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Planning a trip to Bangkok and not sure where to stay? You’re in the right place!
To say that Bangkok is a huge city would be a real understatement, and we know just how overwhelming it can be to pick the right area. Fortunately, we’ve explored this city inside and out, and we’re here to break down the very best areas.
Whether you’re chasing street food, shopping, nightlife, or peace and quiet, we’ll walk you through the best areas to stay—and which Bangkok hotels are worth booking! In a city with as much to offer as Bangkok, the right home base can really make or break your trip, so stick with us and we’ll help you to find your perfect spot.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the hotel and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in Bangkok is Riverside. It’s scenic, romantic, and offers a welcome break from the city’s chaos—yet it’s still close to top sights and ferries.
We recommend staying at Shangri-La Bangkok for its river views, tropical pool, and unbeatable location!
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a vast, buzzing city made up of contrasting neighborhoods. On one hand, you’ve got Banglamphu with its hectic energy and never-ending stream of street stalls, and on the other, you’ve Sukhumvit with its sleek skyscrapers and luxury malls, or the riverside calm of Thonburi. With so much variety, choosing where to stay can be a challenge, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, then you’re definitely not alone!
There’s a great mix of public transport options here, including the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, river ferries, and the iconic Thai tuk-tuks. However, it’s a huge and busy city, so it can take some time to travel between different areas. That’s why we think it’s really important to choose the right area.
Bangkok tends to divide opinions, and we think this is because a lot of visitors end up in an area that just doesn’t suit them. If you don’t base yourself somewhere that aligns with what you’re into, you might find the city overwhelming or hard to navigate. But if you land in the right neighborhood, we have no doubt that you’ll have a great time here!
- Riverside – A scenic and more serene part of Bangkok that runs along the Chao Phraya River, with luxury hotels, temples, and stunning sunset views. Stay at Shangri-La Bangkok for riverside elegance and easy boat access to Bangkok’s historic heart.
- Silom – A dynamic mix of business and nightlife, Silom shifts from a financial hub by day to a buzzing spot for bars and street food after dark. Le Meridien Bangkok is a stylish choice close to both Lumpini Park and Patpong Night Market.
- Sukhumvit – One of Bangkok’s most cosmopolitan areas, lined with shopping malls, rooftop bars, and international restaurants. Sivatel Bangkok Hotel offers modern comfort and a rooftop pool right near Phloen Chit BTS station.
- Chinatown – Packed with sensory overload and street food heaven, Chinatown (Yaowarat) is chaotic, colorful, and full of character. Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is a lovely boutique hotel with bold, vintage décor in the heart of the action.
- Siam – The beating heart of Bangkok’s shopping scene, home to incredible mega-malls like Siam Paragon and MBK. Centara Grand At CentralWorld is a solid base with direct mall access and Skytrain convenience.
- Khao San – Bangkok’s backpacker central, famous for cheap eats, bars, and a social, laid-back energy. Ayathorn Bangkok brings a touch of style and calm just a short walk from the Khao San chaos.
- Pratunam – A bustling wholesale market area with unbeatable deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories. Centre Point Plus Hotel Pratunam offers great value and a central location near the shopping action.
Important Tip: Book Now or Cry Later
Multiple Bangkok trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Bangkok accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Riverside
Riverside is one of Bangkok’s most scenic and sophisticated areas, stretching along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It’s our personal favorite place to stay in the city because it offers an atmospheric base that’s relatively peaceful (by Bangkok’s standards, anyway) and still close to the action.
Staying here puts you near some of Bangkok’s top sights: the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho are all easily accessible by river ferry. The area also offers boat connections to bustling neighborhoods like Chinatown and Banglamphu, so you can easily explore these areas but retreat from the chaos when you’re ready.
In terms of accommodation, Riverside has some incredible choices. You’ll find a mix of five-star hotels and boutique stays here, many with private piers for quick access to the water taxis.
Riverside has a more relaxed pace than other parts of the city. It’s great for couples, culture lovers, and anyone who wants to experience a calmer, more romantic side of Bangkok. While it’s not the best area for nightlife or bargain shopping, the atmosphere, architecture, and river views more than make up for it.
