Where to stay in Bangkok First TIme 2024 - 10 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Bangkok first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Bangkok first time?
Where to stay in Bangkok with family?
Where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife?
Where to stay in Bangkok for backpackers?
Where to stay in Bangkok for shopping?
Where to stay in Bangkok for street food?
Where to stay in Bangkok for one night?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time
| Name of the area in Bangkok | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
... . . . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | The most convenient area in Bangkok as you can move around easily with public transport and it’s home to several shopping and nightlife areas to keep you entertained. Within Sukhumvit, there are several sub-areas that all offer unique perks, ranging from nightlife areas to budget-friendly areas. What makes it so good: great access to public transport, modern part of the city, great nightlife scene. For who: those who want to combine sightseeing with the convenience of the modern parts of Bangkok, which includes great public transport, proper nightlife, shopping malls and much more entertainment. *You can click on the purple link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Another great area to stay in Bangkok, which is located close to the more authentic parts of Bangkok. You have a great riverside view, but it’s a bit more difficult to directly access either the SkyTrain or the MRT. What makes it so good: more authentic vibe, great views, located closer to most attractions than Sukhumvit. For who: families and couples will appreciate this part of Bangkok the most. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | Silom has many similarities to Sukhumvit, with access to both the MRT and the BTS and it has a great nightlife scene too. Sukhumvit is slightly more modern and better accessible from the airports, but Silom offers a better location to see many of Bangkok’s main attractions. What makes it so good: great access to public transport, located closer to major attractions than Sukhumvit, good nightlife scene. For who: those who prioritize sightseeing and want to see the most of Bangkok. |
. .. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the place to be for backpackers and young travellers who love to party with like-minded. You’re also located conveniently to several major attractions, but access to the MRT and BTS is difficult in these older parts of the city. What makes it so good: if you’re a backpacker or a younger traveller who loves to party, stay as close as possible to this area. For who: young travellers and backpackers. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | The budget-friendly part of Sukhumvit as you’re located further away from the heart of the city, but you still have direct access to the BTS Line. The compromise you have to make is that you have to travel just a tiny bit longer and that the areas mainly cater to residents, not tourists. What makes it so good: great value for money for regular tourists. For who: this area is ideal for families as you can have great hotels with large rooms that don’t cost an arm and a leg while having direct access to the Skytrain. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is often overlooked. The area is actually boring, but it has three major perks: 1. direct access to the Airport Rail Link (from the airport to the city), 2. great central location with access to the BTS, and 3. an abundance of affordable hotels and hostels. What makes it so good: when it comes to location, this is one of the best areas to stay at, but there is nothing special to do here. Luckily, you can always take advantage of the great connection to public transport. For who: budget-conscious travellers who prioritize access to public transport, backpackers who don’t like to party. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This somewhat upscale and modern part of Bangkok is a true heaven for shopaholics with many great shopping malls at your doorstep. You also have access to both BTS Lines, which means you can travel to every corner of the city in no time. Expect to pay a bit of a premium price, though. What makes it so good: arguably the most central area with direct access to both Skytrain lines. However, it’s a super busy area. For who: shopaholics and those who want to use public transport to the fullest to see the most of Bangkok. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | The most authentic part of the city which is full of chaos and (noise) pollution, but an experience you won’t easily find elsewhere in the world. An abundance of street food, unique bars, boutique hotels, and neon lights. Ideal area for the seasoned traveller who enjoys stepping out of their comfort zone. What makes it so good: unique experience for the seasoned traveller. For who: travellers who are seeking a unique experience. |
.. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Bangkok’s Old Town is also authentic and much more beginner-friendly compared to Chinatown. It’s much calmer and you can also find several legendary Thai eateries, which makes it an ideal area for couples and foodies. The downside is the lack of access to either the BTS or MRT, but you do have great access to Bangkok’s waterways. What makes it so good: insane food scene, located close to major attractions, but is a bit dull in the evening. For who: foodies and couples. |
. . Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | A great area for the luxury traveller. You’re located on the “opposite side” of the river with stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline. The only little challenge that you have is getting from one side of the river to the other, but most hotels have great solutions for this. What makes it so good: some of the most luxurious hotels are located here with that riverside view to die for! For who: luxury travellers. |
Map of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors.
