Where to Stay in Bangkok (Based on Your Travel Style)
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Bangkok is massive, so you need to choose where to stay carefully. I have visited Bangkok 20+ times, and stayed in dozens of hotels in every popular area of the city. I know Bangkok well and I’m here to help you plan your stay.
Honestly, most first-timers usually stay in Sukhumvit or Old Town.
Sukhumvit is best if you want a Hangover-style trip focused on nightlife. If that’s you, stay at the SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok or the Carlton Hotel.
Old Town is better for quick visits focused on visiting temples and the main attractions. Ayathorn Bangkok is a popular hotel with a central location here.
But – and here comes a curveball – I personally actually prefer the Silom/Sathon area for its more central location. It’s quieter than Sukhumvit but still close(ish) to the attractions. And I love the Banyan Tree Bangkok (pictured above), which is still my favorite hotel in Bangkok.
For families and luxury travelers, I’d also consider Riverside (the Anantara Riverside is stunning).
Bottom line: Bangkok is huge. You have lots of options. If you read on, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each area. First, though, I’ve got some quick picks for the impatient readers out there.
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Best Places to Stay in Bangkok
If you’re short on time, you can’t go wrong with my top picks:
- 🏆 My Top Overall Hotel – Banyan Tree Bangkok
- 📍 Best Location – Ayathorn Bangkok
- 🛺 Best in Sukhumvit – SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok or Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
- 🛕 Best Near Old Town – Ayathorn Bangkok
- 🔔 Best Boutique – Tints of Blue Hotel
- 💎 Best Luxury – Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
- 👪 For Families – Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
- 🐉 Most Unique Rooms – Shanghai Mansion
- 🛏️ Best on a Budget – Villa Mungkala
Next, scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Bangkok:
6 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Bangkok
Officially, Bangkok has 50 districts, each with its own subdistricts. As with many cities, official names don’t always match common parlance. For example, many tourists would count Sukhumvit as a single area, but it really spans several “official” districts.
Making things more confusing, there are often multiple spellings and transliterations for each area. In this guide, I’ll do my best to use the nomenclature that you’re most likely to encounter and do my best to disambiguate names in (parentheses). Refer to the map above for a general overview.
Here are my top recommended Bangkok neighborhoods, for each type of traveler:
Silom / Sathon
👉 Best for Central Location | ✨ Best Silom Hotels: Banyan Tree Bangkok • Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn • Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse • The Standard • Sathorn Vista Executive Apartments
This is controversial, but I personally rank the Silom and Sathon areas first because they are centrally located between the attractions of Bangkok’s Old City, the nightlife and shopping of Sukhumvit and Siam, and the greenery of Lumphini Park. Bangkok traffic is a nightmare to navigate, so I think the central location maximizes your ability to get around.
I do want to be clear though that this area is fairly commercial and thus is not the most exciting to walk around. If you prioritize that, skip ahead to my next neighborhood.
One advantage of the Silom area is the abundance of quality hotels. In particular, I highly recommend the classic Banyan Tree Bangkok. Every room is suite-style, the brand does lots of nice touches like nightly fruit and mini-bar inclusions, and the Vertigo rooftop offers the best views in Bangkok. It’s my personal favorite hotel in Bangkok, and if I could afford it (I can’t, lol), I would stay there on every visit.
Another popular large hotel, particularly for families, is the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. It offers rooms, epic views, a large pool, and a fantastic location that’s central but away from the nightlife. If I had kids, I’d stay here.
But there are several other big-brand name hotels to choose from, including the highly rated Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, and the stylish modern rooms at The Standard.
Have a longer stay in Bangkok? I recently spent a month living in the remarkably affordable Sathorn Vista Executive Apartments, and I loved the mix of apartment-style living with the services of a hotel.
Pros of Staying in Silom / Sathon:
- Central location accessible to all of Bangkok’s best areas
- Lots of upscale hotels and dining options
- Solid public transport connection (take the Blue MRT Line to Grand Palace)
Cons of Staying in Silom / Sathon:
- It’s a business/commercial area, so doesn’t feel as lively at night in all parts
- Not as many attractions
📚 Silom / Sathon Mini Guide 📚
Best Area for Central Location
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Banyan Tree Bangkok • Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn • Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse • The Standard • Sathorn Vista Executive Apartments
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Silom
🍽️ Where to Eat – Kha Gastrobar ($$), La Dotta ($$), Eat Me Restaurant ($$$), André ($$$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Vesper, You Know Where, The Parlor
🎟️ Top Attractions – Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Bangkokian Museum, Patpong Night Market
Sukhumvit
👉 Most Popular for First-Timers | ✨ Best Sukhumvit Hotels: SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok – Sukhumvit • Marriott Marquis Queens Park • Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20 • Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit • Tints of Blue Hotel
Sukhumvit is a modern area where most first-time visitors stay in Bangkok, and you’ll see lots of foreigners in this area. It’s a good, if unoriginal, choice because of the diversity of nightlife, dining, and accommodation options. If you want to be in the most lively area of the city, stay here.
Popular hotels here to consider include the aptly named SKYVIEW Hotel (views really are epic) and the quintessentially Thai boutique Tints of Blue, which has a nice location down a quiet soi (“side street”) but still close to the action.
If you’re a Marriott fan like me, you might also like either the Marriott Marquis Queens Park for a luxury stay (I love the epic rooftop), or the brand new Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20 (more affordable, very solid breakfast). Both hotels are both located down more quiet sois (“alleys”) so the rooms are not affected by the traffic noise as much.
Overall, Sukhumvit is a very safe and popular choice for where to stay in Bangkok.
So … why do I rank Sukhumvit second then? Well, because it is far from the Grand Palace and Old City’s attractions.
Sukhumvit does offer easy access to the BTS Skytrain, which provides excellent connectivity to much of the city and Suvarnabhumi airport. But unfortunately, the Skytrain does NOT go to Old Town. Instead, you’ll likely take a taxi or Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber), and that can easily take an hour in traffic. Not ideal, in my opinion.