If you’re dreaming of longtail boats gliding past temples at dusk and peaceful walks by the water, Riverside might be your ideal base.
Pros
- More peaceful than other areas
- Scenic area
- Easy access to major sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun
Cons
- Pricier area
- Limited nightlife
The Peninsula Bangkok – $$$
The Peninsula Bangkok is one of the city’s most luxurious stays, offering timeless elegance right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The beautiful, spacious rooms and suites offer sweeping river views, and there’s a gorgeous riverside pool for guests to enjoy.
Other highlights include a lovely spa that offers amazing massages, and a private ferry service that makes getting across the river easy-peasy. This hotel is a calm, scenic retreat that feels a world away from the chaos of the city, but you’re still within easy reach of major sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
If you’re looking to splurge, this is the place to do it! Rates here start at $300 USD for a deluxe king room, and can reach up to $700 USD per night for a suite.
Check out all of the options and book this luxury stay here!
Shangri-La Bangkok – $$
Set right on the river, Shangri-La Bangkok strikes a lovely balance between luxury and accessibility. The rooms are beautifully decorated with a mixture of classical Thai and European styles, and many offer beautiful river views.
The hotel has two wings, multiple restaurants (including a riverside terrace), and a stunning pool surrounded by tropical gardens. It gives off real resort vibes and feels a world away from the city’s chaos, but you still get easy access to ferries and the BTS Skytrain, since the Saphan Taskin station is just a short walk away.
All in all, this is a great pick for travelers who want the riverside setting without paying ultra-luxury prices! Expect to pay between $210 USD and $535 USD per night for a room or suite here, depending on dates.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside – $
If you want to enjoy the riverside vibe without blowing your budget, Hilton Garden Inn is a solid option. In fact, we think it delivers incredible value for money! It’s affordable, modern, and well-located, so it makes a great base for exploring.
The rooms are bright, modern, and comfortable, with fantastic river or city views. There’s also a small but beautiful rooftop pool, which is ideal for Insta-worthy snaps, as well as cooling off from the Bangkok heat, of course!
And while it’s a little tucked away compared to some of the more famous riverside hotels, there’s a free shuttle boat to Sathorn Pier, where you can catch ferries or connect to the BTS. Rooms here cost between $115 and $200 USD per night.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Silom
Silom is a dynamic neighborhood that seems to change by the hour! It’s a business hub by day and a nightlife hotspot after dark. During the week, it hums with energy as office workers pour into high-rise towers, cafés, and lunch spots. But after hours, the vibe turns lively and social, with rooftop bars, night markets, and plenty of food stalls on offer.
Silom has got it all: local flavor, modern comforts, and a central location. It’s well-connected by both the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, so it’s really easy to explore the rest of the city from here. Meanwhile, you’ve got Lumphini Park—aka Bangkok’s answer to Central Park, the Mahanakhon Tower, and the colorful Sri Maha Mariammam Hindu temple.
While it’s not as scenic as riverside Bangkok or as polished as Sukhumvit, we love Silom because it delivers a balance of local life and convenience. It’s a fantastic choice for a short stay in Bangkok, or if it’s your first time here and you want to be central without getting caught up in the crowds. It’s also a reasonably priced area where you can find lots of cheap street eats and budget-friendly digs.
Pros
- Central and well-connected by BTS and MRT
- Great mix of street food, restaurants, and nightlife
Cons
- Busy and congested during office hours
- Nightlife areas can be loud and touristy
Dusit Thani Bangkok – $$$
The reborn Dusit Thani Bangkok blends timeless Thai elegance with sleek, modern luxury. The hotel reopened in 2024 after a major renovation, and now it features modern, spacious rooms with either city or park views, as well as a rooftop bar, a sumptuous spa, and a choice of top-notch restaurants.
The property is located right at the intersection of Silom Road and Rama IV, directly across from Lumphini Park and steps from both BTS and MRT stations. Basically, it couldn’t really get any better, as Bangkok is your oyster when you stay here!
