The Quick Guide to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market if You’re Short on Time…
If you want to check out Chatuchak (or Jatujak also JJ Market; Thai: จตุจักร) in Bangkok and you don’t have a lot of time, I’m going to show you where you should go to pick up unique Thai handmade souvenirs, eat delicious Thai street food and of course shop to your heart’s content.
There are an estimated 15,000 stalls within 27 zones as stated in Wikipedia. Chances are you don’t have time to go through all of them.
In this post, I’m going to save you some time by showing you the best parts of Chatuchak Weekend Market so you don’t need to walk the entire market.
Because JJ Market is such a huge sprawling weekend market you can easily run around like a headless chicken. Who wants to get lost and miss the good parts?
You’re not. Because you’re going to know the best parts of JJ Market and why it’s one of the best outdoor shopping experiences Bangkok has to offer.
Lots of local designers open shop in Zone #2…
Here’s the Breakdown
The biggest weekend market in Thailand is organized into 27 zones. Below you will find one of the best maps of Chatuchak Weekend Market I found on the internet.
But Here’s a Few Chatuchak Weekend Market Travel Tips from the Wayfaring Soul:
It’s best to visit Chatuchak around 10 am when most of the shop owners open their doors. Plus it’ll be a bit cooler and less crowded. There’s another reason why you want to get there early.
The best time to get a discount is when the shop just opened up for business. Thai business owners are very superstitious. They believe the first sale of the day is the most important. They will take the cash you gave them and brush it all over their products. In hopes that a day of good sales and profits are on the way.
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate more. If you can’t visit Chatuchak early in the day it can get very hot. Walking around 35°C (95°F) with hordes of sweaty tourists is not fun. It’s only 10B for a small bottle of water so there is no reason to not take in plenty of fluids.
The Do Not Miss Areas Inside JJ Market
Remember, Chatuchak Weekend Market is divided into 27 zones. Each zone specializes in the items and goods sold. If you don’t know where you’re going it’s very easy to get lost. Because every nook and corner can look the same. You can find plenty of maps online or at Thai tourist info centers.
That said, here are the must-see zones I highly recommend if you don’t have a lot of time to explore JJ Market:
Zone #2 is the bohemian/hipster chic zone inside the market. Once you take a look at this section and a look at all the others you will not only see zone #2 is different, but also feels different!
Zone #5 and #6 are the used clothes section but you can also find some new clothing items too. You will see brand-name jeans for sale in that area. However, I can not confirm if the jeans are counterfeit or not. But they sure do look real and high quality also.
The best map of Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market I ever found on the internet…
As you can see on the map, zones #2, #5 and #6 are all on the same side of the market. If you walked from zone #2 to zone #6 it would only take 30 minutes. That is if you don’t stop and check out the goodies. Good luck with that.
The Closest Train Station to Chatuchak Weekend Market is Kamphaeng Phet MRT
I recommend starting off at zone #2 simply because the Kamphaeng Phet MRT subway station is practically right next to zone #2. Just be sure to use subway station Exit 2.
This is exit 2 of the Kamphaeng Phet subway station, very close to zone #2…
Get Ready to Shop and Drop in Bangkok
Zone #2 nearby has gone through a sort of transformation. It’s like a hipster’s paradise filled with small boutique shops started by enterprising Thai designers living in Bangkok.
Now if you take a good look at the map below, you will see many other sections also selling clothes and Thai handicrafts, particularly right in the center of Chatuchak.
Zone 2 has a different feel and vibe…
Zone #2 is the top spot for finding Thai handmade souvenirs in Chatuchak at reasonable prices. It’s also the best place to buy unique graphic t-shirts and even shoes, both brand new or second-hand.
I know a lot of Japanese tourists love searching for second items inside JJ Market, specifically vintage clothes and accessories. And some come to find stock to resell back in their home country.
The best map of Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market I ever found on the internet…Thai hand made items can be found in zone #2…Prices are higher in zone 2 but not by much…Lots of graphic t-shirts can be found in Chatuchak…Zone 2 has a lot of one of a kind boutique shops…Many smaller shops selling stone bracelets and necklaces too…My favorite t-shirt shops are in zone 2…Seems like white t-shirts are popular in Bankgok….Many boutique shops in Chatuchak follow fashion trends…
Now I’m not saying the rest of Chatuchak is not worth visiting. No way. I love the whole market. It’s just that if you don’t have a lot of time and you don’t want to sweat buckets when it’s hot you just want to see the best part.
Zone #2 is where you’ll want to go if you don’t have a lot of time to visit Chatuchak Market.
Lots of fusion grilled food found in zone 2Coffee and cakes are very popular in Bangkok…Many fruit drink stands are found as well along zone 2…And of course one of Bangkok’s famous dish is represented, sticky rice mango..
There are just so many unique little treasures located in Chatuchak’s Zone #2 that I don’t even know how I can ever list them all. So it’s best if you go there and check them out for yourself. You just might find something you’re going to fall in love with.
And I recommend that if you see it, it’s best to just buy it. As long as it fits in your budget of course. Because the worst thing you can do is get back on that plane and regretting you never bought it.
Finally, items in zone 2 are a bit more expensive compared to the rest of JJ Market because the items are a little more unique.
You are allowed to bargain but please don’t be so aggressive. And don’t try and lowball the shopkeepers because they do work hard and have bills to pay.
A Short Glimpse of Chatuchak Weekend Market
If You Love Denim You’ll love Zone #5 and #6
In this zone, you will find used clothing, particularly denim. You can also find stalls selling brand-name jeans as well with labels. Now I don’t know if it’s fake or genuine. But the prices are not so cheap. I think the jeans inside were probably overage stock, or didn’t pass quality control from jean-producing factories around Thailand.
Even though Bangkok is hot and humid throughout the year Thai locals love denim wear. New or used it doesn’t matter. If it looks good on them and the price is right they have to have a pair of jean pants or jacket.
Prices for clothes in this zone are reasonable though there is space to get discounts as long as you buy more items.
