Where to Stay in Bangkok – Holiday or Retirement

It can be confusing picking an area or selecting the best place to stay in Bangkok, as it is the biggest city in the country with at least 50 districts.

In this article, we will layout the most popular neighbourhoods by international travellers travelling to Bangkok. We’ll tell you the best place to stay in Bangkok to help you make the most out of your holiday or long-term stay.

Because if you select the wrong spot, it can break your holiday. So, it is worth investing some time researching different neighbourhoods, and this guide will show you the different areas along with different accommodations around Bangkok. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each community.

With the information within this page, you’ll have a better chance of selecting the districts or neighbourhoods that best match your lifestyle and budget.

Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Bangkok


This will depend on the things you want and your budget. Do you want to stay in an area close to public transit? Do you want to be near all the touristy stuff? Perhaps you’re coming as a couple and looking for a romantic getaway. Are you a backpacker with a limited budget?

Bangkok is a huge city; it has its old and historic sites. As well as other modern areas with tall skyscrapers, terrible traffic and the heat can be intense in most parts of the year. But do not let that deceive you, there is always a negative side to anything. Overall, Bangkok is a massive exciting city and it is the most visited city in the world for many reasons.

The city has many things to offer, and there is something for everyone regardless of your life style, taste, budget and age. Bangkok offers modern state of the art shopping malls, beautiful temples, historic canal, wild nightlife, roof top bars, excellent international medical/dental care, amazing authentic Thai food and other food from all over the world

Below are some of the top districts and neighbourhoods in Bangkok for international travellers.

Wherever you choose your accommodation in any neighbourhood, you can be assured that your accommodation in Bangkok will most likely be better value for your money when compared to other top tourist destinations in the world.

As a general rule:

Stick close to public transportation, mainly the BTS and MRT. They are state of the art train systems, and they will make your life easier to move around the city saving you the time and stress from traffic jams. As Bangkok has some of the worst traffic congestion in the world, the traffic in central Bangkok is terrible, and living close to any BTS or MRT station will be a great advantage.

I won’t get into details of the other different types of transportation in Bangkok, that’s a whole article on its own. If you want to read more about Bangkok public transportation, read this article here.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Bangkok: most visited city in the world

In 2017, Forbes and MasterCard ranked Bangkok as the most visited city in the world by international travelers, with over 19 million international visitors. Bangkok surpasses other popular tourist destinations such as Paris, London, Dubai, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and any other cities in the world.

Also, Bangkok and Thailand are renowned for their street food, nightlife, shopping malls, unique culture, night markets; all of this and more has made Bangkok the top destination for international travellers.

As a result, you will have no problem finding thousands of hotels or places to stay that cost you as little as 100 THB ($4 USD) per night in a shared hostel or up to 5,000 or 10,000 THB ($160 – $300 USD) per night at a luxury 5-star hotel. The city is full of hotels and places to stay for any budget.


Sukhumvit

Partygoers, adventure seekers, shoppers

Sukhumvit Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Sukhumvit: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
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For who: Partygoers, adventure seekers, shoppers, and foodies who enjoy great Thai and international restaurants. Anyone that wants to be in the middle of everything.

Good for: Dining out, nightlife, shopping, lots of hotels and close to public transportation such as the BTS (Skytrain). Very convenient location.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with tall skyscrapers and heavy traffic. If you prefer smaller or secluded cities or want to live next to the beach, this is not the place.
  2. Red-light – the Sukhumvit neighbourhood also includes the red-light areas of Bangkok, which includes Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. These two areas in Sukhumvit are some of the biggest red-light spots in the city, packed with Go-Go bars, beer bars, sex shows, prostitutes. But they only cover a small portion of the Sukhumvit neighbourhood. If you are not into that kind of stuff, pick an area away from Nana Plaza (Soi Nana) and Soi Cowboy. If you are into this, we’ll have more info in this area further below.
  3. Not many parks or gardens.
  4. If you do not like living or staying in a touristy area.