Where to stay in Bangkok first time
The best areas to stay in Bangkok first time are Sukhumvit, Riverside, and Silom.
This sounds contradicting to what the rest of this article will explain, however, these three areas are by far the most convenient ones as you have great access to public transport and the fact that these areas are located centrally.
Now, there are plenty of alternatives ranging from Phaya Thai to Lower Sukhumvit.
And we will dive into each of these recommended and somewhat alternative areas.
But the most important factor that you should take into consideration is having direct access to either the BTS (SkyTrain) or the MRT (Subway), and preferably both.
Where to stay in Bangkok with family
The best areas to stay in Bangkok with family are Riverside, Lower Sukhumvit, Phaya Thai, and Silom.
When travelling with family, there are a few important factors that you should pay attention to.
First of all, you want to travel without much hassle. When travelling with a larger group, your best option is either the MRT or the BTS.
Taxis are mostly only capable of transporting four passengers.
The second factor is the type of area. Bangkok is home to several nightlife areas that aren’t per se family-friendly.
Avoid Nana, Khao San Road and Patpong.
When travelling on a stricter budget, the areas of Lower Sukhumvit and Phaya Thai are perfect for families.
If you travel on a large budget, the areas Chitlom & Phloen Chit are highly recommended too for families.
When you travel with picky eaters, head over to the popular shopping malls in Bangkok as they serve clean, international food that everyone loves.
In our article about where to stay in Bangkok with family, we dive much deeper into this topic.
Where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Bangkok for nightlife are Nana & Asoke, Thonglor & Ekkamai, Khao San Road, Silom, and Chinatown.
While most young travellers tend to stay around Khao San Road for nightlife, the real parties happen around Nana & Asoke.
Sukhumvit Soi 11 is home to several major clubs, but RCA is the place to be for some of the largest discos in town.
Most Thai tend to party around Thonglor and Ekkemai, where you can find an abundance of trendy clubs, cocktails bars, and much more.
Silom is also a party heaven.
For a more unique experience, explore Chinatown during the night, which is home to many small, one-of-a-kind bars.
Keep in mind that around Asoke, Nana and Silom, the adult entertainment is thriving, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Where to stay in Bangkok for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Bangkok for backpackers are Khao San Road, Phaya Thai, Rattanakosin, Silom, and Chinatown.
Most backpackers tend to stay around Khao San Road, due to its popularity.
But there are plenty of alternatives.
Phaya Thai is a great option for those who don’t like nightlife and want to see as much as they can from the city and therefore use public transport to the fullest.
Rattanakosin is an area near Khao San Road which is home to fantastic Thai restaurants but isn’t as loud as Khao San Road itself.
Silom has many similarities to Sukhumvit (arguably the best area to stay in Bangkok) but offers far more hostels.
Chinatown is a great area for backpackers who want a unique experience, although is not everyone’s favourite option.
Where to stay in Bangkok for shopping
The best areas to stay in Bangkok for shopping are Siam, Sukhumvit, and Khlong San.
The most ideal area is Siam.
You have direct access to two different BTS Lines that take you to other shopping paradises in the city, but most importantly, you can find several major shopping malls in this small area alone.
In Sukhumvit, your best options are Phloen Chit and Chitlom, although Thonglor and Ekkemai also have large shopping malls right in front of the BTS Stations.
To be clear, the Sukhumvit Line of the BTS takes you to all the shopping malls in both Sukhumvit and Siam, so in the end, it doesn’t matter that much as long as you are located near a BTS Station of the Sukhumvit Line.
Now, the largest shopping mall in Asia is located in Bangkok and it’s called ICONSIAM.
This mall is located on the “opposite” side of the river.
It is possible to take the ferry to cross the river.