Pros of Staying in Sukhumvit:
- Easy access to the BTS Skytrain (elevated public transportation)
- Safe, clean, and vibrant
- Lots of options for food, hotels, and shopping
- Slightly closer to BKK airport, making it easier to get to and from your international flight
Cons of Staying in Sukhumvit:
- It can be a bit of a journey to the Old City
- This modern area doesn’t exhibit “traditional” Thai charm as much as others
- A fair number of red-light areas may put off families
📚 Sukhumvit Mini Guide 📚
Most Popular for First-Timers
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok – Sukhumvit • Marriott Marquis Queens Park • Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20 • Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit • Tints of Blue Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Sukhumvit
🍽️ Where to Eat – Breakfast Story ($$), VERDE ($$), Chanchao Local Restaurant ($)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Japanese Highball Bar, Propaganda, Abandoned Mansion
🎟️ Top Attractions – Benchakitti Park, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, EmSphere
Bangkok Old Town / Banglamphu / Khao San Road
👉 Best Area For Budget & Backpackers | ✨ Best Old Town Hotels: Ayathorn Bangkok • Old Capital Bike Inn • Villa Mungkala
Bangkok’s Old Town area is the most historic part of the city, and home to many of its must-sees like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the famous Khao San Road. Though Khao San Road has changed a lot from its infamous days of yore, it remains a popular area for backpackers.
While there aren’t as many modern hotels in Old Town, one good option is the stunning Ayathorn Bangkok.
The abundance of smaller boutiques also makes Old Town a good area to stay if you’re on a budget. For an affordable stay, Villa Mungkala draws rave reviews from the budget crowd. Jam Hostel is also popular with the social crowd. If you have a slightly larger budget, check out the charming Old Capital Bike Inn.
Pros of Staying in Bangkok Old Town:
- Super close to the most important historic attractions
- Very affordable boutiques and hostels
- Lots of nightlife options
Cons of Staying in Bangkok Old Town:
- Noise and crowds
- MIght feel a bit touristy
- Accommodation quality can be hit or miss
📚 Old Town Mini Guide 📚
Best Budget Area
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Ayathorn Bangkok • Old Capital Bike Inn • Villa Mungkala
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Old Town
🍽️ Where to Eat – Jay Fai ($); Olive Kitchen ($$); Kanin the Rabbit ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Hide Cafe Bar, Happy Bar, There Bar & Cafe, Sheepshank Public House
🎟️ Top Attractions – The Grand Palace, Museum Siam, Khaosan Road, National Museum Bangkok
Riverside / Khlong San
👉 Best Area For Luxury Hotels & Epic Views | ✨ Best Riverside Hotels: Mandarin Oriental • Anantara Riverside Bangkok • Avani Plus Riverside • Riva Arun Bangkok • Arun Riverside
If you’ve got cash to splash, the Riverside area is home to some of Bangkok’s finest hotels, like the stunning Mandarin Oriental or the large suites of the Arun Riverside.
The area is close to the attractions of Old Town while offering more sophisticated accommodation options. Many rooms sport fantastic views of the skyline or the Chao Phraya River. Trust me, you have to see these views at night!
Even if you don’t stay at Riverside, I recommend taking a Chao Phraya river dinner cruise during your stay. Clara and I recently took the luxury Manohra dinner cruise, which leaves from the stunning Anantara Riverside Bangkok (where I hope to stay someday!).
Unlike other more generic dinner cruises that pack in a hundred or more tourists, our small rice-barge style boat felt very intimate. It was also open-air, which made for a fun experience as we were served delicious Thai cuisine while taking in the views of Bangkok’s temples and buildings lit up at night. It’s small, so if a spot is available during your stay, I definitely recommend reserving it!
Pros of Staying in Riverside:
- Epic views over the river
- Easy access to Bangkok’s river boats (my favorite form of public transportation!)
- Lots of high-quality luxury hotels
- A relatively quiet, but still fairly central, part of Bangkok
Cons of Staying in Riverside:
- Not budget-friendly (this is definitely a luxury-focused area!)
📚 Riverside Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Luxury & Views
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Mandarin Oriental • Anantara Riverside Bangkok • Avani Plus Riverside • Riva Arun Bangkok • Arun Riverside
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Riverside
🍽️ Where to Eat – NAVA Restaurant ($$$), Chakrabongse Palace ($$$), Supanniga Eating Room, Tha Tien ($$$), RONGROS ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Jack’s Bar, Viva Aviv The River
🎟️ Top Attractions – Wat Arun, Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, ICONSIAM, Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan
Siam
Me outside the Siam Paragon mall
👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Siam Hotels: The Athenee • Cape House Langsuan Hotel • InterContinental Bangkok, an IHG Hotel • Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
Shopping malls might not sound like an attraction. Until your first trip to Southeast Asia, that is. Thanks to the hot and rainy climate, shopping malls in Bangkok function as multi-purpose community centers. They aren’t just about shopping: you’ll find food courts, game centers, and all sorts of indoor attractions and pop-ups. Some practically feel like a theme park.
While you can find shopping centers all over the city, there’s no doubt that the highest concentration is in the Siam area. Check out the upscale Siam Paragon, which is connected by walkways to several other nearby malls, including Siam Square One, MBK Center, and central world.
I spent almost a month staying in the stylish The Athenee hotel, and absolutely loved it. It offers luxury without pretense, and its location amid several embassies brings a sophisticated international crowd. I also loved the massive breakfast buffet.
Other highly-rated hotels in the Siam area include the spacious Cape House Langsuan Hotel and the Instagram-perfect Eastin Grand.
Siam is a convenient area to stay because it’s super well connected by public transport. It’s also ideal if visiting Bangkok during the smokey spring or muggy summer months since you can easily escape to the blissful air conditioning of the nearby malls.
Pros of Staying in Siam:
- Tons of epic shopping malls nearby
- Solid public transportation connections
- Decently central location
Cons of Staying in Siam:
- Some areas may be noisy (if sensitive, choose a hotel wisely or ask for a room facing away from the main road)
- Streets are quite crowded in the Siam area
📚 Siam Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Shopping
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Athenee • Cape House Langsuan Hotel • InterContinental Bangkok, an IHG Hotel • Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Siam
🍽️ Where to Eat – Stock.Room ($$), Restaurant Coda ($$$), Kalyana Restaurant ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Cat on the Roof MBK, View Bangkok
🎟️ Top Attractions – Madame Tussauds, Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, MBK Center, CentralwOrld, Siam Paragon
Chinatown / Yaowarat Road
👉 Best Area For Street Food & Photography | ✨ Best Chinatown Hotels: ASAI Bangkok Chinatown • Shanghai Mansion • Ba Hao Residence
Bangkok has one of the largest Chinatowns outside of China. This area (also known as Yaowarat) is worth a visit even if you don’t stay here. You’ll find tons of street food stalls, bustling markets that spill onto the streets, and glowing neon lights. Chinatown is a fun area to explore on foot just after dark.