It’s perfect for travelers who want a five-star stay with easy access to everything. Rooms and suites here cost between $340 and $975 USD per night.
Check availability and book this elegant stay here!
Le Meridien Bangkok – $$
Le Meridien Bangkok delivers all the sleek, modern luxury that you’d expect from this famous hotel brand. Better still, it is just a short walk away from Patpong Night Market, so you’ve some of the city’s best street eats and shopping right on your doorstep! The hotel is also close to BTS and MRT lines, so it’s also super easy to explore the rest of the city from here.
The rooms are bright and spacious with city views, and there’s a stylish pool, spa, and an excellent in-house restaurant. What we love about staying here is that you’ve got some fantastic nightlife on your doorstep, but can retreat back inside this peaceful property whenever you need.
It’s a great choice for travelers who want international comfort in a lively, central area. Rates here range between $195 and $335 USD per night.
Reserve your modern stay at Le Meridien Bangkok here!
dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok – $
dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok is a cool and contemporary boutique hotel that delivers incredible value for money. Honestly, it’s an absolute steal! The rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great city views and lovely bathrooms with relaxing rain showers.
Everything feels brand new here! There’s an infinity pool where you can gaze out at Bangkok’s skyscrapers as you swim, and a super classy restaurant and bar. The hotel is tucked away in a quieter part of Silom, and the rooms are soundproofed to guarantee a great night’s rest.
It’s also not far from the MRT, so you’ve got easy access to the rest of the city. Double rooms here cost between $100 and $160 USD per night, which is insane value for a hotel this nice! Meanwhile, junior suites cost around $250 USD, which is hard to beat if you want some extra space.
Book this budget-friendly stay in Bangkok here!
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s most modern, vibrant, and cosmopolitan areas. Sukhumvit Road is a super long boulevard which is actually Thailand’s Highway 3. The road stretches through the entire city and beyond, but the section we’re talking about runs from Nana to Thonglor and makes up the heart of Bangkok’s high-end shopping, nightlife, and dining scene. This is the ultra-modern face of the city!
Many of Bangkok’s most famous mega malls are here, including the futuristic EmQuartier complex and Terminal 21 Asok, which is styled like a mini world tour! Mega malls aren’t usually my thing, but even I have to admit that it’s so much fun to explore these gigantic shopping centers.
Sukhumvit is also a hotspot for upscale nightlife. Bangkok’s glitziest clubs are around here, but you can also find a few more laid-back bars tucked down the side streets if that’s more your vibe. Still, visitors don’t tend to come here for a down-to-earth experience.
This area is very cosmopolitan, and while it doesn’t have many traditional temples or historic sights, it more than makes up for that with modern flair and top-notch amenities. It’s also super well connected, so it’s a very convenient base!
Pros
- Excellent BTS access and modern amenities
- Lots of upscale nightlife, dining, and shopping
Cons
- Lacks historic charm or cultural sights
- Can be crowded and noisy, with a lot of traffic
The Okura Prestige Bangkok – $$$
There are lots of luxury hotels in Sukhumvit, but we think that The Okura Prestige Bangkok really takes the cake! It’s a super sleek property that blends Japanese elegance with Thai warmth. It’s set in a swanky skyscraper and it’s directly connected to the BTS Skytrain via a skywalk (how cool is that?), so getting around the city truly is a breeze from here!
We just HAVE to mention the stunning cantilevered infinity pool. It hangs over the edge of the building and offers sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline. Inside, rooms are spacious and calming, with a minimalist design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and deep soaking tubs.
There are several excellent restaurants on-site, including a Michelin-starred Japanese spot, plus a beautiful spa if you’re after some downtime. Expect today between $250 and $775 USD per night, depending on the season and room category.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Sivatel Bangkok Hotel – $$
Sivatel Bangkok Hotel is a gorgeous high-end property in a prime location, just a short walk from Ploenchit BTS. Each suite feels more like a city apartment, with separate living spaces, kitchenettes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that show off sweeping skyline views! Oh, and amazing spa-style baths so you can enjoy a relaxing soak as you take in the vistas.
