Where to stay in Bangkok: best areas and neighborhoods to avoid

If you are thinking of visiting Bangkok, one of the most important decisions to make is to choose where to stay. The city is huge and has very different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. From cheap backpacker areas like Khao San Road to more luxurious areas such as Riverside Do you want to be close to the temples, or do you prefer to be well connected by public transportation?

In this article, we tell you about the best places to stay in Bangkok, with its pros and cons, and also the neighborhoods that are best avoided, so you can choose what suits you best! We also leave here some other related articles about Bangkok:

• Must-see places to visit in Bangkok in 3 days
• Where to eat in Bangkok

Bangkok areas

First, here's a quick look at the different areas We will explain in detail below the pros and cons of each one and the option we finally chose (which we liked quite a lot):

• Khao San Road: The backpacker and cheap area
• Chinatown: Cheap and bustling area
• Silom Financial district with skyscrapers, leisure and good communication.
• Siam: Area of shopping malls and well communicated
• Riverside: Charm and hotels with a view
• Sukhumvit: Zone with ambiance, but far from the historical center.
• Bangkok Historical Center Cultural and touristic heart

Our choice: Accommodation in Silom ⭐.

In Bangkok, we decided to stay in the area of Silom because we wanted to be well connected with the area of the temples and at the same time in a area with ambiance and restaurants. What we did was to choose an apartment that was very close to one of the most important metro station (MRT) from Samyan (5 min walk) and we are very happy with our choice. The metro works super well, you can pay by card at the turnstiles (which we discovered on our last day hehe) and allows you to avoid the chaotic traffic of the city.

In addition, the area where we took the apartment is quite calm as it was kind of in the back of the house away from the main streets with traffic. We really enjoyed going out in the mornings and meeting with the giant skyscrapers the cute cafeterias and our 7-11 of trust.

🔥 Watch out!
An important thing when choosing accommodation, regardless of the area, is that you get it with air conditioning as it is usually quite hot and humid.

Our apartment is not currently available so we leave here the link to a similar one that is currently available right next door from where we are staying:

• Accommodation in Silom: Every Surawong

Khao San Road: The cheap backpacker area

If you have heard of Bangkok, Khao San Road will surely ring a bell. This area is backpacker paradise It is famous for being one of the most popular meeting points for budget travelers. It is relatively close to the Grand Palace and other tourist sites, which makes it a good option if you want to be close while saving on accommodation.

Here you will find a a wide variety of low-cost accommodations from shared hostels to simple hotels. In addition, Khao San has a nightlife very active, full of bars, restaurants and street stalls where you can eat cheaply and well. It is the perfect place if you like the lively atmosphere and meet other travelers.

Pros ✅

• Cheap lodging One of the cheapest areas to sleep in Bangkok.
• Proximity to the main temples It is a short walk from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
• Backpacker environment: Perfect for making friends and sharing experiences.
• Street food: Plenty of cheap food at any time of the day.

Cons ❌

• Noise If you are a light sleeper, this area can be hell. The music and bustle can last well into the wee hours of the morning.
• Poorly served by public transportation Khao San Road: Although it is close to the temples, Khao San Road is a bit far from the most useful public transport stations, which can make it difficult to move around the city. You will have to take Grab or walk a bit.
• Tourist to the fullest It can be overwhelming if you are looking for a more authentic and less tourist-centric experience.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Samsen Street HotelHotel Khao San Road: This hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect if you want some peace and quiet without being too far from the action.
• Villa De Khaosan by ChillaxOnly a 7-minute walk from Khao San Road, this hotel combines an excellent location with modern facilities and an outdoor pool. Ideal if you are looking for a touch more luxury but close to the hustle and bustle.
• Peace Land KhaosanHotel located 13 minutes away from Khao San Road, in a quieter area. With swimming pool, gym and full breakfast. It is a good choice if you want a balance between tranquility and proximity to nightlife, perfect for couples.
• Lamphuhouse BangkokLocated on Rambuttri Road, a few minutes from Khao San. The rooms are simple but comfortable, surrounded by greenery and with a quiet atmosphere. Prices are also around 16 € per night.

Chinatown: Cheap and bustling area

Chinatown is one of the most popular authentic and lively of Bangkok, perfect if you want a different experience and you love the chaos of its streets. Here you will not only find cheap accommodation, but you will be surrounded by some of the best markets and street food stalls in the city. It's a good option if you want to feel like a local and like to be in the center of the action.

Chinatown is full of economical lodgings although some of them may be somewhat basic. However, what stands out about this area is the amazing food and the proximity to several markets. It is also well connected to the subway, which will make it easy for you to get around the rest of the city.

