short journey and Bangkok is likely to cost around 50 baht. Most taxi journeys in Bangkok cost around 100 – 150 baht. To get right across the city it is likely to cost you around 300 baht by taxi. The Bangkok subway is cheap and easy to use. It normally costs around 20 – 40 baht depending on the journey distance.
TOP TIP: Tuk Tuks are likely to be more expensive than taxis in Bangkok.
2 Use the subway to get around
The subway gets very busy at rush hour times (8am – 9.30am and 4pm – 7pm). So it will probably be a squeeze. However, the roads are also busy around this time and a taxi journey may take 45 minutes or more. So the best option at rush hour time is probably the subway system – just be ready to squeeze in.
3 Jump on a river taxi boat
Another great way to get around in Bangkok is the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The taxi boat service is VERY cheap and ranges from around 15 baht – 30 baht (less than $1). They also run from around 5am – 7pm. This is a chap, convenient and fun way to see Bangkok. The Chao Phraya Express Boat service runs along the Chao Phraya river and there are many stops to choose from. Check out the official Chao Phraya Express Boat website for full schedule and fares. There is also a very useful tourist boat service that runs between the Saphan Taksin BTS stop and Phra Athit (by the fort near Khaosan road
Review of the best areas to stay in Bangkok
1 Khaosan Road area
Don’t miss our amazing guide to the best Khaosan Road hotels
Khaosan road is the most iconic backpacker hub in Bangkok. It is also home to plenty of budget hostels, bars, clubs, markets and buzzing nightlife. Khaosan road has all the good vibes. Whether you are looking for a massage, a tattoo or a bucket of cheap alcohol – you can get it all here. There is an extensive selection of cheap local Thai food and not-so-cheap western food in this area. Even if you don’t stay near Khaosan Road, we definitely recommend a visit just for the experience.
One disadvantage of Khaosan road is the distance from public transport. There are no metro or subway stations nearby. So you will either need to rely on taxis, local buses or walking from here. The other disadvantage of staying on Khaosan road is the noise and chaos. Pick a place on one of the quieter streets like Soi Rambuttri. There is plenty of choice in the area. This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for backpackers.
What is there to do near Khaosan Road?
There is also plenty to do in the area. Don’t miss Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan. This is located at the northwest end of Khaosan road. You can wander around this temple for free. Khaosan road is also a short walk from Phra Sumen Fort. And it is also not too far to walk to the Trok Mor Morning Market and the Bangkok old town.
Another great thing about Khaosan road is the number of tour operators. There are loads of offices ready to hook you up with tours, bus tickets and more. Many buses and tour operators do free pick ups in this area so this is a great hub to get to other attractions around Thailand.
TOP TIP: There is also a lot of accommodation a 5 minute walk north of Khaosan road, around Samsen Road. So if you want the benefits of being near the Khaosan hub – but a little quieter, just walk north for 5 minutes.
What are the best hotels near Khaosan Road?
This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for good value accomodation and meeting people. Don’t miss the upmarket Riva Surya Bangkok. This decadent hotel has large spacious and comfortable rooms with plenty of natural light. We love the subtle Asia zen style here. Reserve the Riva Surya on Agoda or Reserve the Riva Surya on Booking.com.
Check out the Jam Hostel Bangkok for clean, stylish and comfortable accommodation on a budget. They offer a nice range of dorms and private rooms. You can find the Jam Hostel on Agoda and also find the Jam Hostel on Booking.com. Close enough to Khaosan to immerse yourself in the area, but far enough to find a quiet sanctuary.
2 Phra Kanong area
This is a great option for families. The Phra Kanong area is one of the most family friendly areas of Bangkok. Phra Kanong has impressive selection of family friendly activities. You can find malls with kids shops, kid friendly food options and cinemas. There are also plenty of shops that sell nappies, wet wipes, snacks, baby milk and more. Phra Kanong is well connected with central Bangkok on the BTS Sukhumvit line.
What is there to do in the Phra Kanong area?
There are loads of activities in the area – especially for families. Don’t miss Kidzoona at the Gateway Ekkamai Shopping Centre. This is an indoor play space with active, energetic and creative activities. You can also visit the Space Museum – also known as the Science Centre for Education.There is a lovely city park in the area called Benchasiri Park. Also don’t miss the Choco Project at SOKO – a chocolate cafe. A few kilometers south west you can visit the Pororo Rooftop waterpark – an entire water park situated on the roof of a shopping mall.
