Choosing the best area to stay in Bangkok doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide will help you find the best…

Choosing the best area to stay in Bangkok doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide will help you find the best place. Luxury $30 rooftop pool hotel here.

See The Full list of all Hotels in Bangkok Here. Over 2,500 Hotels and Hostels >>

This is probably, one of the most in-depth resources out there, on how to choose the best place to stay in Bangkok(?????????????). After reading this — you should have a pretty good understanding of how Bangkok is geographically laid-out, with an idea of the best hotels to choose from too. As someone who has lived in Bangkok for almost ten years, I can recommend just three neighbourhoods that are perfect for tourists. These are: Bangkok Old Town(Rattanakosin), Sathorn, and Sukhumvit. As a tourist, I wouldn’t consider anywhere else.

These neighbourhoods are all centrally located, near the most popular attractions, and have excellent transportation links. Luxurious–Traditional Sathorn, the Cheap–Authentic Old Town, or Modern–Trendy Sukhumvit.

In Bangkok an ideal place to stay would be near a Skytrain or a Metro Station — this is very important for getting around the city. There is nothing worse than booking a nice hotel only to find yourself stuck in a less-than-convenient location, miles from the city centre. That’s why I’ve written this guide; to help you pick the best area to stay in Bangkok. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each of the three neighbourhoods I mentioned, with the purpose of helping you decide which one is right for you.

Note: This guide is best suited to tourists, backpackers, travellers, and holidaymakers — who want to figure out where to stay in Bangkok. It might not be suitable for finding long-term accommodation in Bangkok.

Note: Low-cost hotels and rooms are often fine to book on short notice- sometimes even on the same day. But the nicer hotels in Bangkok often get booked up well in advance, especially during the peak season months of November thru March.

The Best Areas To Stay In Bangkok

Where to stay in Bangkok – at a glance. These are the three best areas to choose from — Sathorn is the best place to stay in Bangkok, for most people — it’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, where most of Bangkok’s well-established hostels are located. The Bangkok Old Town (officially called Rattanakosin) is great for backpackers — it’s the most cultural, traditional, and sociable area. Sukhumvit is more suited to those staying long term — it’s the most modern neighbourhood to stay, in Bangkok. ?????????????????????

1? The Bangkok Old Town – First Time in Bangkok:
BACKPACKERS | SOLO TRAVELERS | BUDGET TRAVELLERS
The Old Town isn’t suited to everyone — but it is the best place to stay in Bangkok for; backpackers, solo-travelers, and for those visiting the city for the first time. Accommodation is some of the cheapest you can find in Bangkok and you’ll discover a mix of culture and tradition nearby — the Grand Palace, and other famous temples are located here. It’s also where China Town is located — and it’s home to the most famous street in Bangkok: Khaosan Road.
Other Names: Banglampu, Khaosan Road Area, Rambutri, Rattanakosin Island. 2? Sathorn Riverside – The ‘Classic’ Bangkok:
ON VACATION | COUPLES | FAMILIES | HONEYMOONERS
Sathorn is the best place for most people to stay. It’s centrally located on the Chao Phraya River and is known as the ‘hospitality’ area. Bangkok has a reputation for having the cheapest 5-star hotels in the world, and it’s in Sathon where most of these iconic properties are located — on the riverfront. Prices are higher in Sathorn than in other parts of Bangkok, but it is still affordable and is worth it for the unforgettable experience. The Bangkok Old Town is just a few minutes away by riverboat, and there are also nearby Skytrain stations for easy access to other parts of the city. 3? Lower Sukhumvit – The ‘Modern’ Bangkok:
STAYING A WEEK OR MORE | SECOND VISIT TO BANGKOK
In Eastern Bangkok, the Sukhumvit area is a great area to stay in. It’s a modern area with easy access to the Bangkok Skytrain — but the demographic is more suited to those living and working, or staying for a longer time in Bangkok. There are some nice bars and restaurants, but otherwise, not much for tourists to do.
Areas in Sukhumvit Include: Nana, Asok, Thong Lor, Phrom Pong, Chit Lom.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in Bangkok

How much does it cost to stay in Bangkok is a difficult question to answer, because — Hotels in Bangkok can cost anywhere from nothing to everything. I’ve stayed in both Bangkok’s Cheapest hostel — Ploy — which costs 70 Baht a night, and Bangkok’s most expensive hotel — The Mandarin Oriental — Which (usually) costs 40-70,000 Baht a night. You can find accommodation for any price range in-between — whatever your budget.