The hotel also features a gorgeous rooftop infinity pool, a well-equipped gym, and a relaxing spa. The service is so warm and friendly, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Deluxe king rooms cost around $170 USD per night, while a two-bedroom royal suite goes for around $750 USD.
Secure your room at Sivatel Bangkok Hotel here!
Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – $
Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is a reliable and affordable hotel on one of Sukhumvit’s liveliest sois. It’s one of the most wallet-friendly hotels in the area, but it still feels pretty chic and modern, especially the lovely pool area with the pretty private cabanas.
Meanwhile, the hotel is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightlife, but the blackout curtains and soundproofing ensure that guests can enjoy a good night’s rest. It’s also just a short walk to Nana BTS station, so getting around is easy.
This is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers because you get a lot of bang for your buck here! Rooms here start at $90 USD per night for a double and can go up to around $300 USD for a family room.
Book your budget stay in Sukhumvit here!
Chinatown
If you’re after an old-school Bangkok experience, then Chinatown (also known as Yaowarat) might just be your perfect match! It’s actually the largest Chinatown in the entire world, as well as one of the oldest parts of Bangkok. The area was originally settled by Chinese immigrants in the 1700s, and today this noisy, chaotic, and colorful district encapsulates Bangkok’s area perfectly.
During the day, Chinatown is a maze of markets, shrines, and shophouses selling everything from textiles to lucky charms. At night, the area transforms into one of the best places to eat in Bangkok. You’ll find legendary food stalls along Yaowarat Road, with long lines forming for crispy pork belly, oyster omelets, and Michelin-awarded donuts!
Besides eating, other must-do activities here include exploring the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple and Wat Traimit, with its golden roof and Buddha. Meanwhile, Sampeng Market is a treasure trove of gifts, gadgets, and local snacks!
Chinatown is close to Hua Lamphong Station and the MRT, so it’s relatively easy to explore the rest of the city from here. The area is a bit of a sensory overload at first, but we love it because it showcases the grittier and more authentic side of Bangkok.
Pros
- Incredible street food and local character
- Full of history and atmospheric streets
Cons
- Crowded and chaotic, especially at night
- Less polished, limited green space or luxury comforts
The Mustang Blu – $$$
The Mustang Blu is one of Bangkok’s most unique boutique hotels. It’s set in a beautifully restored 19th-century bank building, and it feels like a cross between a design showroom and a moody film set. The interiors are dark, eclectic, and full of vintage curiosities—think dramatic pillars, antique furniture, and clawfoot bathtubs.
There are just ten rooms, and each one is styled differently. While this hotel is not for minimalists or families, creatives and design lovers will be charmed by its unique aesthetic. The hotel also has a great café on the ground floor and is within easy walking distance of Chinatown’s street food hotspots.
It’s a true standout stay! Rooms here start around $175 USD and can go up to $300 USD per night depending on your dates and the category you choose.
Browse room options and secure your stay here!
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – $$
If you want to stay right in the heart of Chinatown and soak up its atmosphere, Shanghai Mansion is a fun and affordable option! This Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel is full of old-world charm, with lanterns, deep red accents, and romantic four-poster beds that nod to 1930s Shanghai. It’s atmospheric, glamorous, and very memorable!
Plus, this hotel is located right on Yaowarat Road, so you’re just steps from the best street food in the city. There’s also a cozy jazz bar downstairs and a small spa where you can enjoy a massage after a day of exploring this hectic city.
This place is full of personality, and we think it’s perfect for couples or travelers who love a themed stay. Expect to pay between $65 and $140 USD per night, depending on your room category.
Browse room options and reserve this boutique hotel here!
The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG – $
For budget travelers who want comfort, cleanliness, and convenience near Chinatown, The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG is a solid pick. It’s located right across the street from Hua Lamphong Station and just a 10-minute walk from Yaowarat Road, so you’re close to all the action without being right in the thick of it.
The rooms are modern and functional with great AC and comfy beds. There’s a small gym and a café on site, as well as a decent-sized pool, and there’s a spa on site that does great foot massages, which is ideal when you’ve been walking around the city all day!
