Where to Stay in Bangkok: 9 Best Areas for Every Traveller (2025 Guide)

If I hear someone say they don’t like Bangkok, I just know they stayed in the wrong area for their needs. This guide has THE best neighbourhoods in Bangkok.

Like all big cities, choosing where to stay is a big deal that can make or break your trip. I’ve visited Bangkok numerous times, each time staying in a different area and as a result had a totally different experience each time.

Bangkok has many sides, the old city with temples and cute buildings, the modern mega city with soaring skyscrapers and large parks, to small tree lined neighbourhoods with local markets and family run restaurants that should have a Michelin star.

Your choice on where to stay in Bangkok depends on whether you’re a first time visitor, your budget, do you like to go out at night, do you want to feel like you’re staying in a small neighbourhood, or do you like the big city feel and of course accessibility to green spaces. Bangkok has a neighbourhood whatever your needs may be.

This isn’t just another list, it’s based on real stays in every single area, with honest pros and cons.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Bangkok Areas by Traveler Type

Where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife: Khao San, Sukhumvit + Chinatown
Where to stay in Bangkok for digital nomads + long term stays: Ari + Silom
Where to stay in Bangkok for culture: Chinatown + Phra Nakhon
Where to stay in Bangkok for first timers: Khao San + Sukhumvit
Where to stay in Bangkok for shopping: Pratunam + Khlong San
Where to stay in Bangkok for families: Riverside, Phra Nakhon (excluding Khaosan), Silom + Khlong San
Where to stay in Bangkok for backpackers: Phra Nakhon, Chinatown + Pratunam

How Much To Stay In Bangkok?

The truth is there the price of accommodation in Bangkok varies widely. You can stay in Bangkok for as little as 75 THB (€2/$2.30 /£1.70) per night to over 37,880 THB (€1,000/$1,160 /£852) per night. It truly depends on what you want and where you want.

The average price most travellers pay is between $25-46 per night. You’ll always find a great deal, although the rates are affordable the quality is always high with amenities like a pool and gym often included.

Cheapest Time To Visit Bangkok

The cheapest time to visit Bangkok is during the low season (April – November), accommodation rates are at their lowest. Although it rains a lot, the showers are generally during the night and are over as fast as they begun. It can be a great time to bag a bargain if you don’t mind having alternative plans ready for the rain showers.

If travelling during low season I recommend staying in Siam or Sukhumvit to be close shopping malls for the rainy spells.

Peak tourist season (November-February) brings larger crowds and higher prices to major attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Accommodation can increase by an average of 20% during this time.

9 Areas To Stay In Bangkok

1. Silom – Best Overall

Silom is my personal preference of where to stay in Bangkok for long-term. I find it strikes the perfect balance for a comfortable stay with it being neither too touristy nor overly lively but also not boring. It’s also suitable for digital nomad/remote workers in Bangkok due to its large number of cafes, the Commons, and serviced apartments with top class facilities.

The area features many large skyscrapers with the BTS running down the main street, creating a concrete jungle atmosphere. However, quieter side streets like Saladaeng Road offer more peaceful spaces with fewer high-rises, while Lumpini Park provides an escape to nature, a luxury in a city as large as Bangkok.

I choose to stay on Saladaeng Road which has excellent cafes to work from in the day and then at night the Commons is the place to be for drinks and food.

As Bangkok’s business district, Silom hosts many large offices, making it especially busy during the day, and rush hour traffic can be nightmarish. However, with both the BTS and MRT passing through, you can easily avoid those traffic jams.

For tourists, Silom is a good pick due to its central location with places like Chinatown and Siam a couple of minutes’ journey away on the BTS/MRT. Travellers with children should feel comfortable here with most of the area child friendly and malls like OneBangkok or Silom Complex when the humidity takes its toll.

The area of Patpong night market is considered a red light district, the market is surrounded by lap dance bars and ping-pong shows. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re travelling with kids. However, if you don’t walk down that small road you would never know it’s even there and can be easily avoided.

Additionally, Silom is the best neighbourhood in Bangkok for LGBTQ+ to stay due to its gay bar district located on Silom Soi 2 where many drag shows and nights are held.

Cons Of Staying In Silom

I found it difficult to come up with the negatives of staying in Silom as it suited me perfectly.

For those looking to party Silom doesn’t have an exciting nightlife, aside from the Gay bar scene there isn’t much going on. Additionally, many of the cafes and restaurants are more expensive here, but if you do some research you can find some amazing budget friendly options (such as Pho & Banh Mi and Senn).

There are few tourist attractions here, so you will have to hop on the BTS/MRT everyday, which won’t suit everyone.