Hotel Prices in Bangkok, (or Thailand for that matter) can, and will fluctuate massively depending on the season. Prices are lowest in the out-of-season months — between May to October. The peak season is from November, until April — which is when prices are much higher — often double or triple the standard rate — or more. During Christmas and New Year’s, prices can easily be inflated five-fold. Booking in advance can help to some extent in getting the best deals.

Note: To make this guide easier to understand, hotel prices are listed in Thai Baht. However, hotels with a nightly cost of 100 USD or more, the prices are listed in USD — 10 USD = 350 THB.

Area Map of Bangkok

This map of Bangkok shows where to stay in Bangkok. The location of each of the areas I will mention in this guide are outlined on the map. I have also pinned some of the BTS Stations and Landmarks, and marked out the location of each hotel and hostel, which I would recommend in Bangkok.

This area map is interactive, you can scroll around and click on each area for more information. If you want to download a copy of this Google Map for iPhone or Android, you can find it here.

Bangkok can be a difficult city to geographically wrap your head around. Some places have multiple names, they can be referred to by the District Name, the Sub District Name — or the name of the neighbourhood — a road — or even just a nickname. For example, Ban Rak — which is sometimes called ‘riverside’ is located inside Sathorn, which in itself, is located inside Silom! Or the Bangkok Old Town, which is just a nickname given to Rattanakosin Island– which in itself is an area that contains three separate districts and 21 sub-districts. Or Sukhumvit — which is actually just an unofficial nickname of three neighbouring districts! Confusing, I know — but I’ll try and break down my understanding of the city — and lay out the geography and areas in such a way that’s simple for everyone to understand.

1? Bangkok Old Town – ($)

Other Names: Old Town, Banglampu, Rattanakosin Island, Yawrorat, China Town, Khaosan Road, Samsen, Phra Nakon.

Bangkok’s Old Town (????????????????) is the best area to stay for Backpackers, Solo Travelers, Budget Travelers, Young Travelers and those visiting the city for the first time. But you won’t find any fancy hotels here, because, legally — nowhere in the Old Town can be taller, or as fancy as the Grand Palace.

Good to Know: Bangkok Old Town is sometimes called Banglampu, or Rattanakosin Island. The Old Town is actually a literal ‘Island’, which is separated from the rest of Bangkok, by the Chao Phraya River and a mix of man-made canals, which together, form a moat circling around the Old Town. The official term is an ‘Artificial River Island’ — there are five other river-islands on the Chao Phraya River.

Khao-San Road, Chinatown (Yaowarat) and Samsen are located in the Old Town. You can get to other parts of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya Ferry, and in 2019, three new metro stations opened in the Old Town. Four more ‘purple line’ stations are currently under construction — including a MRT Train station at Khaosan (National Library), expected to open in 2026-27.

When the city of Bangkok was founded in 1782(2325 in Thai Years), by King Rama the First — the Old Town was the first land to be developed. It’s the area where Bangkok’s most beautiful temples are located — including the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun. Khaosan Road is located here too, which was a former rice and wholesale market — turned backpacker social hub.

The Bangkok Old Town covers an area of eight square kilometres. This used to be the entire size of Bangkok.

Nowadays, most of modern Bangkok is indistinguishable from other major cities. But, the old town is a different world, that feels like a step back in time. Here, you can wander through narrow streets lined with centuries-old architecture, buildings, homes, temples and palaces; and experience the real Bangkok of centuries past. The Old Town is the most authentic place to stay in Bangkok.

The best areas to stay in Bangkok, within the ancient walls of the Old Town are: the Old Town Riverside Area, the Khaosan Road area, and the Samsen Area. China Town is also located within, the the Old Town, but I don’t recommend staying there. It’s near enough to visit for a day-trip, in the evening — or on a street food tour.

Staying Riverside in The Old Town

Staying riverside in Bangkok’s Old Town — you’ll have some of the most epic views of the city. I have two hotel recommendations for the Old Town, Riverside area, and one hostel recommendation — all of which have views of Wat Arun — one of Thailand’s most famous and beautiful temples. These hotels have the best transport connections in Bangkok’s Old Town because Sanam Chai Metro Station is just a few minutes away.

