There are many reasons to stay in Shinjuku, Tokyo for your first visit to Japan. It’s one of the most popular areas in Tokyo convenient for travel, food, and overall full Japanese travel experience.
Shinjuku district has everything you’ll love and or was interested in Japan in the first place. The wonderful culture, the mesmerizing lights of billboards and signs with flashy Japanese characters. The sounds of J Pop music blaring around every corner with maid café hostesses carrying billboard menus.
The vibe of Japan is everywhere!
And who can forget about amazing Japanese foods too!
You’ll either love the Shinjuku in Tokyo or hate it. Some friends told me so when I was looking for good affordable hotels in Shinjuku. It was my first visit to Japan back then.
I’ve stayed in Shinjuku frequently. Although you can visit most of Tokyo via the Yamanote Line I prefer walking. So I’ve never taken a train to Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine to the south. I walked to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office to the west before and it was pleasant.
I tell you staying in Shinjuku was everything I expected. It blew my mind.
But there is more to Shinjuku. It will be right in your face and hard to ignore.
Shinjuku’s Famous Red Light District
Shinjuku is home to Tokyo’s largest red light district. To be more precise the Kabukicho Entertainment District. According to Wikipedia, there are over 3,000 nightlife establishments for tourists and locals to behave naughty. All crammed into .15 square miles.
It’s a terrific area to check out, especially at night. I recommend Izakaya Bars, these are popular food and drink establishments preferred by hard-working salary men and women. You can easily find them all over Kabukichō Entertainment District.
Shinjuku bar hopping Magical Tour group…
If you want a guided tour of Shinjuku bars I recommend Magical Trip. An English-speaking guide that will take you on a 3.5-hour bar-hopping tour of Shinjuku to places you might not find on your own.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
If you love beers and hard liquors, in tight quirky spaces with friendly bartenders, you must not miss the bars of Golden Gai! It’s an alley full of tiny bars stacked on top of tiny bars. Many with only 5 seats for bar patrons.
I first took a walk through Golden Gai twenty years ago. Back then it wasn’t really for foreign tourists. And I gotta admit it was intimidating.
Today Golden Gai has become so famous and well-known around the world Golden Gai’s Japanese bars have adopted a foreign-friendly attitude.
Today there are signs welcoming everyone. Even when the bars are super tiny with very little seating.
Golden Gai Bars Shinjuku
Because Shinjuku is NOT for Everyone
I stayed in Shinjuku a few times as a single male traveler. I can tell you with certainty if you’re a guy walking around Kabukicho you will be approached by pimps and touts. It’s annoying but if you can chill and relax they will leave you alone.
Today now that I have a wife and child traveling with them around Kabukicho where you see photos of scantily clad women plastered all over the area I get it. Shinjuku is not the type of place you want to take your mother to.
So why am I recommending Shinjuku for your first time in Japan? When they’re are so many other terrific neighborhoods in Tokyo.
If you can overlook the shenanigans and monkey business, which the local Japanese and millions of foreign travelers with families do you can easily have a terrific holiday.
There’s more good than bad for Shinjuku and safe for solo and female travelers.
Why Stay in Shinjuku
You can find all types of accommodations for all budgets. Because Shinjuku has a high concentration of hotels from the capsule, budget, and luxury, it’s all there.
Shinjuku Station is a great starting point for train travel to neighboring cities in Japan and also around the country.
Whether you prefer traveling by train or on foot, you can reach many popular areas in Tokyo quickly.
Lots of shopping and restaurants, just like it is in any of Tokyo’s major neighborhoods.
Shinjuku JR Station
Shinjuku Station is an incredibly complex transportation hub. All major railways connect to what the Guinness Book of World Records calls the busiest station. It’s where you can ride the city’s subway or catch a bus from the nearby bus depot.
It’s an amazing and beautiful station it’s even possible you can spend an entire day inside.
Although this hotel is the furthest away from Shinjuku station, Kabuchiko, and the center of activity, it’s not that bad. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku is located on the quiet side of Shinjuku. I’ve stayed here more than a few times.
There’s a metro station not far from the hotel with plenty of restaurants for food and drink.
The rooms are typically small but most importantly clean and tidy. The hotel staff are curt and polite it is a good business-class hotel fit for touring Tokyo. I highly recommend this hotel!
Read reviews and find discounts for Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku on Agoda.com
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku – Standard Room
This hotel will put you in the thick of all the nightlife action Kabukicho offers. Still a great little hotel mainly due to its location and quality. Though I warn you the room size is not highly desired at 12 square meters. But the room is clean, there is an onsen bath onsite and the room rate usually includes breakfast.
Overall a pretty good value.
Read reviews and find discounts for Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho on Agoda.com
If you want to stay at a hotel with a massive Godzilla head on the rooftop and close to Shinjuku Station then I’ve got a hotel for you.
It’s a really good value for a 4-star hotel. The standard rooms are just slightly larger at 18 square meters and cost around $125 USD. Though they do have rooms up to 25 square meters you have to pay extra but not that much.
But I gotta warn you this hotel is in a super busy location so there are lots of people especially at night and on the weekends. But none of the stuff outside spills into the hotel.
Read reviews and find discounts for Hotel Gracery Shinjuku on Agoda.com
I always seek out new hotels in Shinjuku. WPU is one of the newest in the district. This means that the rooms will be tiny as most newer hotels in Tokyo are.