Zone #5 and #6 is a well known location inside Chatuchak for denim wear…You can spend hours inside looking at selections of new and used clothingsMany used shoes are repaired and sold…Even old used sneakers are cleaned for resale…There are a lot of military style clothing sold inside Chatuchak…Denim is always popular for Thai people…Military fashion is also popular with Thais…Local Thais love shopping in zone #5 and #6…Even used soccer jerseys are sold in zone #5…If it’s worn and used you’ll probably find it at Chatuchak…
But you’re also going to see a lot of military-style clothing, shoes (new and used), and all sorts of other second-hand clothing items. You might even find brand-name clothing too. But again, if they are fakes I honestly wouldn’t know.
Getting a Quick Bite inside Chatuchak Market
If you still have some time for a quick bite to eat, there’s a small shop selling to die for Chinese-style roast pork. It’s one of the best roast pork I’ve ever had. Even better than the ones I’ve had in Hong Kong! If you don’t like pork they also sell awesome fried chicken wings too!
Though there are many Thai restaurants within JJ Weekend Market it’s best to head over to Aor Tor Gor Farmer’s Market for their awesome food court. Aor Tor Gor is also the most popular fruit market in the city where you’ll find the best Durian money can buy in Bangkok.
This shop is located on zone #19, Soi 7/1, about a 5 minute walk from zone #2…These chunks of Chinese roast pork belly are melt in your mouth good!…I can’t believe Chatuchak Market has the best Chinese roast pork…
Chatuchak Weekend Market is an incredible place filled with lots to see, eat, and of course shop. But if you don’t have a lot of time to spend there then just checking out the areas I’ve mentioned on this blog is going to give you the full experience to remember in Bangkok.
When you are visiting Bangkok there’s a very good chance you’ll be popping into MBK Centre (Mahboonkrong) since it is one of the most well known shopping centers in Bangkok.
Mainly because for tourists MBK is easy to find. Right next to MBK is National Stadium BTS Sky Train station. And taxis, tuk tuk know exactly where it is.
Among Bangkok’s selection of malls, MBK is not exactly the poshest. It’s the Thai working classes’ preferred mall. Where prices for clothes and shoes are more acceptable for locals. It is the oldest mall in this particular part of Bangkok. Yet its popularity has withstood the test of time.
Competing against super malls like Siam Square One, Siam Discovery/Centre and Siam Paragon that are a short distance walk.
And it’s also a great place to socialize with friends and family because MBK has a huge bowling alley, ice skate rink and cinema theaters with the latest screen and sound tech.
MBK also has lots of beauty salons where you can get gel manicures and foot spas. But prices for beauty services inside MBK are rather high. So below I’ll let you know where you can find beauty salons where the local Thai ladies go to get themselves beautified.
Where is MBK Centre
You can find this popular shopping centre in central Bangkok, specifically in the Pathuwan District. Not far is the Jim Thompson House, a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to learn about Thailand’s rich silk history.
There are so many restaurants on the streets and especially inside the shopping malls. And of course not only will you find Thai restaurants, there are also many Japanese, Korean and Western restaurants, including Mcdonald’s, Burger King, KFC and even a Taco Bell.
Many hotels in the area as well. You can find some places to stay near MBK Mall near the end of this post.
MBK Will Always Be Part of the Bangkok Experience
Every single person I know visiting Bangkok will eventually end up inside MBK. Even if they don’t plan on shopping. Today it’s changed so much since the first time I stepped foot inside nearly 25 years ago.
Don Don Doki, a super popular Japanese store has a multi level shopping center inside. This store is the 8th branch in Bangkok and super popular with Thais because they love all things Japanese. And Don Don Doki gives them a glimpse of the Japan shopping experience as well as purchase Japanese sweet snacks, beauty cosmetics, gadgets and home accessories. And of course all sorts of Japanese style of foods also.
Don Don Doki at MBK Mall Bangkok 2nd Floor Entrance…Many things to buy inside Don Don Doki MBK Mall
Cannabis for Sale in MBK
After Thailand legalized marijuana in June 2022 numerous weed dispensaries started popping up all around the city. There are several shops where you can buy grams of the stickiest of icky inside MBK. Though you can not smoke inside MBK mall. Or practically anywhere in public, especially near schools and temples. If you get caught you’ll get hit with a 20,000B fine.
Safe places to light up in Bangkok are Cannabis Cafes but I recommend calling them up if you want to bring your own stash.
Cannabis dispensary located on 1st floor of MBK Mall…
MBK Mall is Best for Buying Western Size Clothes and Shoes
For budget tourists or just savvy travelers that don’t want to overpay, MBK is the best place to buy clothes at reasonable prices. Because a lot of MBK’s customers are foreigners. So you can find many European and American sized shirt, pant and shoes on the racks at affordable prices
I’m talking about good quality clothing and shoes. Not items with cheap materials. Even though you can find that sold inside MBK too. There are tons of shops selling good quality t-shirts with gimmicky phrases and quirky graphics for as little as 100B when you buy more than one shirt.
MBK Mall in Bangkok has 8 floors
Plus they’ve got one rocking food court with affordable food on the 6th floor. Local Thai dishes like Thai Som Tom and Pad Thai along with Thailand’s famous mango with sticky rice is well represented. Along with international fare such as Hong Kong styled noodles plus a bit of Muslim fare like chicken curry over yellow rice.
Now there really isn’t too much new information to add on top of what has already been written about MBK in numerous travel articles.
But I’d like to share a little bit of what I know about MBK.
And below are my 5 tips that might be useful to you plus 5 hotels that are really close to MBK mall.
One of the best food courts in Bangkok is at MBK mall…
No More Fakes and Counterfeits Inside MBK Mall… But You Can Still Find Knock Offs
One of the primary reasons why MBK Mall became famous is because tourists (and locals) could find knock off designer goods easily. There was a short period of time where brand name knock offs were taken off the shelves, due to pressure from foreign companies.
Today, as or writing, you can find all kinds of knock offs on shelves. Most shops selling wearable fake brand named items are located on floors 3 to 6.
Counterfeit luxury lines of Rolex and Omega watches are still abundant. Though to be honest, it’s probably best to not waste money on knock off watches.
Fake Air Jordans are popular and many foreigners buy with intent to take back to their home country for resale. Plenty of fake Supreme T-Shirts and accessories, Gucci and Louis Vuitton hand bags are sought after too. If you do plan on buying knock offs I recommend paying what you can afford. It’s not worth overspending.
