There are around 18 districts in and around central Bangkok. When considering where to stay there are many things to think about. Firstly, what you want to see and do. Connections to public transport ideally the Metro / trains and price of accommodation.
In this blog post we’ll go through a few of the main neighbourhoods and what they have to offer.
We’ll also talk through the best ways to get around and hotels within a pretty low budget.
Let’s start off with the top 5 neighbourhoods and why.
1. Asoke – Sukhumvit
In my opinion the best district to stay in is Sukhumvit. With Asok being my favourite neighbourhood as you have Terminal 21 on your doorstep (mall / food court). You also have easy access to the metro.
There is also easy access to the Soi’s where you’ll find an array of food, bars that come alive at night.
Accommodation can be a little more in this area but still can get some reasonable rates if you book in advance. I think a very good price per night is 1,200 THB ($33).
2. Silom – Si Lom
Silom, often referred to as the “Wall Street of Thailand,” is a business district in Bangkok that transforms into a lively entertainment hub by night. During the day, the area is filled with office workers, financial institutions, and high-end shopping centres. By evening, Silom’s famous Patpong Night Market and nightlife scene come alive, offering everything from street food and bars to nightclubs and live entertainment.
The district also boasts cultural attractions like Lumpini Park, a green oasis perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. With its mix of business, leisure, and cultural experiences, Silom is a dynamic and multifaceted neighbourhood.
3. Nana – Sukhumvit
Nana, located along Sukhumvit Road, is one of Bangkok’s most bustling neighbourhoods in Thailand. It is known for its nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. The area is also home to a diverse mix of restaurants offering international cuisine, street food stalls, and several mid-range to upscale hotels.
Nana’s strategic location provides easy access to the BTS Skytrain, making it convenient for you to explore other parts of Bangkok. The neighbourhood’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
4. Bang Lamphu – Phra Nakhon
The backpacker classic, here you’ll find the infamous Khaosan road. I think over time it’s lost a lot of its charm as Bangkok has developed so much over the last 15-20 years. Still worth a consideration but you’ll not have easy access to the metro, but can get a Tuk-Tuk or metre taxi into the centre. You also find accommodation very reasonable around here.
5. Ratchaprarop – Phetchaburi
This area is a great location for someone that has just a few nights in Bangkok and flying on to say an island from Sukhumvit airport. The area is home to the popular Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok’s major wholesale shopping districts, where visitors can find a wide array of clothing and accessories at competitive prices.
As mentioned Ratchaprarop offers easy access to the Airport Rail Link at Ratchaprarop Station, connecting you directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport. With numerous affordable hotels, street food vendors, and shopping malls like the Platinum Fashion Mall nearby, Ratchapraropi is a favourite among budget-conscious travellers and those looking to stay in the heart of the city’s shopping scene.
Best location to stay in Bangkok
Having covered the top 5 areas to stay in my opinion. This then opens it up to the hotels I would choose. I will give three recommendations and these will all be in Asoke as this is my favourite area for accessing everything and being in the heart of the action. All within walking distance of the metro / trains.
One thing I would say is Agoda seems to be the best place to book hotels for Asia from what I have seen. They have multiple offices over Asia so assume that helps with contracting the best rates and volume of hotels.
1. Heaven@4 – Nana
Just a 5 min walk from Nana station and prices starting as little as 700 THB ($19) a night, this is a great option. The rooms are not the biggest but if you are literally looking for somewhere to dump the bags and sleep then it’s perfect and gives you great access to everything either via walking or by metro / train.
2. The Fusion Suites Hotel – Wattana
Not far at all from Sukhumvit station, this place is really a steal at rooms starting at 1,100 THB ($30) per night. The rooms are also well presented so this is a great choice to stay at.
3. Sereine Sukhumvit 39 Hotel – Wattana
At 1,300 THB ($35) a night. This place has a high cleanliness rating and an outdoor swimming pool, you are within minutes of Phrom Phong station.
How to get around Bangkok
I personally think the best way to get around Bangkok is the metro or trains. The only time I use Uber or Meter taxis is at night when public transport has stopped or when I am going to the old international airport (Don Mueang), where most flights are cheaper to go to different parts of Thailand and even Asia.
I would download the ‘Grab’ app if you want an Uber like service and can get cars as well as motorbike taxis.
There are a few different options to travel, I would avoid the bus at all costs, it’s cheap but just real for locals and most are old buses with no air con.
MRT is the Metro and costs around 40 THB a journey ($1). You can get a day pass for around 120 THB ($3). Skytrain is a little more expensive for journeys and can get a day pass for 150 THB (just under $4).
The best way to plan trips on the go is get a sim card from 7 Eleven and for about 200 THB ($5) you can normally get 30 days unlimited roaming, using Google Maps is best so if you don’t have the app, probably best to get for ease of use.
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