Located around the northern tip just a 10-minute walk to Shinjuku station. And Shinjuku subway station is mere meters away. Goes without saying there are plenty of dining options all around.
WPU Hotel has really good reviews for cleanliness and front desk service. But I warn you the rooms are the smallest like I mentioned at around 11 square meters.
Read reviews and find discounts for WPU Shinjuku on Agoda.com
Hotel Amanek is another property in the heart of Kabuchiko. So the price is higher but not so much that it’s not affordable.
The rooms here are slightly larger and the hotel staff is attentive. Again even though Hotel Amanek is located in Shinjuku’s red light district, none of spills into the hotel. Matter of fact it’s like an oasis away from the madness of Kabuchiko.
You can walk to nearby Golden Gai or simply check out the Izakayas for food and drink. Just the perfect location for enjoying local nightlife.
There are many hotels all over Shinjuku and I’ve shown you a few around Kabuchiko and Golden Gai. As well as others that on the outside away from the district’s nightlife.
And even though there are so many transportation options in Shinjuku I recommend getting around on foot if possible. Because Tokyo’s sidewalks are wide and well-paved. Streets signs are in English which makes wandering around fun.
I hope you find my hotel recommendations to your liking. Please check out my other Japan travel recommendations for even more helpful resources:
Affiliate disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a hotel booking via links we may receive a small commission, at absolutely NO EXTRA cost to you. Any commission received helps keep this blog alive and our cats fed.
Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide for Foodies – Huai Khwang
This is a guide for all the die-hard foodies looking for delicious local Thai eats in Bangkok. It is a recommended read for anyone familiar with traveling around Bangkok. If this is your first visit to Bangkok check you’ll find this blog post more helpful.
Nevertheless, if you already know the ins and outs of Bangkok. And confident enough to travel around and explore on your own, read on!
I wish I could tell you that there’s only one area of Bangkok where you can find great local Thai food. I’m not talking about Thai food made for foreign tourists and priced for foreign tourists.
This is a popular neighborhood spot for takeaway…
I will point you to areas in Bangkok with amazing, authentic Thai foods where you’ll be eating shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals. It’ll be an authentic Thai eating experience.
On top of that, you’ll find out where to stay in Bangkok near all the best local eats!
There is a simple answer to the simple question of “Where to find the best local eats?”
You go where the locals go!
Huay Khwang – Popular Local Neighborhood in Bangkok
It can’t get any more local than this. Huay Khwang is a district, located just north of central Bangkok. There are two MRT subway stations in this location:
Thailand Cultural Centre MRT
Huai Khwang MRT
Thailand Cultural Centre and Huai Khwang station are the next stop from each other. It is a super popular local area with many shopping centers such as the Street Ratchada which is partially open 24 hours with cafes and supermarkets. Around late evenings a night market appears outside the Street Ratchada’s parking lot.
And you can check out the newly renovated Big C shopping center and pick up some Thai snacks. There is also an updated food court and fast food restaurants serving a wide variety of Thai foods and snacks.
To take advantage of the convenience of this location I recommend Prom Ratchada Hotel. It’s right behind the Big C shopping center. A standard room costs about 1300THB a night, which is an excellent value for the location.
Standard room at Prom Ratchada Hotel
And many local Thai hawkers stand where food is delicious and affordable!
One popular Thai restaurant I can highly recommend is Zabb One Restaurant. I’ve been eating there for nearly 15 years. And back then it was just a dark humble shack. They mainly serve Issan food, a region in northeast Thailand.
Today, they’ve expanded their current location so there’s more space for customers to dine comfortably. Matter of fact they’ve become so popular they’ve even opened another location. It is only 600 meters on the opposite side of the Ratchadpisek Road called Zabb One Soi 5, here’s the location.
Zabb One Ratchada is 250m walk from Thailand Cultural Center MRT Exit #1Zabb One Ratchada RestaurantSomtam Kai Kem (spicy papaya salad with salted egg)Gai Yang (grilled chicken)Koo Moo Yang (grilled pork collar)
I like salty foods so for me Somtom with salted egg (ส้มตำไข่เค็ม) is my go to choice for that spicy papaya salad Thailand is famous for. And of course, some grilled pork collar (คอหมูย่าง) and grilled chicken (ไก่ย่าง) with sticky rice round out the meal.
I also highly recommend catfish with green mango salad (ยำปลาดุกฟู) and Tom Saap (ต้มแซบ) another version of Thai hot and spicy soup usually with pork but beef is also an option.
Zabb One Ratchada is popular, especially with the lunch and dinner crowd. I recommend going in before lunchtime and after lunchtime, if you want to eat comfortably. Because it gets busy as it is a very popular local som tam restaurant.
Another Great Huai Khwang Spot for Local Thai Food
Pracharat Bamphen Road Soi 7. Odd-numbered side streets are on the left and even-numbered side streets are on the right.
A little further up north closer, to Huai Khwang MRT station is another area I recommend for local Thai food in Bangkok.
There’s a street called Pracharat Bamphen Road located east of the Huai Khwang junction, with Huai Khwang MRT station entry/exit #1 leading right to the road. This often congested 600-meter-long narrow road is home to Bangkok’s new Chinatown.
Bangkok’s Second Chinatown
This is an area where a small wave of Chinese immigrants gradually settled. Operating restaurants and other businesses catering to Chinese tourists.
You will see the signage of this road spelled Pracha Rat Bamphen Road. However, the word “Rat” alone might be off-putting.