But if you want to stay as close as possible to this amazing mall, then pick a hotel located in Khlong San.
Where to stay in Bangkok for street food
The best areas to stay in Bangkok for street food are Chinatown, Phaya Thai, Asoke, and Silom.
Now, there is quite some misunderstanding regarding street food in Bangkok.
Due to government policy, many street food vendors were forced to move to other (designated) areas as many food carts were blocking sidewalks.
Yes, you can still find street food in every central area of Bangkok, but if you want to fully enjoy Bangkok’s street food scene, it makes much more sense to stay close to one of those designated areas.
In Phaya Thai, around Petchaburi Soi 5, you have a thriving street food scene. You literally walk through a maze of streets with an abundance of tasty street food options.
Chinatown is the (street)food Walhalla of Bangkok and here, you can find some of the most unique dishes, but also local eateries where you simply dine on the streets.
Asoke doesn’t have that much of a street food scene, but has the perfect public transportation connections to many night markets.
Night markets are the most ideal places to find street food in Bangkok.
Places like Jodd Fairs and Srinakarin offer an insane amount of street food.
Silom is also a popular area for street food lovers and you should visit Silom Soi 20 if you’re planning to stay here.
Where to stay in Bangkok for one night
The best area to stay in Bangkok for one night is Phaya Thai.
Assuming that you arrive by airplane via either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport, you want to be as fast as possible in the city center because of your limited time in Bangkok.
There is a direct airport connection between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai and this elevated train ride takes about 25 minutes.
From here, it’s also easily possible to take the BTS to the even more central areas (Sukhumvit area) that are connected to the Sukhumvit Line.
If you arrive via Don Muang, you can take the same Sukhumvit Line to the central areas.
However, keep in mind that the next day, if you leave the city by airplane again, you have to travel back to Phaya Thai first.
If you leave the city by car, it’s recommended to choose a hotel that is located near one of the highways.
This way, you won’t be stuck in traffic that extremely long (which is common in Bangkok). In that case, On Nut is a great option.
If you leave the city by bus, it’s good to know that you can easily travel to one of the bus stations by BTS first.
In all cases, it’s incredibly important to stay as close as possible to a BTS Station to travel around the city during your limited time.
1. Sukhumvit
Arguably the best area to stay in Bangkok is Sukhumvit.
This is one of the main arteries in the city and right over this major street lies the SkyTrain (BTS).
Because of that, you can easily travel from point A to point B without much hassle, instead of being stuck in traffic.
It’s no secret that Bangkok’s traffic is terrible, especially around Sukhumvit and especially during rush hour.
The last thing you want is to be stuck in a taxi for hours when you’re on holiday.
So, at all times, you should travel via the BTS or the MRT.
But Sukhumvit is also home to an MRT connection, namely at Asoke.
When you stay near Asoke, you can reach every corner of the city by either the SkyTrain or the Metro.
As the latter has been extended in recent years, it’s nowadays easily possible to reach popular tourist areas such as Chinatown and the area around The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Sukhumvit is a modern part of the city and is home to several major shopping malls and an abundance of amazing restaurants.
Staying here gives you all the comforts with access to all the amenities you can expect from a modern city.
But Sukhumvit can be divided into several areas, each with its own unique characteristics.
Let’s dive into each recommended area.
Asoke & Nana
Asoke lies right in the middle of the city and is probably the best area to stay in if you want to move around the city without much hassle.
As said, you have direct access to the BTS and the MRT. As most tourist attractions are spread all over the city, it’s an incredibly convenient area.
When you stay around Asoke, you can move to each corner of the city. That includes Chatuchak, Chinatown, and even the Grand Palace.
However, as it’s a business hub, Asoke most definitely lost its authenticity.
Also, it’s home to Soi Cowboy, one of the major adult entertainment areas of the city.
The area nearby Nana, the most visited adult entertainment area in the city, attracts the clientele of adult entertainment, which can be a drawback for some travellers.
To be clear, in Asoke, you barely notice this, but in Nana, you definitely do.
