Where to Stay in Bangkok for Your First Epic Visit in Thailand

Dec 1, 2019 | 2 comments

5 Best Areas in Bangkok for First Time Visitors – With Recommended Bangkok Hotels

If you’ve never traveled to Thailand before and want to know where are the best areas to stay in Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร) for your first visit then you’ve come to the right place.

With a decade of experience in Bangkok under my belt, I’ll point out the best locations to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing, shopping, eating and of course for partying.

Bangkok is a big city with lots of distinct neighborhoods. And deciding the right location with the right hotel can make your head spin. I know how you feel. I always feel the same way whenever I’m researching hotels in places I’ve never traveled to.

Which is why I’m going to point out only 5 areas in Bangkok you should focus on for your first epic visit! By the end of this post, you’ll learn all you need to know about these 5 popular neighborhoods and have an idea on hotel cost, location and the reasons why you should be staying there for your first visit to Bangkok as a solo traveler, or with friends and family.

I’ll point out the best family friendly hotels in Bangkok. Where there’s something for the young and old. Whether your Thai holiday is focused on shopping, sightseeing or for eating!

And for those that want to know where is the best area and hotels to stay near Bangkok’s crazy nightlife, well you’re going to find names of cool party hotels near Bangkok’s red light districts.

But before we go any further, please familiarize yourself with these 3 tips for booking hotel rooms in Bangkok.

3 Quick Tips for your Bangkok Hotel Search

1. The most important tip I can dispense here is to book your hotels near a Sky Train (BTS) station or an MRT (subway) station. The areas of Chid Lom/Ploenchit, Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom all within central Bangkok have train lines nearby. Most of the areas I recommend below have train stations near the recommended hotels, just a short walk.
2. Most 3 star Thai owned hotels are just as good as international owned hotels in Bangkok. Plus Thai hotels are usually cheaper and the service is just as good. Although I have listed some foreign-owned luxury hotels below only because their room rates are affordable compared to Western luxury hotel rates.
3. You do not need to book your hotel room far in advanced thinking you’ll get the best hotel rates. Today, you can find many discounted hotel deals even just a few days before arrival into Bangkok.

When I’m asked about where to stay in Bangkok my response is typically “How much you wanna spend?”

From my experience, you can find a lot of good quality hotels in Bangkok in tourists friendly areas for as low as $40USD.

I’m not kidding, for $40USD you can get a decent 3-star hotel room in a decent area of Bangkok.

The rule is if you can spend $60 to $80USD there could be marginal differences in terms of quality compared to hotels in the $100USD price range.

There’s a Lot of Affordable 3 to 5 Star Hotels in Central Bangkok

Though this rule is not set in stone because there are so many hotels in Bangkok that a lot of them are competing fiercely to get you into their rooms.

Which is why I always say even if you see a hotel in Bangkok with a 4 to 5 star rating go ahead and check the hotel’s rates. You might be surprised how affordable it really is to stay in Bangkok for your first ever visit to Thailand.

There are many distinct districts, or neighborhoods in Bangkok with hotels from cheap to expensive. Finding a nice comfortable hotel room to rest after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or eating is not an impossible task. And location is key.

I’ve broken down these 5 best districts to stay in Bangkok all for you.

Let’s get started!

5 Best Places to Stay in Bangkok for First Time Visitors:

First of all, you want to focus staying in Central Bangkok. That’s the sweet spot you should only focus on and nothing else. Which part of Bangkok is central? The answers are right below:

1. Chidlom/Ploen Chit – Though you don’t see both areas on the map these areas border Siam Square and where Sukhumvit Road begins. So you’re right between two of the best areas in Bangkok especially for traveling families. It can’t get better than that.
2. Siam Square – The nerve center of Bangkok. At least to me. Siam Square has it all, shopping malls and restaurants. MBK Centre is right in Siam Square. Plus it’s also the BTS Sky Train’s main hub station. Other major malls in this area is Siam Paragon and Siam Square One.
3. Sukhumvit – Within Sukhumvit are distinct neighborhoods; Nana, Asoke, Phrom Phong, and Ekkamai/Thonglor. All these neighborhoods are the best areas to stay for checking out Bangkok’s nightlife and red light districts.
4. Silom – Silom is the city’s financial center. But there are also many good hotels in the area. And not as busy as Sukhumvit. It’s also a nightlife hotspot mixed with a popular albeit expensive Patpong night market/red light district.
5. Rattanakosin– This historic area of the city borders Khao San Road, Bangkok’s popular hangout for backpackers and budget travelers. Best to book a hotel right on the river for tranquility and a wonderful view of the sunset over the Chao Praya River.

The first four neighborhoods are connected by Bangkok’s MRT subway train and BTS Sky Train network. The last area, Rattanakosin doesn’t have a train system yet.

However, Rattanakosin is one of the quietest and historical areas of Central Bangkok. But not a convenient area to travel around and explore the rest of Bangkok. So you’ll have to rely on metered taxis if you choose to stay at a hotel in Rattanakosin.