Will the Thai authorities crack down on fakes? Probably, but it’ll be back on the shelves eventually. As long tourists know they can find fake good inside MBK there will be shops selling to make money.
Fake Supreme t-shirts MBK Mall
MBK is One of the Best Malls for Electronics
I’m talking about white label electronics “bordering counterfeit” level of electronics. For example I bought these Apple Airpod Pro for 550B inside a shop called Lemon Telecom. Now the box doesn’t say Apple Airpod Pro. But it doesn’t take a genius to see that the packaging is 98% unmistakably Apple.
White label products are what factories, mainly Chinese factories, call products that wholesalers slap their names on the packaging. And many white label products can be found inside MBK.
Lemon Telecom is located on the 5th floor. Everything inside has price labels which is super important. Because many of the small shops selling same types of electronics items on the 4th floor have NOprices on any of their goods for sale. So you gotta ask for the price. Asking for discounts is expected and how much they go down on price is up to the shop owners.
You will not get discounts inside shops like Lemon Telecom however.
Personally before I bought this Airpod Pro copy I checked around on the 4th floor with several shops. I was quoted 800B to 1300B. And some of those shops have Apple Airpod Pro printed on boxes, which cost more. Funny the more “counterfeited” in appearance the higher the price goes. And you’re paying for the branding rather then actual products.
Whatever you plan on buying, I recommend going to a store like Lemon Telecom on the 5th floor and take a look at their prices. Then head down to the 4th floor below and check prices amongst the smaller shops. This way you get some idea about prices.
Not exactly Apple Airpod Pros, but really close…Lemon Telecom 5th floor MBK Mall
But First You’re Going to Need Thai Baht, Right? I’ll Show You Where to Get the Best Currency Exchange Rates in Bangkok
If you’re going to shop hard you’re going to need plenty of Thai Baht in your pockets. So if you’ve got yourself a fist full of your home currency and need to exchange them with better than bank rates then head to the 2nd floor of MBK where you’ll find a Super Rich money exchange branch.
I personally use Super Rich’s services. When you compare them to Thai bank conversion rates Super Rich gives you better exchange rates. They’re now located in a lot of major tourists areas in Bangkok. But Super Rich’s MBK branch is very convenient.
I highly recommend bringing in your local currency and exchange them for Baht. Because Thai ATM fees are very high charging a minimum of 280THB per withdrawal with foreign accounts.
Now that you’re armed with fresh Thai Baht and ready for shopping here are my 5 Shopping Tips for MBK:
1. My Favorite Areas Inside MBK Mall
As you will see once you’re inside MBK it is a massive mall. But where do you go find some nice Thai souvenirs at decent prices?
For me, I always recommend heading to the 6th floor. It’s less crowded and the prices for Thai made products are very reasonable. This area is newly renovated and filled with made in Thailand products. No problem finding fakes here too.
I recommend heading up to the 6th floor Thai made products…
If you want the best prices for t-shirts and other souvenirs, look for made in Thailand products. I find that Thai manufactured slippers and flip flops are really good quality and priced inexpensive.
If your goal is buying bulk at wholesale prices, MBK is not the right place. For that you should go to Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown district.
Any creative products made with Thai rubber, coconuts and hemp materials are nicely made and so affordable and unique to Thailand. It’s where I tell my visiting friends to shop for souvenirs.
I find that MBK’s 6th floor has the most Thai made products inside the mall. There are plenty of Thai made products sold elsewhere inside MBK but cost slightly higher.
2. Find Brand Name Clothes at Outlet Prices
I’m a big guy and sometimes here in Bangkok for me it is tough to find the right size. I wear XL size for shirts. And I am shaped like a gorilla. Normally XL labeled clothing for Thais are still small because it was originally made for the Thai market.
So I like going to this shop called Export shop. You can find 2 inside MBK Mall. One on the 2nd floor and the other on the 3rd floor.
Back in the States we have these outlet malls where you can find brand name clothes for cheap. Well, the Export shops stock up on brand name clothing themselves. From Gap, Dockers, Ralph Polo, American Eagle and sometimes J. Crew and Banana Republic. They even have these 511 Tactical shirts and pants for sale on the racks.
Other export shops selling similar brands but different styles are called XL for Men and 71 Imports.
Because so many big name clothing companies use factories in Southeast Asia to produce their clothing line. A lot of the overage ends up in shops like these. Keep in mind, some of the clothing have slight defects. But nothing so major that it’s unwearable or noticeable.
My favorite clothing shop inside MBK
If you are looking for sporting goods and wear it is worthwhile to check out Super Sports Factory Outlet on the 3rd floor. It is worth checking out because it can be a hit or miss.
Because a lot of the really good in demand items are quickly picked up by lucky tourists and enterprising Thais looking to quickly resell online for profit. Though keep in mind these are factory outlet grade items. Which means that there could be slight defects. Give the items a quality check before forking over your hard earned cash.
The discounts are quite considerable but if you are not there at the right time, and find something you like, the size you want might not be available. In any case, deals can be found on original Nike, Adidas, North Face, Asics, New Balance and so on.
Super Sports Factory Outlet inside MBK Mall 3rd floor…
3. MBK’s Camera Shops
I’m a camera geek. So I love checking out the latest camera toys.
To me the prices of cameras are expensive in Thailand. Though prices for camera gears are very reasonable like tripods, camera bags and sometimes lenses. I think the better deals for the actual camera itself is back in the States.
Anyways, if you lost your camera somehow and you need to buy a new one, I recommend heading to the ground floor of MBK near zone B. It’s the one pictured below. I know it looks like a hole in the wall but they’ve been there for the longest time and quite reputable.
You can get a Tourist Vat Refund also when you buy something there. So you can save a bit of cash as well. I believe you get back about 7% back at the airport.
Camera Center on the 5th floor camera prices are not too shabby either if you really need to pick up cameras in Bangkok. They also offer a VAT refund as well.
Many big camera shops on 5th floorA camera shop at MBK with decent prices…
4. Don’t Forget to Check MBK’s Ground Floor
The ground floor has a lot of good deals too. Many tourists neglect the ground floor because most of them enter the shopping mall from the 2nd and 3rd floor. That’s where the Sky Train walkway leads to the BTS National Stadium train station and Siam Discovery Mall.