But Nana is still a tremendously popular area for travellers who love to party until late.
Around Sukhumvit Soi 11, you can find an abundance of nightclubs, bars and other entertainment venues. The red light district is located at Nana Plaza.
If you don’t want to witness the red light district, then stay around Sukhumvit Soi 11.
But, for a proper night’s out, head over to RCA, which is located north of Asoke.
This is the place to go to fully experience Bangkok’s club scene, without the vulgary and with all the Thai dancing and drinking until late!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Thonglor & Phrom Phong
Thonglor and Phrom Phong are two areas near Asoke and it attracts the high society of the Thai citizens.
It’s home to some of the most important shopping malls in the city with all the top brands you can possibly think of.
While Nana is a fun nightlife area for many foreigners (it’s not only about adult entertainment there, regular bars and clubs are available here too), Thonglor is a hugely popular nightlife area for Thai and expats.
It’s a far trendier area with cocktail bars, unique cafes, higher-end restaurants, and even rooftop bars.
You’re located still in the heart of the city with direct access to the SkyTrain, however, you don’t have direct access to the MRT.
For that, you only have to travel only two BTS stops to Asoke.
Overall, it’s a great area that’s located centrally with good access to public transport and you’re surrounded by amazing restaurants, bars, and cafes that you can explore during the evening.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Chitlom & Phloen Chit
The last two areas that we recommend in Sukhumvit are Chitlom & Phloen Chit.
These are considered luxury areas.
It’s the area where you can find many ambassies and high-end condominiums and hotels.
It doesn’t have a nightlife scene like the previous two recommended areas do, but it has a lot of class.
Some of the most spectacular rooftop bars and restaurants are located here and the hotels often offer spectacular views as well.
If your budget allows it, staying here is a guarantee for an incredibly comfortable stay, but it does often come with a hefty price tag.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Riverside
The second major area that we recommend is Bangkok’s Riverside.
Along the riverside, you can find plenty of amazing hotels that are located close to some of the major attractions as well as offering spectacular views of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
This river runs all the way through Bangkok and because of that, Riverside is a huge area.
However, when people mention Riverside as an area to stay at, they often mean the east part of Riverside from the Grand Palace all the way to Saphan Thaksin BTS Station.
When you choose to stay in this part of the city, there are a few small hurdles to overcome.
The major one is that – in most cases – you don’t have direct access to the BTS or the MRT.
Most hotels solve this by offering a free tuk-tuk ride to the nearest station.
However, you can also advantage of the water taxis and ferries that operate around the river.
This form of transport is often overlooked by tourists but is quite a fast way of moving around.
There are also routes that take you through the canals to popular, central areas in the city.
The second minor issue is that it’s a bit more complicated getting from the airport to this part of the city as traffic is usually a huge pain in the butt.
So, if you’re just one or two days in the city, it’s better to choose an area that has a direct connection to the Sukhumvit Line of the BTS.
The perks of the riverside: great views, a good location to explore many of the major attractions, and a far more authentic feeling compared to Sukhumvit.
Also, when you choose a hotel right next to the river, it’s often a slightly quieter place than when picking a hotel in the middle of Sukhumvit.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Silom
Silom is yet another hugely popular area to stay in Bangkok for tourists and has many similarities to the previously recommended Riverside area.
It’s located near several major attractions, and for sightseeing purposes, this is a major perk.
Although you’re not located right next to the river, there are plenty of hotels located in tall buildings that offer an amazing panoramic view.
Sukhumvit offers this too, but Silom is located close to the river.
But the major advantages is that you have direct access to the Silom BTS-Line as well as direct access to the MRT.
This allows you to move around the city without much hassle.
The only difference, when you compare it with Sukhumvit, is that getting from and to the airports is a tiny bit more challenging.
Silom is also home to Patpong, another adult entertainment area.
This area is tucked away, which is also the case in Sukhumvit, but it mainly targets the LGBT community.
Silom also has direct access to Lumphini Park, a large park in the middle of Bangkok which is ideal for a morning stroll.