Things To Do In Silom

Best Hotels In Silom

$: Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe

$$: Tiang Capsule

$$$: Crowne Plaza

2. Phra Nakhon – Best For Backpackers

Also referred to as Rattanakosin or Khao San, Phra Nakhon is a huge area so it’s best to split it into the well known Khao San and the old city (Rattanakosin).

Khao San Road

If you’re searching for the best area to stay in Bangkok for first timers then Khao San Road should be on your radar. It’s the backpacker district located in the old part of the city and is one of the best neighbourhoods in Bangkok for tourists. It offers budget accommodation, a wild nightlife and within easy reach of the city’s biggest attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

For those solo travelling, staying in Khao San Road gives you the opportunity to meet many other international backpackers with some of Bangkok’s best hostels here and a young early to mid 20s crowd. Expect crazy bars with music so loud the bass can be felt in your chest, cocktail buckets, scorpions and cockroaches on sticks, and people just out for a good time. The energy levels are high.

During my stay we stumbled upon a quieter area just a few metres away from Khao San Road’s debauchery – Soi Rambutteri. Here you’ll find a few nice bars that spill out on the street, as well as some street food snacks. This area is suitable for kids and there are lots of families enjoying dinner and drinks here at night. Actually one of my favourite restaurants Madame Musur is located here.

Old City

It’s not all crazy nights out though, Khao San Road is just a small area of Rattanakosin where Grand Palace, Wat Pho and many other Bangkok’s most significant cultural attractions are located. This area is charming, and a total contrast to the modern Bangkok, here tuk tuks and temples replace skyscrapers and the BTS.

You can expect colourful 2 storey buildings and so much history. It’s pretty cool to be surrounded by so many temples. There is a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evening when many tourists visiting the temples go back to their hotel.

The MRT runs through the lower end of the old city. You can take the MRT from Sanam Chai Station to Sukhumvit and switch to the BTS. Alternatively you can take a boat from one of the four piers to Saphan Taksin BTS but this is longer.

Cons Of Staying In Phra Nakhon?

It’s very touristy, you’ll see more Westerners than locals around Khao San Road and if you don’t travel around and just stick to Khao San you won’t get a good sense of Bangkok . Due to the heavy drinking that occurs it leaves people vulnerable to running into trouble such as scams or spiking. Bangkok is generally extremely safe so although there is no need to worry just keep your wits about you.

Additionally there are many tuk tuk drivers around the old city, and they are extremely persistent. This is fine day 1 and 2, but can become frustrating constantly saying “no thank you”. There is also a common scam where they tell you the grand palace is closed (it’s not) and take you to another attraction and charge you an inflated price for their unwanted service.

Things To Do In Phra Nakhon:

Best Hotels In Phra Nakhon

$: Lamphuhouse Bangkok

$$: Wiengket Heritage 1964

$$$: Sala Rattanakosin

3. Riverside – Family Friendly

Riverside refers to the areas along the edge of the Chao Phraya River, and ranks among Bangkok’s best areas to stay for families. The views are incredible, with longtail boats continuously travelling along the river. The sunsets are unforgettable, featuring orange skies behind temples and distant skyscrapers.

Staying here means taking boats becomes your most convenient mode of transport, this is a relaxing way to travel around the city, not to mention the most scenic. Many hotels provide their own boat that depart directly from the hotel. Additionally, some of Bangkok’s most family friendly attractions are located in Riverside. This included Asiatique, dinner cruises, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and IconSiam.

Staying in Riverside will take you away from the usual bustle that Bangkok is known for. It’s well suited for families travelling with kids and couples looking for a romantic break.

Cons Of Staying In Riverside

Like anywhere, hotels and restaurants with a view tend to be more expensive. Riverside is no different. If you choose to stay here expect to pay more for both rooms and meals.

Although travelling by boat is nice, it can only get you so far; therefore, you’ll have to transfer to the BTS station Saphan Taksin at Sathorn Pier to reach other parts of the city. This can be difficult if you are out at night, the last boats generally stop at 9:30 PM.

Things To Do In Riverside

Best Hotels In Riverside

$: Baan Wanglang Riverside

$$: Ten Six Hundred

$$$: Sala Rattanakosin

4. Chinatown – Street Food + Culture

One of the coolest neighbourhoods in Bangkok, Chinatown is another one of the best areas to stay for first timers. Unlike other areas of the city, Chinatown is a historical snapshot of old Bangkok. Lining its narrow streets are 1-3 storey shophouses where downstairs is business and upstairs are homes, these buildings exemplify traditional Bangkok architecture, a world away from the modern glass skyscrapers you see in other parts of the city today.

Meander the narrow alleys to find street food haunts like Khao Gaeng Jek Pui (Je Chie), vibrant murals, and hip cafes.

Chinatown is multi-faceted: during the day you can visit peaceful temples, explore the trendy streets of Songwat and Talat Noi, and relax at aesthetic cafes, while at night the area transforms into Bangkok’s best night market with an endless variety of street food.