Pros ✅

• Street food The gastronomy in Chinatown is one of the best you will find in Bangkok. Every corner is full of stalls where you can taste delicious dishes at very affordable prices.
• Local environment It is a perfect area to soak up the Thai-Chinese culture and explore markets full of unique products.
• Proximity to public transportation Unlike Khao San, here you will be relatively close to the MRT (subway), which will make it easier for you to move to other parts of the city.
• Cheap Lodging and food are quite economical.

Cons ❌

• Constant bustle The movement here does not stop, and it can be quite overwhelming with traffic, vendors and crowds. If you are looking for tranquility, this is not the area for you.
• Basic accommodation Although there are inexpensive options, many are simple and in some cases quite old-fashioned.
• Visual chaos The streets are full of signs and stalls that can be a bit overwhelming.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Shanghai Mansion Bangkok4-star hotel known for its elegant design inspired by the Shanghai of the 1930s. It is located in the heart of Chinatown, with a luxurious ambiance and spacious rooms.
• W22 by BurasariThis boutique hotel offers excellent value for money. It is perfect if you are looking for a comfortable and well located place near the main attractions of Chinatown.
• Oldthaiheng HotelA hotel with a traditional Thai charm. If you prefer a more local and authentic experience, this place is an excellent choice, with good facilities and services.
• LOBSUEK HostelIdeal if you are looking for something economical, with clean rooms, friendly staff, and a quiet atmosphere. Prices start at around 30 € per night.

Silom: Financial district with skyscrapers, leisure and good communications

Silom is the financial heart of Bangkok, filled with skyscrapers, offices, and hotels of all kinds. Although by day it is a business area, by night it transforms with bars, restaurants and night markets that make it an ideal place to both stay and explore. In addition, the connection to public transportation is very good, with access to both the Skytrain (BTS) and the subway (MRT).

Silom offers a perfect balance between comfort and entertainment. It is well connected and has accommodation options for all budgets, from luxury hotels to some more affordable ones. The advantage is that, even though it is a very urbanized area, you have the Lumpini Park next door, a green lung in the middle of the city where you can relax.

Pros ✅

• Good connection to public transportation BTS and MRT both pass through Silom, allowing you to move quickly around the city.
• Nightlife Bars and night markets, such as the famous Patpong, are wide and varied.
• Modern zone Accommodation: Being in the financial district, accommodations are usually more modern and better equipped.
• Proximity to Lumpini Park A park where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city.

Cons ❌

• Can be expensive Although there are affordable accommodations, prices are generally higher than in areas such as Khao San or Chinatown.
• Less local charm As it is a business area, it does not have the same traditional atmosphere as other areas of Bangkok. If you are looking for something more authentic, it may seem a bit impersonal.
• Heavy traffic As it is a very busy area, traffic during rush hour can be chaotic, although public transportation helps to avoid this.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Ibis Styles Bangkok SilomHotel offers an excellent location and is highly rated for its modern design, swimming pool and comfortable rooms. It is ideal for those looking for something practical and well-connected.
• Panoramic City View Room at SilomHotel with apartments with stunning views, outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and all amenities. Ideal for couples and with a very affordable price for the services offered.
• Le Siam Hotel SilomThis boutique hotel is perfect if you want a quiet accommodation, but close to the action. It offers comfortable rooms and is very close to shopping and public transportation.
• Artino Hotel SilomThis hotel offers excellent value for money, with clean, modern rooms and a central location in Silom.

Siam: Shopping mall area and well communicated

Siam is the commercial center of Bangkok par excellence. If you love shopping, this area is a real paradise, with gigantic shopping malls such as the MBK, Siam Paragon y CentralWorld. But Siam is not only a place for shopping, it is also one of the most popular areas in the world better communicated The hotel is located in the heart of the city, with key connections to the BTS (Skytrain) that will allow you to move easily to any other part of Bangkok.

Staying in Siam is a good idea if you want to be in the heart of modern Bangkok, with easy access to public transport, stores, restaurants and entertainment. It is also a very safe area and is full of modern hotels, although prices tend to be somewhat higher than in other areas.

Pros ✅

• Perfect for shopping If you like shopping, you will be in the best area to do it, with a great variety of shopping malls and stores.
• Very well communicated Siam is a key point in Bangkok's transportation network, with several BTS stations that will allow you to move quickly and efficiently.
• Leisure options In addition to shopping, the area has many entertainment options, such as movie theaters, international restaurants, coffee shops and even aquariums within the malls.
• Modern and safe area Siam is very modern and has a more westernized atmosphere, with a wide range of quality accommodations.