But the ground floor is where a lot of discounted clothes and accessories can be found too. So be sure to explore around the ground floor. You just might end up with better discounts for clothes and other knick knacks.
MBK has a total of 7 seven floors and you can check out the mall directory here.
Be sure to walk around the ground floor of MBK, plenty of discounts too…
5. Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Eyelash Extensions and Eyebrow Tattoos
Chances are if you’re staying over in Bangkok for a week or longer, you might be interested in checking out the many varieties of salons for pampering women.
MBK’s got all kinds of beauty salons located mainly on the third floor. But some are spread out on the upper floors too.
Okay so I can’t make any direct recommendations of the salon services located inside MBK Mall.
And there are 2 reasons why:
I go to the cheap places near where I live in Bangkok to cut my hair. For 80THB I get a cut and shave.
As her youngest son, my mother would have a heart attack if she saw me with eyelash extensions and painted nails
However this blogger’s post recommends Goree Salon on the third floor. And she seems quite happy.
I should mention that MBK salon prices to local Thais are not exactly affordable. I’m not suggesting salons inside MBK are overcharging tourists. From a business standpoint, renting space inside one of the most popular malls in Bangkok isn’t cheap.
For local Thais if they want to get their nails done at prices they can afford, they go to nail salon like Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon. It’s a nail salon my Thai lady friends tell me is really good. Or Union Mall for hair salons with services priced just right for Thais working hard for their money.
Need Someplace to Keep Your Luggage While You Shop?
If you checked out of your hotel early and decided to drop by MBK for last minute souvenir shopping, there is a luggage drop off service center on the 6th floor in Zone B, right next to Food Island Food Court.
This service is provided by Airportels.com and they’ll hold your luggage for 4 hours FREE of charge. After that, it’s 100THB per bag. The counter is open from 10am to 10pm everyday.
Consider Booking a Hotel Near MBK Mall
MBK is a fun place to hide, chill out and get away from the city’s heat for awhile. The mall officially opens at 10am but a lot of the smaller stalls open a little later. Closing time is 10pm.
It’s located right in central Bangkok, in a lively area called Siam Square. So it’s also a really good idea to find a hotel in that area because it’s right next to a Sky Train station called National Stadium.
Because MBK is right by Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Siam Discovery and Center the area is totally family friendly and away from the red light districts.
Below are names of 5 hotels near MBK in the 3 to 5 star range I would like to recommend:
Ibis Hotel is one of the best hotels near MBK Mall. It’s right across and next to National Stadium BTS station…
Conclusion
I’ve had visiting friends stay in all of those hotels so I know they’re all very good choices in a prime area of Bangkok. Plus those hotels have plenty of good reviews already.
Out of the list of five, if you have the money, I recommend Pathumwan Princess Hotel. It’s attached right on top of MBK. So you won’t even have to step outside.
On a budget? Lub D has a popular chain of hostels in Bangkok and this particular one on Siam Square has really affordable rooms and perfect for families.
So that’s my five tips on visiting MBK. Plus five hotels near a bunch of Bangkok’s best shopping centers that are perfect for exploring popular sections of central Bangkok.
5 Best Areas in Bangkok for First Time Visitors – With Recommended Bangkok Hotels 2025
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.
At the Chao Praya River with Wat Arun in the background…
3 Quick Tips for your Bangkok Hotel Search
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.
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.
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.
Before settling down in Thailand I stayed in plenty of hotels in Bangkok…
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Silom has a lot of fine dining options available as well with many international restaurants. There’s even a small Japanese 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 bar 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Half Day Trip to Two of Bangkok’s Nearest Tourist Attractions – Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Market
Finally, I went somewhere in Thailand I’d thought I’d never visit. It was a half day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวก ราชบุรี) and Maeklong Railway Train Marketa.k.a. Umbrella Pulldown Market (ตลาดร่มหุบ).
It’s a perfect combination as a short day trip coming from Bangkok, especially when you’re in the city for a few days. And it was a self-guided tour with good friends, so that’s the main reason why I went.
Because I always tell everyone that Thailand is an amazing country with many beautiful scenery and natural attractions.
But when I mentioned to my Thai friends that I went to Damnoen Saduak, they shook their heads and asked, “Why would you go there?”
Two old vendors selling decorative fans at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand…
Unfortunately it’s because Damnoen Saduak Float Market has a reputation as one Thailand’s biggest tourist traps. I’ve never been.
So I can’t say that it is, or it isn’t.
There’s only one way to find out and that’s to go!
You’ve seen attractive photos of foreigners gently rowed down a river surrounded by friendly vendors selling fresh fruit, souvenir tchotchke and way overpriced coconut water. That’s what people are afraid of, getting overcharged.
Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market is widely advertised as one of the must see side trips from Bangkok. But it’s got that tourist trap stigma that’s hard to shake. And that’s something I’ve known ever since I first traveled to Thailand. And the main reason why I stayed away for so long.
7 Quick Tips About Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
River tour boats can fit 6 adult passengers.
There’s not really a best time to visit this market in my opinion. If you want to see more tourists and more activity than visit between 8am and 10am. I got there at 11am when activity started winding down. But there were still many tourists and shop vendors by the canal still open.
Life vests are available on request.
Make sure you ask for boats with a roof or umbrella to protect from rain and sun. My wife and I got wet from rain because our boat had no umbrellas.
Don’t hold onto the sides of the boats. Boat drivers get very close to piers and if you’re holding the sides of the boat you’ll hurt your fingers.
There are paddle boats and motor boats for hire. Please choose the paddle boats. It’s environmentally friendlier.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has no entrance fee. Just putting it out there in case someone asks for money.
Visiting Damnoen Saduak was Inevitable – With a Side Visit to Maeklong Railway Train Market
As fate will have it, a very good family friend was coming over to Bangkok from Hong Kong. She and her friends wanted to visit Damnoen Saduak and also Maeklong Railway Train Market for a half-day tour.
She’s been to Thailand dozens of times so she’s a seasoned traveler in this country. And she and her friends were curious enough to check both markets. And me too I have to admit.
I was particularly looking forward to seeing Maeklong Railway Train Market. I’ve seen dozens of videos of a big, slow lumbering train passing through an active market. Right before shop vendors quickly, yet casually, pull and roll their goods away from the path of the train. So I was really looking forward to making a video of the train passing through.
