Bangkok, a city that effortlessly blends vibrant street life with serene temples and bustling markets with luxurious retreats, often tops the list of favorite destinations for seasoned travelers. It might seem surprising for someone who loves beaches and jungles, but Bangkok’s urban charm is undeniable. My relationship with Bangkok started slowly, but it blossomed into a deep appreciation for this dynamic metropolis. Over numerous visits, I’ve explored many corners of the city and now want to share my insights in this comprehensive guide on Where To Stay In Bangkok.
While many guides exist, this one is built on personal experiences and countless nights spent in various Bangkok neighborhoods. Forget objective reviews; here you’ll find my curated list of favorite apartments, guesthouses, and hotels in Bangkok – all personally tested and approved.
If budget is a concern, consider visiting during the summer months for better deals. And after enjoying your hotel breakfast, explore the amazing breakfast spots Bangkok has to offer.
Read More: One night in… A 24-hours Bangkok Itinerary
Discover the Best Areas and Hotels: Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok Cityscape at Dusk
Find your perfect stay in:
Don Mueang Airport
Sukhumvit
Silom
Chinatown
Khao San Road
Dusit
Phra Nakhon
Essential Bangkok Travel Tips
Don Mueang Airport: Convenient Airport Hotels
Don Mueang Airport Hotel Exterior
While Suvarnabhumi Airport handles most international arrivals, Don Mueang Airport is a hub for domestic and some regional flights. It’s a well-maintained airport, frequently used for travel within Southeast Asia, especially with airlines like AirAsia.
However, getting to downtown Bangkok from Don Mueang can be a significant journey, and public transport options are limited. If you have a late arrival, early departure, or a long layover, an airport hotel near Don Mueang is a practical choice. Fortunately, I have just the recommendation for where to stay in Bangkok near the airport.
Amari Don Muang Airport: Seamless Airport Access
The Amari Don Muang Airport is a fantastic find for airport convenience. Located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, accessible via a covered bridge directly from the terminals, it eliminates taxi hassles and traffic worries.
Amari Don Muang Airport Bathroom
The hotel offers various room types, and while the décor might be slightly dated, the rooms are comfortable and spacious. A notable perk is the softer mattresses, a welcome change from typical firm Thai beds. Wake-up calls are available, but with the airport so close, oversleeping is less of a concern!
Amenities include a large courtyard with a pool and two restaurants. Dinner at The Corner restaurant was a pleasant surprise, with delicious and reasonably priced food. I highly recommend the Tom Yam Goong with river prawns.
Amari Don Muang Airport Food Presentation
Breakfast starts early at 6 am, and for those with very early flights, takeaway breakfast boxes or coffee are provided.
Find a room at Amari Don Muang Airport
Sukhumvit: A Diverse and Dynamic Area for Your Bangkok Stay
For many visitors researching where to stay in Bangkok, Sukhumvit emerges as a popular choice. Often described as downtown Bangkok, it’s known as an expat and trendy hub. While partially true, Sukhumvit’s vastness can be overwhelming. Sukhumvit Road stretches for almost 500 km, from Bangkok all the way to Cambodia.
Sukhumvit Road Bangkok Street View
Even focusing solely on the Bangkok section, Sukhumvit spans approximately 11 km, from Nana to Bearing. The main area, encompassing Sois (side streets) 1 to 63, is incredibly diverse. It’s less a single neighborhood and more a collection of distinct areas.
However, Sukhumvit boasts excellent public transportation via the BTS Skytrain line running along the main road. Lower Sukhumvit starts with areas like Nana (known for nightlife), transitioning to Asok, then the upscale shopping district and Upper Sukhumvit, including the trendy Thonglor and Ekkamai. Areas beyond Ekkamai offer more budget-friendly options while still being connected to the BTS line. When considering where to stay in Bangkok in Sukhumvit, prioritize proximity to a BTS station for easy access to the city.
Volve Hotel Bangkok: Stylish Boutique in Thonglor
Volve Hotel Bangkok Exterior in Thonglor
Volve Hotel Bangkok is a favorite boutique hotel in Thonglor, offering a stylish retreat in this fashionable district. Its modern, sleek design incorporates natural elements, with large windows overlooking greenery, providing a respite from the urban environment.