Cons ❌

• Higher prices: Staying in Siam tends to be more expensive than in other areas, both in accommodation and in restaurants and stores.
• Less authenticity If you are looking for the most authentic Bangkok experience, you may find everything here a bit "too modern" and far away from traditional Thai life.
• Very busy As it is a popular area for both tourists and locals, it tends to be crowded, which can be a bit overwhelming.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok5-star hotel located in the heart of Siam, surrounded by gardens and swimming pools, offering luxury and tranquility in the middle of the city. The rooms are spacious and elegant, and the hotel is directly connected to the Siam Paragon shopping mall.
• Novotel Bangkok on Siam SquareHotel Siam Square: This modern hotel is ideal if you are looking for comfort at a good price. It is located right in the heart of Siam Square, with easy access to the BTS and shopping malls. Its rooms are spacious and it offers an outdoor swimming pool.
• Mercure Bangkok SiamHotel BTS National Stadium Station and the famous MBK shopping mall are just a short walk from this hotel. It is a great choice for exploring the city, with comfortable and modern rooms.
• Daraya Boutique HotelThis charming boutique hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Siam's major shopping malls, such as MBK and Siam Paragon. It offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool and excellent service.

Riverside: Charm and hotels with a view

If you are looking for a charming area with breathtaking views, Riverside is one of the most picturesque options in Bangkok. Located at the along the Chao Phraya River This area offers a quieter and more luxurious atmosphere than the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is famous for its luxury hotels Many of them have terraces and pools that offer incredible views of the river and the main temples of the city, such as Wat Arun.

Staying at Riverside is perfect if you want a more relaxed and sophisticated. Here you can enjoy river cruises, leisurely strolls and dining at waterside restaurants. Lodging in this area tends to be more luxurious, making it an ideal choice for an overnight stay. special stay or a romantic getaway, since they are generally more expensive than in other areas of Bangkok.

Pros ✅

• Breathtaking views Many of the hotels along the river offer panoramic views of the Chao Phraya and nearby temples, especially at sunset.
• Quiet environment Although it is close to the main tourist spots, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed compared to other more chaotic areas of Bangkok.
• Quality hotels Most of the accommodations in Riverside are upscale, with excellent services and amenities that will make you feel like you are in a resort.
• Boat trips The river transport is an experience in itself, and you will be able to move along the river to reach tourist areas such as the Grand Palace or the floating market.

Cons ❌

• More expensive Lodging in Riverside tends to be more expensive than in other areas, as luxury hotels predominate.
• Fewer economic options Although there is some offer for tight budgets, in general this area is more oriented to tourists with higher purchasing power.
• Away from BTS Although some hotels offer free shuttles to BTS stations, it is generally less connected to overland public transportation, which can make getting around a bit more complicated.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Chatrium Hotel Riverside BangkokThe hotel offers a luxurious experience with breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River. Its rooms are spacious, modern, and it has a spectacular outdoor swimming pool. It is ideal for those looking to relax in a comfortable and well-located environment.
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort5-star resort, perfect for those who want to enjoy luxury surrounded by tropical gardens. It offers a variety of restaurants and activities, as well as a swimming pool overlooking the river.
• The Salil Hotel Riverside BangkokThis boutique hotel combines modern luxury with a relaxed atmosphere by the river. It has several restaurants and an outdoor pool, making it an excellent choice for couples and families alike.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam RiversideHotel offers excellent value for money. It offers spacious rooms with river views and an outdoor swimming pool. It also has a free shuttle service to the BTS station, providing easy access to the rest of the city.

Sukhumvit: Area with atmosphere, but away from the historic center.

Sukhumvit is one of the most fashionable and cosmopolitan areas of Bangkok, full of nightlife, international restaurants, shopping malls and a wide range of accommodation for all tastes. However, it is quite remote from the historic center and the main temples, so it is not the best choice if you want to be close to the typical points of interest.

If you prefer to be in a more modern area, with many leisure options and well connected by the BTS (Skytrain), Sukhumvit is an excellent choice. It is also perfect for those who enjoy nightlife, as it is full of bars, clubs and rooftops. Unlike more touristy areas, here you will find a mix of local residents, expats and tourists.

Pros ✅

• Wide range of leisure activities The area has plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping centers, perfect for those who want to enjoy the modern life of Bangkok.
• Well communicated Sukhumvit is very well connected by the BTS, making it easy to travel to other areas of the city.
• Various accommodations You will find a wide range of accommodations, from apartments and hostels to luxury hotels, adapted to different budgets.
• International environment Here you can enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere with many international dining options and nightly entertainment.