Although Chinatown isn’t known for its nightlife, it would be a mistake to dismiss it entirely. Soi Nana is a small alley lined with stylish cocktail bars like Teens Of Thailand and Asia Today, plus the underrated GEN-Z rooftop bar.

In terms of transport, Chinatown has two MRT stations along with the Chao Phraya express boat, so exploring more of the city is easy.

Ok, but what’s the catch?

If you are hoping to spend your time browsing ultra modern malls, then Chinatown will disappoint. Although it has excellent shopping at Sampeng Market and Mega Plaza Saphan Lek, you won’t find the mega malls with international brands. However, IconSiam is just across the water, and CentralWorld and Siam Paragon are within easy reach.

Most apartments here are in older buildings, you won’t find many of Bangkok’s luxury condos here. Finally, Chinatown becomes hectic at night. If you’re part of the action visiting the street food scene, that’s great, but if you’re looking to take a nighttime stroll, it’s anything but relaxing with large crowds of people and loud noise.

Things To Do In Chinatown

Best Hotels In Chinatown

$: PIER 808 Hostel

$$: Shanghai Mansion

$$$: Baan 2459 Heritage House

5. Sathorn – Upscale Living

Located south of Siam and Sukhumvit, beside Silom, Sathorn is Bangkok’s CBD (financial district). The streets are lined with banks and gleaming office skyscrapers, creating a modern, busy, and central atmosphere. It’s also close to Lumpini Park.

Although known as Bangkok’s CBD, the area is mostly residential. It’s one of the more expensive neighbourhoods in Bangkok, especially around the St Louis BTS. You can find some really nice hotels and condos here.

With a large number of high end restaurant and cafes, Sathorn is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for digital nomads, families, and couples who want to spend their evenings wining and dining.

Sathorn is a huge area, I recommend staying close to Thanon Suan Phlu or the Chong Nonsi and Sant Louis BTS. There are so many nice cafes, restaurants, and hotels here. You can also walk to Silom if you want different nightlife options.

The BTS runs through here, with the MRT close by. I suggest staying in the upper half of Sathorn for the best BTS access. The lower half will require you to take a Grab, songthaew (local passenger pick up truck), or walk a considerable distance.

The Cons Of Staying In Sathorn?

Although Sathorn has many bars, they’re pretty lowkey, if you’re looking for a wild night, you won’t find it here. But you are close to Silom. Traffic is particularly heavy here, making it a nightmare to get a taxi, so the BTS is much more convenient. Finally, the pubs and restaurants are expensive, of course there are local gems, but overall it’s expensive.

Things To Do In Sathorn

Best Hotels In Sathorn

$: Le D’Tel

$$: Urbana

$$$: W Bangkok

6. Pratunam + Siam

Pratunam is located in the centre of Bangkok. It’s the shopping district, home to large malls like CentralWorld, MBK Centre, and Siam Paragon here. It’s a convenient base with the BTS line running through the area and a pier for boat travel. This is where to stay in Bangkok if you’re looking for convenience and accessibility to other areas. Additionally, it’s one of the best places to stay during monsoon season, the powerful AC in the malls provides vital relief from the humidity.

The Pratunam area can be divided into two main sections. Siam Square is the southern part where the major shopping malls are located, giving it a big city atmosphere. To the north, you’ll find Pratunam, which is more local and quieter, featuring the excellent Pratunam night market and Platinum Fashion Mall with over 2,000 shops.

So if you want to shop till you drop or plan to travel around the city extensively using BTS, choose Pratunam (and try to stay near a BTS station for easy access).

Cons Of Staying In Pratunam + Siam

If you stay around Siam Square, it might feel indistinguishable from any other massive city in the world, with Western brands dominating the big malls. However, you can easily hop on the BTS to reach areas with more local character.

Things To Do In Pratunam + Siam

Best Hotels In Pratunam + Siam

$: In a Box

$$: VELA be Siam

$$$: Pathumwan Princess

7. Sukhumvit – Modern Nightlife

Sukhumvit is the centre of modern Bangkok. Expect towering skyscrapers, the BTS running through the main street, large pedestrian walkways, shopping centres, and numerous bars. It’s very touristy and has a reputation as one of the best neighbourhoods in Bangkok for tourists to stay.

It’s a huge area, Sukhumvit is one of the longest roads in Thailand so choosing where to stay within Sukhumvit is very important.

For short term stays or first time visitors, the area around Asok BTS is most suitable. It’s beside Terminal 21 and surrounded by bars and restaurants. If you want entertainment on your doorstep, then Asok is a good choice. Soi Sukhumvit 11 is my top choice for nightlife in this area, the bars here are not seedy and have a good atmosphere.