What are the best hotels in the Phra Kanong area?
Check out the impressive Boss Mansion. This hotel offers spacious suites and a covered swimming pool. Rooms range in the £20 – £50 region. They offer a family suite which is essentially a spacious apartment with two bedrooms, a living room, and a private kitchenette. This suite sleeps 4 people with a double bed and two single beds. Check out Boss Mansion on Agoda and Boss Mansion on Booking.com to find the BEST prices.
Another great option is the luxurious Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit. This hotels has all the facilities and amenities of a luxurious hotel. This is the perfect sanctuary to rest from the intense city life. Find the Hyatt Place on Agoda. And you can also find the Hyatt place on Booking.com.
3 Ratchathewi – (Siam Square District)
This is the cosmopolitan shopping district of Bangkok. The Ratchathewi area is arguably the central district of Bangkok. Geographically it is the centre of the city. It is also a real hub and very well connected. You might expect this area to be super expensive for accommodation. BUT actually, most hotels in the area are under £50 per night, and there are many places in the £20 – £30 region.
An advantage of the Ratchathewi area is the public transport in the area. There is a metro line running through this area. There are also plenty of taxis around. A disadvantage of the Ratchathewi area is the lack of temples and authentic Thai culture. Many of the smaller streets and alleys in the area have small stalls selling tasty cheap Thai food. This is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok if you love shopping.
What is there to do near Ratchathewi?
The Ratchathewi area is a real hub so there are loads of choices around here. If you are planning to do some shopping in Bangkok, the Ratchathewi area is probably your best choice. Nearby you can walk to MBK, Siam Paragon Mall and Central World Mall. MBK is the best mall for small cheap independent stalls and shops. You can buy clothing, gifts, homeware and electrical goods. Central world and Siam Paragon is the best place for brands and chains. These malls are more expensive.
What are the best hotels in the Ratchathewi area?
For something upmarket check out the Siam Kempinski Hotel. This luxurious 5 star hotel has beautiful grounds with an outdoor pool. Also check out their amazing family suite. Book early. You can get the Siam Kempinski Hotel on Agoda and also the Siam Kempinski Hotel on Booking.com.
Also, check out the Siam Eco Hostel for great value for money. Clean, simple, cozy and stylish. Private rooms and dorm rooms available. You can book the Siam Eco Hostel on Agoda and you can also find the Siam Eco Hostel on Booking.com.
4 Sukhumvit road area
Don’t miss our EPIC guide to the best hotels in the Sukhumvit area – we have included some budget gems and splash out beauties!
Sukhumvit road is another central cosmopolitan hub in Bangkok. On Sukhumvit road (near Asok subway station and the surrounding streets) you will find plenty of hotels, shops, and transport connections. This area is part of the Business District of Bangkok.
The main disadvantage of this area is the lack of authentic Thai culture and cheap street food. Being in Thailand you can always find some local food around. But this area is definitely more cosmo than traditional. Sukhumvit road is a real expat hub. Nearby you can find condos, malls, shops and plenty of international food. Sukhumvit road is similar to the Ratchathewi area but a little more expensive. Most accommodation is in the £60 – £150 range. If you hunt around you can find a few places in the £20 – £30 region for accommodation.
What is there to do in the Sukumvit area?
A short ride westbound on the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit line takes you to the Siam Station. This is the best stop to get to the central shopping malls in Bangkok. Nearby you can visit the Benchakitti Park, The Lumphini Park, The Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. And if you want to do some retail therapy visit MBK, Siam Paragon Mall and Central World Mall.
What are the best hotels in the Sukhumvit Road area?
If you are planning to splash out check out the stunning Sheraton Grande. This luxurious hotel is elegant, stylish and regal. This hotel has an elegant Asia Modern design and they also do amazing food. We love the use of lush tropical foliage around the pool to create an intrepid tropical aesthetic. You can reserve rooms at the Sheaton on Agoda. You can also snatch up rooms at the Sheraton on booking.com.
If you’re looking for something budget in the area check out the NK Guest House 2 – genuinely excellent value for money for this area. NK Guest House 2 is also on Booking.com.