I Have to Admit, I Was Excited to Go
My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to locate a local driver, where I and my wife will be the tour guides. Mission accepted. It’s on, it’s on like Donkey Kong.
I was presented with a chance to visit and write and share it all here. And I must say, I was extremely curious as to what would happen. I mean I already knew there’s a distinct possibility that we’re going to get over-charged for something. What that something will be, I don’t know.
There’s only one way to find out.
Getting to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Train Market from Bangkok
Both well known markets are about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. And an hour and a half drive from central Bangkok. Or if you have a crazy van driver with a death wish around forty five minutes with no traffic.
We hired a local Thai driver familiar with the roads of Ratchaburi province where the river market is located. And also Samut Sakhon province where the train market is located.
By car, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Train Market is a short 30 to 45 minutes away from each other. Which is why both stopes make a very good half day to full day trip combo.
Cost of hiring a private driver is 3000THB. Here’s what it includes:
Driving from 9am to 7pm. After 7pm the driver gets an additional 300THB per hour counted as over-time.
Tollway fees
Fuel costs included. Usually when you hire a private driver you have to pay to cover the cost of fuel, so this is normal.
There were seven of us in total, so split that with 3000THB the price came out to 430THB per head. Which is an exceptional value for a private driver. He could only speak a little bit of English but not a problem. My wife and I could do all the translating.
Meeting at 9am Sharp
My wife and I left our house at 7:30am. But of course we got there 30 minutes late. Which isn’t so bad considering the horrific traffic we had to go through.
Our plan was to meet at the hotel my friends were staying at. That’s also where our driver will be waiting. He arrived an hour early. My friends were staying in Siam Square which is a perfect jumping point to both destinations.
Once we got to their hotel we quickly jumped into the van and off we went. Our plan was to make the first stop at the floating market because it’s more active in the mornings.
Also we knew there will be a train running through Maeklong Railway Market at 2:30pm. You can find a train schedule below where I go into detail. So we would have plenty of time to explore Damnoen Saduak first.
This is near one of the entrance. This photo was taken around after 11am and as you can see, the river is not so crowded…
First Stop, Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market
It took us one hour and thirty minutes to reach the floating market. It was a weekday and driving out of Bangkok at that time meant less vehicles on the road but still had pockets of congestion at certain points. And our driver wasn’t a speed freak so that was good.
He also knew a lot of road short cuts which made the trip quicker. Which made up the time where we got stuck in traffic. This is one of the reasons why it’s better to hire a local driver familiar with the area. Google maps is good and effective in Thailand. But not as effective as a driver that really knows the area.
When we got close to the area around Damnoen Saduak we found out there were numerous side boat entrances. But we decided to stop off at the main entrance, use the toilet and then take a short walk around, before checking out prices for tour boats.
First Impressions
Along the canal there are many shops selling souvenirs. Okay, really the first thought that came to my mind was, who buys all of this stuff? There were large pieces of Thai style home ornaments and decorations. Large paintings of fish and animal carvings.
Granted there were t-shirts, keychains, sun hats, umbrellas and sunscreen could sell well. But I couldn’t really see anyone buying large carvings of wooden elephants out in the middle of nowhere and lugging it back to their hotels.
Most of the market is situated along the side of canals. We saw boats selling grilled pork but those were all near the entrance. But as you travel further down the canal we didn’t see any boats selling anything at all.
There’s food and drinks all around which are priced higher than usual. Which is to be expected. But we’re not here for shopping. We’re here to check out the prices for tour boats and hopefully find out the real cost of hiring a boat to tour around Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
My friend from Hong Kong stated that her friend previously paid 3000THB for two persons to tour the river. That price does not include the cost of transportation to the market. A 3000THB price tag in itself is highly suspicious.
Time to Ask Prices for Boat Rides
When you’re touring Thailand, bargaining is a national pastime. Yes, even Thais do it when they travel. And believe me, locals do not get preferential pricing treatment at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
My friends and I took a step back and let my Thai wife do the talking. We only found two boat tour desks.
The first tour desk we approached quoted a price of 100THB per head for a one hour tour of the river. Wow, that wasn’t so bad.
Second tour desk we asked quoted us 150THB per head for one hour ride also. But they’ll take us to some type of “special” place where we can taste some “special” local drinks.
Okay the prices weren’t so bad. It was a hell of a lot better than paying 3000THB for a wooden boat. And we already knew where to go to save 50THB so we went back to the first tour boat desk. Or did we? Yeah I know, 50THB is such a small difference.
Problem with self guided tour is you don’t know what’s the real price for anything…
Talking in Circles
Here’s where things get a little tricky. The first desk that quoted us 100THB now told us the boat ride is for 30 minutes. And that 150THB is the new price for 1 hour trip.
There was another lady who seemed to be the one in charge at a different desk at a souvenir shop that changed the price to 150THB. Granted 50THB extra per person isn’t too much to complain about. I mean, we’re already there so we might as well go through with the tour.
A day later though my wife spoke to her mother and she also said she paid 150THB for a 1 hour river ride. So, I guess that’s the normal price. So I suspect the 100THB was just a lure to hook customers away from competitors. That’s just playing dirty.
But they know what they’re doing. Because we’re there already.
The Real Price of River Boats Tours at Damnoen Saduak
So my friends and I paid 150THB per head. But I checked around on google and read people paid 1000THB per person. But their tours were 2 hours long. We paid 150THB for 1 hour. Like I mentioned already, my friend mentioned her friend paid 3000THB for an hour tour for two persons.
The issue is, there’s no standardized rates nor tour itinerary at Damnoen Saduak. The prices depend on who’s taking you there. Could even be the driver or a hired guide taking a cut. Plus there are tour operators claiming they provide more value for the money. Thus the higher prices.
Our driver never accompanied us and stayed with the van the whole time while we were out. So we can’t suspect him of bumping up our price.
Which makes me think that the real price for a 1 hour boat ride is 150THB at Damnoen Saduak.
Onwards to the Tour
There are lots of boats with tourists coming and going and it was in the middle of the afternoon. The mornings would’ve been a lot worst I was told because that’s when most visitors from tour buses arrive. So we got in at a perfect time.