Best Riverside Hotels in Bangkok Old Town

($$) Arun Residence: This is one of the best value-for-money ‘luxury‘ hotels that you can find in Bangkok. The is only one room type, the 40m² suite which is designed in the classic Thai style. The rooms have a private balcony and a view of Wat Arun Temple across the Chao Phraya River. Surprisingly you can often find rooms here for around the one-hundred dollar mark(!)
Average Cost $99-$150 USD. Check prices for your dates >> ($$$$) Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok: Sala Rattanakosin is one of Bangkok’s oldest hotels with a massive focus on Thai Culture which is inspired in the room design, service, food and more. Breakfast is included and served on the rooftop, overlooking Wat Arun — one of Bangkok’s most famous temples. The rooftop bar is also open to the general public in the evenings and it’s a nice place to watch a Bangkok Sunset.
Average Cost $200-$400 USD. Check prices for your dates >>

Best Riverside Hostels in Bangkok Old Town

($) Ralph Hostel: This hostel is in a prime location for sightseeing. It’s not a ‘party hostel’ but it is a sociable space. The Ralph Hostel is located next door to the Sala Rattanakosin— one of Bangkok’s most expensive hotels, and it’s just 300 meters to walk to the Grand Palace. There is a choice of private rooms or shared dormitory rooms — both of which have very affordable prices. The rooftop terrace is open 24 hours and has views of Wat Arun, across the river. Sanam Chai Metro Station is 500 meters away.
Average Cost ?350-?500 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Staying in Khao San Road

I still remember the first time I visited Bangkok, I’d already been living in southern Thailand for more than two years at this point, so I thought I knew what to expect. But Khao San Road, hits different. It’s intense, loud, crazy, even frustrating at times — but it’s a brilliant thing to experience.

Khao San Road – (Places To Stay in Bangkok)

I booked a hostel slap-bang in the middle of Khao San. It was hot and stuffy, it was so loud you couldn’t sleep, the beds were rock hard and the rooms were ‘clean enough’. But it was one of the best, most care-free, and insane experiences that I’d ever had, and I met some of the most incredible people, who I still consider to be close friends years later.

If you are backpacking in Thailand, travelling solo, if it’s your first time in Bangkok, if you want to socialize, or if you want to meet new people, then I strongly encourage you to stay — as close to Khao San Road as possible.

I know a lot of people will disagree with me. I know there is a lot of hate for Khao San Road and the Old Town area of Bangkok, especially among expats. And I’m in a similar position, after living in the city for the best part of a decade — for me, it would be absolute hell to stay in this area of Bangkok now. But for your first time in Bangkok — there is no better experience. Just book one night, to begin with, and try it out. If you like it, extend. If not, move — simple.

Accommodation on Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the centre of Bangkok’s fun nightlife — it’s not seedy like Soi Cowboy, Patpong, or Nana. Staying here is a good choice idea if you want to party, and make new friends — but keep in mind the area can be very loud, with music often played until 3-4 am. The accommodation style is more authentic, and classic. If you want to take on Bangkok properly, these are the best hostels, rooms, and hotels in the Khaosan Road Area.

Best Hostels in Khao San Road Area

Back in the day, there were hundreds of hostels on and around Khaosan Road, you could arrive on the bus with a few Baht in your back pocket and find a bed with no troubles. Now — things have changed. You’ll need to book a bed online, and few hostels remain. These, are the best hostels to stay at, in the Khaosan Area of Bangkok:

($$) Slumber Party Hostel: There are 10 Bunk Beds in the dorm room. Slumber Party Khao San Road is part of a chain of Hostels around South-East Asia. Western-owned hostel chains like these have seriously inflated hostel prices in Thailand and changed the backpacking scene. However, this hostel does have a huge focus on the social aspect making it a great place to meet other travelers.
Average Cost (Dorm) 220-385 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($) Bed Station Hostel: *Recommended* There are 18 Capsule Beds in the dorm room. This is easily the cleanest and most modern hostel in the Khaosan Road Area. There is a bar, a massive social area and even a swimming pool. It’s around 5 minutes to walk to Khao San Road.
Average Cost (Dorm) 271-520 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Best Private Rooms in Khao San Road Area