This hotel is not particularly atmospheric, but it’s a fantastic value and works really well for short stays or backpackers wanting a step up from hostel life. Prices range from $60 to $200 USD per night for a twin or double room.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Siam
Siam is Bangkok’s beating modern heart! It’s the city’s main shopping district, and it’s an incredibly convenient place to stay, especially for first-timers. Here, you’ll find mega malls, the fascinating Ancient Siam museum, and some of Bangkok’s most iconic intersections, all of which are buzzing with energy from morning to night. This is where we stayed when we first visited Bangkok, and it made such a great base!
This is the home of Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK, which are three of the biggest and most famous malls in Thailand. Alongside these huge complexes, you’ll find boutique galleries, cinemas, and food courts that are attractions in their own right. I promise that you won’t go hungry here!
It’s also easy to get from Siam to other areas of the city. Multiple BTS Skytrain lines connect at Siam Station, so Bangkok truly is your oyster! You can get to the Old Town in just 10 minutes and Sukhumvit in around 15, so this is a very central and well-connected base.
While it’s not the most cultural or historic area, it’s fast-paced, walkable, and perfect for travelers who want to be in the middle of it all. It’s also less overwhelming than other parts of the city, so it’s a good choice for first-timers.
Pros
- Unbeatable access to shopping, food, and public transport
- Central, walkable, and great for first-time visitors
Cons
- More expensive than other areas
- Can be extremely crowded and commercial
Chatrium Grand Bangkok – $$$
Chatrium Grand Bangkok is a sleek, five-star hotel just steps from Siam Paragon, but it still manages to feel calm and elegant despite the chaos outside. The rooms are spacious and contemporary, with luxe finishes, plush beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping views of the city skyline.
There’s a massive outdoor pool surrounded by greenery, which is a rare luxury in Bangkok! Plus, you’ve got a full-service spa and several excellent dining options. This place really feels like a beautiful resort right in the middle of the city.
Expect to pay around $200 to $350 USD per night, depending on room or suite type and season.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Centara Grand at CentralWorld – $$
Attached directly to the CentralWorld mall, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is a high-rise hotel that’s all about convenience and views. You can literally walk from your room to one of the largest shopping centers in Southeast Asia, which is packed with restaurants, shops, and cinemas. So if you’re excited to check out Bangkok’s famous megamalls, this is the ideal hotel for you!
The hotel itself has modern rooms, a rooftop bar with sweeping views, and a large pool and fitness center. While the decor is a bit more businesslike than boutique, the location is fantastic, especially if you’re in town to shop, attend a concert, or just want to base yourself in the center of everything. Rooms start from $160 USD per night.
Check all prices and book your stay here!
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square – $
For an affordable stay in one of Bangkok’s most central neighborhoods, Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square ticks all the boxes. It’s literally around the corner from Siam BTS station and just a few minutes’ walk from both Siam Paragon and MBK, so you can shop ‘til you drop and then stumble straight into bed. You really can’t beat the location for the price!
The rooms here are simple but modern and very comfortable. The hotel has a small outdoor pool, a gym, and a casual restaurant. It’s a great value base in the heart of Siam!
Expect to pay between $115 and $350 USD per night, depending on the room category and season.
Check prices and book your stay here!
Khao San
Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker central! It’s loud, lively, and famously chaotic. It’s an affordable area where pretty much anything goes. If you’re traveling on a budget or looking to meet other travelers, this is a great place to be.
This is not the area for luxury digs, but it’s full of great hostels and budget-friendly boutique hotels, so it’s not hard to find a great stay. And wherever you stay, you’ll have street food vendors, tattoo shops, and all-night bars right on your doorstep.
But Khao San isn’t just party central. It’s also right by Bangkok’s Old Town, so you’re within walking distance of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Chao Phraya River. The nearby streets like Rambuttri and Phra Athit offer a more laid-back vibe with leafy cafés, bookshops, and hidden temples tucked among the noise. It’s great if you want to go sightseeing by day and party by night!
Khao San Road is a good pick for younger travelers, solo adventurers, or anyone who wants to be close to Bangkok’s most iconic cultural sights without spending a fortune. That said, it’s not the most peaceful or polished part of town. We’ve found that travelers either love its energy or want to escape it fast!