Cons ❌

• Away from the historic center If your main objective is to visit the temples and tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, you will be somewhat inconvenienced because you will have to rely on transportation to get there.
• Heavy traffic Although the BTS will allow you to move easily, the traffic in Sukhumvit can be quite heavy, especially during rush hour.
• Less local authenticity The area is modern and international, so the traditional charm of Bangkok is a little bit lost. If you want a more authentic experience, this area may not be the best.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Bangkok Marriott Hotel SukhumvitThis luxurious 5-star hotel offers a high-end experience in Sukhumvit. With a rooftop pool and a restaurant with spectacular views of Bangkok, it is ideal for those seeking luxury and comfort.
• Eleven Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 11A modern hotel with an excellent location on vibrant Soi 11. It offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and easy access to restaurants and public transportation.
• Tints of Blue HotelAsoke BTS Hotel: This small boutique hotel stands out for its unique design and convenient location near Asoke BTS station. It is a quiet and affordable option for those looking for something different and cozy.
• August ResidenceA boutique option that combines comfort and excellent value for money. It is a 10-minute walk from Phrom Phong BTS station and is perfect if you prefer a quiet but central environment.

Bangkok Historical Center: Cultural and tourist heartland

The historical center of Bangkok is where you will find the main cultural and tourist attractions of the city. Here you will find some of the most important temples and monuments, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (where the Reclining Buddha is) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Staying in this area is perfect if your main goal is to explore the historical heritage of the city, but keep in mind that, in terms of entertainment and nightlife options, it is not as active as other areas of Bangkok.

Staying in the historic center puts you within walking distance of the main monuments Bangkok, which is ideal if you plan to spend most of your time discovering Thai history and culture. In addition, the area has a special charm, with quieter streets (outside the tourist areas), and some small local markets and cafes. However, there are not as many modern lodging options as in other newer districts of the city.

Pros ✅

• Proximity to the main temples You will be right next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and other important historical monuments, allowing you to explore on foot without having to rely so much on transportation.
• Quiet environment The historical center of the city is more calm, especially in the evenings, ideal if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Authenticity Here you can enjoy a more authentic experience, surrounded by traditional Thai architecture and less touristy local markets.
• Good local restaurants Although it is not an area with a lot of nightlife, you will find authentic Thai food restaurants.

Cons ❌

• Less nightlife offer If you are interested in partying or enjoying bars and nightclubs, this area is quite limited in terms of nightlife.
• Fewer modern housing options Most of the accommodations here are hostels, small hotels or guesthouses, some more basic. There are not as many luxury or modern hotel options as in Sukhumvit or Silom.
• Less connected to the BTS or MRT Public transportation in this area is more limited. Although there are buses and boats on the river, you will have to rely on cabs or tuk-tuks to reach other parts of the city.

Recommended hotels 🛏️

• Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and CafeBoutique hotel offering a mix of budget rooms and suites, all with a vintage style. Ideal for those looking for a stay with a classic touch and good service.
• Double B HostelIt is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable place at a good price in the center of Bangkok. Its design is modern and it is located in a quiet area.
• Green Teak HouseThe guest house is located in the historic center of Bangkok, within walking distance of landmarks such as Wat Saket and the Grand Palace. With a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, it is ideal for those looking for a more authentic experience in the city.
• Ti Thong HostelExcellent budget option located in the historic center of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace. It has breakfast options, nice common areas, such as the rooftop and a modern lobby. It is perfect for both backpackers and groups of friends, with a strategic location and affordable prices.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Bangkok ⚠️

Although Bangkok is a safe city in general There are some neighborhoods that are best avoided for accommodation, either because of the lack of services, or simply because they do not offer the best that the city has to offer. Here are some of the neighborhoods that we do not recommend if you want to enjoy your stay in Bangkok to the fullest, which are basically the following red-light districts (they are very localized in a couple of streets).

Nana Plaza (Soi 4)

Known for being one of the most popular areas of Bangkok's most "racy" nightlife, with bars and clubs focused on sex tourism. Although it can be interesting to pass through here to see the atmosphere, it is not the best area to stay if you are looking for tranquility or a family atmosphere. Also, the accommodations here tend to be expensive for what they offer.

Patpong (Silom)

Patpong is another neighborhood famous for its nightlife and night market, but like Nana Plaza, it is very focused on sex tourism and adult bars. If you want a more authentic and less "touristy" experience, this area may not be the best choice. Also, prices for accommodation and goods in the market tend to be higher.

Soi Cowboy

This is a street famous for its nightlife and strip bars, similar to Nana Plaza and Patpong. Although it is known for having a more relaxed and "fun" atmosphere for those looking to explore the more adventurous side of the city, it is not an ideal place to stay if you prefer a quiet atmosphere or are looking for a cultural experience. Accommodations around Soi Cowboy tend to be more geared towards party tourism.

Khlong Toei

It is one of the shantytowns older and poorer Bangkok, and although it is in the process of modernization, it still has many areas that may not be pleasant for tourists. The neighborhood is quite chaotic, and although it has an interesting market, it is not a recommended area to stay in due to its lack of amenities and its remoteness from the main tourist attractions.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to stay in Bangkok: best areas and neighborhoods to avoid you can visit our posts about Thailand.