($) Green House: This is one of the cheapest rooms you’ll find in Bangkok. It’s a ‘no-questions-asked’ ten-story guesthouse. Rooms have a balcony, fridge, bathroom and air-conditioning — and that’s about all. But it can cost less than 500 Baht a night to stay here. This place has been open for decades, on the corner between Khao San Road and Rambutri Road. This is one of the few remaining hotels you can show up to any pretty much any time, and check in without a booking.
Average Cost 350-550 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Best Hotels in Khao San Road Area

($$) The D&D Inn: Number 61-70 Khaosan Road, Bangkok. This place has been open since forever, at least since the 60s as far as I can tell. And the hotel has been renovated a good few times since then. The massive green D&D Sign can be seen in almost every photo taken on Khao San Road over the past few decades. There are over 200 rooms, most are basic and lack a window, but the rooms with a window also have a small balcony overlooking Khaosan Road. There is a pool on the rooftop which is a great place to socialize. The hotel is located ON Khaosan Road — it gets loud. The days of rocking up here without a reservation are long-gone. You’ll need to book in advance if this is where you plan to stay in Bangkok.
Average Cost 490-1,350 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$$) Villa De Khaosan: This is the closest you’ll get to finding a ‘luxurious’ place to stay near Khao San Road. The hotel is very modern, with the construction reaching completion in 2021. It’s a few minutes walk from Khao San and there is a beautiful infinity pool on the roof. But It’s also one of the most expensive hotels in the area, you can likely find much better value for money in Sathorn.
Average Cost 1,200-1,720 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$) Khaosan Palace: Khaosan Palace is a place where old meets new. All the rooms have been refurbished, to keep in line with traditional Thai design. There is a rooftop pool and common area, and it’s probably the nicest place to stay, on Khao San Road itself — but being so close to the action means the hotel can be loud at night.
Average Cost 830-1,280 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($) Sleep Withinn: This hotel is a clean and modern property, located on Soi Rambutri (Khaosan Roads little-brother). There is a shortcut to Khaosan Road at the back of the hotel and it’s less than 1-2 minutes walk. Rooms here are great value for money — and there is a rooftop swimming pool.
Average Cost 770-1,100 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$) The Mulberry: Formally known as the Rikka Inn — The Mulberry is the only ‘Proper Hotel’ which is located on Khaosan Road itself. There is a 24-hour front desk and even a concierge service. It still gets loud due to the prime location. But it’s great for those who are not ready to dive into Bangkok head-first — Just Yet.
Average Cost 1,180-1,760 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Staying in Samsen Road

Samsen is one of the fastest-growing social hubs in Bangkok. It’s a popular spot for backpackers to stay, and it’s where the cheapest hostels in Bangkok are located. It’s not as hectic as the Khaosan Road area, but it’s within walking distance. The area is far enough from Khaosan that it’s quiet enough to sleep in the night. And there is more of a tight-knit, less-bitchy community of backpackers.

There is a canal which separates the Samsen Area and the Khaosan Area. You’ll find a hectic vibe on the Khaosan Side, and a more relaxed vibe on the Samsen Side. Use the Nororat Bridge to walk between the two areas. You’ll find plenty of Tasty Street-Food along the route.

I lived out of the Samsen Hostels for around two-months during the 2020 pandemic so I know the area well. In fact, I have stayed in every-single one of these hostels and hotels(!) But I do miss the crazy cheap ‘covid-price’ discounts. At one point we were paying less than 40? Baht a night! Nowadays, you can still find a cheap room, but the prices are closer to 200 Baht a night — the cheapest hostel in Bangkok is actually located here.

Best Hostels in the Samsen Road Area

Hostels in the Samsen Road area are not Party Hostels, those are all located at Khao San Road. But there is still a massive social vibe — just a bit more low-key and respectful. There are no bars, holiday reps, pre-paid wristbands or shot challenges here. It’s the type of place you can sit and enjoy a beer without it feeling too rowdy. The best hostels are located from soi two, to soi six.