5 Pinklao area (The Thonburi District)
Pinklao is a trendy alternative area to stay in Bangkok for anyone who wants to avoid the normal tourist and expat hubs. There is some very good value accommodation in the area. We have used this area as a base to slow down in Bangkok and just enjoy living in the city. Pinklao has a wonderful fusion of cheap local street food and more expensive restaurants. You can pretty much find anything in the area. Whether you are craving sushi, a burger or just a good coffee. Pinklao seems to have it all.
The main disadvantage of the Pinklao area is that it is slightly out of the way. Located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River it can take a while to get into the central district of Bangkok. By subway the closest stop is Bang Yi Khan. To get to the central district of Bangkok (Sukhumvit road) you need to ride the MRT Blue Line for around 45 minutes. You can find plenty of taxis in the area. Expect to pay around 100 baht – 150 baht to get to the center of town.
What can you do in the Pinklao area?
Near the Pinklao area you can visit the Indy Night Market (just next to the Bang Yi Khan MRT station) – a bustling outdoor market for cheap amazing Thai food and good vibes. Pinklao has a real buzz. There is lots of local food and markets. There are also plenty of convenience stores around. This area is not far from the MRT subway line (Bang Yi Khan station). Also don’t miss the Taling Chan floating market (saturday and sunday morning only)
There is a large mall called Central Pinklao with many brands and chain stores. This mall also has a large supermarket and extensive food court too. Just down the road you can also find a large Tesco Lotus supermarket selling everything you need and more. This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok if you’re looking for something different.
What are the best hotels in the Pinklao area?
You may be interested in the amazing Sunset Residence Pinklao – this lovely place offers vibrant apartment style accommodation for excellent prices. Sunset Residence are on Agoda and Sunset Residence on Booking.com.
If you’re looking for a great budget option check out the Indy House 59. You get a lot of space for your money here and it is only 5-10 minutes from the Bang Yi Kahn MRT station and the Indy night market. You can book Indy House on Agoda or book the Indy house on Booking.com.
6 Chatuchak park area
Chatuchak park is a large beautiful park located to the north of Bangkok. This area is not a hub – but there is still a good range of accommodation in the area. We would recommend this as a great spot for families in Bangkok.
What is there to do in the Chatuchak area?
Chatuchak park is a great space for kids. This large park has play areas, paths, ponds and much more. There is also the Kid’s Discovery Museum in the area – this wonderful museum has an exciting collection of exhibitions and activities for kids. Chatuchak park is also very well connected to the rest of Bangkok by public transport. You can also find plenty of shops and a mall in the area. So this may not be one of the most popular hubs in Bangkok – but this area has plenty going for it. This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for families with kids.
What are the best hotels near Chatuchak Park?
Don’t miss the Aora Boutiqiue hotel. Your money goes far in this beautiful and well located property. They offer private rooms and dorm rooms for very good prices. You can reserve the Aora on Agoda you can also reserve the Aora on Booking.com.
If you’re on a budget check out the Pillow and Bread Hostel. This is one of the best budget hostels in Bangkok. You can find Pillow and bread on Agoda. AND Pillow and bread are also on Booking.com.
7 Sutthisan area (The Ratchada District)
Located to the east of Bangkok on the MRT Blue Line, you can find the Sutthisan area. This area is a cheaper alternative to the Sukhumvit area. We wouldn’t describe this area as a hub – but there is some cheaper accommodation in the area. It is also pretty well connected to some of the main areas of Bangkok. So if you find a good hotel or guesthouse in the area this may be a good place to stay.
What is there to do in the Sutthisan Area?
Sutthisan lies to the north of Bangkok’s main business district. In this area you can find markets, hotels and coffee shops. Ok, to be honest there aren’t loads of things to do in the area. We recommend finding somewhere close to one of the MRT stations so that you can hop on and off and visit some of the other areas of Bangkok.
What are the best hotels in the Sutthisan Area?
Check out the Amaranta hotel. This mid-range hotel offers a lot for the money. We love the roof top swimming pool. Rooms have an impressive regal aesthetic. You can book the Amaranta on Agoda and the Amaranta are also on Booking.com.
On the lower budget end check out the Double DD house. You can get some great deals at this property and it is super close to the Sutthisan MRT station. The DD house are on Agoda. And the DD house are also on booking.com.