Top Attractions in Sukhumvit Road Area

  • Terminal 21
  • Benjasiri Park, Benjakitti Park, Lumpini Park
  • Rooftop bars
  • Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy
  • Grand Erawan
  • Jim Thompson House
  • Evening street food market at Sukhumvit Soi 38 (BTS station Thonglor)
  • Soi Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55)
  • Soi Ekkamai (Sukhumvit Soi 63)
  • Wat Pasee

Top Places to Eat in Sukhumvit Road Area

  • Vientiane Kitchen in Soi 36 (Lao and northeastern Thai dishes)
  • Bella Napoli in Suk Soi 31 (Italian restaurant)
  • Great American Rib Company in Soi 36 (US restaurant)
  • Charcoal
  • Soul Food Mahanakorn
  • Street Food:
    1. Thong Sai E-Sarn Food: Sukhumvit 18
    2. Asok, Bamee Slow: Sukhumvit 63, Ekkamai
    3. Hom Duan: Sukhumvit 63, Ekkamai
    4. Hoy Tod Chaolay: Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor
    5. Tang Meng Noodle: Sukhumvit 49, Thonglor
    6. Banh Mi Ngo: Sukhumvit 101/1, Punnawithi-Udomsuk
    7. Pad Thai Fai Look: Sukhumvit 38, Thonglor
    8. Bamee Saew in Soi 49

Summary

Sukhumvit Road is situated in the heart of Bangkok; it is a trendy and modern neighbourhood with close proximity to the BTS and MRT that can transport you to other major districts in the city — making this neighbourhood an excellent option as your base for you to explore different attractions and getting around Bangkok.

Also, it is a great neighbourhood if you want the convenience and staying close to everything, such as great shopping malls, world-class international restaurants, lively nightlife, massage shops, bars, nightclubs, travel agencies and spas.

This area pretty much has everything a typical tourist wants; there is probably no other area in Bangkok that has everything catering to the tourist industry than Sukhumvit Road.

You do not need to stay directly on Sukhumvit Road, but any one of the Soi that lead to Sukhumvit Road will have many accommodations for you to choose.

Where to stay in Sukhumvit neighborhood


Khao San Road / Banglamphu

Partygoers, adventure seekers, backpacker central, budget traveler

Khoa San Road / Banglamphu

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Khao San Road / Banglamphu: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
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For who: Partygoers, adventure seekers, backpacker central, people on a budget, meeting or networking with other travellers.

Good for: Backpacker types, cheap and affordable. Great for young people with limited budget and first timers to the country.

Avoid:

  1. If you are looking for 5-star hotels or a luxury lifestyle, but there are some mid-range hotels available.
  2. If you do not like living or staying in a touristy area (mainly in and around Khoa San Road). Other than Khoa San Road, this is mostly a Thai neighbourhood.
  3. Living directly inside Khoa San Road can be very noisy.
  4. This area is not close to the BTS or MRT, making it hard to move around the city. Not convenient to get around Bangkok to visit other attractions. You will need to use a taxi, motorbike taxi, tuk-tuk or Chao Phraya Express boats or Grab App to get around.
  5. Can be fun if you are on a budget and a short holiday. However, if you are planning to live long-term, this might not be an ideal area for you.

Summary

This is one of the most popular tourist hot spots in Thailand for young travellers. Khoa San Road is best known as the backpackers’ center of the world. It is ideal for young people or backpackers with a limited budget. If that is you, this will be the perfect place for you.

You’ll have no problem finding cheap as well as some mid-range accommodations in this neighbourhood. As well as cheap street food, western restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs with live music, souvenir shops and anything that caters to foreigners can be found here.

Where to stay in Khoa San Road Neighborhood


Riverside

Best five star luxury hotels, couples seeking romantic retreat, not cheap

Riverside Bangkok Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Riverside: Pros and Cons

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Transportation:
Traffic:
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For who: Wealthy people, people seeking luxury hotels, couples seeking romantic retreat, a family seeking resort style holiday. Anyone who wants to be close to the river and other iconic landmarks in the city.

Good for: Beautiful views, romantic getaway, some of the best high-end 5-star hotels are in this area, relaxing atmosphere, not too much traffic.