Pros
- Super affordable, sociable, and great for nightlife
- Walkable to Bangkok’s top historic sights
Cons
- Loud and touristy, especially at night
- Not connected to the BTS or MRT
Riva Surya Bangkok – $$
Riva Surya is a stylish riverside boutique hotel that offers a calm, upscale alternative to the usual Khao San chaos. It’s located on Phra Athit Road, so it’s just a few minutes from the action of Khao San Road itself, but far enough away to feel peaceful.
There’s a leafy pool terrace with great sunset views, a small gym, and an excellent restaurant and bar. You can easily catch the ferry to explore other neighborhoods, or walk to major landmarks like the Grand Palace.
It’s a perfect pick for couples or travelers who want to stay near Khao San without being right in the thick of it. Expect to pay around $120 to $275 USD per night, depending on the season and room.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Ayathorn Bangkok – $$
Ayathorn Bangkok is a sleek, modern hotel with a boutique feel, located just a short walk from Wat Saket (the Golden Mount) and Khao San Road. It offers a more polished, design-forward vibe than most of the area’s accommodation, with stylish interiors and thoughtful touches throughout.
Rooms are spacious and quiet, with city views and comfy beds. There’s also a rooftop pool and bar where you can unwind after a day of temple-hopping. If you want to stay near the Old Town but avoid the backpacker party scene, this hotel hits a sweet spot.
It’s close to the action, but it’s just far enough away to feel calm and comfortable! Rates usually fall between $95 and $350 USD per night.
Find the best prices and book this stay near Wat Saket here!
The StandardX – $
Don’t let the price fool you, because The StandardX delivers a ton of style and personality! This funky, creative space is designed with an artsy, industrial aesthetic and attracts a fun, youthful crowd. It’s located just off Dinso Road, so it’s within walking distance of Khao San Road and key Old Town landmarks.
The rooms are compact but cleverly laid out, and there’s a social atmosphere throughout, with communal areas, a casual eatery, and a cool rooftop hangout spot. It’s ideal for solo travelers or anyone who wants to stay somewhere fun and offbeat without breaking the bank.
Expect to pay around $60 to $150 USD per night, depending on the time of year.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Related Read: For ideas on what to do once you’ve settled in, check out our guide to the 10 best things to do in Bangkok—it’s packed with iconic sights, local tips, and fun experiences!
Pratunam
Pratunam is one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping areas, in part because it’s so budget-friendly! If you enjoy hunting for a good bargain, then this neighborhood will be an absolute dream come true for you. We find SO many great deals every time we come here!
This area is packed with wholesale markets, street stalls, and multi-story shopping malls like Platinum Fashion Mall and Pantip Plaza. The latter is a haven for tech lovers, just FYI!
Pratunaum may not be glamorous, but it exudes nonstop energy from morning until night. So if you’re keen to experience Bangkok’s famously chaotic energy, this area is ideal.
With that said, there aren’t many temples or cultural sights around, but it is close to Siam and other major downtown neighborhoods. It’s super easy to hop on the BTS Skytrain and explore, and the Airport Rail Link makes this an ideal area to stay in if you’ve got a layover in Bangkok.
Pratunam isn’t the most scenic part of Bangkok. It’s all concrete, crowds, and commerce, but in terms of value for money, you just can’t beat this area. Hotels tend to be more affordable here than in nearby Sukhumvit or Siam, so it’s easy to snag a bargain!
Pros
- Bargain shopping heaven with lots of malls and markets
- Central location and great transit access
Cons
- Crowded, noisy, and hectic
- Not much local culture or nightlife
Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai – $$
Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai is an absolutely stunning hotel that won’t break the bank. The rooms are beautifully decorated in sage green and marble, and they offer epic skyline views. There’s a glorious infinity pool that looks out at the city’s gleaming skyscrapers, with futuristic cabanas to lounge in if you need a break from the sun.