8 Silom (The Bangrak District)
If you like the high rises and skyscrapers then check out the Silom road area in the Bangrak District. This is part of the Business district of Bangkok. As you would expect there are plenty of luxury 5 star hotels in the area. You can also find plenty of budget hotels around here too. The Silom Area is well connected by the BTS Silom Line and the MRT Blue Line. So it is very easy to zip around Bangkok if you are based in this area.
What is there to do in the Silom Area?
This is also a good location to get to the central shopping district of Bangkok (The Siam Square area with its shopping malls). The Silom area is also pretty close to the Lumphini Park and the Chao Phraya River. Check out Convent road for cheap and tasty street food in the area. In Bangkok there is always cheap and amazing food within arms reach.
What are the best hotels in the Silom area?
This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for impressive hotels. If you’re looking to splash out here check out the 5 star Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse. This beautiful hotel offers excellent facilities, amazing food and a rooftop swimming pool. You can book the Marriott on Agoda or you can book the Marriott on Booking.com.
Kinnon Deluxe Hostel for a cheaper stay in the area. This is not the bottom end of budget but it is super cool and worth recommending. You can reserve the Kinnon at Agoda or you can reserve the Kinnon on Booking.com.
9 Bangkok Chinatown
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to Chinatown Bangkok – everything you need to know to plan your visit!
China town is almost always our favorite area of a city. You can reliably find cheap tasty food, markets, temples and plenty of signs in Mandarin. Chinatown is also a great place to stay in Bangkok. Located around the Trimit road area (just south of the MRT Wat Mangkon Station), Chinatown Bangkok offers a good range of accommodation and attractions. It is pretty close to the Bangkok Central train station (so this is an ideal hub if you are planning to arrive or depart Bangkok by trail). Most accommodation around Chinatown ranges between £15 – £60. You can find some good budget places to stay.
What is there to do around Chinatown Bangkok?
There are also lots of temples to visit in the area. The main temple near Chinatown is Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha). China town is also very close to the Chao Phraya River. Also don’t miss the Old Market next to Wat Chaiyaphum Karam.
What are the best hotels near Chinatown Bangkok?
One of the best hotels in the area is the amazing Lhong Yaowarat hostel. This is a retro vintage hotel with oriental heritage vibes. Find the Lhong Yaowarat hostel on Agoda and you can also find the Lhong Yaowarat hostel on Booking.com.
For something at the cheaper end check out the Luk Hostel with its stylish city modern interiors. This place is great value for money in a great location. You can reserve the Luk Hostel on Agoda or you can reserve the Luk Hostel on Booking.com.
10 Bangkok Oldtown – Rattanakosin
If you want to be immersed in authentic Bangkok culture, heritage and history, check out the Bangkok Oldtown area. This is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for culture. Also known as the Rattanakosin area, the old town offers markets, temples, quaint alleyways and historic buildings. This is the place to stay if you want to really feel like you are staying in Bangkok – authentic and real. There is a nice range of cheap hostels in the area and high end heritage hotels.
What is there to do in the Old Town area?
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Trok Mor Morning Market. This bustling vibrant market is packed with fresh local food. If you are interested in culture make sure you visit Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan and Mahannapharam Worawihan. Both temples are located in the Bangkok Old Town.
This area is around 10 minutes walk south of Khaosan road (the main backpackers hub in Bangkok). There are loads of tour operators around Khaosan road. So this makes it super convenient to book tours, trips, buses and trains if you are staying in or around the Bangkok Oldtown. The Old Town is only a short walk from the Bangkok Grand Palace.
What are the best hotels in the Bangkok Oldtown?
Embrace the heritage vibes with a stay at the 1905 Heritage corner. This rich wood antique hotel brings the heritage and culture of Bangkok to life. This is more than a place to sleep – it is an experience in its own right. Reserve the 1905 Heritage corner on Agoda. Alternatively reserve the 1905 Heritage corner on Booking.com.
For a nice and great value stay in the area check out the U&D Guest House. They have a range of clean, simple private rooms available for some of the best prices in the area. Book the U&D Guest House on Agoda or book the U&D Guest House on Booking.com.
Don’t miss the Floating Market Bangkok
Don’t miss our guide to the floating market Bangkok