($) Ploy Hostel: Ploy is the absolute cheapest hostel in Bangkok. Walk-in bookings cost less than 100 Baht. But it’s a case of you getting what you pay for. The only good thing about the place is the location and price — if you’re going ultra-low cost. There is even breakfast included. Granted, the breakfast is Jam and Toast, but still, that’s not bad for Bangkok’s cheapest place to stay.
Average Price 98-140 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$) 3Howw Hostel: Otherwise known as ‘Tree House’ this is one of the best hotels in the Samsen Area. There is a social vibe and an outdoor seating area. The hostel is a popular place to stay in Bangkok for a whole mix of travellers from all over the world.
Average Price 240-320 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($) Oh Bangkok: I have a love-hate relationship with this place. I hate everything about this hostel — but I’m always wanting to return. I have many cherished memories here, but I also think the owner is a dick. The hostel doubles as a cannabis dispensary, which also has a Weed Delivery Service in Bangkok — so it’s a great place to chill-out and smoke. Some (female) backpackers will be able to pick up casual work here.
Average Price 144-280 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Best Private Rooms in the Samsen Road Area

($$) Back Home Backpackers (OYO): These are the best private rooms you can find in the Samsen Road Area, less than a five-minute walk from Khaosan and there is lots of street-food nearby. The place survived the pandemic and closed down in late 2021, just before tourism resumed in Bangkok! Formerly just called ‘OYO’s. It reopened under new ownership in 2023. This place is really tucked away and hidden — rooms have TVs signed into Netflix.
Average Cost 570-855 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$) Bangkok Boutique: A spin-off of ‘Oh Bangkok’ hostel — this block of private rooms has no front desk, and most people wouldn’t even know they are there. It’s a quiet place to stay in Samsen Area, at an affordable rate.
Average Cost 380-510 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

Best Hotels in the Samsen Road Area

($$$) Nouvo City Hotel: This became Bangkok’s first ‘quarantine hotel‘ in 2020. It’s now a 4-star modern boutique hotel, with a front desk, swimming pool and spa — at an affordable price. Granted you can get better value for money elsewhere, but you’re paying for the great location here — in the Old Town, just 500 meters from Khaosan, with a view of the canal nearby.
Average Cost 1,490-2,150 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$) Chillax Resort: This is a hotel aimed at couples, in the Samsen Area of Bangkok’s Old Town. Breakfast is included, there are spas and massage packages offered and there are hot tubs in most rooms. In this price range, I will suggest considering places to stay, in the Sathorn Area instead.
Average Cost $45-$90 USD Check prices for your dates >>

2? Sathorn District (????) – ($$$)

Other Names: Bangrak, Bangkok Riverside, Silom.

Sathorn is a well-established central area — a great place for most people to stay in Bangkok. Located riverside on the Chao Phraya, Sathorn is just a few minutes from the Bangkok Old Town by boat. Sathorn also has a wide variety of beautiful hotels and accommodations to choose from, including many that are more upscale. It’s close to the action without feeling too overwhelming, making it perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants to be well-connected.

Charoen Krung Road was the first road in Bangkok, built for diplomats and royals to have a dedicated place to walk — the road runs between Sathorn and the Bangkok Old Town, starting from the Grand Palace.

Map showing Sathorn Area and Silom Road locations, in Bangkok. Iconic hotels are also listed.

Sathorn is generally the best area to stay in Bangkok, for most tourists — although it can depend on your budget, because accommodation prices in Sathorn — especially on the river-front, are a little higher than in the Old Town.

Sathorn is one of the 50 districts in Bangkok. It is located along the riverfront, next to the Bang Rak District. Silom is also in this same area, Silom is a very well-known place — but also a very small part of Bangkok. You’ve probably heard the name ‘Silom’ — well it is actually a nickname given to the area which surrounds Silom Road.

The ‘Silom Area’ overlaps parts of Sathorn and parts of Bang Rak District — it also means that one hotel can be located in both Sathorn and Silom, at the same time.

Silom Road starts at Lumpini Park, and ends once the road meets the Chao Phraya River. Sathorn itself is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s where the Chao Phraya Dinner Cruises depart from, and it’s where Icon Siam, and the Asiatique Market are located.

There are good transport connections from Sathorn to other parts of Bangkok. The Silom Train Line conveniently runs through the heart of the district and connects with the MRT, BTS and the Sukhumvit Area. Then there is also the ferry on the Chao Phraya River which has convenient boat stations on the Sathorn Riverfront — which you can use to travel between; Sathorn, China Town, and Bangkok Old Town.

Being on the riverside, Sathorn has a unique, calming, and traditional vibe — and it is because of this, that most of Bangkok’s iconic, unique, and luxurious hotels are located here.