Staying here also means staying relatively centrally. You’re within walking distance of the Chao Phraya River, as well as the Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan temple. You can also conveniently take the MRT (train) to Old Town.
While you should definitely visit Chinatown, in my opinion, it doesn’t have Bangkok’s best hotels. Nonetheless, a few good options to consider are ASAI Bangkok Chinatown or the uniquely-themed Shanghai Mansion. Oh, and Ba Hao Residence is a really cool-looking boutique if that’s your style.
Pros of Staying in Chinatown:
- Exciting environment (it’s a treat for the senses)
- MRT connection at Wat Mangkon is just minutes to Old Town
- A fun area to explore at night on foot
Cons of Staying in Chinatown:
- Very crowded, especially in the early evening
- Parts of it are quite noisy
- Not as wide a range of accommodation options (hotels tend to be older)
📚 Chinatown Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Street Food & Photography
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – ASAI Bangkok Chinatown • Shanghai Mansion • Ba Hao Residence
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Chinatown
🍽️ Where to Eat – Hua Seng Hong ($$), Zafran Eatery ($$), laoteng 楼顶 ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Hex Bar, Magpie the Fortune Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Sampheng Market, Yaowarat road, Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan
Tips for Staying in Bangkok
Grab is Thailand’s Version of Uber
Uber doesn’t operate in Thailand, but you can find a very similar app called “Grab” in your app store. It works similarly and works well with my foreign credit cards.
You can also get food delivery via the Grab app.
But Plan for Bangkok’s Traffic
Bangkok traffic can become a nightmare. What your Maps app might say is a 20-minute ride could easily become an hour or longer Grab ride during rush hour.
Always build in extra time to get around and, for routes where you can, take the MRT or the BTS Skyline train as they are substantially faster.
Noise is a Part of Bangkok City Life – Bring Earplugs!
Few cities in the world are as famously noisy as Bangkok. This means that if you’re a light sleeper, you’ll want to choose your hotel wisely.
Stay away from hotels directly situated on large roads if you can, or ask your hotel for a room facing away from the street. Noise is an issue even on the high floors.
For more advice on what to bring, see Taylor’s packing list for Thailand.
Know the Issues with Peer to Peer Apartment Rentals
If you search for apartment rentals in Bangkok, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous condominiums in buildings where the condo rules technically prohibit short-term rentals.
I’ve had hosts try to “sneak” me into the building, not wanting me to bring my luggage through the lobby. It’s never been enough of a problem where I wasn’t able to stay in my rental. But it is an annoyance, especially if arriving after a long red-eye flight, and so these days I prefer to stay in hotels for this reason.
Alternatively, know that Bangkok has many “aparthotels” that you can find on Booking. I stayed almost a month in the Sathorn Vista Executive Apartments and really recommend them. I had a full kitchen, a complete bedroom, an office chair, and all the trappings of an apartment. But it also had daily housekeeping, breakfast, room service, and the amenities of a hotel.
Smoke Fills the Air in Spring
Air quality is a major issue in Bangkok year-round. But it becomes particularly bad from February to April, during the so-called “burning season.” You can see historical air quality info here.
It’s best to avoid visiting Bangkok altogether during these months if you can (the islands down south are usually clearer). If you must go through Bangkok, consider doing it like a local and using a mask for filtration when outside. Most hotels and restaurants have air purification systems.
Take a Dinner Sightseeing Cruise
I said it above, but I’ll repeat it: I highly recommend seeing Bangkok from a dinner boat on the Chao Phraya River. So many of the historical sites and temples are situated along the river, and it’s just lovely seeing them lit up at night.
I’ve taken several cruises, and by far my favorite is the luxury Manohra dinner cruise. It’s more expensive but super intimate compared to the larger cruises.
You can find lots of other cruises here if that doesn’t fit your budget. Whatever you do, I highly suggest getting out on the water!
👉 Heading to Phuket too? Read my guide to where to stay in Phuket
FAQs
What are the best areas to stay in for first-timers?
The most popular area to stay for foreigners is the Sukhumvit area because it has a lively atmosphere and lots of accommodations. However, it can be quite far to get to the Old Town to visit historical sites. If this is important for your agenda, I personally would suggest the Silom / Sathon areas, as these areas (while a little less lively) are more centrally located. Alternatively, if you have cash to splash, the Riverside area is a great area for luxury travelers.
What are safe areas to stay in Bangkok?
Bangkok is generally a safe city, and all of the six above-mentioned areas are quite safe.
What areas of Bangkok should I avoid staying in?
There is no “bad” part of Bangkok, but most first-time visitors and tourists should probably stick in or near the areas I mentioned above. In particular, staying too far to the west of the river, or too far north, may be inconvenient for reaching the sites of central Bangkok. That said, every part of Bangkok has its charm.
What are the best parts to stay near the attractions?
If you want to be close to the attractions, stay in Old Town or in Riverside.
***
I hope I’ve helped you get your plans for Bangkok sorted! If you’re still on the fence, I can’t recommend my #1 hotel Banyan Tree Bangkok enough.
And, if you still have questions, scroll down and leave me a comment. I’ll help if I can.
Next up, check out my guides to where to stay in Phuket and where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Enjoy Bangkok!
Hello Nate thank you for your advice, we will be in Bangkok in a few weeks it will be our firts time, I would like to have your opinion regarding the hotel that we have reserved so far, it is the Urban house Bangkok is it a good area to stay, I think it is in the silon area which you recommend to stay. Also, we would like to have your opinion regarding the Errawan national park, is it worth it? We will spend 5 weeks in Thailand including 10 days in Laos. Finally which Island is the best to visit on the eastern coast of Thailand
Thank you for your recommendations
Yes, Urban House is in Silom, near Lumphini Park, so a very good location I think. Errawan National Park is supposed to be beautiful if you like nature (I’ve actually never made it that way myself). And in terms of islands: it’s pretty much Samui, Pha-ngan, or Tao on the eastern side. Samui is the most developed, has the only airport, and is generally the most convenient. But I think both Pha-ngan and Tao are more interesting and have better beaches. Considering how much time you have, you could consider hopping to all three (you kinda have to go through Samui anyway to get to the other two).
