Bangkok is a huge, modern city of temples, markets, nightlife and street life, spread across the Chao Phraya River delta. It is a place where the Grand Palace and the temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho sit in the same city as the nightlife of Khaosan Road and Patpong, and where the city's rapid growth has left a haphazard layout and chronic traffic congestion.
For a visitor, the practical question is not which hotel but which part of the city to base yourself in. Bangkok's public transport — its urban rail lines and express boats — is the key to getting around comfortably, so the area you choose matters most for how easily you can reach the sights and how much noise and traffic you want to deal with. This guide covers the main areas to stay, what each suits, and how to think about budget levels.
Best areas to stay in Bangkok
1. Riverside of Silom and Thonburi
The riverside of Silom and Thonburi is home to some of the best hotels in the world, often ranked among the best and priced to match. This is where you base yourself if you want a luxury stay with river frontage and easy access to the water.
It suits travellers who want the top end of the market and are willing to pay for it. The practical point is river access: express boat piers along the Chao Phraya make it easy to reach the temple sights and to move between the two banks.
2. Siam Square
Siam Square is one of the areas where most of the city's moderate and expensive hotels can be found, though it also has its share of budget options. It suits visitors who want a central base with a range of accommodation levels.
The practical point is transport: pay careful attention to Skytrain and metro access, as a well-placed station can make your stay much more comfortable.
3. Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit, like Siam Square, is home to most of the city's moderate and expensive hotels, and also has budget options. It suits travellers who want a central location with a broad choice of places to stay.
As with Siam Square, the key practical consideration is Skytrain and metro access, which can make getting around the city much easier.
4. Silom
Silom is another of the main areas for moderate and expensive hotels, with its share of budget options as well. It suits visitors who want to be in a central district with a mix of accommodation.
The practical point is the same as elsewhere in the centre: check how close your base is to a Skytrain or metro station, and to express boat piers if you plan to use the river.
5. Khao San Road
Khao San Road is backpacker city, the area associated with the city's nightlife scene and with budget travellers. It is where you find the cheapest end of the accommodation range.
One practical point to note: some hotels in Khao San Road refuse Thai guests altogether, so if you are travelling with a Thai partner, ask before you check in.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Khao San Road is the backpacker area, and it is possible to have a decent double room with hot shower and air-conditioning for about 500 baht per night. Budget options also exist in Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom.
- Mid-range: expect to pay around 1,500 baht for a double room in the main tourist areas, with most moderate hotels found in Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom.
- Splurge: the riverside of Silom and Thonburi is home to some of the best hotels in the world, and even staying at one of Bangkok's top hotels only costs around 5,000 baht.
Air-conditioning is advisable, as temperatures do not drop below 20 °C at night. Some Bangkok hotels charge a guest fee of around 500 baht if you bring a visitor back for the night, and hotel security may hold onto your guest's ID card for the duration of the visit; look for signs at the front desk or ask staff before check-in if in doubt.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Siam Square. It is one of the areas where most of the city's moderate and expensive hotels are found, and it also has budget options, so it works across price levels. Most importantly, it is central and connected to the Skytrain and metro, which makes reaching the rest of the city much more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for backpackers?
Khao San Road is backpacker city, and it is where the cheapest accommodation is concentrated.
Where are most of the moderate and expensive hotels?
Most of the city's moderate and expensive hotels can be found in Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom, though these areas also have their share of budget options.
What should I check before choosing an area?
Pay careful attention to Skytrain, metro and express boat access, as a well-placed station or pier could make your stay in Bangkok much more comfortable. Air-conditioning is also advisable, as temperatures do not drop below 20 °C at night.
Are there any extra charges to be aware of at hotels?
Some Bangkok hotels charge a guest fee of around 500 baht if you bring a visitor back for the night, and some hotels in Khao San Road refuse Thai guests altogether. Hotel security may hold onto your guest's ID card for the duration of the visit, so look for signs at the front desk or ask staff before check-in if in doubt.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.