This hotel is not just aesthetically pleasing, it’s convenient, too! It connects directly to the Airport Rail Link and BTS Skytrain, so getting to and from the airport (or anywhere else in the city) is an absolute breeze. In a city as large as Bangkok, that’s a real bonus!
Rooms usually range from $140 USD per night for a double room to $750 USD for a premium two-bedroom suite with lounge access.
Get the best prices by booking in advance here!
Centre Point Plus Hotel Pratunam – $$
Centre Point Plus Hotel is a smart hotel just a short walk from Platinum Fashion Mall and the bustling Pratunam Market. It’s known for clean, spacious rooms and warm, helpful staff. Some rooms come with kitchenettes and small dining areas, which makes it a good pick for longer stays or families.
There are even family connecting rooms that can accommodate up to eight people. The style is simple and functional rather than trendy, but it’s a quiet retreat from the street-level buzz. There’s also a small pool and gym onsite, plus laundry facilities, which is another bonus for longer trips.
All in all, we think that this is a great value choice in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping scene. Rooms tend to cost between $90 and $300 USD per night here.
Find the best rates over at Booking.com!
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam – $
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam puts you directly on top of one of the city’s most popular malls! It’s an affordable, well-run hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a terrace bar overlooking the skyline, which is perfect for sunset drinks.
This place offers a super comfortable stay with neutral decor, soft beds, and cute touches like light-up headboards and mirrors. This place is perfect for shopaholics who need a comfy place to rest, but want to save most of their budget for new purchases!
You’re also walking distance from CentralWorld and the BTS Skytrain, so getting around is easy. Rooms here usually start around $145 USD and go up to about $375 USD for an executive king suite.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Related Read: Want help planning your trip? Check out our detailed 3-day Bangkok itinerary—it’s the perfect guide for hitting the highlights without feeling rushed.
Top Activities to do in Bangkok
With your Bangkok base sorted, it’s time to dive into the heart of this electric, ever-surprising city. From tuk-tuk rides and street food feasts to luxury river cruises and day trips that feel like cinematic adventures, Bangkok offers so much more than temples and traffic. These tours gave us rich memories, incredible meals, and insight into the culture that we wouldn’t have found on our own.
- Explore Bangkok by night in a tuk-tuk – This after-dark tuk-tuk adventure was the best way to beat the heat and dive into the city’s food and temple scene. Zipping through glowing streets, we tasted spicy noodles, stopped at a peaceful, crowd-free Wat Pho, and explored night markets that locals actually go to. Our guide was amazing—and tuk-tuks are just so fun!
- Discover Kanchanaburi – Between the misty Erawan waterfalls, emotional walk through Hellfire Pass, and ethical visit to an elephant care sanctuary, this private day trip was packed with meaning. It felt like three tours in one, and our guide wove the history together so beautifully. It’s a powerful, moving escape from the city.
- Dine in style on a luxury river cruise – This Manohra dinner cruise gave us that wow moment: cruising past the Grand Palace and Wat Arun all lit up while dining on delicious Thai cuisine. It was elegant but relaxed, and we loved watching life along the river drift by. Such a romantic way to end the day.
- Join a chef-led Bangkok food tour – Every single stop on this small-group tour was chef-selected—and you could taste the difference. We tried everything from roast duck and green curry to pandan dumplings, all with stories behind the dishes. With only eight guests, it felt intimate and deeply personal.
- Cook Thai food with a local chef in Silom – This hands-on cooking class started with a trip to the market, where we learned about Thai herbs and spices before diving into our own wok stations. We made curry from scratch and stir-fried like pros (or tried to). It was such a fun, immersive experience!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
After a day of temple hopping, boat riding, and noodle slurping, having the right home base in Bangkok makes all the difference. Whether you’re unwinding riverside, surrounded by street food in Chinatown, or perched sky-high in Sukhumvit, this city rewards the curious traveler at every turn.
We hope this guide helps you find a spot that fits your travel style—whether you’re here for culture, chaos, comfort, or a little of everything. Still piecing together your perfect trip? Don’t miss our other Thailand blogs here for even more travel tips and tricks. Or check out a few of our most popular reads below to get you started.
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Chiang Mai, Thailand: 3-Day Itinerary