Hey, nice compilation! Detailed enough to keep the research on my own. Good job, thanks
Thank you Cleber – hope you enjoy Thailand!
your blog is thoroughly written. Thank you very much. Do you have the same for Koh Samui surra tani? and do you have Bangkok day trips for beginners?
Hi my friend and I are staying at the banyan tree (after your recommendation) for 2 nights. We arrive tomorrow and on the to do list is a night market and river ‘trip’. We’re mates so nothing romantic and he’s on a budget so nothing too fancy .i would really like to get a long tail for an hour or so up and down the river. Not necessarily stopping other than to get on and off. Can you recommend a place to pick up such a boat? Is there a night market near the banyan. I also hope on our last night we will wine and dine at the hotel. We saw the grand palace a few days ago before we got the night train to chiang mai and don’t feel too much like seeing any/many other temples. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and am v much looking forward to my stay at your favourite hotel.. regards karen
Thank you so much Karen! Not sure if this reply is coming in time, but you can find longtail boat tours here. I don’t have a specific one to suggest. Most leave from the Old City.
I hope you are enjoying Bangkok.
Hi Nate, thanks for the lovely write-up. Really appreciate your help. I would definitely consider your tips. I love to take pictures.Not a pro but an amateur. Which area would you consider a photographer’s delight ( yes, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder) lol
I love old building architecture. Also don’t want to miss the river cruise that you like. Will be bringing along a Canon DSLR, smartphone and a gimble. 4 day trip in September. 1st time. Yes I read it’s the rainy season.
Sounds like a fun trip! Honestly, all of Bangkok is photography-friendly, as there are so many colors and unique shapes everywhere. With that said, I’d pick Riverside, Chinatown, or Old Town if I had to pick. That’s where you’ll find the older architecture and a lot of the more iconic shapes and sounds of Bangkok. Would also encourage you to visit the local markets and take the public transit boats for more opportunities.
Thanks for your blog. What is the best way to get to the city of Bangkok from port at Laem Chabang? We will have luggage.
If you can afford it, a private transfer is best. It’s about a two hour drive. Ask your hotel for suggestions (unfortunately, I don’t know a good company yet – but let me know if you find one).
The alternative if you’re on a really tight budget is taking public transit to Ekkamai bus station, then a bus to Pattaya, then transfer in a taxi to the port. But that’ll be a hassle with luggage (although it is possible as they’ll store your luggage below the bus).
Hello Nate!
We are planning to visit Bangkok only for 3 nights. Where is the best hotel to stay with kids. I have 2 boys (6 and 4 yrs old) and it’s our first time.
Hi Diosa –
If you want to stay close to the Old Town ancient attractions (major sites, temples, markets, and things to do), consider Ayathorn Bangkok.
If you want the most comfortable, luxurious stay and aren’t worried so much about budget, I’d pick Riverside. Somewhere like Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
If you want to stay near the massive shopping malls of Siam (fun for families), and also along a public transit line, you could check out Cape House Langsuan Hotel.
I hope you enjoy Bangkok!
-Nate
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been searching for a hotel in Bangkok and have just booked Tints of Blue thanks to this blog.
Thank you for reading Odette! And I hope you enjoy your trip to Bangkok. If I can help in any way let me know.
Cheers,
Nate
Hi,
I have booked to stay at the Carlton Sukhumvit for 3 nights when I land in Bangkok. I will finish my trip with one final night in Bangkok before heading home. I am wondering if I am best to stay in sukhumvit again or try a different location. What would you recommend? Thanks 🙂
Hi Kelsie – If you liked Sukhumvit, it’s a convenient place for one night. For a different feel on the city, I’d suggest Riverside. Maybe somewhere like River Arun Bangkok.
Hey – I’d really love to do a solar canal boat tour and I can see bloggers mentioning them but can’t figure out anywhere to book one- do you have any idea please?
I’ve already booked my hotel (Na Vayla PaPlern- out of the way but quiet and good links) or I’d have looked at your recommendations above….. next time!
Hi Emma – I haven’t seen such a tour yet unfortunately. Maybe someone else will chime in.
Hi,
thank you for your comprehensive article!
I am going to Thailand with my 19 year old son, staying in Bangkok 4 days at the beginning of the holiday and 1 day at the end.
Our requirements are: roof top, pool, quiet and easy access to airport and historic part. Where do you recommend?
I had booked Jasmine 59 in Wattana because they have affordable 2 bedroom suites but now I am not sure it’s a good choice…
thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Daniela – That place is in Thong Lor, which is a nice upscale area along Sukhumvit. Close enough to the action to walk, but a little calmer than main Sukhumvit. It is on the side of town closest to Suvarnabhumi Airport, assuming that is the airport you’re using (double check has Bangkok as multiple airports). Do note it’ll take 45-60 minutes, or more, to get to the airport via taxi, as Bangkok has traffic challenges.
Overall, I think it’s a perfectly reasonable location given your requirements. With all that said, it’s important to understand you will NOT be close to the attractions of Old Town. It is simply not possible to be close to the airport AND the attractions, as they are on opposite sides of the city. So you’ll have to choose priorities there.
Note it’s hard to get a rooftop pool near Old Town anyway, as most of the properties are low rises. The tall skyscrapers are not in this area.
You can, however, find a rooftop pool and location closer to attractions in Riverside. Staying there also also lets you take water taxis to get to Old Town. Maybe consider if somewhere like Avani Plus would meet your needs in that area. Compared to Sukhumvit, Riverside is more relaxed, more historic, and more cultural. But Sukhumvit has more energy and more bars and nightlife. I’d consider which is important to you.
Overall, I think you’re probably fine at the place you booked as long as you’re willing to commute to the sites. But if not, consider Riverside.