This is why I rather stick with the spelling Pracharat Bamphen Road because it’s the way Google Maps has it spelled. And I don’t want to cause any confusion.
Pracharat Bamphen Map Huai Khwang
In this area, I recommend walking down to Soi 9 and there are a few places I think you will like. It is as local as it will ever get. You might see a few curious foreigners here and there.
Trust me, this place is strictly the local’s favorite spot to pick up a quick meal box.
And these shops don’t have names or signage. You will not find them on Google Maps.
That’s because they open early in the morning. And sell out by the afternoon. You won’t even know they were there as everything they brought is gone. Poof like magic.
And you won’t see them again until early next morning.
Look for Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
Look for Soi 9This corner has a lot of good food in the morning
Right at the entrance of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9, in the morning you will find my favorite takeaway food hotspot!
Yes, only takeaway. There are no tables and chairs. But you can eat on the street in Thailand that sort of behavior is not frowned upon.
Or you can take it back to your hotel. I will recommend a few close to this area below.
Many locals living in this area come here for food. Mainly Thai office workers pick up a quick breakfast to eat at the office.
You will see customers standing in line and some even on their motorbikes ordering several boxes for takeaway.
They’ve got two dozen Thai classic food choices for you to pick from. Thai curries, Thai stir-fries, and stuff maybe you’ve never seen before.
I mean there’s stuff I’ve never seen before here either. But that’s the fun thing. You can eat here every single day without getting bored.
Cooked for Locals, Priced for Locals
You gotta give them credit for keeping food prices affordable. It’s not easy to cook up this quantity of food. Thai cooking requires lots of ingredients. They must be working from early morning to prep and cook these foods. While you are still dreaming comfortably in your bed.
1 Choice 30 THB
2 Choice 30 THB
3 Choice 40 THB
Some clarification for the 2 choices it’s still 30 Baht, they’ll just portion out appropriately. And if you want a bigger box with more portions they charge 40 – 50 Baht extra.
At the current exchange rate, 30 Baht is just under $1 US Dollar.
Everything is served on top of rice in a takeaway box. Bear in mind they do not cook everything on the spot. All of the foods are cooked in a separate location and transported to their location. Which means the food won’t be piping hot.
You can always bring it back to your hotel and ask them to reheat it.
I’ve tried at least 6 to 8 of their dishes. My favorite is their Thai-style fried chicken with cashew nuts. And be sure to try their fried boiled egg in tamarind sauce, it’s delish!
Thai Chicken Cashew Nut, My Favorite!Thai Tamarind Fried Hard Boiled Egg
I recommend their Chicken Massaman and Green Curry Chicken. Two classic powerhouse Thai dishes and they cook it just right.
Thai Fried Donuts
Who doesn’t like donuts?! A fine donut made on a street corner is a beautiful thing in the morning!
Patongo (ปาท่องโก๋) are Thai-style fried donuts locals line up for and enjoy for breakfast. And there are two styles of these puffy delectable treats.
This stand makes amazing Patongo, a Thai fried donut
The version that looks like two sticks stuck together is the most common. You will see small containers of coconut pandan custard (สังขยาใบเตย) or a simple sweetened condensed milk for dipping the fried donuts sold separately. Each container costs 10 Baht.
If you plan on buying coconut pandan custard remember to consume it quickly. Coconut milk spoils easily.
Don’t Forget to Try Salapao
This vendor also fries up fresh Salapao (ซาลาเปา) which is a different version of patongo. The outside has a sweet taste with a soft, airy inside and crunchy inside. Not too overly sweet, though enough that it goes terrific with some black coffee with no sugar. Which is how I like my coffee.
I prefer salapao because it reminds me of the classic Italian zeppole! Just without the powdered sugar.
Each piece is only 3 Baht!
Soy Milk is typically sold next to Patongo…
In Southeast Asia, when you see fried donuts like these, usually hot soy milk is sold beside it; this is because both are enjoyed together as breakfast.
Asians love to dip these fried goodies into soy milk.
Where to Stay Around Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
CMYK Hotel Bangkok is 300-meter walk from Soi 9
CMYK Hotel is a newly renovated hotel on Pracharat Bamphen Soi 5. Only a 300-meter walk to Pratcharat Bamphen Soi 9 and a 250-meter walk to Huai Khwang MRT subway station.
CMYK rooms are on the small side, around 20 square meters. The upside is the room rates are affordable at around 1000 – 1300 Baht per night. You can read reviews and find discounts for CMYK Hotel on Agoda.com.
There are many other hawker stands and small Thai and Chinese-owned restaurants to explore here. And I just mentioned a few of my favorites that are not listed on Google Maps.
Here are a few local eats I like to recommend, that you can find on Google Maps
Por Charoenchai – Thai Chicken and Rice
Chicken Rice Restaurant Huai Khwang Bangkok
One of my favorite chicken and rice shops open 24 hours, Por Charoenchai is again, super popular with locals in this section of Huay Khwang.
Their tasty boiled chicken is tender and they make a good fried chicken. I like to order both over chicken broth-soaked ginger-infused hot rice. And their house ginger, garlic, and chili sauce is on point.
Thai Boiled Chicken and Fried Chicken mixed over Rice – 60 Baht
Danchai Chinese Steam Bun
Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with delectable delights are a staple in Asia. I like to recommend this little shop on a corner right next to patongo hawker stand I mentioned on the corner of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9.