Volve Hotel Bangkok Room with Seating Area
Room options range from studios to two-bedroom suites with separate living areas. All rooms include a desk and/or couch, a complimentary minibar stocked with Thai snacks, and a delicious breakfast. The Herringbone Cafe downstairs provides additional dining options.
Find a room at Volve Hotel Bangkok
Nidhra Boutique Hotel: Cool and Affordable Sukhumvit Gem
Nidhra Boutique Hotel Room Interior
For a truly cool and affordable boutique hotel in Bangkok, consider Nidhra Boutique Hotel. Located further along Sukhumvit Road, in Soi 48, it offers a local experience while still being conveniently located. It’s a short walk to the BTS station and the Emquartier shopping mall. While less glitzy than some areas, the local neighborhood charm is appealing. Nearby amenities include a laundromat, inexpensive Japanese restaurant Uma, a local food market, Grano di Pa pizza, and a 7-Eleven.
Nidhra Boutique Hotel Room with Bed Detail
Nidhra’s modern concrete design is stylish and rooms are sleek yet comfortable. Even windowless rooms feel light and airy. The service is exceptionally friendly. The hotel restaurant/coffee shop/bar offers incredible value, with Pad Krapao at 80 baht and wine for 150 baht. They also have craft beer, happy hour, and room service options.
Find a room at Nidhra Boutique Hotel
Shama Serviced Apartments: Home Away From Home in Bangkok
Shama Luxe Sukhumvit Living Room
For longer stays or when you need more space, Shama Serviced Apartments are an excellent choice for where to stay in Bangkok. They offer various properties across the city with different amenities for short and long-term travelers. Whether you are traveling with family, pets, or need a long-term rental, Shama has options.
Read more: Finding a home away from home in Bangkok
Unlike Airbnb, Shama apartments are professionally managed with hotel-like amenities, security, and service. Services include fridge stocking and daily apartment servicing. All properties feature pools and gyms.
Shama Serviced Apartment Rooftop Pool
Book a room at Shama Luxe Sukhumvit
MUU Bangkok Hotel: Intimate and Modern in Thonglor
MUU Bangkok Hotel, previously known as Akyra Thonglor, is a perfect choice for an intimate and modern city hotel in Bangkok. Rooms are decorated in jewel tones, complimentary water is served in glass bottles, and Wi-Fi is excellent. For a quieter stay in busy Thonglor, request a room on a higher floor. A unique touch is the pillow menu.
The rooftop area features a small pool with city views, a gym, and the Otto Restaurant, offering affordable lunch menus, oyster tasting, and Italian chef’s specials.
MUU’s prime location in Thonglor (Soi Sukhumvit 55) provides easy access to the area. A free shuttle to the BTS station is available, or it’s a 10-minute walk.
Find a room at MUU Bangkok Hotel
IR-ON Hotel: Chic Design at a Great Price
During a recent Bangkok trip, IR-ON Hotel in Thonglor impressed with its rates and interior design. The industrial-chic aesthetic is stylish yet welcoming.
IR-ON Hotel Room with King Bed
The lobby and downstairs area are equally cool, with a small cafe serving good coffee. It’s within walking distance of Thong Lo BTS and many restaurants and shops.
IR-ON Hotel Lobby Seating Area
For a chic design hotel in Bangkok at a very reasonable price, IR-ON Hotel is an excellent option.
Read More: A Guide to hip Thonglor, Bangkok
The Fig Lobby Hotel: Unique and Creative Stay
The Fig Lobby Hotel, formerly Chi Art Series Hotel, is located in Khlong Toey, an area known for its large wet market and local community. However, the hotel itself is a destination.
The Fig Lobby Hotel Exterior with Colorful Wall
Stepping inside reveals a hotel focused on inclusivity and creativity, with vibrant colors throughout, including pink toilets and a red lips couch. Room categories include suites with round beds and leopard print. Check-in involves homemade ice cream, and there’s an in-house pottery studio. The Bhava Spa offers relaxation and chakra cleansing.
The Fig Lobby Hotel Room with Desk and Plant
Book a room at The Fig Lobby Hotel
Silom: Bangkok’s Energetic Financial District
Silom Bangkok Skyline at Sunset
Silom is a vibrant and bustling area, the financial heart of Bangkok. It’s a mix of worlds, home to Patpong Night Market and Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s equivalent to Central Park. While it has a gritty edge, it’s not unsafe and offers a unique Bangkok experience. Staying near Sala Daeng BTS station, just off Silom Road, is ideal.