Thank you,
Nate
I’m having a hard time deciding between Sukhumvit and Silom. We like a bit of everything, markets, nightlife, landmarks etc. what would we your pick? Originally thought sukhumvit but am now second guessing this. We are a couple in our late 20’s ☺️
Hi Kelsie – Sukhumvit is certainly a popular choice, and if you like nightlife, I think you’re unlikely to go wrong there (far less nightlife in Silom, although there is some
on the more elegant side, like the rooftop of the Banyan Tree). Be sure to stay somewhere on the Sukhumvit BTS line. Within Sukhumvit, couples your age tend to like the views and location of the SKYVIEW Hotel, which is near a lot of nightlife (check out Em Wonder!). I also just last week went to a meetup at the rooftop pool at the Ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 24, which is nearby, and it was a really cool looking hotel.
If you want something a little more quiet, you could stay more on the side towards the center (which also puts you closer to the attractions). Somewhere like Siam (particularly if you also like indoor malls) or Ploen Chit stations, which are both still just a few minutes via BTS to Sukhumvit’s nightlife. As I write this, I’m sitting in The Athenee Hotel, which has a nice location. I can walk or take the BTS into the nightlife in Sukhumvit if I want, but it’s a quieter area surrounded by embassies. And accessible via foot to the shopping malls. Another cool hotel near here is the Hotel Muse.
Hope that helps and I hope you enjoy Bangkok!
Thanks very much! Have you had any experience with the Mercure sukhumvit 24? Next to skyview. ☺️
While I have not stayed at the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24, I have been on the rooftop bar and it’s gorgeous. Common areas of hotel look very new and clean as well. Spoke to a few guests who enjoyed their stay. Also got a great location as well.
Thank you for your help! Does it make much difference staying near Asok compared to Phrom Phong?
Not really. They are just one stop apart on the BTS, and only a few minutes walking from each other. I would go with whatever accommodation otherwise seems right to you.
I enjoyed your article and am booking Anatara riverfront for our stay in Bangkok next January. I thought I read you enjoyed Koh Samui better than Phuket. Can you give any recommendations? Was thinking of Amelia, would like to stay around $300 a night. We will be going there from Bangkok.
Thank you
Tim
Hi Tim –
Yes, I do prefer Samui to Phuket (though I also like Phuket!). Samui is smaller and to me feels more like a true island. Phuket is massive and might as well be a peninsula.
For Samui, the busiest and most popular area is Chaweng although I often avoid it as it is more crowded. I spent a couple months living in Lamai Beach, which I like a lot better as it’s more relaxed, but still has restaurants, amenities, etc. And the northern areas around the airport are also convenient and offer some nice beaches. But there are also lots of hotels and villas dotted all around the island, especially in your budget range.
A few you might look into: Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (close to the action in Chaweng but still somewhat secluded), Prana Resort Nandana (convenient, near the airport), Palm Coco Mantra (in Lamai), The Humble Villas (on the west coast, far from everything – more of a retreat if you want to get away).
A bit north of your price range, I’ve stayed in the Melia Samui and really liked it. I would say it’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids, as it’s definitely family-oriented.
I don’t have a full guide to Samui yet, but I do have a guide to Phuket FYI.
Thanks Nate. I will look into those. I might have to push to $400 a night, lol. It seems to be pricier than Phuket, lol.
Tim
Yes, it’s because it’s January (peak high season) and also Samui is just smaller so there is less supply. If you need any more suggestions happy to help if you provide more info on what you’re looking for.
Cheers from Bangkok,
Nate
Hi again Nate, we picked up 2 more couples going with us.
We’re 3 couples in 50’s. Like a nice beach with walkable restaurants and bars, staying for 6 nights. The VRBO’s we looked at were great, but most seem up in mountains and we really don’t feel like driving or hailing a Bolt all the time.
Thanks again. Also looked at Bophut Resort and Spa.
Tim
Hi Tim –
Fisherman Village, Lamai, and Chaweng are the three areas that probably meet your requirements for walkability. Fisherman Village is the most relaxed, Chaweng the most high energy, and Lamai somewhere in the middle.
In Chaweng, you might look at Buri Rasa Village Samui or Amari Samui.
Near Fisherman Village, maybe check out Cielo.
Lamai fits your requirements well but options are more limited there. Maybe check out Pavilion Samui Villas and Resort, which has a variety of room types and a great location.
For something even more chill and laid back, you could check out Explorar in Mae Name (about 5 minutes taxi from the bars and restaurants in Fisherman Village, still walkable to a handful of beach restaurants).
And, yes, most villas are going to be up on the hills (or away from town) so you’ll need transport to walk to town. That is unless you want to pay top baht (if so, maybe check out Ammatara Pura Pool Villa in Lamai).
Note the Grab app (similar to Uber) works on the island reasonably well within the populated areas, though sometimes you might have to wait a bit. You’ll probably need it at some point regardless of where you stay.
Thanks Nate, I appreciate all your suggestions.
Tim
Great site – so helpful…thank you! My 25 year old son and I (male 52) are heading to BKK from 26 Apr to 4 May. Our plan is 3 nights in BKK, 2 nights in Chiang Mai, and then last 3 nights back in BKK. We want to see the sights and sounds and want something average hotel-wise. Nothing expensive or grand. Chinatown looks like fun for 1st 3 nights but concerned about hotels. And Siam or Sukhumvit for the other 3? Thanks for suggestions.
Hi Mike – Sounds like a solid plan. FYI, I’ve also got a guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai too.
For Bangkok: you could check out Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. It’s a very solid hotel in the $100/night range, in a solid location down a quieter street just off the main strip. I’ve stayed there and really liked it. Small but very clean and new.
For something even more affordable, you could look into Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok or SureStay Plus.
Hope that helps and let me know if you need to refine more suggestions.
Thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Hi 👋🏾 love love your blog!!! We are planning Thailand 2026 Feb/March. Read all your input on where to stay etc. Soo helpful!
we have 16 days what do you suggest? We fly from Canada. Should we fly in and out of Bangkok? We want Bangkok, Hoa Hin, Phuket, Krabi….want to fly to Vietnam for 3 days and then back to Bangkok and fly home from there. Have you blogged Vietnam where to stay?