Avoid:

  1. One of the most expensive places to stay in Bangkok. People on a fixed budget, as there are few budget options
  2. Far away from the BTS and MRT
  3. This area can feel a bit too touristy
  4. Not a great place if you are looking for more nightlife activities

Top Attractions in Riverside Area

  • Grand Royal Palace
  • Giant Reclining Buddha – Wat Pho
  • Temple of the Dawn – Wat Arun
  • Wat Phra Keaw
  • Apsara River Cruise
  • Thomburi Canals
  • Shopping:
    • Asiatique The Riverfront
    • Yodpiman River Walk
    • Tha Maharaj Mall
    • Ta Tian Market
    • OP Place
    • Rivercity
    • Robinson Bangrak
    • Flower Market
  • Rooftop bars:
    • Lebua State Tower
    • 360 Lounge at Hilton Hotel
    • 342 Rooftop Bar

Top Places to Eat in Riverside Area

  • Thara Thong
  • Steve Café and Cuisine
  • Riverside Grill
  • Yuan Chinese Restaurant
  • Flow – Millennium Hilton Bangkok
  • Be My Guest
  • ThreeSixty Lounge
  • Gallery Cafe Thai Restaurant
  • Lord Jim’s at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Summary

The Riverside area runs along both sides of the Chao Phraya River, which divides Bangkok in two. Along both sides of the river are some of the top 5-star hotels as well as other iconic attractions in the city, such as the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Dawn.

This will be the most romantic and charming area of Bangkok as well as one of the most expensive. Catering to wealthy individuals, it is also a great spot if you are on your honeymoon or travelling as a couple seeking the most romantic area of the city, or you are on holiday with your family seeking a resort style holiday.

Where to stay in Riverside


Silom

Vibrant nightlife, affordable, excellent downtown location

Silom Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Silom: Pros and Cons

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For who: People who want a vibrant nightlife and alternative to Siam and Sukhumvit. The Silom neighbourhood is close to a large park named Lumphini Park, great for walking and running in the city.

It is an excellent downtown location, with close proximately to public transportation (BTS and MRT). A relatively small neighbourhood as compared to other Bangkok neighbourhoods, but has a bit of everything a traveller needs and wants.

Good for: Great nightlife, affordable, huge park (Lumphini Park), excellent street food, also excellent restaurants that offer authentic Thai and international cuisine. Some of the best fine dining restaurants in the city are in this area. Offer many reasonable budget-friendly hotels, as well as other high-end hotels. If you take out Patpong with its red-light district, Silom is overall a peaceful area.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like living or staying in a touristy area. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. Red-light district – Patpong (Soi 5 and 4) is a major red-light area, and it can be a bit too loud all night long, but Patpong covers a small portion of the Silom neighbourhood. If you are not into that kind of stuff, pick an area away from Patpong, and you’ll be fine.

Top Attractions in Silom Area

  • Lumphini Park
  • Patpong (red-light area)
  • Patpong Night Market
  • Lalai Sap Market
  • Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple
  • The Bangkok snake farm
  • Rooftop bar:
    • Vertigo at Banyan Tree Hotel
    • The Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower

Top Places to Eat in Silom Area

  • Smokin Pug American BBQ
  • Bonita Cafe and Social Club
  • Latest Recipe – Le Meridien Bangkok
  • Siam House Cafe Restaurant
  • Namsaah Bottling Trust
  • Oasis Lounge
  • Mama Mia Bangkok
  • Nalin Kitchen
  • The Kitchen Table
  • Red Oven

Summary

Silom is located in the financial and business area of Bangkok. You can find people dressed in business suits walking up and down the street during the day-time. At night, the area offers vivid nightlife and many activities, such as eating out at some of the most excellent restaurants in the city.

The neighbourhood is well connected with both the BTS and MRT systems to commute around the city easily. As this area is in the heart of Bangkok, the traffic on the roads can be terrible up to late at night. This is something you can expect anywhere in central Bangkok, but having access to both BTS and MRT will save you a lot of time stuck in traffic.

The Silom neighbourhood will be a little quieter than Siam and Sukhumvit Road but still packed with bars, clubs, international restaurants and some shopping areas. Silom is another area for a smaller backpacker community with many cheap guesthouse and hostel.

The hotels in this area are typically boutique hotels or other high-end hotels, but it still offers many other budget hotels.

Silom is an excellent alternative to Siam and Sukhumvit if you are looking for a relatively quiet location but still have great access to public transportation, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and the Patpong area if you are into the red-light stuff.

Where to stay in Silom


Siam

Highest density of shopping malls in the country

Siam Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Siam: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
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For who: One of the highest density of large modern shopping malls in the country. Great for shopaholics or people who want to be in the downtown location with close proximately to public transportations through the BTS.

