Where to stay in Bangkok: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Bangkok's traffic is legendary, so the most important rule is simple: stay close to the BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro or a river pier. Distances that look short on the map can take an hour by taxi at rush hour, but minutes by train or boat.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between, from the shopping malls of Siam to the temples of the old city. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets before you book.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siam | First-timers, Shopping, Transport links | Giant malls, skywalks and the city's main interchange | BTS interchange at Siam: both Skytrain lines meet here |
| Sukhumvit | Nightlife, Food, Longer stays | A long, busy road of hotels, rooftop bars and international food | BTS Sukhumvit line along the whole road; MRT at Asok |
| Silom & Sathorn | Business, Nightlife, Parks | The business district by day, night markets and bars after dark | BTS at Sala Daeng and MRT at Silom; near the river |
| Riverside | Couples, Luxury, River views | Grand hotels, river boats and sunset views | River boats from Sathorn Pier; BTS at Saphan Taksin |
| Old Town & Khao San | Temples, Backpackers, Budget | Royal temples, old shophouses and the backpacker street | River boats and buses; MRT at Sanam Chai |
| Chinatown (Yaowarat) | Street food, Atmosphere, Value | Neon signs, gold shops and the city's best street food | MRT at Wat Mangkon; river piers nearby |
1.Siam
- First-timers
- Shopping
- Transport links
Walk through Siam: video by Wattokun Walks on YouTube.
The modern heart of Bangkok, where both BTS Skytrain lines meet among huge shopping malls connected by elevated walkways. It's the most central base for getting anywhere quickly by train.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want easy connections everywhere
- Shopping and food courts are a highlight for you
- You want to avoid traffic as much as possible
Skip it if
- You want old-town character and temples on foot
- You'd like nightlife on your doorstep
Within a 10-minute walk
Siam Paragon · Siam Square · MBK Center · Jim Thompson House · Bangkok Art and Culture Centre · Erawan Shrine
2.Sukhumvit
- Nightlife
- Food
- Longer stays
Walk through Sukhumvit: video by JWINTHAI on YouTube.
Bangkok's longest road and its most popular hotel area, with every kind of place to stay, from budget guesthouses to luxury towers. Each BTS stop has its own character: Nana and Asok are busy and brash, Phrom Phong and Thong Lo more upmarket.
Stay here if
- You want a huge choice of hotels, restaurants and bars
- You like rooftop bars and international dining
- You're staying for a week or more
Skip it if
- You want the temples and the river on foot
- The nightlife scene around Nana would bother you
Within a 10-minute walk
Terminal 21 · Benjakitti Park · EmQuartier and Emporium · Thong Lo restaurants · Soi 11 nightlife · Asok interchange
3.Silom & Sathorn
- Business
- Nightlife
- Parks
Walk through Silom & Sathorn: video by traveler_HIRO on YouTube.
Bangkok's financial district, with office towers, rooftop bars and Lumphini Park, the city's green lung. In the evening, the side streets fill with food stalls and nightlife, and the river is a short ride away.
Stay here if
- You want a central, well-connected base with good food
- You'd like morning walks or runs in Lumphini Park
- You want both the Skytrain and the river close by
Skip it if
- You'd rather avoid the red-light streets of Patpong
- You want a quiet, residential atmosphere
Within a 10-minute walk
Lumphini Park · Silom Road · Patpong night market · Sri Maha Mariamman Temple · King Power Mahanakhon · Sathorn Pier (a short ride)
4.Riverside
- Couples
- Luxury
- River views
Walk through Riverside: video by Capybara Walk on YouTube.
The banks of the Chao Phraya River, lined with some of Bangkok's most famous hotels and their private boat shuttles. River boats take you to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun without any traffic.
Stay here if
- You want a romantic, relaxing base with river views
- You plan to visit the temples by boat
- It's a special occasion and you want a classic grand hotel
Skip it if
- You want street life and budget prices on your doorstep
- You'd rather be on the Skytrain network
Within a 10-minute walk
Chao Phraya river boats · Iconsiam · Asiatique night market · Assumption Cathedral · Charoen Krung street art · Talat Noi
5.Old Town & Khao San
- Temples
- Backpackers
- Budget
Walk through Old Town & Khao San: video by Walking Expedition on YouTube.
The historic Rattanakosin island, home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the old city, with Khao San Road's backpacker scene and the calmer streets of Banglamphu nearby. It's the best base for temple visits.
Stay here if
- Temples and history are your priority
- You're on a budget or a backpacker
- You'd like a lively traveller scene
Skip it if
- You need the Skytrain: it doesn't reach the old town
- You want quiet nights near Khao San Road
Within a 10-minute walk
Grand Palace · Wat Pho · Wat Arun (across the river) · Khao San Road · Phra Athit Road · Democracy Monument
6.Chinatown (Yaowarat)
- Street food
- Atmosphere
- Value
Walk through Chinatown (Yaowarat): video by JWINTHAI on YouTube.
One of the world's great Chinatowns, centred on Yaowarat Road. By day it's a maze of markets and gold shops, and at night it becomes Bangkok's most famous street-food strip under glowing neon signs.
Stay here if
- Street food is a highlight of your trip
- You love busy, atmospheric streets
- You want to be between the old town and the riverside
Skip it if
- Crowds, heat and noise would be too much
- You want calm and space
Within a 10-minute walk
Yaowarat Road · Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) · Sampeng Lane market · Wat Mangkon Kamalawat · Talat Noi · Pak Khlong Talat flower market
Stay near the trains or the river
In Bangkok, a hotel within a few minutes' walk of a BTS or MRT station, or a river pier, saves hours over a trip. Siam, Sukhumvit and Silom are best for the train network, while the riverside and the old town are best for temples and boats.
On a longer stay, many travellers split their time: a few nights in the old town for the temples, then a few on Sukhumvit or in Silom for food, shopping and nightlife.
Getting in from the airports
From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai, where it connects with the BTS. Don Mueang airport is linked to the city by the SRT Red Line and buses.
Heat and seasons
Bangkok is hot all year, with a rainy season from roughly June to October. Covered skywalks around Siam and Sukhumvit make walking much easier on hot or rainy days.
Where to stay in Bangkok: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-timers?
Siam, for the best connections across the city, or the riverside, for easy boat trips to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Is Sukhumvit a good area to stay in?
Yes, it has the widest choice of hotels and restaurants and good Skytrain links. Choose your stop carefully: Phrom Phong and Thong Lo are calmer and more upmarket than Nana.
Where should I stay in Bangkok for temples?
The old town on Rattanakosin island or the riverside, close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
Where should families stay in Bangkok?
Siam, close to malls, the aquarium and the Skytrain, or a riverside hotel with a pool and boat shuttles.
Is Khao San Road a good place to stay?
It's great for backpackers and nightlife but very loud at night. The quieter streets of nearby Banglamphu and Phra Athit Road are a good compromise.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Bangkok
The Bangkok city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Bangkok city guide →