How many days should we stay at the above places? We love shopping and beaches and the dinner cruise you suggested in Bangkok too! Not too interested in touring the temples…maybe the kings palace and rooftop places. Thanks 😊
Hi Catherine – sounds like a fun trip! Yes, the vast majority of international flights go through Bangkok, though a few go via Phuket (so search both). I think that’s a perfectly fine itinerary, especially if you like beaches, though adding the visit to Vietnam will make it a bit fast pace.
From Bangkok, you can hire a driver or take the train to Hua Hin. Then from there fly to Krabi direct. Then either drive or take a ferry to Phuket. Then fly to Vietnam (would suggest Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi since you only have 3 days). Then back to Bangkok and out from there.
You’ll only have time for 3 or so days in each places, but that should mostly be fine. Lots of shopping in Bangkok and also some in HCM.
We don’t have as many guides to Vietnam, but if you like beaches you might like reading about my stay at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc.
Thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the great article. We visited Bangkok last year (and Phuket) and liked Como and So/ Bangkok. We were debating between Anatara riverside and Shangri La, have you stayed at Shangri La?
Also, we were going to do 5 or 6 days in Ko Sumui. Any recommendations? We were debating between Chewang and Fisherman’s village are. (We’re a couple in our 50’s, like beach, drinks, and food.
Thank you
Tim
This article is really cool, cheers. The map is excellent makes it much easier to see the districts.
One quick one, do you have any thoughts on staying the other side of the river over in the area around ICONSIAM?
I’m looking at AirBnB’s currently rather tha hotels as a little cheaper.
Cheers
Rich
Hi Rich –
Glad you enjoyed the guide thank you! ICONSIAM is in a perfectly fine area to stay. It’s a little disconnected by the river, but you can take river public transit boats to get around, and there is also the Krung Thon Buri BTS station for taking the train. If you find somewhere you like, I say go for it.
Enjoy Bangkok and thank you for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Hello Nate,
We are Honeymooners traveling to Thailand in April. First stop is Bangkok – what area do you think would be best? We will be there 3 nights. Then on to Phuket & Krabi. We will have 12 nights to split up and since we already booked our return flight from Bangkok we will stay one night there on the return. I do want to stay at Ravaydee for at least 2/3 nights any other suggestions. I would also like to stay at Keemala but not sure for how many nights. Would Chiang Mai be worth the trip as well?
Christine
Hi Christine,
For a honeymoon in Bangkok, I think Riverside is a nice area because you have the views and access to the river. I’d suggest looking into the Anatara Riverside or the Mandarin Oriental. If Riverside isn’t for you, I also think the Banyan Tree is a really special boutique hotel.
I’d also suggest booking the Manohra dinner cruise as it’s really beautiful and more intimate than the larger cruises.
For Phuket, Keemala is a famous option as you mention. Same with Rayavadee in Krabi.
If you have enough time for Chiang Mai, I do think it is very special and worth a visit – especially because it is very different than the other destinations you mention. Check out my guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai. There are so many temples, so much history, and of course the elephants to see. I’d suggest looking into the pool suite at The Inside House if it is available, or else maybe consider the Thantara Resort if you want a private retreat.
I hope you enjoy your honeymoon in Thailand!
-Nate
Hi Nate – thanks for the helpful information. My partner and I are planning on going to Bangkok for about 10-14 days at the end of July. We want to tour Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pittaya, Sukohthai, Phuket, Krabi and phi phi islands. What’s the best way to get around from city to city? Is there one vs another that you would recommend? Any tips would be greatly appreciated- thanks.
Hi Lena!
Personally, I’d say the essentials are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and at least some of the islands. You can read our guide to where to go in Thailand for more.
In terms of getting around: fastest way is via flights. Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Samui all have airports. You can find lots of affordable domestic flights on Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, or on Vietjet Air. Note you’ll need a boat or ferry to get to the smaller islands, including Phi Phi.
Thailand also has trains and buses that take longer but are more affordable and generally very comfortable.
I hope you enjoy Thailand!
-Nate
Thank you so much Nate for your very responsive reply. I’m so glad I found your website – your insight is so valuable to all of us!!!
I am very grateful for your time.
Warm regards,
Lori
Hi Nate,
Your overview of Bangkok was amazing and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing! I’ll be traveling with a cousin in April (I read above – but timing is based on a prior cruise).
We are both 60 and adventurous. Nine days to spend. I tend to put too many items on the itinerary: Bangkok, day trip to Ayutthaya and then day to Kanchanaburi. Then fly to Chang Mai to visit the city and one night at an Elephant Sanctuary. Then fly to either Ko Sami, Krabi or Phuket to end the trip with a 2 day beach stay.
Would you say the above is possible? Which would you choose for the South Beach time? If you know any local guides to hire and drive us that would be amazing!!!
Very open to your expert suggestions.
Kind regards,
Lori
Hi Lori! That’s a busy itinerary but I think it is totally manageable to do Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket in 9 days. For going to the beaches, all three of Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi have airports. Usually Phuket has the most and cheapest flights, but it depends.
I suggest reading my guides to where to stay in Phuket and where to stay in Chiang Mai. I am working on guides to Samui and Krabi but they aren’t yet published. If you want more specific suggestions in either of those in the meantime, just let me know.
For drivers – I took this company on a private drive to Ayutthaya from Bangkok and they were great. I think they might also offer more general driving/guiding services if you reach out. Otherwise, the Grab app is a way to hail rideshares similar to Uber. It works very well, especially in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket. You might have to wait a little longer in Samui or Krabi, but it works there too.
Oh, and for the elephant sanctuary make sure you book in advance as they do tend to book up. If you’re going to be there between April 13 and April 15, note that is the Songkran water festival. It can actually be a lot of fun to participate in the water fight, but be aware it’s a huge festival so services will be slower than normal and also you might get wet if you’re outside (especially in Chiang Mai)!
Hi Nate,
I’m considering staying at the Baiyoke Sky (5 days), in Bangkok. My main interest is the night market/foodie scene. I like the night market excitement and the foodie scenes. Is Baiyoke centrally located to my night market/foodie interest? I also heard of Terminal 21, where lots of food options as well. I also want to check out the floating market, but I can’t seem to figure out which one to go to? Any thoughts or recommendations I’d appreciated!!