Accommodation in Sathorn Area

Sathorn is where the most spectacular riverside hotels are located — if these places are within your price range you will always have a memorable experience. Thailand is famous for its world-class hospitality, and this is the area where you’ll be able to find the best examples of this.

Chao Phraya River View – From Rooftop Pool in Luxury Satorn Hotel

Best Hotels in The Sathorn Area

These are far from the cheapest hotels you can find in Bangkok — in fact most of Bangkok’s most expensive hotels are located in this area. But if you are seeking a memorable experience this is where you’ll find it.

If I was visiting Bangkok for the first time again, as a tourist and money was no object — I would hard pressed to choose between the Chao Phraya Four Seasons, the Peninsula or the Shangri-La. For me, these three hotels symbolize the best of Bangkok and the best of Thailand’s heritage and culture. If I wanted the best value for money, with a similar cultured hotel experience in the Sathorn Area, I would choose the Arun Residence, where rooms can cost $100 or less.

($) The Grand Sathorn: This is the best value-for-money hotel in the Sathorn Area of Bangkok. A riverside hotel near all the tourist attractions, with a luxurious rooftop swimming pool, massive penthouse rooms, and a full Thai buffet breakfast.
Average Cost ?1,500-?3,500 THB. Check prices for your dates >> ($$$) The Bangkok Shangri-La: The Shangri-La Bangkok is a luxurious hotel that has been a Bangkok icon since it opened in the late 1980s. It could be found in every tourism brochure of the times and has maintained its reputation for incredible service and beautiful rooms ever since. With lots of outdoor green spaces and multiple swimming pools — it truly feels like a tropical resort in the city. The hotel is in a prime location on the Chao Phraya River, and the suites have stunning river views. It is also within walking distance of the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to get around the city.
Average Cost $232 – $330 USD Check prices for your dates >> ($$$$$) The Chao Phraya Four Seasons: This is the most modern-traditional place to stay in Bangkok. A hotel which offers pure luxury — although, at an eye-watering price. This would probably be the place I would recommend most, (assuming your budget stretches this far). The Four Seasons is where I would personally choose to stay if I was vacationing in Bangkok. The rooms have some of the best views in the city — overlooking the Chao Phraya River — the location is perfect, near the upmarket Asiatique Market, and there is a Skytrain station less than 10 minutes away.
Average Cost $617 – $1,025 USD Check prices for your dates >>
Note: Suites and villas can exceed $2,000+ ($$) Lebua at the State Tower: State Tower is a 64-story building on Silom Road in the heart of Sathorn. It was the second tallest building in Bangkok when it was completed in 2001 — and it was used as the filming location for the Hangover Part 2. The Lebua Hotel occupies the 21st to 25th floors of the state tower, and it’s one of two, five-star hotels in the building. Other amenities include four bars, two Michelin Star Restaurants and the Sirocco Restaurant and Bar on the rooftop. For a five-star hotel, prices here are very affordable.
Average Cost $177 – $400 USD Check prices for your dates >> ($$$$) The Peninsula Hotel: The Peninsula is a chain of hotels, with properties in Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and London. Staying at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok is a cultural experience in itself. The hotel is located on the Thonburi side of the river and has a fleet of unique wooden ‘Tuk-Tuk’ boats to shuttle guests across the Chao Phraya. There is a BTS Gold Line Station and the luxurious Icon Siam Shopping Mall is right next door, where events are often held.
Average Cost $430 – $600 USD Check prices for your dates >> ($$) Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel: This is one of the most popular hotels in Bangkok, and within the Sathorn Area. And it is easy to see why — value for money, luxury and serenity. I would recommend the junior suite room type which has huge full-height windows providing one of the best river views you can find and the bathtub, also overlooks the river. It’s clean and luxurious, and the rooftop swimming pool is one of the nicest you’ll find in Bangkok.
Average Cost $195 – $300 USD Check prices for your dates >> ($$$$$) The Standard at Bangkok Mahanakhon: The Standard Hotel is technically just outside of Sathorn — it’s located in Silom. It’s one of the most modern and luxurious hotels in Bangkok and the chain also has locations in Miami Beach, London and the Maldives. The hotel is located in the Mahakanon Tower — Bangkok’s tallest building, and occupies the 8th – to the 18th floor.
Average Cost $350 – $1,200 USD Check prices for your dates >>

Best Hostels in The Sathorn Area

A hostel is cheaper than a hotel — because you’ll share the room with others. There are not many hostels in Sathorn, at least not any places I would consider recommending in this guide. Stick to the Old Town, Samsen Road or Khao San Road if you prefer to stay in hostels in Bangkok. There is one hostel I would recommend, although it’s not technically in Sathorn — it’s just a few minutes away — in Silom.