Silom Studios: Budget-Friendly and Brand New
Silom boasts luxury hotels like Banyan Tree, SO Sofitel, and W Hotel, but Silom Studios offers a great budget-friendly option. Tucked away in a quiet alley, it’s within walking distance of Lumpini Park, shops, the BTS, and numerous food options.
Silom Studios Exterior Detail with Greenery
A local coffee shop near Sala Daeng offers excellent and affordable coffee, a great alternative to the instant coffee at Silom Studios.
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G: Affordable 5-Star Luxury
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G Room Interior
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is arguably the most affordable 5-star hotel in Bangkok. Its sleek, white G rooms, city views, and central location are appealing.
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G Room with Desk Area
The hotel features great dining, including a burger restaurant and a popular rooftop bar for sunset drinks and oysters (reservations recommended). Amenities include a pool and a fantastic breakfast buffet.
Find a room at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
Chinatown: Heritage and Culinary Delights in Bangkok
Yaowarat Road Chinatown Bangkok Morning Scene
Chinatown in Bangkok is a delightful surprise, one of the city’s oldest areas, preserving its heritage and culture. Yaowarat Road, the main thoroughfare, is a food lover’s paradise. Soi Nana in Chinatown offers a cool, understated vibe, distinct from the Nana known for nightlife. My two favorite Bangkok Airbnbs are located here, making it a great option for where to stay in Bangkok.
Read more: What to do & see in Chinatown, Bangkok
Ba Hao – 8 Soi Nana: Stylish Guesthouse and Restaurant
Ba Hao, run by Bua and Note, is a stylish guesthouse and restaurant in Soi Nana. With only two rooms, it blends Thai architecture with retro interiors. The top room features a large glass wall overlooking Chinatown streets.
Ba Hao Entrance at Night in Chinatown
A communal living room downstairs has a leather couch and an Eames lounger. It’s perfect for small groups who can book the entire house. The downstairs restaurant serves modern Chinese dishes, craft beer, and cocktails. Try the Tan Tan noodles and consider the cocktail sommelier’s recommendations. Reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot.
Ba Hao Room Sunrise View
Across the street, Wallflower Cafe is worth a visit for its stunning cakes.
Baan Yok: Authentic Chinese Shophouse Airbnb
Baan Yok, Pupe’s Airbnb, is a beautifully converted Chinese shophouse. Filled with antique furniture and historical details, it offers an authentic experience.
Baan Yok Bathroom with Wooden Tub
It’s not for those seeking modern sleekness or hotel amenities, or those with heavy luggage. It’s ideal for design, history, and authenticity enthusiasts. Pupe offers several rooms in the house, available on Airbnb.
103 Bed And Brews: Heritage Accommodation with a Vibe
103 Bed And Brews, located in a traditional house at the corner of Rama IV Road in Soi Nana, offers heritage accommodation with a vibrant atmosphere.
103 Bed and Brews Cafe Area
Downstairs, a cafe and bar area provide food and drinks. Rooms are decorated with antiques, some even for sale. Steep stairs are typical of these buildings, but staff are helpful with luggage. Loft rooms sleeping four are available, with designated bathrooms down the hall.
Book a loft at 103 Bed and Brews
Khao San Road: Backpacker Central and Lively Nightlife
Khao San Road Bangkok Busy Street Scene
Khao San Road, Bangkok’s infamous backpacker hub, still draws crowds thanks to “The Beach”. It’s a place to embrace with the right mindset. Don’t expect authentic Thai culture or cuisine, but it’s a great spot to meet fellow travelers and experience a unique, if un-Thai, Bangkok micro-culture.
Khao San Road is convenient for buses to other parts of Thailand and offers a lively nightlife scene with budget-friendly accommodation options. While hostel standards have improved, research is still recommended when choosing where to stay in Bangkok on Khao San Road.
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan: Modern Comfort in the Heart of the Action
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan Room Interior
For those wanting to be in the heart of Khao San Road, Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan (technically on Rambuttri Road) is recommended. It’s very close to Khao San Road’s lively atmosphere. Formerly an Ibis hotel, Tinidee offers modern, sleek rooms with colorful accents.