Hi Kayla – the Baiyoke Sky is in Siam, so yes I think it’ll work for you. It is close to a lot of shopping centers like Terminal that tend to have indoor food markets. You’re also right next to the Pratunam and Palladium Night Markets. I’d also suggest going a bit further to The One Ratchada night market.
The most famous floating markets like Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tend to require a day trip a bit outside the city, but you could also visit the Khlong Lat Mayom or Bang Nam Phueng floating markets, which are closer within the city.
Hi Nate,
I am planning on travelling with my husband & 2 kids who will be aged 19 & 17 to Bangkok for 3 nights then to Phuket for 6 nights in Jan 2026 from Australia.
Any suggestions where to stay that is reasonable , close to trains, shopping in Bangkok.
Also what would be best places to see in Bangkok over those days.
Also can you please suggest some things to do in Phuket besides 6 to Phi Phi Island. Thank you
Hi Janice – If you want trains or shopping, I’d go for Siam. Depending on your budget, maybe check out the InterContinental or the LIT Bangkok Residence. You can also find apartments in this area if you want multiple rooms for the family.
For Phuket, check out my guide to Phuket. Beaches and island boat tours are the main attractions in Phuket, but you can also find waterfalls, shows, dining, nightlife, massages, spas, etc. For specifics for each part of the island (it’s huge!), see my guide’s “mini guide” section for each area.
I hope you enjoy Thailand. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
-Nate
Hi Nate, found this extremely useful as we are just staying 2 days and then Chiang Mai and Krabi. Any highlights you recommend for Krabi or where to stay thinking of Ao Nang potentially. All help appreciated
Hi Ken! Sounds like a fun trip. You may have already seen it, but I have a whole guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai.
I have also spent quite a bit of time in Ao Nang, though I don’t have a guide. Overall, Ao Nang is small and easy to get around. Personally, my favorite stay was at the Centara Ao Nang. Nice clean resort right on the beach but close to walk into town or catch the boats out to the islands.
But anywhere within walking distance of the main beach in Ao Nang should be fine location-wise. Just be aware that as you go further inland from the beach, there is an incline, so you can find cheaper places and good views, but you may have to climb up a bit if on foot and staying far inland.
Hope you enjoy Thailand! Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Cheers,
Nate
Nate
You are a superstar and this article was super helpful! We arrive on 24 Dec w my 12yo and stat 4 days. I haven’t been to BKK in years! We will splurge at Anantara (our Maldivian honeymoon destination of 2007!) and do Banyan Tree for one night post our tour! I can’t wait.
Love your article, totally helped w my dilemma to stay.. now just need to work out how to do the airport journey to Anantara when we arrive! Any thoughts pls do let me know!
Best
Agnieszka
Happy you found it helpful and that sounds like a lovely itinerary. In terms of an airport transfer, there are taxis outside Suvarnabhumi Airport if you follow the signs. Just be aware that it is a ticket system and there is often quite a line. Alternatively, if you contact the Anantara, they should be able to arrange transport (at a higher price of course). You can also find other third party transfers on Klook, though I don’t have any particular ones to suggest.
Hi Nate
Travelling for the first time to Bangkok. Have you been to Hua Hin? If you have where would you recommend to stay and have you travelled there by train??
Hi Alison!
Yes, I have been to Hua Hin just this past May. I went via car not train, but I’ve heard the train is nice.
I stayed at the Marriott Hua Hin. It was a really nice beach hotel set a bit outside of town on a lovely stretch of beach. Very much a family beach resort, but we enjoyed it even as a couple. Huge fantastic breakfast, multiple pools (including an adults only pool), and modern comfortable rooms. Would definitely stay there again.
If you don’t want to stay on the beach, almost anywhere inside the town itself could work too. Hua Hin is very spread out and not very dense, so it’s ideal if you want a more relaxing beach spot. The beach is not as amazing as the ones further south, but I thought it was pretty nice and — importantly — it wasn’t crowded at all!
Hi, Thank you for this great info! We are going to Bangkok in mid December and will only have 1.5 days. We booked the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel but after reading everything I’m thinking we are too far out from attractions. The hotel is cancellable….what area would you suggest for first timers with limited time?
The Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel has a great location if you prioritize staying near dining, nightlife, and shopping. The area is the more modern heart of Bangkok. If you like the hotel, I think you can make it work and just plan to leave once for the day and visit Old Town. However, if you are primarily focused on seeing attractions like the Grand Palace, and want a hotel nearby, staying in Old Town or in Riverside would put you a bit closer. It’s really a matter of what your preference is!
Thank you so much for this info!
Thank you – great advice!
This article was so helpful. It’s my first time to visit Thailand and I only have 1.5 days to do the things I want in Bangkok. I’m planning to take the hop on hop off boat tour on my first day from 3pm till night time. The next day i want to see the floating market and the popular train. On the afternoon, I want to book a cookery school at Mama Noi. They have 3:30pm session and usually last for 4-5 hrs. I am traveling alone. What would you suggest for me to stay? Btw, i want a budget friendly place to sleep. Thank you. Oh also, my travel will be on December 2nd week.
Hi Lilibeth – thanks for reading! First, are you sure Mama Noi has a Bangkok location? I’m pretty sure they are only in Chiang Mai. Also, note that the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market are both quite a ways outside the city and require a day trip. Given you have such a short period of time, I’d suggest just confirming this is really your priority attraction, because that trip will consume the better part of a day. If it’s important to you, you can make it work, but I’m just flagging the distance for your knowledge.
Anyway, given you don’t have much time and want to see the sites, I would suggest Old Town. That is also where a lot of budget accommodation is. I would look into Jam Hostel if you like hostels, or Villa Mungkala if you want a boutique hotel.
December is a fantastic month to travel in Bangkok. It’s dry and cool, and the air is more clear. I hope you enjoy your trip!
This article was so helpful! I loved that it had the pros, cons, and condensed all the necessary information to consider in order to make a decision. I’ve been having a hard time to pick a hotel (I’m a first timer), and this information helped me choose the right hotel.
Thank you so much for all the helpful information and tips! I hope you keep publishing more…
Thank you Irina! I’m glad to hear that and hope you enjoy Bangkok!