Good for: Excellent indoor shopping experience with AC and great international restaurants and food courts. Great for families and young or trendy people who are into fashions and want to be in the heart of the city with easy access to public transportation.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like living or staying in a touristy area. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. This area will not give you the most authentic Thai experience because of the many modern shopping malls, offices and other buildings.
  3. This area can be a bit hard to find good street food and other great authentic Thai restaurants. But you’ll have no problem finding many great western and other international restaurants as well as food courts inside the malls.

Top Attractions in Siam Area

  • Shopping malls:
    • CentralWorld (one of the biggest mall in the world)
    • MBK Center
    • Siam Paragon
    • Siam Center
    • Gaysorn Village
    • Siam Discovery
    • Siam Square One
    • Platinum Mall
    • Amarin Plaza
    • Mervury Ville
    • Central Embassy
    • Central Chidlom
  • Siam Ocean World
  • Madame Tussauds

Top Places to Eat in Siam Area

  • Red Sky
  • Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin
  • Water Library Chamchuri
  • Citi Bistro
  • The Fifth Food Avenue, MBK
  • Jim Thompson Restaurant and Wine Bar
  • Din Tai Fung

Summary

Siam is located in the commercial district of Bangkok with one of the highest density of shopping malls in the country. You can easily walk from one shopping mall to the next and shop till you drop.

It is also well connected to public transportation through the BTS and MRT. Some of the most famous shopping malls in Thailand are situated in this neighbourhood, shopping malls like Siam Paragon, MBK, the gigantic mall of CentralWorld and many others.

Great western restaurants as well as food courts, great cinemas in 3D or Imax in original English soundtrack with Thai subtitles. The area is most lively during the daytime than night, but the nightlife here can be exciting as well.

Where to stay in Siam


Pratunam

Bargain shoppers, affordable downtown location

Pratunam Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Pratunam: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: People who love shopping for affordable or whole products in big shopping malls. People who love city life. People on the budget, seeking good and affordable downtown location.

Good for: Young travellers, shoppers on a fixed budget, wholesale business people, city life, good cheap accommodations and restaurants. Shopping, food and accommodations are less expensive in the Pratunam neighbourhood than Siam or Silom, but it is still walking distance to Siam.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. This neighborhood is a bit rundown compared to nearby neighborhoods like Siam and Silom. But has more of the authentic Thai experience.

Top Attractions in Pratunam Area

  • Pratunam Market
  • Pantip Plaza
  • Victory Monument
  • Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Top Places to Eat in Pratunam Area

Summary

The Pratunam neighbourhood is situated in the heart of the city; therefore expect it to be crowded with intense traffic. It is a hectic but active place with lots of shopping opportunities for budget shoppers and other people looking to buy wholesale products. Products include bargain Thai brand men/women fashion, shoes, sports equipment, handbags, cosmetics, souvenirs, household items and everything else.

Just remember you can haggle with many of the shops in this area, if you are buying many items with the same owner, you will have more bargaining power. You cannot do much haggling inside those big shopping malls around Siam and other shopping malls.

On top of that, you can find many affordable hotels as well as cheap street food, other authentic Thai and international restaurants.

Overall, the Pratunam neighbourhood will offer you a more authentic Thai experience with its Thai markets, street food, Thai brand fashions. But you’ll still be within walking distance to Siam if you’re looking for brand name fashions, more modern looking malls or something more upscale.

Where to stay in Pratunam


Ratchadaphisek

Adventure seekers, affordable nightlife, not touristy

Ratchadaphisek Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Ratchadaphisek: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
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For who: Adventure seekers, affordable nightlife, someone who want to live in a real big city Thai neighbourhood with very few foreigners, along with other entertainment that caters to the local Thais.

Good for: Since this is mainly a Thai neighbourhood, you can find many authentic Thai restaurants, clubs, karaoke bars, cinemas and markets.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. If you prefer living in a neighborhood with many western amenities or inside an expat community with many foreign travelers.
  3. Depending where you stay in this area, you may not live nearby the public transportation (BTS & MRT).

Top Attractions in Ratchadaphisek Area

  • Thailand Culture Center
  • Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl
  • RCA Plaza
  • Royal City Avenue (RCA)
  • Muangthai Ratchadalai Theater
  • UMG RCA Cinema
  • Sub Zero Ice Skate Club
  • Fortune Town
  • Ratchada Soi 4
  • Ratchada Soi 6 and 8

Top Places to Eat in Ratchadaphisek Area

  • Nathong Restaurant
  • Somboon Seafood

Summary

Ratchadaphisek neighbourhood (aka Ratchada) is located just north of the Sukhumvit Road. After the completion of the subway line (MRT – Ratchadaphisek Station), the Ratchadaphisek neighbourhood became a hot spot for nightclubs, pubs, bars and other entertainment venues. Although, it mainly caters to the local Thais.