If you’re planning on staying in Rattanakosin be sure to download Grab taxi service app as a backup when you can’t find a metered taxi. I’ve only added Rattanakosin because I truly believe that it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for new visitors who want to experience the old essence of Bangkok,

Because the city is growing fast with high rise buildings, condos and shopping centers getting pumped out. Experience the old charms of Bangkok while you still can.

But if the old doesn’t interest you, then you’ll love staying in Chit Lom or Phloenchit!

1. Chit Lom (ชิดลม) and Ploenchit (เพลินจิต)

Hotel Price Ranges: $50USD to $200+USD
Train Line: Chit Lom BTS and Ploen Chit BTS
Why Stay in Chit Lom and Ploenchit: Close to Bangkok’s major retail shopping centers with the best business and tourist-classed hotels. This is the best area to stay for first-timers in Bangkok looking to shop and explore.

Chit Lom (also spelled Chidlom) has a lot of affordable 4 and 5-star hotels. In the West and East Asia hotels with that amount of stars have higher price tags. Not so in Bangkok. You can book a hotel room in one of Chit Lom or Ploenchit’s high-end hotels for about $150USD.

There are a few posh luxury brand-name malls plus the Central Group’s flagship shopping center Central World.

The hotels I recommend in this area are near Chit Lom BTS Sky Train station. Ploenchit also has a station just one very short stop from Chit Lom. Central Embassy Mall is the nearest luxury goods mall to Ploenchit with lots of good restaurants in the area.

Grand Hyatt Hotel Bangkok – Check Rates

InterContinental Bangkok – Check Rates

Centara Grand Central World – Check Rates

Grande Center Point Ratchadamri – Check Rates

These four hotels are not cheap compared to the rest of Bangkok. Chit Lom is considered an upscale locale that warrants higher hotel rates.

However, I highly recommend just checking prices for 4 or 5-star international hotels in Bangkok because you’d be surprised you just might find a hotel price tag you can handle.

However, if you want a high-quality hotel, but reasonable rates in Chit Lom, I highly recommend Grande Center Point Ratchadamri on this short list of popular upscale hotels in Chit Lom.

2. Siam Square (สยามสแควร์)

Hotel Price Ranges: $80USD to $200+USD
Train Line: Siam BTS and National Stadium BTS
Why Stay in Siam Square: Recommended for families as there’s something for everyone of all ages. Siam Square is also the best area for shopping and sightseeing for first-time visitors to Bangkok. With down-to-earth hotel prices in most instances.

Siam Square has the most family-friendly hotels. There are so many shopping centers, particularly Bangkok’s famous MBK Centre and Siam Paragon. Your kids will have a chance to shop at stores that appeal to them. And the same for the adults.

I also recommend staying in Siam Square if you have kids because there are also a lot of international restaurant chains with foods that will be familiar to your young ones. We all know how fickle children can be when it comes to eating something they don’t recognize.

Plus Siam Square is the BTS Sky Train’s main train hub that connects the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line. This is why Siam Square is a very convenient location and why I recommend families to book hotels because you can travel around Bangkok a lot easier.

Hotels within the Siam Square area cost between $80USD to $200USD. There are many new hotels in Siam Square built just a few years ago and some are listed below for consideration.

Siam @ Siam Design Hotel – Check Rates

Happy 3 Hotel – Check Rates

Novotel Siam Square Bangkok – Check Rates

Ibis Hotel Bangkok – Check Rates

Siam Square is great because you’ll be close to everything and ideal for exploring the rest of Bangkok. MBK Shopping Center, Siam Discovery Mall, Siam Paragon Mall plus the brand new Siam Square One Center itself have a family fun atmosphere and are perfect for young and old traveling together.

3. Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท)

Hotel Price Ranges: $40USD to $200+USD
Subway Line: Nana BTS, Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations
Why Stay in Sukhumvit: Bangkok’s central nightlife and red light district. Sukhumvit is the best area to stay for the nightlife.

Ladies, if you don’t trust your guys it’s probably best not to stay in Sukhumvit. Kidding of course. Sukhumvit is the home of two of Bangkok’s red-light districts, Nana and Soi Cowboy. Though it’s still a family-friendly area as well not so much as Siam Square.

So if you are traveling with adults with no kids in tow it’s best to book a hotel near Nana or Soi Cowboy red light districts in Sukhumvit. That is if you want to truly experience Bangkok’s insane nightlife.

Sukhumvit area hotels are newer too and the quality is good with hotel rates ranging from $40USD to $200+USD. Which is not so expensive considering the central locality.

Tints of Blue Hotel –  Check Rates

Arte Hotel Bangkok – Check Rates

Sachas Hotel Uno – Check Rates

Grande Centre Point T21 – Check Rates

These hotel selections are in Sukhumvit’s prime location close to nightlife as well as Bangkok’s efficient, if not crowded at times MRT subway and BTS Sky Train systems.

But if you ask me to make a specific recommendation for a hotel in Sukhumvit I would pick Grande Centre Point T21. It is attached to Terminal 21 mall with lots of restaurants and shops. Plus the MRT and BTS train systems are right outside the hotel’s doors.

4. Silom (สีลม)

Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $200+USD
Train Line: Sala Daeng BTS and Silom MRT
Why Stay in Silom: Has a smaller red light and nightlife district too but also the best area in Bangkok for sightseeing near Chao Praya River.