Danchai Chinese Steam Bun located on the corner of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
This is a very old-school Chinese bakery. And the folks that make their fine buns look like they’ve been around forever. That’s why they are very well known in this neighborhood for steamed buns filled with sweetened black bean paste, minced pork with salted egg, red pork with salted egg, and sweetened cream bun.
Steamed bun at Danchai
One steamed bun costs 30 Baht, which sounds pricey. However, I think the price is justified because it’s handmade. And these folks producing these buns are elderly so let them charge what they want.
Get Out There, Explore, and Eat!
There are other places that I recommend on this post. But I covered the places that are hard to find when you don’t know where to look.
Check out these recommended places to eat in Bangkok yourself and have fun.
Eventually, as I find more places to eat in Pracharat Bamphen Road I will update this post. So I hope you can make it out here one day.
Whether it’s good or bad, I’d like to hear about your experience by commenting below 🙏
See that photo above? It may not look like it, but that right there is an idiot who absolutely loves pizza from New York City.
And that’s where I grew up. On the Lower East Side of Manhattan more specifically. There were many pizzerias in and around my old stomping grounds in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
To this day I still remember going to pizzerias with my dad and grabbing a couple of slices and soda together. I don’t remember what we talked about. I just remember two guys enjoying pizzas. Those are good memories.
Then when I was old enough to go out on my own, like a rite of passage, my parents gave me .75 cents to get a slice for lunch. While trying not to get robbed. I grew up at the peak of the crack epidemic after all. It was life or death I tell you back in the old days of NYC.
I remember Gino’s Pizza on Catherine Street, Richard’s Pasta and Cafe on Pearl Street, Famous Ray’s Pizza (most of them), Pizza Palace on Bayard… and that’s all the names I can remember folks. Hey, it was 40 years ago and at my advanced age, things get foggy.
One of my favorite pizzerias in NYC
To me, it was like a privilege to walk a few minutes from where I lived. And smell the sweet, sweet aroma of a freshly baked pizza bubbling away inside an oven.
New York Style pizzas are thin and crispy. The outer crust is not too fluffy but got a good bite. A well-made cheese pizza with a generous sprinkling of garlic powder and dried oregano. And a dash of spicy chili flakes.
It’s the best I tell ya! THE BEST!
The usual lunch at my favorite NYC Pizzeria
BUT I’M NOT IN NYC ANYMORE
I’ve been residing in Bangkok for around 25 years now. It wasn’t until 5 or 6 years ago NYC style pizzas started to gain traction in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok.
Before that time the options for “Western” style pizzas in Thailand were limited. I mean you could find it in hotel restaurants and chain pizza restaurants. Which just wasn’t the same.
I recall there were a few small pizzerias near a red light district in Bangkok. This made sense cause those are the areas where many foreign tourists hang around to get drunk.
Then there are the local Thai pizza interpretations. A round piece of baked dough topped with mayonnaise and ketchup. With not-so-traditional toppings but I get it. The locals love “pizza” too. I don’t blame them.
Fancy pizzas were already in Bangkok before NY style pizzas…
That’s not to say decent or pizza as close to as I know it was never around Thailand. Like everything else around the world that people are passionate about there is an origin story.
A SHORT HISTORY OF PIZZA IN THAILAND
The fast food business in Thailand started slowly with a cold reception. As the founder of Pizza Hut in Thailand stated in this article, Dairy in the form of cheese wasn’t popular and neither was bread.
Times change and the Western diet is gradually taking hold.
As of writing, there are 180 Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery outlets in Thailand. Pizza Hut’s main rival competition Pizza Company has 560 branches around the Kingdom.
Thais are moving to a Westernized diet. Matter of fact not only Western but East Asian foods are popular also like Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
That article was written in the 90’s. Today chain pizza restaurants with their flashy commercials are advertised on social media, traditional media with ads splashed all over public transportation. The younger Thai population is crazy about it.
Gradually restaurants serving Neapolitan style or as I like to call fancy pizzas were around too. Because there were many casual dining Italian restaurants, opened by foreigners, especially in Bangkok and Pattaya.
Neopolitan Style Pizza in Bangkok
THE ARRIVAL OF NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA IN BANGKOK
All the years living in Thailand I gave up the search for a slice of New York’s finest. I mean I get it. I’m not in New York City but I do go back once a year. And the first thing I did was search for a pizzeria right after I got out of the airport.
If I recall correctly I found SOHO Pizza through an advert on my Facebook feed. It looked legit with the classic New York style slice appearance. Matter of fact they sold pizza by the slice like they do in America. And they had the name SOHO in it.
SOHO is one of those fancy schmancy neighborhoods around lower Manhattan. With many popular pizzerias dotted around that neighborhood.
With SOHO pizza ads crammed in my face, I decided to go try it out with my wife.
Half and Half Pizza Pie – SOHO Pizza
I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised. It was really good, as close to NYC style pizza as you can possibly get halfway across the world.
The cheese, the crust, the zingy tomato sauce. And oh yeah, the grease. You know the grease that runs down your hand leaving a yellow orange streak, down to your elbows if you’re not careful. Whether you like that or not it’s a hallmark of a NY slice.
I dug in a little about the background of SOHO Pizza. And learned they were managed by a powerhouse food and beverage agency called SOHO Hospitality. And I think they did a great job bringing my favorite pizza to Thailand. As of writing SOHO Pizza has 6 branches, all inside Bangkok.
Then we got Chef Bing! of Chef Bing Pizza who also started his pizza restaurant in Bangkok, around 2019. The first location was near Khao San Road and now he’s moved to the Lumphini area very close to central Sukhumvit Road.