Popular areas like Chinatown, Talat Noi, and Rattanakosin are not far from Silom and the area itself is a bit more authentic than Sukhumvit.
Although in my personal opinion, Sukhumvit is more convenient than Silom as you can easily move from Siam to On Nut which are areas with their own unique characteristics and amenities.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the most popular area among younger travellers.
It’s located near the oldest parts of the city and is the place to go for many backpackers.
If you’re that type of traveller, look no further, as you will have an amazing time here with like-minded tourists.
But Khao San Road is not for everyone.
During the day, you will explore the city.
As there is no direct access to the MRT or the BTS, most of these young tourists will hail a tuk-tuk to visit the nearby attractions like the Grand Palace or Wat Pho.
However, tuk-tuk drivers are notorious for scamming these somewhat ignorant travellers.
To avoid being scammed, use a metered taxi.
At the end of the day, the young travellers head over to Khao San Road, which turns into a nightlife street with an abundance of cheap drinks and extremely loud music.
It’s definitely fun, but far from authentic.
You always have the option to stay a bit further away from Khao San Road, for example, around Thanon Samsen or at Khao San Road’s Riverside, if you appreciate a bit of calmness.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Lower Sukhumvit
While hotel rooms in Bangkok are not per se expensive, especially when you compare them to West-European or American cities, you have certain areas that offer far more value for your bucks compared to the more central areas.
Especially when you’re travelling as a family, it makes significantly a difference in price.
When you stay a bit further away from the central parts of Sukhumvit, you pay less for a room while you still have direct access to the SkyTrain.
The difference? Probably an extra ten minutes in the BTS.
This area is often referred to as Lower Sukhumvit.
The areas after Ekkemai are mostly suitable for this, in particular, Phra Khanong and On Nut.
These areas are popular among expats for the same reason tourists tend to stay here: it’s cheaper compared to areas like Asoke or Chitlom.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Phaya Thai
Phaya Thai is often overlooked by tourists, but it comes with quite some convenience.
The most important feature Phaya Thai has to offer is that it has a direct connection to the Airport Rail Link.
That means that you can travel from Phaya Thai BTS Station straight to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which saves you an enormous amount of time and stress.
While definitely not the prettiest area in Bangkok, it does offer an abundance of hostels and affordable hotels.
Because of that, it’s a great alternative to Khao San Road.
Phaya Thai does not have a nightlife scene.
What it does have is a great location. You’re located near Siam.
With the Sukhumvit-Line, you can easily travel to Siam in no time, and you can also easily travel to other stops in Sukhumvit.
But at Siam, you can find the connection with the Silom-Line.
That means that you can basically travel to every corner of the city by BTS.
Phaya Thai is not the nicest or the most vibrant one.
But when it comes to location in combination with affordable accommodations, it’s hard to beat Phaya Thai.
Tip: if you choose to stay in Phaya Thai and you still want to enjoy some nightlife, you should visit Ari.
This is a trendy area near Phaya Thai that caters to the Thai.
You won’t find many tourists here and the food scene is amazing.
Ari doesn’t have that many hotels, so it’s better to stay in Phaya Thai instead of Ari.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Siam
Siam lies in the heart of the city and is a tremendously modern part of the city.
As said in the previously recommended area, Siam has a BTS Station that’s connected to both the BTS-lines, which is a great perk.
It’s also home so several shopping centers.
In fact, many tourists who visit Bangkok for shopping purposes tend to stay as close as possible to Siam.
But here is the truth: many of these shopaholics stay at Phaya Thai.
Why?
Because it’s a more affordable area compared to Siam and it’s just a few minutes by BTS to reach both stations.
Especially Chinese tourists who can benefit from VAT and import tax exemption love to stay in this part of the city.
So who should choose to stay in Siam instead of Phaya Thai?
Well, those with a larger budget and those who are looking for a more bustling area.
Phaya Thai is quite boring in the evening.
Yes, you can visit Ari, but Siam is bustling and close to other popular nightlife areas such as Thonglor and RCA.