Speaking of first epic visits, Silom was the first neighborhood in Bangkok I stayed in for my first visit to Thailand. That was decades ago. So I’ll always have a soft spot for Silom.

Anyway, Silom is great because it’s near the Chao Praya River. Or at least a few trains stop on the BTS exactly. But you won’t have to pay for the big hotel prices.

Silom also has a small red-light district called Patpong with many affordable hotels. Matter of fact Silom has the most inexpensive quality hotels.

Hotel rates in Silom range from $30USD to $200+USD. Hotels in Silom tend to be older. However, many smaller boutique hotels and hostels have been sprouting all over the neighborhood.

De Arni Hotel Silom – Check Rates

Silom Serene Hotel – Check Rates

Le Siam Hotel Silom Bangkok – Check Rates

Siam Heritage Boutique Suites – Check Rates

Silom has a lot of fine dining options available as well with many international restaurants. There’s even a small Japan Town called Soi Thaniya where many Japanese go for traditional sushi.

A walk through Patpong Night Market after dinner could be a memorable experience as well. Its go-go bars lights will dazzle you while touts tempt you to a sex show.

Silom is often crowded especially during night time as the lanes are smaller and compact. But still, a fun area to stay in Bangkok.

5. Rattanakosin (โกสินทร์)

Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $80+USD
Why Stay in Rattanakosin: Bangkok’s old historic district, recommended if you prefer a peaceful area in hectic Bangkok. This is the best area you’ll find for sightseeing especially if plan to visit Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic district. Filled with quiet lanes and many small businesses run by the same family for generations and usually by Chinese immigrants.

Staying at a hotel in Rattanakosin you’ll have easy access to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and of course Khao San Road, famous for backpacking crowds of tourists.

Hotels around Khao San Road tend to be cheaper, with many guesthouses throughout Rattanokosin. You can easily find hotels in this area for about $30USD to $80USD.

Siam Champs Elyseesi – Check Rates

Ibis Styles Bangkok Khao San – Check Rates

Lamphu Tree House – Check Rates

Sourire at Rattanakosin – Check Rates

Rattanakosin is certainly a lot less hectic compared to the other neighborhoods I recommend. And you won’t have any access to public train systems. So you’ll mainly have to rely on public taxis.

But luckily today, Uber and Grab Taxi are very good options as taxi rates are still reasonably priced in Thailand. So make sure you have an Uber and Grab Taxi app set up on your smartphones.

Bonus: Affordable Hotels along Bangkok’s Chao Praya River

Hey, I love Khao San Road too! But just like Rattanakosin, there’s no public train transport. Though staying in the Khao San Road area you’ll have some benefits because it’s one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors for partying and sightseeing.

However, if you twisted my arm enough I will recommend a few choice hotels near Khao San Road for you:

• Navalai River Resort – This little 3-star boutique hotel is located right on the Chao Praya River with a great view of Wat Arun. Get a room with a view of the river and watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
• Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel – If you want an excellent 4-star hotel but do not pay the same expensive rates as the luxury hotels down the river then Riva is one you’ll enjoy by the Chao Praya River.

Both of these excellent highly recommended Rattankosin hotels are near Phra Athit Pier. To get to central Bangkok, hop on an express boat and alight on Sathon Pier where you’ll find BTS Saphan Taksin station just a short distance away.

Both cost more than the typical hotels in Khao San Road but you’ll enjoy the quality as well as the view of the Chao Phraya River. And they are very good hotel options for all traveler types and especially for first-time tourists to Bangkok.

The Takeaway

So there you have it. Five areas in Bangkok where you should be staying for an epic holiday in Bangkok for your very first time in Thailand.

But here are 5 tips to remember before you book your hotel in Bangkok:

1. Don’t be tempted to book hotels in Bangkok in poor locations because it’s cheaper. You’ll be spending money on metered taxis and most likely waste time getting stuck in traffic.
2. Travel mostly by BTS Sky Trains and MRT subway trains. So best to pick a hotel that is within easy walking distance of your chosen hotel.
3. Booking a hotel room from online travel agencies like Agoda.com is better. In most cases, they can offer lower hotel rates than the actual hotel.
4. Breakfast or no breakfast? If it’s a 4-star hotel go ahead and book that room with breakfast even though it costs more. Usually, cheaper hotels offering breakfast with limited choices are not worth the extra cost.
5. Want a room upgrade? Who doesn’t? If you can, dress to impress. But most importantly, be nice! And you’ll increase your chances of getting a room upgrade in Bangkok. I know this one is kind of hard to do if you’re on vacation but you don’t need to be dressed in a tuxedo. Even though it helps!

So there you have it, the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors looking for that epic first-time experience in Thailand, the Land of Smiles.

Where did you stay in Bangkok for your first visit? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

MORE BANGKOK HOTEL REVIEWS

• Where to stay in Bangkok’s Chinatown
• Where to stay in Huai Khwang, Bangkok
• Best Hotels Near MBK Shopping Centre
• Best Hotels Near Pratunam for Families
• Best Hotels in Huai Khwang District