The chef also has a New York City background and is a real chef. It’s not just a title he picked up. After working in the restaurant industry US for a while he eventually returned home.
And then taught himself how to make New York City style pizza. From scratch!
This reminds me of the story of Mark Iacono, a master pizzaiolo and owner of one of the most famous pizza restaurants in Brooklyn called Lucali. And I wish Chef Bing achieves the same level of success here in Thailand
His pizza has a very good char to it. Every bite I took there was a snap and a crunch, the cheese and the sauce, oh man! He had done NYC pizza justice and I am proud!
Chef Bing Cheese Pizza Pie 14″
PIZZAS IN THAILAND TODAY
If you want to eat Italian or American-style pizzas in Thailand today it is very easy to find. Whether or not they are authentic or taste good by your standards is a whole different matter.
Just take for example if an Italian from Napoli traveled to Bangkok and tried a Napolitana at an Italian-owned restaurant will that pizza remind them of Napoli?
It depends on how well the Italian chef trained his cook. It depends on the ingredients the Italian chef used are the same in the Italian city of Napoli. Pizzas in Napoli use specific ingredients native to its surrounding region, such as tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
It’s the same way I look at it. Especially when I started making pizza reviews in Bangkok. And I can say for certain it is an exciting time!
As of writing, I made a few pizza reviews on Wally’s Travels and Eats which is my second YouTube channel.
Looking good from the topBottom needs a bit more time in the oven…
According to this online pizza publication https://www.50toppizza.it/ five of the best fifty best pizzas in Southeast Asia are in Thailand. That’s quite impressive. All of those 5 Thai pizzas are of the Neopolitan variety. I prefer New York style pizzas.
There are Thai cultural aspects to consider in the Thai food industry. Thais do not like to eat burnt food. Eating charred bits as a certain population of Thais believe is carcinogenic. Whether or not that is true I would say you have to do your research on the validity of such a claim.
Traditional pizzas have what’s called Leopard Spotting, where spots of dark char are visible under the pizza as well as the crust. It is typically more pronounced in wood and coal-fired ovens.
That said, there are so many pizzerias all over Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin I can’t wait to check them out. I’m pretty sure the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui have many too because of foreign tourists and expats.
What’s your favorite pizzeria in Thailand or anywhere you’re reading this?
I know a lot of first-time visitors to Bangkok want to experience staying at 5-star hotels. Because they know hotels in Thailand have a stellar reputation for affordability with excellent quality and service.
And they are right. The Swissotel Bangkok, located on Ratchada Road (Ratchadapisek Road) is a perfect example of a high-quality hotel in Bangkok with excellent guest facilities and genuinely friendly and caring service-minded hotel staff.
And for around USD 100 to USD 150, you can stay in a very comfortable 40 square meter room. Those are off-season rates but even in high season you can book a room for around USD 180.
Grand entrance to Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
My friends, that is not a bad price at all for a 5-star international hotel near central Bangkok.
To find low rates for Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada I recommend Agoda.com it’s what I use to find discounts for hotels throughout Asia.
Once I paid USD 100 to stay 1 night in a shitty room at a filthy motel near Laguardia Airport in NYC because I didn’t make it to a standby flight. That is a story for another day.
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Reception
Where is Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada?
Swissotel is located in Huai Khwang district right by the main Ratchadapisek road intersection. About 1 hour and 15 minute drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport by tollway. Don Muang International Airport is about a 45-minute taxi ride by tollway.
MRT subway Station Huai Khwang Entry/Exit 4 is about a 300-meter walk to Swissotel. So you do have the option to take the Airport Rail Link by riding the subway to MRT Phetchburi station and then walking a short distance to Makkasan Airport Rail Link station.
Huai Khwang MRT station
Directly south, just 4.5 kilometers lies the Asoke/Sukhumvit junction where you’ll find Terminal 21 Mall with the BTS Sky Train Asok station. You can reach this area by taking the subway to Sukhumvit MRT station, only 4 stops from Huai Khwang MRT station.
So if you want to check out a couple of Bangkok’s famous red-light districts such as Soi Cowboy and Nana you can use the subway station near the hotel. Or just hail a metered taxi, there are many driving past.
However keep in mind Bangkok’s subway and train systems close from 11;30pm to midnight.
Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok (Swissotel on the right side)
To the northwest of Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is the city’s largest famous open-air market in the world, Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can travel to this popular Bangkok attraction again with the Huai Khwang MRT train to Kampheang Phet MRT station, which will take you to the southwest corner of Chatuchak Weekend Market.
There are many 2-star to 4-star hotels in Huai Khwang which I also reviewed on this blog post, on where to stay in Huai Khwang.
I can say with total confidence Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is hands down the best 5-star hotel in Huai Khwang. Matter of fact it is the only true 5-star hotel in the area.
Huai Khwang is a Terrific Bangkok Neighborhood
The immediate area surrounding Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is what I like to call a locals’ local area. Meaning it’s where many local Thais live. As you will see from the apartments and high-rise condominiums all over.
So there are plenty of local Thai restaurants. But you will also find Western and Asian restaurants, particularly Chinese Mala Hot Pot restaurants.
Pracharatbamphen Road leads you down to Bangkok’s second ChinatownChinatown in Huai Khwang Bangkok
Right after the pandemic, many Chinese moved to Huai Khwang, setting up a second albeit smaller Chinatown that runs through a 600-meter section of Pracharatbamphen Road.