We hired a paddle boat which moved surprisingly fast through the canal. Sadly, the water isn’t too clean. Tourism has certainly taken its toll. So please take care of your trash.
Once you hop on that boat and start taking selfies, the boat driver will immediately park you near market stalls along the river.
Which you should expect. It’s a floating market after all. But it’s full of souvenirs and things you probably don’t want taking up space in your home. I honestly didn’t see other tourists buy anything at all. Like almost everything today, you’ll find it cheaper on Amazon.com with free shipping.
Even then, it’s quite nice to glide down a quiet narrow river even though there are vendors just staring at you while hoping you’d buy something. Thankfully, the vendors keep to themselves and never pushed things in our faces.
Usually the boat driver will just hang out at vendors for a minute before moving along to the next area.
Lunch on a River
Since we left our home early in the morning we only had time to grab coffee. So my wife and I were both hungry and waited until we could find some food vendors on the river. And we couldn’t find any.
Later on, we found a stall by the canal selling a variety of food, including paintings of nature and wood carvings of current pop culture figures.
This was actually quite a tasty styrofoam plate of chicken fried rice…
My wife ordered a bowl of noodles with pork. And I opted for a plate of fried rice with chicken. Before our hungry brains realized there were no prices on the menus. That’s a bad sign. My wife asked how much for both items including one bottle of water.
The food vendor just smiled and said one moment. One moment of calculating the price is not a problem to answer a customer. But no answer came.
Double the price of Bangkok for a bowl of noodles with pork. But it’s to be expected…
It was only until our food came out that we were given the price. The total came out to 160THB. So in Thailand that is expensive for an outside food vendor. It’s twice what you’d pay for at a hawker stand in Bangkok.
But it’s certainly a price that a Thai tourist would balk at. And that’s the reason why there are no prices on the food menus. They don’t want to scare away customers that know better. To be fair, all tourist attractions all over the world charge expensive prices for food.
Just take a look at Disney Land for example. Or have you ever bought a bottle of water in Central Park in New York City? Absolutely expensive.
My wife and I didn’t freak out about the prices. Only thing is she didn’t like her bowl of noodles. But my chicken fried rice was good and tasty and a decent sized portion with fresh ingredients. I’d buy another plate.
I think they should just put prices on their menus. There will be customers that find those food prices reasonable.
A Souvenir Shop Stop is Inevitable
Whether you want to or not a boat driver will take you to a souvenir shop. It’s also a rest area so if you have to use the toilet it’s the place to go do your business. You’re not obligated to buy anything at all but if I had a choice I’d just tell the boatsman to take us somewhere else.
Our boat driver dropped us off at this souvenir and rest stop for 15 minutes…
So expect a short trip to a souvenir shop, it’s standard procedure.
After spending fifteen minutes or so browsing at things we would never buy we called for our boat. It was time to head back and just when we did, it started drizzling lightly. Five minutes later it turned into full on rain.
There are roofs that hang out over market stalls that provided cover. But at certain points there are none so if it’s really pouring you’ll get a good drenching.
Back on Dry Land
After we got off our tour boat there was a huge downpour. We quickly ran back to our awaiting van where our driver took us to a really good spot for seafood lunch.
Overall, it’s great now that I can say, yes, I’ve been to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s one thing I can cross off my check list.
And if you are deciding to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market, you too will know what to expect. But I know it’s not easy for most to make this a self guided tour. Especially when there’s a language barrier.
Second Stop, Maeklong Railway Train Market
With our belly’s full from enjoying a seafood restaurant recommended by our driver we made our way to Maeklong Railway Train Market.
I have to admit, this was one place I was really looking forward to seeing. I’ve watched dozens of videos of such markets with trains passing through. I wanted to take an old Go Pro camera and place it in the center of one of the tracks.
Below is my video:
Maeklong is a fully functional local wet and dry market, with an emphasis on local. Thais come here to buy groceries at cheaper than supermarket prices.
There’s fresh fish, all sorts of butchered meat, fresh vegetables and fruits for them to shop for. And the local folks don’t mind us tourists taking selfies in their shopping space. They’re even nice enough to warn folks to not stand too close to the tracks as the train approaches.
There are lots of durian sellers pushing their stinky, spikey fruit at this market. But to be honest, you’re better off going to Aor Tor Gor Market because that’s where you’ll find the best Durian in Bangkok.
Maeklong Railway Train Market Schedule
The local market opens 7 days a week from 6:20am to 5:40pm. Which is the same time the trains operate.
Arrival:
8:30am
11:10am
2:30pm
5:40pm
Departure:
6:20am
9:00am
11:30am
3:30pm
To explain the schedule further, don’t worry too much about the departure time, unless you’re planning to take ride on the train.
If you’re coming to Maeklong Market to see the train passing through, focus on the Arrival hours. We got to the market at 2pm to wait for the 2:30pm train.
The train arrived slightly ahead of schedule. In any case, get there at least 30 minutes before scheduled arrival so you can pick a nice spot to snap them photos.
Above is a train schedule chart I found inside a local coffee shop with an incredibly super friendly café owner. I wrote an article about opening coffee shops in Thailand and this owner has the perfect location. You can enjoy a drink while waiting for the train to come by.
If You Must Visit Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Market – Look For a Reputable Tour Agency
If you’re looking for day trip recommendations from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Markets are really good side trip options. But I know it’s really difficult for foreign visitors to do self-guided tours in Thailand.
And finding a handsome funny guy like me to be your local guide will be difficult.
Okay, kidding aside, I know most travelers don’t want the hassle of doing a self tour where it’s a challenge to organize everything on your own. And organized day trip tours around Bangkok are inexpensive.
Going on an Personal Tour is the Best Way to Visit Both Markets
However, you want to find a tour agency that won’t charge funny fees or ask for money after you’ve paid for everything up front already.
Which is why I recommend TakeMeTour.com that is really popular in Thailand. They have local experts that can take you to all the locations I wrote about on this post. A TakeMeTour local guide will pick you up from your hotel or a meeting point.
Local tour experts will show you around the way only a local can. And when tours over they’ll take you back to where they met you.
After the train passed it was safe for a selfie…
The Final Verdict
I must say, I had a good time and fun! I really did even though I dreaded traveling to tourist trap destinations. But I can say from my own personal experience that Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is not a tourist trap. Sure, the food and souvenirs are overprice.