Unlike the night scenes in the Sukhumvit Road area, which is awash with foreigners, the Ratchadaphisek night scenes lack that touristy vibe, although you will find more tourists from Korea and Japan, as very few westerners travel here.

Overall, do not expect too much in this neighbourhood other than eating out and Thai clubs.

Where to stay in Ratchadaphisek


Suvarnabhumi Airport

Waiting for flights and layovers

Suvarnabhumi Airport Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Suvarnabhumi Airport: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: Great for people who have a limited amount of time to do anything while on an extended layover, those who want to avoid the city’s traffic, anyone who needs a place to stay overnight near the airport, or for anyone who has a long layover and doesn’t want to sleep/wait at the airport.

Good for: Travelers going in and out of the city or country. You’ll also have access to the Airport Link (ARL) to take you into central Bangkok with connections to the BTS and MRT. This will be a real authentic big city Thai neighbourhood because very few tourists live around this neighbourhood, but you may see many tourists passing through because of the airport.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. If you prefer living in a neighbourhood with many western amenities or inside an expat community with many foreign travellers.
  3. Depending on where you stay in this area, you may not live nearby the public transportation (ARL), meaning it can be a nightmare to commute on the roads during the daytime in this neighbourhood.
  4. If you’re seeking different attractions, shopping malls, or you want to be in a tourist hot spot.

Top Attractions in Suvarnabhumi Airport Area

  • Megabangna Shopping Center
  • Suvarnabhumi Outdoor Market
  • Mai Hua Takhe Market
  • Wat Lan Boon
  • Suan Luang Rama 9 Park
  • Wat Krathum Suea Pla
  • King Rama IX Park

Summary

Overall, this area is mainly for people with limited time to do anything. It’s where most travellers stay after a long flight or waiting for their next flight.

It is far from downtown Bangkok (about 30-60 minutes’ drive), and on top of that, there is not much to see or do. However, they have a huge shopping mall called Megabangna Shopping Center, a handful of temples and some floating markets. Other than that, there is not much to do in this neighbourhood.

Where to stay in Suvarnabhumi Airport

Louis’ Tavern Dayrooms
Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge


Don Mueang Airport

Waiting for flights and layovers

Don Mueang Airport Map
Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Don Mueang Airport: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: Great for people who have a limited amount of time to do anything while on an extended layover, those who want to avoid the city’s traffic, anyone who needs a place to stay overnight near the airport, or for anyone who has a long layover and doesn’t want to sleep/wait at the airport.

Good for: Travelers with limited time going in and out of the city or country.

This area will be a real authentic big city Thai neighbourhood because very few tourists live around this neighbourhood, but you may see many tourists going in and out this part of the city because of the airport.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. If you prefer living in a neighbourhood with many western amenities or inside an expat community with many foreign travellers.
  3. This area is not convenient to get around the city. The nearest MRT station is about 30 minutes south. However, you will have access to many of the metered taxi services.
  4. If you’re seeking different attractions, shopping malls, or you want to be in a tourist hot spot.

Summary

Don Mueang Airport neighbourhood is similar to the last neighbourhood in Suvarnabhumi Airport. This area is not aimed to attract tourists. So, if you’re looking for a holiday getaway or a romantic retreat, great nightlife, shopping etc., this is not the area you want to stay in.

The only reason you want to stay in this area is – you have a flight to catch at the airport, or your plane landed late at night, and you need a place to rest.

The Don Mueang neighbourhood is a regular Thai residential and business area located in the northern part of Bangkok. It is a relatively bar-free area, and not there’s not much nightlife. It is far from the public transportation BTS, MRT and ARL systems. Getting to the nearest MRT station at Phahon Yothin Station will take you at least 30 minutes if during the rush hours it might be longer.

However, you still have an army of meter-taxis that you can use or use the Grab app to hail a taxi. You should avoid the tuk-tuk as there are too many complaints about scams and they tend to cost more than a meter-taxi.

Where to stay in Don Mueang Airport Area


Chatuchak

Adventure seekers, bargain shoppers, biggest outdoor market

Chatuchak Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Chatuchak: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: Adventure seekers who do not want to stay in a touristy area.