There is a red light district aspect in Huai Khwang, particularly with massive massage parlors with prostitutes. But I can tell you for certain the stuff that happens inside doesn’t spill out. You won’t see or notice it.
But it won’t hurt to keep an eye on your husband when he says he is going out to buy milk in the middle of the night.
My Experience at Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
I lived in Huai Khwang for a while so I am aware of Swissotel’s reputation. I’ve eaten inside the hotel’s restaurants often. And the food is always good.
Why not try staying there for a night I thought. It would be a nice family treat.
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Lobby
I booked one of their Premier rooms with a king-sized bed. Premier rooms are pretty much Swissotel’s standard rooms. It’s still a big room at 40 square meters.
At the time I paid around USD 125 plus taxes and breakfast for 2 and my daughter being just a kid ate for free. It was entirely worth it.
Big Room, Clean, Comfortable and Modern
40 square meters is certainly big for a standard room today in Bangkok’s hotel industry. All of the newer hotels built after the 2000s have smaller standard rooms.
Again we booked a premier room with king sized bed. There was plenty of space for my daughter to run around. With an armchair in one corner and a good-sized work desk opposite. I wish the flat-screen television was a little bigger but we didn’t hang out in the room all day.
King sized bed was comfortable. The pillows were soft and the comforter helped as we love blasting the air conditioning so it gets chilly in the room.
Nice spacious guest roomYou can’t see it but there’s a bathtub on the leftTelevision could be a little bigger
The view we had was perfect. We were on the 17th floor with a southwest view. The swimming pool was below and we could see the cityscape outside.
There are USB charge ports added to the bedside fixtures and also by the work desk. The provided free internet Wi-Fi was stable and should be fast enough for general web surfing.
The bathroom is spacious as well with a shower stall and full-sized bathtub. No need to buy soap and shampoo everything is there.
Slippers, check. Bathrobe, check. Hot water maker with powdered coffee and tea bags, check.
Plus a mini fridge to keep things cold and chilly, you got it.
Big Fitness Center and Swimming Pool
If you are a fitness fanatic you will love Swissotel’s gym. It is amazing!
It’s full of modern equipment. From weights to machines. Very clean inside too. And there is so much space inside you won’t bump elbows.
Large fitness center with modern gym equipmentLarge swimming pool at Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
Outside there is a swimming pool, one side for adults and another for the kiddies.
I enjoyed these facilities so much that I decided to buy a monthly fitness membership. It is worth it especially the staff working inside. They are some of the nicest and friendliest people.
My Only Gripes…
As of writing, I think the in-room safe tucked inside the built-in closet is tiny. You can’t put a small laptop in it or even a full-size tablet. I’m sure Swissotel security is reliable and all. But a more up-to-date room safe wouldn’t hurt.
Swissotel is large, with plenty of space. It would be nice if they could add a playroom for children and young teens. As I mentioned I go to Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada frequently. And I can tell you there are many families with children staying as guests.
Surely Swissotel can find the space to put together a room filled with toys for young children and a gaming system for young teens.
Conclusion…
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is a fantastic 5-star hotel in Bangkok that I highly recommend. It’s in a great neighborhood. You can easily walk to the subway station. Plenty of metered taxis pass by because the hotel is near a major road.
I highly recommend staying at this hotel even if it’s just for a few nights and you want a 5-star hotel experience in Bangkok. It’s a terrific hotel near central Bangkok. And easy to get around the city to explore.
Read more reviews and find discounts for Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada on Agoda.com
Whether you are a honeymoon couple in Bangkok or especially a traveling family, Pratunam is a good area because a lot is going on around the area. It is well-developed with many restaurants and cafes. Many low to high-end shopping options as well as peculiar attractions like temples and shrines throughout.
And because it is in what’s considered a prime Bangkok neighborhood hotel room prices in Pratunam are slightly higher compared to hotel rates in the outer districts of the city like nearby Huai Khwang and Bangkok’s Chinatown.
That said, hotel rates in Pratunam are very affordable, especially for hotels in the 4 to 5 star range.
Ratchathewi BTS Station on Phaya Thai Road
If you’re traveling with family I highly recommend staying around Pratunam, This area has the most hotels with spacious rooms, big enough for 3 adults and a child. There are just so many family-friendly hotels in Pratunam. The fact is most of the hotels I reviewed below were built before 2000.
Most hotels built before that period have large rooms. While more recently built Bangkok hotels have smaller rooms. Even though most of the hotels mentioned below are older, they are updated to modern standards.
The hotels I reviewed here are located around the 1-kilometer stretch of Phetchaburi Road. Between Ratchadamri Road and Phaya Thai Road. This is one of the particular areas I recommend staying in Bangkok for your first visit to Thailand.
Choosing a hotel in Pratunam is one of the best ways to explore and experience that hectic chaotic side of Bangkok. And it is one of the super busiest areas in the city.
Thai food stall on Phetchaburi RoadSmall shopping centre on Phetchaburi RoadPhetchaburi Road Soi 17 Shopping LanePathumwananurak Park
Why Stay in Pratunam, Bangkok
Pratunam has the most affordable 4 to 5-star hotels with rooms that fit a family of four comfortably.
Many affordable Thai and international brand hotels in Pratunam.
It is located in the city center.
Lots of Western, Asian, and especially Thai food options.
If you love to shop, Pratunam won’t disappoint.
It’s sort of close to Ratchathewi BTS station.