If those two reasons alone are sufficient to classify Damnoen Saduak a tourist trap then you have to lump Disney Land and Universal Studios also.
It definitely helps when you’re traveling with good friends. I might even recommend it to all of my Thai friends that wouldn’t even want to go near there.
I enjoyed my time so much that if another friend came over to Thailand and wanted to visit both markets as a day trip and asked me to join, I’d go. Without hesitation.
Most importantly was the experiences I gained from visiting Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong markets that I think are perfect day trip tours coming from Bangkok.
It’s been a long while since I’ve written a hotel review in Thailand. So I’m super excited to share my experience staying at AWA Resort Koh Chang.
My wife and I were planning to drive from Bangkok to Koh Chang for a week. And her friend from the island said she has this great recommendation of a 4 star hotel right on Kai Bae Beach. She said we definitely needed to check out AWA Resort.
It’s located on the south end of Kai Bae Beach which means it’ll be a lot quieter. And we do enjoy our quiet. Plus her recommendations were never wrong so far.
She was the one that told us about Emerald Cove Koh Chang which I reviewed a few years back. And she wasn’t wrong then so she knew we would like definitely love AWA Resort.
This is a view you get from AWA Resort’s lobby.
I also did my own research and found lots of positive reviews on the internet. So I booked a deluxe room on Agoda.com website for 3 nights at AWA Resort. We went there during late March, which was still high season. We paid $80USD per night which included breakfast. And thats not a bad price for a four star beach hotel on Koh Chang.
Remember to Book a Room on the Main Property
I want to add that if you want a room with a gorgeous view of the hotel’s swimming pool or the beach, then DO NOT book a room on the hillside. You see, AWA Resort has an annex building across the road where the hotel’s car park is also located. It’s not a far walk and the hillside room has a beautiful garden.
But if you’re going to stay at resort on the beach. Then you might as well stay on the beach side. Even then while checking prices recently, hillside rooms at the AWA Resort are only slightly cheaper than rooms on beach side. Pay a little more and you’ll stay at a better part of AWA Resort.
Kai Bae Beach at AWA Resort
The resort is located right on the southern end of Kai Bae beach. Which is on the west side of Koh Chang island. During my three day stay at AWA I enjoyed swimming at this beach. You have to go down some steps to get to the water.
Every time I get into the water in certain beaches I hate stepping on sharp rocks and coral. Good news is at AWA Resort I didn’t have that problem. There is a reef further ahead where you can do snorkeling. But overall I didn’t come across jagged rocks. I’ve got sensitive feet so it’s a legitimate complaint.
Amazing Architecture
When you step inside for the very first time through the doors of AWA Resort your jaws will drop. The hotel’s lobby is really high. The walls are white with Chinese motifs throughout. It’s a very beautiful hotel with so much open space.
While checking in we were given a welcome drink, which is a nice touch. We also got a huge basket of fruit! Just joking. Though you can help yourself. I did and the staff never minded. Just leave some for other guests.
I just couldn’t help but get good vibes about staying at this amazing resort in Koh Chang. I’m a hotel exploring fanatic and could not wait to see our room.
There’s a subtle Chinese theme throughout. Chinese porcelain and paintings decorate AWA Resort
Our Deluxe Room at AWA Resort Koh Chang
We booked a deluxe room for $80 USD per night. Which included breakfast. We were shown our room which was on the fourth floor. We passed by some rooms on the ground floor that have easier access to the swimming pools. Next time we stay at AWA we should definitely see if we can get those rooms.
I’m sure it’ll cost more but I’m curious to see how much more.
Here’s my only gripe, there’s a big wall but the flatscreen television is tiny compared to the overall space.
A spacious balcony to hang out
With an incredible view of the swimming pool and beach ahead
We were so impressed with our deluxe room at AWA Resort. It was about 50 square meters with this big bathroom, complete with a bath tub. There were also complimentary bath salts to give yourself a spa treatment. I did every single night before bed. Heaven I tell you.
Everything you needed for a perfect stay was inside. Some beach towels, bathrobes, an electronic safe, coffee and tea maker and a refrigerator with complimentary water. Every evening housekeeping, knocks on guest doors with tiny Thai dessert to hand out.
Don’t you think that televisions too small for that wall?
One of the biggest bathrooms I’ve seen for deluxe hotel room
There’s free Wi-Fi and it worked well even though my room was a little far from the router. Yes, I do check. As a digital nomad I always check and see how many routers there are near where ever I stay. Judging from what I saw on the floor I stayed on I think every guest room should get proper internet coverage.
You know I always thought the mattress at home is the best. Until I went around staying at different 4 and 5 star hotels. AWA Resort mattress was really comfortable. And the pillows were so soft it cradled my head like a fluffy cloud.
Besides the small flat screen television, another thing that bothered me was the amount of lighting inside the room. The brightest light source was the reading light by the bed. But the light on the desk was really dim. Maybe it’s a way to dissuade guests from working?
If so, it worked.
Breakfast Time
If you booked a room with breakfast, serving time starts 7:00am to 10:30am. It’s a buffet breakfast and it’s served in a cool looking restaurant called the Spoon that overlooks Kai Bae beach.
The Spoon has these super high ceilings just like the lobby. Though it only seats 120 inside. But no worries, theres plenty of tables and seats at The Sala, which is another on-site restaurant serving Thai food.
My wife and I had our breakfast at the Spoon the entire time we stayed there. And we certainly enjoyed all the food served inside. They’ll make pancakes and waffles fresh. There’s an egg station too. And of course a section with Thai breakfast with noodles and porridge.
I also noticed there are numerous kitchen staff from the Philippines. Because Filipinos can speak English fluently and I suppose management brought them on board to take care of English speaking tourists. Good move AWA.
You can also enjoy breakfast near this beach. But it’ll be a short walk.
AWA Resort Koh Chang is an amazing hotel. Can you believe it’s priced under $100USD. For us ordinary humans that’s reasonable. As of writing I see a beachfront room for $75USD a night with taxes included on Agoda.com. That’s cheaper then when I booked in March and it’s a better room.
I’ve stayed at several hotels around Kai Bae Beach in Koh Chang and I have to say, AWA Resort is the best, in terms of quality, service and price.
