In Bangkok, the location of your hotel is the main factor determining how comfortable your stay will be. A cheaper room can be a great find. However, if you have to commute across the whole city every day, you’ll soon stop enjoying it.

On my first visit, I’d look for a hotel in Silom, near the Sala Daeng, Si Lom or Chong Nonsi stations.

From there, you’ll have easy access to both the modern city centre and the sights. If the view is more important to you than the quickest transport links, I’d choose somewhere by the river.

Want to choose a hotel straight away? Here’s my quick recommendation.

• First visit and exploring the city: Silom around Sala Daeng, Si Lom or Chong Nonsi.
• Bars, restaurants and nightlife: Sukhumvit around Asok; for a livelier stay, Nana and Soi 11.
• Sights and Old Bangkok: the area around Wat Pho and Sanam Chai station; for bars and cheaper accommodation, Banglamphu near Khao San Road.
• Shopping and arrival at BKK Airport: Siam or Phaya Thai.
• Food, evenings in Chinatown and budget hotels: the area around Wat Mangkon station.
• River views: hotels along the Chao Phraya River.
• Overnight stay between flights: a hotel near the airport from which you’re actually departing, i.e. Suvarnabhumi (BKK ) or Don Mueang (DMK).

Choose a hotel in Bangkok based on your dates and the map

Where we stayed: 4 hotels, 4 different stays

I know these hotels from personal experience. They’re quite different, so they give a good idea of what you get for your money in Bangkok – and what even a more expensive hotel can’t replace.

💬 Where did you stay in Bangkok? Drop a comment below with the name of a hotel you’d recommend – or one you’d avoid next time.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G: views and a good location in Silom

We chose the Pullman G because of its location in Silom. The BTS Chong Nonsi station is just a few minutes’ walk away, and in the evening you can pop into the hotel’s Scarlett bar for views of the city.

We paid 430 eur. However, we were here during a very busy period just before New Year’s Eve.

I liked the large windows and the value for money. However, the building isn’t new anymore and the swimming pool is rather small. If you’re looking for a hotel from which it’s easy to explore the city, the Pullman G is worth comparing with other options in Silom.

• 🛌 Check the current price for the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
• 👉 Read our detailed review of the Pullman G

AT EASE Saladaeng by AETAS: a spacious room on a quieter street

I stayed at AT EASE on my subsequent visits to Bangkok. It’s close to Lumphini Park, but away from the busiest streets.

It was about a 10-minute walk to the Sala Daeng BTS station and the Si Lom MRT station.

The rooms were spacious and had cooking facilities. During our stay, a simple breakfast was included in the price. The biggest drawback was the dated furnishings.

I’d recommend it particularly if you’re looking for more space at a reasonable price and don’t mind a longer walk to the underground.

• 🛌Check prices for AT EASE Saladaeng

Lebua at State Tower: an apartment, a balcony and a view you’ll never forget

We’d been wanting to try Lebua for a long time because of the film ‘The Hangover Part II’ and the famous Sky Bar. We paid 3 800 thb. We were given a large apartment with a kitchenette, a balcony and a view of the river.

However, some of the communal areas looked a bit dated. As the hotel was over 12 500 thb, we didn’t book it. To me, Lebua makes sense as a good-value experience, not as a guarantee of perfectly modern luxury. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the BTS Saphan Taksin station.

• 🛌Compare prices for the Lebua at State Tower for your dates
• 👉Read our review of Lebua, including the rooms and breakfast

Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside: a beautiful river, but slower travel around the city

On our first stay, we wanted a hotel from a well-known brand with a view of the Chao Phraya River. In this respect, the Royal Orchid lived up to our expectations perfectly. The view from the room was magnificent.

The downsides were the more expensive breakfasts and the location, which was not within easy walking distance of the BTS or MRT. However, you can board a boat right by the hotel and head off to see the sights. I’d return here for a riverside stay; but as a base for daily trips around Bangkok, I’d opt for Silom instead.

• 🛌Check out the rooms and prices at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside

The best neighbourhoods in Bangkok: which one to choose?

First, decide where you’ll be spending your evenings and where you’ll be setting off from in the morning.

The term ‘Bangkok city centre’ won’t help you on its own. Bangkok has many city centres, and each one is completely different.

The city has historic sights by the river, a modern centre around Siam, and other large areas along the BTS and MRT lines.

My basic criterion: a hotel ideally within a 10-minute walk of an BTS or MRT station. By the river, a well-connected pier can serve as an alternative to a station.

Also check the final leg of your journey from the station to the hotel: in the heat or when carrying a suitcase, the difference between five and twenty minutes really makes a difference.

Silom, Sathorn and Sala Daeng: my top picks for a first visit

Silom offers a handy combination of transport options: at Sala Daeng / Si Lom stations, you can change between the BTS and the blue MRT line.

The MRT runs to Chinatown and the historic centre. Around Chong Nonsi, you’re close to the modern skyline; boats set off down the river from Saphan Taksin.

However, not all of Silom is equally quiet. If you want a good night’s sleep, check the location in relation to Patpong and the busy main streets. For me, the best option is a hotel in one of the side streets within easy walking distance of the station.