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan Room Bathroom
Rooms are affordable and well-equipped, crucially featuring double-glazed windows to minimize street noise, essential for sleeping on Khao San Road. The beds might be softer than typical Thai beds. Its location is convenient, even when Rambuttri Road is closed to traffic.
Find a room at Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan
Rambuttri House: Convenient for Early Departures
Rambuttri House Exterior View
Rambuttri House is recommended primarily for its convenient location, especially for early departures. Close to the Lomprayah bus office for trips to islands like Koh Tao, it’s a practical choice. Check-in is efficient, there’s an elevator, and rooms are clean, though small and potentially noisy. Ideal for a night before an early bus.
Book a room at Rambuttri House
Dusit: Royal History and Riverside Charm
Dusit, located on the Chao Phraya River, is known for its zoo and as Thailand’s administrative center. Ratchadamnoen Avenue, meaning ‘royal way for traveling,’ reflects the area’s history and style, making it a sophisticated choice for where to stay in Bangkok.
The Siam Hotel: Luxurious Riverside Retreat
The Siam Hotel Jetty on the Chao Phraya River
The Siam Hotel is one of Bangkok’s finest hotels. It is luxurious and steeped in Thai history, filled with artifacts and stories. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, making it a top contender for the best hotel beds.
The Siam Hotel Pool by the River
Located directly on the Chao Phraya River, The Siam offers a unique setting. The riverside pool is ideal for relaxation. The hotel’s boat service provides a convenient way to navigate Bangkok and avoid traffic.
For budget-friendly options in Dusit, consider Lost inn BKK for its modern style and dorms and single rooms, or 24 Samsen Heritage House, a stunning historical accommodation.
Phra Nakhon: Old Town Charm and Local Life
Phra Nakhon Old Town Bangkok Street Scene
Phra Nakhon, my favorite area to stay in Bangkok, offers a blend of proximity to Khao San Road, budget-friendliness, and authentic local life. It’s perfect for exploring Bangkok’s old town and major sights and temples. Expect street food, friendly locals, and lots of cats. Transportation is via taxis, walking, or boat, as there are no BTS or MRT stations.
Na Tanao 1969: Boutique Hotel with Old Town Charm
Na Tanao 1969 Hotel Room Interior
Na Tanao 1969 fills the boutique hotel gap in Phra Nakhon, combining old town guesthouse charm with modern amenities. It features a coffee shop, a small elevator, and large windows with unique views. Describing itself as a “HomeTel,” it offers a home-like atmosphere.
Na Tanao 1969 Hotel Room with Bathroom Detail
With only four rooms named after family members, Jira and Jitta rooms offer street-facing views, while Nama and Kitta are quieter options at the back. The interior is sleek and retro, with comfortable beds and great showers. The team is helpful and offers services like wine delivery. Major sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are within walking distance.
Na Tanao 1969 Hotel Exterior Arch View
Baan Kachitpan: Charming Guesthouse in a Local Community
Baan Kachitpan is a favorite guesthouse in Phra Nakhon, offering a charming and authentic stay. It’s a restored old house in a small community, run by Jam and her team.
Baan Kachitpan Room Single Bed
Rooms are light and airy, with air conditioning and good Wi-Fi. Thai breakfast is included and delicious, as is their coffee. Room options include en-suite and shared bathroom options, and a triple room. Located down a small alley, taxis can’t reach it directly, but staff will meet you at the corner of Dinso Road.
Baan Kachitpan Entrance Sign
The Bhuthorn: Authentic Thai Guesthouse with Vintage Charm
The Bhuthorn, a 3-room guesthouse, is a sister hotel to the former Asadang, offering an authentic Thai experience.
The Bhuthorn Guesthouse Old Town Bangkok Scene
Owned by antique collectors, the house is filled with vintage items and memorabilia. Rooms feature beautiful fabrics, antique furniture, and a jasmine scent. Breakfast Bentos are a highlight, offering a surprise mix of sweet and savory items.
Read more: Discover more of old town Bangkok.
Tim Mansion: Foodie-Friendly Stay Near Michelin Star Dining
Tim Mansion is a great option for food lovers, located next to the famous Jay Fai Michelin-starred restaurant. The downstairs area has a hostel vibe, and service can be slow, but the food is good and rooms are modern and comfortable at a great price. It’s also near Thip Samai Pad Thai.
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