Alternatively, Phrom Phong encompasses the upscale areas of Ekkamai and Thong Lor. It’s much less touristy than Asok. With numerous Michelin starred restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes, it’s the place to stay for those seeking Bangkok’s modern nightlife scene. You’ll also find the luxury EmQuartier mall here, plus EmSphere with its abundance of eateries and bars.

As it’s located in the centre of Sukhumvit Asok is an interchange station on the blue and green line so makes travelling easy, whereas Phrom Phong is further away and better for longer stays.

It’s not all rooftop bars and fine dining, two of Bangkok’s red light districts are here: Soi Cowboy + Nana Plaza. These streets can be seedy, crime ridden and I don’t recommend staying near here. However, Soi Sukhumvit 11 which is very close to Nana is more suitable for those wanting to stay away from Bangkok’s seedy side.

Cons Of Staying In Sukhumvit

If you choose to stay in Sukhumvit, you’ll be quite far from the cultural attractions most first time visitors come to see. The two red light districts give some parts an overall seedy feeling; although easily avoided, it’s worth noting. Bars here also tend to much more expensive as it’s touristy.

You’ll notice many Western and Japanese expats and tourists. There’s not much sign of traditional Bangkok here. Finally, the traffic here is intense, but the BTS and MRT make it avoidable.

Things To Do In Sukhumvit

Best Hotels In Sukhumvit

$: Barn & Bed Hostel

$$: Park 19 Hotel

$$$: Tastoria Collection

8. Ari – Digital Nomads

Not many people consider staying in Ari when looking at neighbourhoods in Bangkok. This is a beautiful area that strikes a good balance between charming local life, with street food street and stalls but also having modern bars and cafes.

The area is based around the Ari BTS station, with many side streets and nooks to explore. Ari is one of the best areas to stay for digital nomads in Bangkok due to the variety and number of laptop friendly cafes and coworking spaces. Some of the best cafes in Bangkok are located here. This leafy, green suburb, is best suited for longer stays, with many condos available but fewer hotels.

Cons Of Staying In Ari

Although Ari is served by the BTS, it’s a 20 minute journey to central Bangkok, so first timers might prefer to stay closer to the action. Additionally, while the cafe scene is amazing, the prices tend to be higher and the nightlife is underdeveloped.

Things To Do In Ari

Best Hotels In Ari

$: The Lek Aree

$$: Craftsman Bangkok

9. Khlong San – Affordable

This is a bit of a rogue suggestion on where to stay in Bangkok, as it’s situated west of the Chao Phraya River, but it’s not as far as it first seems and is a good option for those searching for affordable hotels or condos in Bangkok.

For example, I stayed in a 1 bedroom condo with a rooftop pool and gym for 32,200 THB (€850/$986/£725) per month incl bills. The same standard in central Bangkok is about 64,400 THB (€1700/ $1970/ £1,450) per month.

Khlong San is an authentic modern neighbourhood in Bangkok, there are many condos here and it’s simply full of people going about their day to day life. You’ll find family-run restaurants and cafes, giving you an opportunity to support local Thais. It’s particularly appealing for longer stays and digital nomads where the savings add up, and for travellers who prefer experiencing how locals actually live rather than staying in tourist bubbles.

Although there aren’t many tourist attractions in the area, it’s easy to reach them, the Green BTS line reaches central Bangkok in 15 minutes, or alternatively, you can take a boat from Saphan Phut Pier. I recommend staying close to a BTS station or pier for enhanced convenience.

The advantage of not being close to tourist attractions is that you can escape the crowds, and also there are many more affordable, local restaurants on your doorstep.

Cons of staying in Khlong San

There isn’t a lot to do in the area, especially at night. If you want rooftop bars and Western cocktail bars, Khlong San doesn’t offer this. Additionally, there are fewer Grab options if you like to use Bangkok’s delivery services.

Things To Do In Khlong San

Best Hotels In Khlong San

$: Vera Nidhra

$$: Garden Inn

$$$: The Peninsula

Neighbourhoods To Avoid in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the safest cities in the world. Thais are honest, kind, and helpful. I have visited numerous times and have never run into trouble or even felt the slightest bit unsafe. I wander alleys on my own, carry my laptop around, and take Grabs alone.

That being said, just like any other city you need to keep your wits about you and choose a good area. There are some neighbourhoods in Bangkok with higher crime rates, but most crime tends to be petty, violent unprovoked crimes against tourists are extremely rare.

These are some neighbourhoods to avoid in Bangkok:

• Khlong Toey: this area is known from its large slum and drug use
• Red Light Distrists: Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and Patapong Market at night can experience petty crimes
• Din Daeng: heavily populated with a high crime rate

Thank you for reading this guide on the 9 best areas to stay in Bangkok. I hope you have a great trip! Check out my other Thailand posts below.

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