Where to Stay in Bangkok: Guide to the Best Neighbourhoods

Not sure where to stay in the city? This is our ultimate guide to Bangkok’s neighbourhoods

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Bangkok is a city of contrasts. From gleaming skyscrapers to ancient temples, bustling markets to green parks, it’s a city with something for everyone. But one of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your trip is where to stay. The city’s neighbourhoods each have their own unique charm and cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury, nightlife, cultural experiences or shopping, there’s a perfect spot for you. Here’s our guide to the best neighbourhoods in Bangkok and what they offer.

1. Sukhumvit

Source: Sofitel Accor

Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s most popular neighbourhoods, known for its big nightlife scene, shopping and dining. It’s a sprawling area that runs along Sukhumvit Road, one of the longest roads in the world, and its cosmopolitan vibe makes it vastly popular with expats. Here you’ll find Thonglor and Ekkamai, two of the trendiest areas of Bangkok.

Accommodation: Sukhumvit is home to a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. High end hotels like the Marriott, Hilton and Sofitel are located here, while you’ll find plenty of boutique hotels, serviced apartments and AirBnbs around here.

What to Do: The area is famous for its nightlife, with world-class bars, clubs and lounges. Soi 11 is a hotspot for nightclubs, while Thonglor and Ekkamai are where you’ll find chic bars and cafes. For shopping, head to Terminal 21, a themed mall with shops representing different international cities. EmQuartier and Emporium are also great for luxury shopping. This area is a dream for food too, with everything from street food stalls to top-end, Michelin-starred restaurants.

2. Silom

Silom is Bangkok’s financial district, but it transforms into a bustling social hub by night. It’s a great area for business travellers and those looking to be near some great nightlife spots. By day, the area teems with office workers navigating high-rise buildings and busy markets. As night falls, Silom transitions into an entertainment hotspot, perhaps most well-known for the infamous Patpong Night Market.

Accommodation: It’s here in Silom that you’ll find luxury hotels like the Banyan Tree and Lebua at State Tower. These are sky-high retreats complete with rooftop bars and world-class spas – sanctuaries above the city below. SO/ Bangkok merges local artistry with avant-garde design. For the budget savvy, Silom has plenty of serviced apartments and AirBnBs.

What to Do: Silom is a neighbourhood with a dual personality. It’s home to the Patpong Night Market, famous for its seedy bars and knock-off goods, and also the luxury rooftop bars of Lebua and Vertigo & Moon Bar. The street food scene is as good as it gets, with authentic, well-priced stalls that have to be good, as this is where the locals eat. It’s the busy business district, the ‘Wall Street’ of Bangkok, yet is also home to Lumphini Park, a beautiful green space with meandering walkways and lakes. Its location near major stations on the BTS and MRT networks make it convenient for exploring the rest of the city.

3. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the backpacker’s mecca in Bangkok. The area is a cultural melting pot and where the night brings neon lights and music that spills into the streets. Although it’s not the most local Thai experience, its relentless energy and sheer variety make it an exciting, if chaotic, base for younger travellers or those looking to immerse themselves in a social environment. Despite its party reputation, Khao San Road is also conveniently located near major historical sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, making it a great choice for backpackers wanting a blend of sightseeing and socialising.

Accommodation: Khao San Road is lined with too many budget guesthouses and hostels to count. The area is ideal for travellers looking to save money on accommodation while being close to the action. The accommodations here, though often simple, are usually full of character and charm, and an obligatory social atmosphere.

What to Do: Khao San Road is famous for its rowdy nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and street performances. It’s here you can try scorpions on a stick, tarantulas and mealworms, washed down by a mojito in a bucket. The area is also close to major attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, making it convenient for sightseeing. You can also explore the nearby riverside and take a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River. It’s in the heart of the action. This isn’t the place to come for a quiet retreat!

4. Riverside

The Riverside area is a more tranquil and scenic stay in Bangkok. Lined with luxury hotels, the area has stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The river itself is a focal point for tourism, with dinner cruises and water taxis running all day and night. Lush, landscaped riverside promenades are perfect for leisurely strolls, while nearby, traditional floating markets offer a glimpse into the local way of life. For a blend of relaxation, luxury and culture, it doesn’t get much better than Riverside.

Accommodation: Riverside is home to some of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La and The Peninsula. These hotels are about as good as it gets in Bangkok, with unbeatable river views. There are also plenty of more affordable options, including boutique hotels and a few AirBnBs.

What to Do: Staying by the river gives you easy access to many of Bangkok’s cultural and historical sites. This is the heart of the old city. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, all located nearby. You can also take a boat ride along the river to explore the city’s many canals. Asiatique The Riverfront is a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and you are near BTS and MRT stations if you want to explore further into the city.

5. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Chinatown, or Yaowarat, is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most characterful districts, teeming with a maze of narrow alleys lined with traditional shop houses, gold merchants and market stalls. At night, Yaowarat transforms into a gastronomic paradise; the streets come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of countless food stalls selling everything from dim sum to chinese donuts and exotic seafood.

Accommodation Options: Here you’ll find a real mix of budget hotels, boutique stays and guesthouses. The area is perfect for those looking for a taste of old Bangkok, with more character than cookie-cutter, chain hotels can offer. Boutique hotels like Shanghai Mansion immerse guests in the area’s rich heritage, with rooms that echo the opulence of 1930s Shanghai, replete with lavish silks and antiques.

What to Do: Food is the highlight of Chinatown, with countless street food vendors and restaurants lining the pavement. Try the famous dim sum, Peking duck and seafood dishes. Chinatown is also famous for its markets and temples. Visit the stunning Wat Traimit, known for its massive golden Buddha statue. The beautiful streets of Talat Noi are located here too, and make for a magical stroll that will have you feeling like you’re on a film set. Chinatown’s central location also means it’s only a short hop on the MRT to the old town and the riverside area, home to The Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

6. Ari

Ari is an up-and-coming neighbourhood known for its hipster vibe, boutique cafes and craft beer pubs. It’s a great place for young travellers and digital nomads, with a sense of community, cool hangouts and a more lived-in, relaxed vibe than some of the centrally located neighbourhoods. Green, leafy streets lined with artisan bakeries… this is the place to come if you want to experience what it would be like to actually live in Bangkok, rather than just visit.

Accommodation: Ari has a great selection of serviced apartments and AirBnBs, reflecting the more residential nature of the neighbourhood. Boutique hotels can of course be found, although expect these to be laid-back and intimate affairs, with design-led, stylish interiors straight off a Pinterest board. Lush gardens, hidden courtyards… the accommodation here reflects the creative and artistic community that it sits in.

What to Do: Explore the local cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops. Creative murals, street art and tree lined streets make this a haven for street photography and it’s a joy to just wander here and see where you end up. Visit the nearby Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest in the world and a must visit on any Bangkok itinerary. Hop on the BTS or MRT network to explore the old town and some of the bigger sights.

Things to Do