Close to Airport Rail Link station at Phaya Thai BTS station.
You can walk to many places of interest.
Many popular Southeast Asian shrines for true believers around Pratunam.
Pratunam is one of the busiest areas in Bangkok, 7 days a week because it is one of central Bangkok’s most important commercial business hubs. A popular Thai wholesale clothing industry located within Pratunam Market attracts clothing retail shop owners from all over Thailand.
As well as foreign visitors looking to bring items to sell back to their home country. In many ways, it is the same as Sampeng Market near Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Central World Shopping CenterJust a massive mega mall
5.9 kilometers to the north of Pratunam is the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. The nearby Ratchathewi BTS Sky Train station will take you to Bangkok’s largest open-air market in 15 minutes.
To the south, on foot, you can take a leisure stroll down to Bangkok’s mega-mall Central World for shopping therapy. A large popular budget supermarket called Big C. An Apple store and other buildings filled with luxury goods like Gaysorn.
Siam Square another popular section of Bangkok full of shopping centers can be reached on foot, but will be a bit of a hike to malls like MBK Centre. But you can reach these shopping centers via Skywalk, an elevated, shaded walkway that is connected to major shopping centers.
Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine
The Erawaran Shrine is also in the vicinity and you can visit all on foot.
So your feet never touch the street pavement. You can pop in and out of a shopping center to cool down with air-con while sipping bubble tea.
Booking a hotel room in Pratunam makes it easy to explore this exciting, fast-paced center of Bangkok.
Quick Bangkok Hotels Booking Tips & Advice
Bangkok’s high season is typically from November through late April. But because there are so many hotels in Bangkok many hotels keep room rates competitive. This means that even through the high travel season you can find hotel deals and discounts from various hotels throughout Pratunam.
Thai hotel check-in times are usually 2 pm. However from my experience, if you arrive a few hours earlier, and the room type you reserved is available, they will allow early check-in for guests.
Thai hotel check-out times are noon. And of course, it never hurts to ask for a late check-out if needed.
All hotels and hostels listed provide Wi-Fi internet access at no cost.
Complimentary water, tea, and coffee with hot water kettle in rooms.
Be sure to reserve 1000THB to 2000THB on hand as most Thai hotels require security deposit during check-in.
If it is in your budget I recommend staying at a 4 to 5-star hotel around Pratunam. Because you can get a really good deal for around USD 100 per night and that’s an excellent price.
To find discounts and reviews of hotels in Thailand I recommend Agoda.com. It is a website I use to find hotel deals around Asia.
We’ll start with some of the best 4 to 5-star hotels I Pratunam below. While one of the most well-known 4-star hotels in this area is the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, billed as the tallest hotel in Thailand with 83 floors, I think there are much better alternatives.
This is the top hotel in Pratunam right on the Petchaburi Road and Ratchadamri Road intersection. The Amari is a Thai brand hotel and well-known in Southeast Asia. It’s the perfect hotel for travelers looking for high-quality rooms, guest facilities like a swimming pool and gym, and top-notch service.
This hotel was built in early 1990 which means the rooms are larger than today’s newly built hotels in Bangkok. But of course, the rooms have been updated with a modern feel and environment.
As the only true 5-star hotel in Pratunam, you think you could expect a crazy 5-star price.
When the standard 40 square meter room at Amari Bangkok will set you back around USD 130.
This Novotel is one of the newest hotel properties in Pratunam district even though it was built in 2011. And the poshness certainly shows in the price even though standard rooms are in the 20 square meter range. So out of all the Pratunam hotels on this list, because Novotel is the newest the rooms are the smallest.
Though without a doubt this hotel location is perfect for exploring the surrounding area. Such as the Platinum Malls, Pratunam Market as well as the local night market next to the Berkeley Hotel across the road.
Ratchapasong Walkway facing PratunamRatchaprasaong Walkway facing south to Chidlom Shopping DistrictRatchaprasong Skywalk Map
This hotel is connected to the Ratchaprasong Skywalk. So you can easily walk down to Central World Mall, Big C Supermarket, Chidlom shopping district, and even down to Siam Square.
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam is also one of the taller hotels so you can get an amazing view of the city. It’s got the usual facilities you’d expect at a top-notch hotel.
The standard guest rooms cost around USD 150. But it is possible to find rooms for around USD 80 if the timing is right.
I don’t know about you but I prefer large rooms with a balcony. When I first stayed at Centre Point Pratunam Hotel many years ago I liked it instantly. Back then it was also a serviced apartment so I stayed there for 6 months.
It’s tucked a short distance down Petchaburi Soi 15 so you get this little bit of an oasis feeling, while outside there’s a lot of car traffic. It gave off a cozy feeling. And I stayed on the 17th floor facing the main Petchaburi Road so I had a terrific view from the balcony.
Though today of course the hotel has gone through a renovation and updated. I think it’s an even better value today.
For around, USD 85 two guests can stay in a decent spacious 47 square meter room. There’s a nice little swimming pool and a small gym for guests to use. Young kids will certainly enjoy the playroom.
With over 750 rooms the Berkeley Hotel Pratunam is easily the largest hotel on the block. Of all the 4 to 5 star hotels in this review, this is another recommended hotel if you want to stay in a spacious room for families.
They have these 58 square meter family rooms with two large beds, separate showers, and a bathtub. For USD 170 per night for 3 adults and 1 kid occupancy. That’s a fantastic deal considering the size of the room.