The fact that you have direct access to shopping malls where you can find several food courts and family-friendly restaurants is also a good reason to choose Siam.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Chinatown
Bangkok is heavily influenced by the Chinese as Chinese merchants were among the first citizens in the city.
Although many have spread all over the city, there is a large concentration of Thai-Chinese citizens in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat.
It is without a doubt one of the most interesting parts of the city, and every tourist will visit Yaowarat during their stay.
However, most tourists won’t stay in this part of the city for several reasons.
First of all, it’s a populated area. Not only by gasses from exhausts but also noise pollution.
Secondly, it’s not that convenient as a location. You’re a bit tucked away and it has less modern amenities than areas like Sukhumvit and Silom.
Lastly, you don’t have access to the BTS.
So why do we recommend Chinatown?
Recently, the MRT line was extended and nowadays, Chinatown has its own MRT Station. Although not as convenient as areas like Sukhumvit and Silom, at least you can travel longer distances in a short time. It already solved half of the problems.
But the main reason why you should choose Chinatown as the area to stay in is its authenticity.
None of the other recommended areas can compete against Chinatown’s authenticity.
It’s raw, it’s fascinating, and you discover unique stores, cafes and bars in small alleys.
Chinatown is known for its street food scene as well and many legendary vendors and restaurants are located here.
We recommend the seasoned traveller who is used to the rawness of Southeast Asia consider staying here.
First-time visitors, though, would most likely hate it here.
For them, the next recommended area is a better option.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. Rattanakosin
Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s Old Town and it’s the area where you can find several major attractions, such as The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
It has several similarities to Chinatown.
It’s authentic, it has an abundance of legendary food and it’s among the oldest parts of the city.
As said in the previous paragraph, Rattanakosin is far friendlier for first-time visitors.
It’s not as raw, it’s less polluted, and far more tourist-friendly.
You can find beautiful architecture here, where Chinatown is mainly lit by neon-lights during the evening.
As it’s such an old area, you can find many amazing Thai restaurants that are in business for several decades.
Legendary restaurants like Jay Fay and Pad Thai Thip Samai are located here, of which the first is rewarded with a Michelin Star.
You’re located not far from Khao San Road, but Rattanakosin itself is pretty dull in the evening.
But that’s not the worst part.
The downside is that you don’t have great access to public transport, at least not the common ones.
Yes, there is a MRT Line south of the Grand Palace and the closest station is called Sam Yot MRT Station. But it’s far from convenient.
If you want to visit the central parts of Bangkok, for example, Siam, your best option is to go to Wat Saket.
From there, you can the water taxi to Siam.
This is a common way of moving around Bangkok, yet most tourists don’t know about it.
You simply head over to Panfa Leelard Pier and for a bargain, you’re in Siam in no time while taking a nice scenic route.
Is it the most convenient area? Definitely not!
But if you want to stay in an authentic part of Bangkok where you can find some of the best local eateries the city has to offer, this is your best option!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
10. Khlong San
The last area that we recommend is Khlong San, which is located on the opposite side of Bangkok’s Riverside.
Because you’re located on the opposite side of the river, the issue that you have with this area is getting across the river to reach the central part of Bangkok where all the major attractions are located.
So why would you choose Khlong San?
Some of the top-notch hotels in the hotel industry have a hotel here as the area is relatively quieter and most importantly, offers a spectacular panoramic view on Bangkok’s skyline and river.
Some hotels even have their own water taxis that take you across the river, but it’s easy to simply hop on one of the ferries.
You can easily take a ferry to the Grand Palace, Chinatown, and Saphan Thaksin.
The latter is the main connection between the ferries and the BTS trains.
One of the other perks of staying here is that you’re located near ICONSIAM, one of the largest shopping centres in Asia.
That means that you have many modern amenities at your doorsteps.
The only issue is that you either have to use the ferries or take the BTS much longer to reach the central areas of the city.
The quality of the hotels are amazing, though, but you do pay a premium price.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok first time in this particular area are listed below:
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