($$) Warm Window Silom: This hip hostel is located in the vibrant Silom district, just a short walk from Sathorn. It has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, and each dorm room has only 4 beds. But the real unique selling point is the double beds, making it a great option for couples on a budget. There’s also a Skytrain station nearby, and a coffee shop on the ground floor for those early risers.
Average Cost 380-700 THB. Check prices for your dates >>

3? Sukhumvit Area (????????) – ($$)

Other Names: Lower Sukhumvit, Nana, Asok, Thong Lor, Huai Khwang, Watthana, Bangkok CBD.

Sukhumvit can be a great place to stay in Bangkok; but I don’t recommend staying here on your first visit. It’s too far from the popular sightseeing areas and there is not much for tourists to do in Sukhumvit. However, if you’ve already done the ‘touristy things’, seen the temples — taken a cruise on the river — eaten the street food in China Town — etc, etc. Then Sukhumvit can be a great choice.

The area is more suited for those staying or living long-term in Bangkok with a big focus around dining and nightlife — it’s also where two of Bangkok’s most infamous red light districts are located.

Good to Know: Soi is a transliteration of the Thai word ‘???’. It’s pronounced the same as it’s spelt, Soy — like the sauce — and it can mean street, road, or alley. The word is often used for small roads as opposed to highways or main roads.

Sukhumvit Skyline in Phrom Pong

There are often disagreements as to what actually constitutes as ‘Sukhumvit’ — because Sukhumvit is not an official district of Bangkok — it’s a nickname. This is something that really confused me, to begin with, but it actually makes perfect sense. The area takes its name from Sukhumvit Road. A near 500-kilometer road which runs through the centre of the ‘Sukhumvit Area’ — beginning in Phloen Chit, Bangkok, and stretching all the way into Cambodia!

If you were to follow the road east, you would leave Bangkok, and enter the Province of Samut Prakan — somewhere around The Bang Na area, before passing through the beach town of Pattaya and eventually arriving at the Phnom Penh Thai/Cambodian Border.

Navigating the Sukhumvit Area of Bangkok is really easy, once you understand how the streets are laid out. Sukhumvit Road runs through the middle, with streets branching off on either side. The streets are all named Soi Sukhumvit — followed by a number. For example, Soi Sukhumvit 1 is located in Pelion Chit and is the first street in the Sukhumvit area. Streets are named in numerical order with odd-numbered streets branching off on the north side of Sukhumvit Road, and even-numbered streets branching off on the southern side of Sukhumvit Road. The BTS Sukhumvit Line is a train line that runs along the centre of Sukhumvit Road, elevated on a platform above the road.

For the purpose of this guide — I will define Sukhumvit as the area between Sukhumvit Soi 1 — until Sukhumvit Soi 60, which is located further east — in Thong Lor. This area is often referred to as ‘Lower Sukhumvit’ — because the streets have the lowest numbers. I will use the Saen Saeb Canal to mark the northern boundary of the Sukhumvit Area — and Rama 4 Road to mark the southern boundary. (There is a boat route along the cancel between lower Sukhumvit and Bangkok’s Old Town).

Contained within this area of Lower Sukhumvit — there are five main neighbourhoods. From west to east, these are: Phloen Chit, Nana, Asok, Phrom Pong, and Thong Lor. Each of these neighbourhoods are located around one kilometre from each other. There are plenty of accommodation options in each of these areas — although the hotels around these areas are usually more ‘modern’ — they are often smaller rooms, which don’t have that traditional Thai Charm you might expect to find in Bangkok.

I will explain the pros and cons of each neighbourhood in the Sukhumvit area, including some recommendations for the best hotels — at all price ranges. The Lower Sukhumvit Areas are all somewhat similar to one another — but each has their own quirks and differences.

Note: I have not included many hostel recommendations for the Sukhu

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