Plus the great location, and the amount of food options in and outside the hotel. There is a small and sort of popular street bazaar called Palladium Night Market outside. This is a hotel you should consider staying with family.
I think this hotel has the most affordable large guest rooms in Pratunam. For around USD 160, you can stay in a 120 square meter 2 bedroom executive suite! I think most traveling families with four adults and one child will appreciate all that space.
The hotel is directly connected to a popular Thai shopping complex called the Grand Diamond Plaza. Inside you will find many Thai and Asian styles of clothing plus accessories, shoes, and nail and hair salons. Directly below there’s a Burger King and Starbucks close by.
Even though the rooms are a little dated I think it’s still clean and well maintained. Highly recommended for those traveling in groups and who want to stay inside the same room.
One of the newly renovated hotels in Pratunam, this comfortable, cool, and fashionable hotel is recommended for couples. Who is looking for clean and modern rooms that are most importantly not overpriced.
The size of standard rooms at Vela is 29 square meters. Which is fine for 2 people. And one night cost around USD 70. Usually, it costs more but if the timing is right I think it’s a really good deal!
The tiny drawback is the tiny fitness room and swimming pool.
Of all the areas I reviewed in Bangkok for hotels, Pratunam, without a doubt has the most family-friendly hotels. Large spacious rooms, playrooms for kids, and swimming pools.
And as you can see the hotel rates are not crazy high.
So if you’re traveling with a lot of people and want to stay together, consider any one of these fantastic Pratunam hotels!
Google Maps is like a double-edged sword, and I am strictly speaking as a business owner who is (currently level 8) local guide. In fact, speak to any business owner with a verified address on Google Maps, and they’ll have the same sentiment. Obviously, I am also a consumer, just one of the many users of Google Maps looking for the nearest pizza restaurant with NYC style pizzas.
Or reviews of pet hotels in Bangkok. Hopefully ones that won’t mix my sweet kitties with other sweet kitties in a small room. Yes, it’s happened to me before. And you bet I left a scathing review for said pet hotel.
It helps customers find businesses nearby, around, or miles away. Letting one know what to expect before stepping inside. There are photos of the inside and outside of establishments, and you’ll definitely know if the service stinks or not. Without it, potential customers might have a hard time knowing about or even finding you.
To put is short, Google Maps is awesome… but…
Negative online reviews to any businesses can have detrimental effects. Just as easy as anyone can make reviews on Tripadvisor.com anyone with Gmail accounts can write one as well. Though there are many kind hearted local guides whom genuinely want to share that great experience they had at a business they found through google maps.
Many are not motivated to write positive reviews and it could be for many reasons, such has they forget or they don’t have the time.
However, Google local guides are more motivated to write negative reviews. Such as if poor service by rude staff or unsanitary conditions is experienced. And just simply getting ripped off and scammed are strong motivations to quickly write scathing one star reviews. And rightfully so.
Thinking it Through… Before Leaving that Review
Before I go on and explain why. Let’s go back a little bit.
If you plan on starting a business someday you might be interested in this. Because you want to do a bit of research right? Well reading reviews from Google local guides is a great way to suss out gripes people have. You can filter out the 1 star reviews and just look through complaints. This way you can find what people are complaining about. Then you can avoid certain situations that might motivate reviewers complain about.
You can filter star reviews on Google Maps
So I was going through reviews on similar businesses that I plan on starting in the near future. And although many of the low star reviews are valid.There were bad reviews I personally feel are undeserving. And here’s where you, as a local guide making reviews can hopefully understand.Because there are valid reviews, whether good or bad. And then there are unfair reviews.
You Can’t Blame Everything on a Business
So I’m going to use a restaurant as an example here. I love cooking and I love eating! As a Google local guide myself I enjoy writing reviews to promote my favorite restaurants. Millions do the same, it’s kind of fun and supporting local hard working folks with restaurant businesses is worthy in my eyes.
That said I am fully aware that there are restaurant businesses that don’t have good intentions. And do not look at customers the same way.
Let’s dissect that review. Dirty unsanitary food is absolutely a valid poor review. But was the food served by staff. Or the owner? We don’t know 100%.
Though I have been to this restaurant numerous times I can say it’s most likely served by workers. And just speaking from experience, if you have a handful of workers you are bound to end up with a couple that don’t care whether or not your business gets a valid 1 star review.
Or a dirty plate of food in this case. But is it fair to blame an establishment for workers that don’t give a damn?
It’s a tricky debate.
Above is to me a classic example of unfair 1 star reviews. Especially when food is such a subjective subject so I get it. But comparing the food at your favorite local joint, in your home country to me doesn’t make sense.
Hainan chicken rice is served all over Southeast Asia. And different countries, no matter how near, use different ingredients. Or prepare foods differently. There’s a certain bias when you have your favorite local joint at home in mind. And if it don’t taste the way it taste or better then your hometown Hainan chicken is it fair to dish out a 1 star review?
Another review I came across for a popular coffee shop I frequent received low star rating because there was a group of noisy customers. I mean come on now. There was another low star review from another Google local guide that it was too cold inside the cafe.
Speaking from personal experience, this cafe has friendly people working inside. It has a lot of space where friends can hang out and chit chat. A lot of people talking inside a confined space is going not going to guarantee peace and quiet. And truly unfair to any business that have no control over customers’ behaviours.
Google maps is great and millions of people around the world find it useful and insightful. But the local guides that write up these reviews I think really have to put in more thought as to what they write.
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