Need help with finding the best Hua Hin beach hotels in Thailand? I have just the right hotels by the beach you’re looking for. Including my personal reviews and cost.
Hua Hin may not be as developed as Bangkok but it does afford many tourists comforts such as good quality hotels by the beach with reasonable rates. It’s a city well known for a much more laid back atmosphere. A clean beach and most of all delicious and affordable seafood.
But if you don’t mind walking just a short distance to Hua Hin beach you can certainly locate cheaper accommodations. However if you’re coming from afar, why not pick a hotel in Hua Hin that is close to the beach.
You’d be surprised how affordable beachside hotels in Hua Hin are.
I’ll even reveal my “Top 5 Hua Hin Hotels by the Beach” so you can make a better decision on where you want to stay.
But before I get into that, here are the best reasons why I think you should stay at a hotel right on Hua Hin’s pristine beach.
5 Reasons Why You Should Stay at a Hotel Near Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin’s beach lines the central section of the city. By choosing a hotel by the beach area you can easily visit nearby attractions in Hua Hin such as their famous night bazaar.
For a small city, Hua Hin has a pretty big traffic problem. With very few pedestrian crosswalks in between. By staying at a hotel right on Hua Hin beach you don’t need to worry about crossing and waiting for long traffic lights.
Lots of hotels on Hua Hin Beach provide free shuttle service for guests to travel to nearby attractions such as the Cicada Market, Bluport Mall,and other points of interest near the hotels. So no need to rely on your own transportation or pay for tuk-tuks that charge 150THB one way.
Even though there are many international 5-star hotels located right on Hua Hin beach you don’t need to spend big money. There are many very affordable hotels right next to the mega hotels that share the same beach. If you can afford the big-name hotels then go for it. You won’t regret it.
Hua Hin beach is on the eastern seaboard so you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in the morning. Which is the best reason of all in my book to stay right on the beach!
I Highly Recommend Staying at a Hotel on Hua Hin Beach Between Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market
Hua Hin has a long stretch of sandy beach with many hotels right on the beachfront, from 5 stars to cozy boutique hotels.
The best area of the beach with hotels is between Hua Hin Night Market down to Khao Takiab (เขาตะเกียบ) translated as Chopstick Hill. Though Monkey Hill would be a more proper name as the area is full of cheeky monkeys that will rummage through your bags if given the chance.
But a few of the hotels on my top 5 Hua Hin beach hotels are just slightly outside of that particular area. Not by much though.
Matter of fact, one of my favorite hotels in Hua Hin by the beach and very close to Khao Takiab is number one on my list. It’s one of the best hotels in Hua Hin and is recommended for your first visit.
I’ve always been a fan of Amari-branded hotels and never had any problems at any of their properties. So when I found out there’s an Amari hotel property in Hua Hin by the beach I was excited to stay there. Granted it’s a bit of a walk to the beach. But they have a free shuttle car to take hotel guests there and back.
The Amari Hua Hin Hotel on Khao Takiab Beach
Technically the Amari Hua Hin is on Khao Takiab which is the southern end of Hua Hin Beach. They even have an awesome clubhouse by the beach where you can order drinks, and food and just chill out by the swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
When I stay at the Amari Hua Hin I usually book their Deluxe Pool View King room. It’s spacious and clean. I particularly like the view of the awesome massive swimming pool in the center of the hotel property. You can get a deluxe room with a view of the pool for around 3000THB per night with taxes.
Address: 25/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin City Center, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
Affordable large rooms with a great ambiance. I did a review of Escape Hotel Hua Hin a few years back. I’ve been back there a few times ever since, especially when they have price drops on their hotel rooms during low seasons which is a great bargain.
The Escape is still one of the nicest hotels with a short walking distance to the beach and highly recommended. When I’m there I usually book the double rooms on the second floor for 3000THB per night. It’s a great bargain.
There’s even a free shuttle to take you down to Hua Hin’s night market. And they’ll even pick you up for a free return trip at a designated time. The Escape is one of the best affordable beach hotels in Hua Hin I highly recommend it.
Address: 25/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin City Center, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
If you like pets or you’re traveling with your furry friends, the Ibis Hotel Hua Hin is the best pet-friendly hotel by the beach. Whenever my wife and I travel to Hua Hin with one of our cats we always prefer staying at the Ibis Hua Hin.
There are not many hotels on the beach in Hua Hin that allow pets. Thankfully Ibis is one hotel that does.
Granted their rooms are the smallest out of the five hotels reviewed here. But it’s very clean and the property throughout is well maintained.
However I want to add if you’re given the option to purchase breakfast I recommend passing it. I don’t think it’s an added value. There are many places to eat near the hotel within a short walk.
Address: 33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin Beachfront, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
With the Hilton brand name, you’ll know this will be one of the best beach hotels in Hua Hin. This 5-star resort is practically right on the beach. The beach is 90 meters from the hotel but with their amazing swimming pool, it’ll be hard to decide if you’ll want to stay by the pool or swim in the ocean.
The Hilton Hua Hin is not cheap. But not expensive either by international standards. Their King Classic Ocean view rooms are only 4000THB per night with taxes. That’s a real bargain for a 5-star hotel in the center of Hua Hin’s beach.
5. Avani Hua Hin Resort and Village – 4 Star Hotel
Address: 1499 Petchkasem Rd. Cha-am, Hua Hin Beachfront, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
The Avani Hua Hin is another awesome hotel by the beach in Hua Hin. Again, the swimming pool at this resort’s main attraction. I’ve spent many days just soaking in the pool. Some really fun memories.
Yet this is another hotel by the beach only 90 meters from the hotel and affordable too. For 3000THB per night with taxes I’ve stayed in the Avani Deluxe Room.
The Avani Hua Hin is practically one of the newest hotels in central Hua Hin, built-in 2016. I especially recommend this hotel if you’re traveling with children. Your kids will love the swimming pool and the fun kid’s club on premises.
These are the best beach hotels to stay in Hua Hin for the very first time. And if you consider the prices are quite affordable too, especially 5-star hotels like the Hilton Hua Hin. And if you’re on a budget you should consider staying at the Escape Hotel Hua Hin.
But whichever hotel you choose on this list I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your holiday in Hua Hin for your very first special visit.
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