Good for: The biggest and most well-known outdoor weekend market in Asia is here at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can find all sorts of bargain products in this market, from fashion, household items, pets, flowers, food and everything in between.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.
  2. If you prefer living in a neighbourhood with many western amenities or inside an expat community with many foreign travellers.
  3. Depending on where you stay in this neighbourhood, if you’re far away from the BTS and MRT stations, it would not be convenient to get around the city. However, you will have access to many metered taxis, and you can always use the Grab app to get a taxi.
  4. If you’re seeking a variety of attractions, more shopping malls, or you want to be in a tourist hot spot.

Summary

You probably have heard of the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the biggest outdoor market in Asia and perhaps the world. The name Chatuchak Weekend Market came from the Chatuchak district.

This area is popular with the locals as well as tourists visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market. There are other attractions, such as the shopping malls north of the market.

The first is Union Mall, a popular shopping mall for young local university students. Union Mall is great for buying local brand fashions at a bargain price and about a 15-minute walk from this mall is a more upscale shopping mall named Central Plaza Ladprao.

Top Attractions in Chatuchak Area

  • Chatuchak Weekend Market (biggest outdoor market in Asia and maybe the world)
  • J.J. Market
  • Union Mall
  • Central Plaza Ladprao

Where to stay in Chatuchak Area


Chinatown

Lively neighborhood, Chinese food, great street food, budget travelers

Chinatown Bangkok Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Chinatown: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: People on a budget, backpackers, anyone who want to experience a unique, lively Thai neighbourhood with busy street life. People who want to try great and cheap street food. An excellent place to take unique photos.

Good for: Street food, cheap, great Chinese and Thai restaurants, vibrant street life.

Avoid:

  1. If you’re looking for many different hotel options.
  2. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities and you prefer living in a neighbourhood with many western amenities or inside an expat community with many foreign travellers.
  3. This area is not the most convenient to get around the city. The nearest MRT station is located at the East side of the neighbourhood. However, you will have access to many of the meter taxi, or you can always use the Grab app to get a taxi.
  4. If you’re seeking different attractions, shopping malls, or you want to be in a tourist hot spot.

Where to stay in Chinatown Area


Sathorn

Trendy neighborhood, excellent location, not touristy, good for long-term stays

Sathorn Map

Interactive Map: Bangkok Neighborhoods >>

Sathorn: Pros and Cons

Restaurants:
Transportation:
Traffic:
Nightlife:
Shopping:
Attractions:

For who: Business travellers and anyone who wants to stay in downtown Bangkok long-term. Also, anyone that wants a trendy neighbourhood with an excellent location in the heart of the city but not as touristy as compared to the Khoa San Road, Sukhumvit, Siam.

Good for: Excellent location in downtown area, south of Silom and close to Sukhumvit Road. Anyone seeking an alternative to Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit but still live close to those neighbourhoods. There are an increasing expat community and other travellers in this area.

Avoid:

  1. If you do not like big and crowded cities with heavy traffic or prefer smaller or secluded cities.

Summary

Sathorn is another downtown neighbourhood of Bangkok. It is known to be the city’s central business district with lively streets bursting with people, street food and other hidden gems. You can find some delicious street food in this area.

This neighbourhood is located close to Sukhumvit, Silom and Siam neighbourhoods with access to both BTS and MRT.

You will have access to the MRT Lumphini and Silom Stations at the north. The BTS line will run along the north and to the west of the neighbourhood with multiple BTS stations. Then at the west, you can use the Boat Taxi to go up or down the Chao Phraya River.

Since this is another downtown area, expect it to be busy during the daytime. You’ll also find many boutique hotels, similar to what you’ll find in Sukhumvit and other trendy areas.

Also, check out where to stay in Chiang Mai and where to stay in Phuket Thailand.

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One thought on “Where to Stay in Bangkok – Holiday or Retirement

  1. Hi, I watched your ” Cost of living in Bangkok” many times before, and there was some delicious dishes. Why did you remake the video and changed it, instead of keeping the old one.

    You could have keep the old one for us.

    If you still have the OG version, I and many would watch it for sure.

    If there is any chance to send it to us or upload it again on Youtube, I mean the OG version of what does it cost in to live a month in Bangkok, we would really appreciate that.

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