Thank you, Have booked at the Banyan. Still struggling with choices for Phuket, most of the hotels you suggested in Kamala and Karong are either too expensive for our budget or not available during our days in Phuket. It’s hard to get a feel for the Ratana Platinum hotel you suggested, pictures are not that great and very limited reviews, also seems that it doesn’t have the best views of the sea with a walk to the beach. are there great beachside hotels that you are aware of that are around $150/night which can offer easy access to Patong etc and still offer some relaxation downtime? Have seen some good reviews about SisKata which seems to have good views but a steep walk to the beach and also not very easy access into patong etc. Any further assistance you can offer will be highly appreciated.
In Phuket, most of the island is cliffs, with the various beaches in between. So a lot of the hotels offer either views or a walk to the beach. It’s definitely a challenge to find both, though it is possible. Also keep in mind that a weekend in mid-December is the absolute peak of high season, so unfortunately prices then are going to be above average.
Perhaps the Waterfront Suites by Centara in Karon could work. They have seaview suites within that budget, and it is very close to Karon beach. I have never stayed there, so I can’t vouch for the hotel specifically, but I do like the Centara brand generally.
The Centara Villas are also close to your requirements but not quite walkable to the beach since they are up on a cliff. They do have a free shuttle to the beach, though, and it’s very close to Karon.
The SIS Kata also looks nice, though I don’t have experience there either.
Thanks Nate. Love the recommendations for the tours. On the hotel front we are looking at the Riverside area as it seems very central and will offer the experience of river transport which we don’t get a lot of in South Africa. We will also look at Bayan as you have mentioned it a few times in your article (although) it seems to be in a quite side of town especially for a night life perspective? The Paresa resort looks amazing I hope we are able to find a room there.
It all depends on what nightlife means to you. The Banyan has a wonderful rooftop bar that is great for city views and cocktails. But if you want busier nightlife, (clubs, etc) the highest concentration of clubs and bars can be found in Sukhumvit (though that is also further from the historic sites – so ultimately you’re going to have to move around either way).
I hope you enjoy Bangkok!
Hi Nate, came across your site and thank you for the information. My Partner and I will be in Thailand from the 8th of Dec to 16 December 2024 (4 nights each in Bangkok and Phuket). It’s both our first time in Thailand and want to make the best of it. in Bangkok we want to see all the sites and also wanted to do a trip to Ayutthaya on one of the days whilst we are in Bangkok (recommedation on best way to get there?)
We wanted to be able to experience the best and infamous of Phuket but want a nice relaxed (possibly close to a great clean beach) end to our holiday as we had a hectic year (would also like to tour Phi phi and Maya if possible).
Where would be the best places to stay in both Bangkok and Phuket to have the best experience of Thailand. Thank you
For visiting Ayutthaya – I took this tour from Bangkok last year with a friend and we really enjoyed it. They picked us up and took us to the all the sites and, since it’s private, we were able to customize it to our needs.
In terms of where to stay, that depends on your budget a bit. You can’t go wrong staying at the Banyan Tree or the Ayathorn though. On the budget end, Villa Mungkala is close to the sites.
For Phuket, check out my guide to where to stay in Phuket. I would check out the Karon or Kamala areas. In terms of hotels, I’ve stayed in many in Phuket, and Paresa Resort is my favorite.
For Phi Phi, I took this boat tour from 5 star Marine and it was fantastic. You can also find more affordable group tours though that will take you there. Fortunately, Maya Bay should be open in December.
I hope that helps! And I hope you enjoy Thailand!
Great information in your article. As we will be traveling with family what area would you suggest to stay to see the temples as well as experience the night life as we will be in Bangkok for 2.5 days. Are there hotels that are close to the river but also close to trains. We are looking at Hansar hotel will this meet our needs? For foodies, any suggestion where to eat especially pad Thai or thai basil chicken? Best way to reach the airport upon our visit to Bangkok as we will have 3 Suitcases with us? Any other suggestions are welcome.
Hi Atul
Riverside is definitely a good area for families if you prioritize seeing temples. You can take public transport boats up and down the river to visit the various sites, which makes for a fun way to explore Bangkok. The downside, though, is there are fewer train stations. One exception is the Sanam Chai station, which connects to Silom (shopping) and Sukhumvit (nightlife/dining), as is located near the Arun Riverside and Riva Arun Bangkok hotels.
I have not personally stayed in Hansar hotel, but it has good reviews and a nice location in Siam very close to several train stations and shopping malls. Just note that it is not particularly close to the river or the temples, though for nightlife it is close to Sukhumvit.
I would also mention that, considering you only have 2.5 days and a large, taxis are another (air conditioned) option for getting around. You’ll just have to deal with traffic, which is worse during rush hour.
In terms of food, Bangkok is overflowing with options. There are tons of Michelin guide restaurants that serve both those dishes, many of which are surprisingly affordable by Michelin standards. I’d suggest picking a hotel then using their map feature to find something interesting near you.
I hope you enjoy Bangkok!
-Nate
Also I’m going for 3 days , end of October. What are places I can’t miss during these 3 days? And how is the weather
End of October should be relatively decent weather, though expect there might still be some rain.
In terms of can’t miss Bangkok sites: The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, a river cruise (or just take the local public transport boats, but get out on the river somehow), a rooftop for sunset (I like the top of the Marriott Marquis, but there are many to choose from), a shopping mall in Siam or Sukhumvit, and a day trip to Ayutthaya would be my personal bucket list. And of course, try lots of food!
Thank you! You helped big time !!! But what about geckos in Bangkok I have phobia 🥹
Hi Heba!
Geckos are a reality of life in Thailand (it’s the jungle after all). It’s not uncommon to see them inside accommodation, and the Thai actually treat them as “home guardians” because they eat the bugs. Geckos are harmless and I’d encourage you to do what you can to relax if you see one. Personally, I think they are cute and fun!
With that said, while you can’t totally avoid them, I’ve never seen a gecko inside while staying at one of the large high-rise hotels like Banyan Tree or the Marriott Marquis. Just ask to be put in a room on a high floor!
Compared to Bangkok, geckos are even more common in the north or in the islands, so consider that if you are going elsewhere in Thailand.