Hotels I’d check out first:

• Silom One – a smaller hotel right next to the BTS Sala Daeng station, if you’d rather prioritise location over extensive facilities.
• ibis Styles Bangkok Silom – a simple, modern base with good transport links.
• Pullman Bangkok Hotel G – a higher standard and great views; personally tried and tested, as mentioned above.
• The Siam Heritage Hotel – an alternative for those who prefer a traditional style to a chain hotel.
• All hotels in the Silom Road area on the map: booking.com / agoda.com

Sukhumvit: Asok for transport, Soi 11 for nightlife

Sukhumvit is a long road. A hotel with an address on ‘Sukhumvit’ may be located somewhere completely different from where you expect.

For your first stay, I’d recommend staying around Asok / Sukhumvit, where the BTS and MRT intersect. Phrom Phong is another nice option for restaurants and shopping.

Nana and Soi 11 are good options if you’re after bars and nightlife. When booking, however, be sure to read the latest reviews regarding noise levels. It’s a longer journey from Sukhumvit to the temples in the historic centre than it is from Silom.

Specific tips:

• Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 – located near Asok for those who want convenient transport links.
• Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – if you want to be close to the evening action and are on a budget.
• Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – another hotel right in the heart of the lively Soi 11.
• All hotels in the Sukhumvit area on the map: booking.com / agoda.com

Siam, Ratchathewi and Phaya Thai: shopping and easier access from BKK

Siam is a shopping hub and a interchange station for both main BTS lines.

It’s convenient, but hotels right next to the station tend to be more expensive and the surrounding area is busy. If you want to save money, I’d also have a look around Ratchathewi.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai, where you can change to the BTS. Please note: the train from the airport does not terminate at Siam station. In the Pratunam area, you’ll often find good deals near the shops, but do check the walking distance to the station.

Specific tips:

• Asia Hotel Bangkok – an older hotel in an exceptionally convenient location near BTS Ratchathewi.
• ibis Bangkok Siam – a simpler chain hotel near the National Stadium.
• Mercure Bangkok Siam – a higher standard of accommodation in the same area.
• Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok – a luxurious stay right next to the Siam Paragon shopping centre.
• All hotels in the Siam district on the map:booking.com / agoda.com

The historic centre, Wat Pho and Khao San Road: two different options

If you want to set off on foot in the morning to visit the temples and the Grand Palace, look for a hotel near Wat Pho and Sanam Chai MRT station. It’s quieter here in the evening than in the modern city centre. The choice of large chain hotels is limited.

Khao San Road, on the other hand, means cheap rooms, bars and a lively nightlife. For a good night’s sleep, I’d opt for the side streets in Banglamphu or near Phra Athit. Neither the BTS nor the MRT runs directly to Khao San; if you’re travelling to the modern city centre every day, you’ll often find yourself relying on taxis or other forms of transport.

Specific tips:

• Aurum The River Place – a small hotel near Wat Pho, if you want to combine the historic centre with the river.
• ARUN Riverside Bangkok – a riverside hotel with views of Wat Arun; make sure you choose the right type of room.
• New Siam II – a more basic option near Khao San, set back from the main bar street.
• Lucky House Khaosan – another cheaper option; before booking, check the latest reviews regarding noise.
• Search for hotels in the Khaosan area on the map: booking.com / agoda.com

By the Chao Phraya River: best for the experience, but be sure to check the location

I’d stay by the river for the view and the boats. However, it’s not all one neighbourhood: some hotels are close to the BTS Saphan Taksin station, whilst others rely on a boat, a hotel shuttle or a taxi. You’ll notice this most when returning in the evening.

Check two things for every hotel: how you’ll get back in the evening, and whether your specific room has a river view. A photo of the river on the hotel’s homepage doesn’t guarantee you such a room.

Specific tips:

• Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside – a hotel we’ve tried and tested, with a view and boats moored outside.
• Millennium Hilton Bangkok – on the opposite bank near ICONSIAM; check the boat connections or the Gold Line service.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside – a more southerly riverside location; the hotel offers a free boat service to the BTS station and often has very good rates!
• Lebua at State Tower – this riverside hotel isn’t directly on the riverbank, but the higher floors offer fantastic views; I’ve described our stay there above.

Chinatown and Hua Lamphong: evening meals and direct MRT services

I’d choose Chinatown if you want restaurants and street food just round the corner in the evening. Wat Mangkon metro station is in Chinatown, whilst Hua Lamphong is on its outskirts. Expect it to be busy both during the day and in the evening.

Don’t be misled by the name Hua Lamphong: most long-distance trains now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. Before booking a hotel based on the ‘station’ name, always check the departure station on your ticket.

• The Quarter Hualamphong by UHG – a larger hotel near Hua Lamphong MRT station and close to Chinatown, offering absolutely brilliant prices.
• Pho Place – a smaller accommodation in the heart of Chinatown, if you’d rather prioritise the neighbourhood over hotel facilities.

How much does a hotel cost in Bangkok?

Old advice such as ‘a nice four-star hotel is always 30 usd ’ won’t be much help when you’re looking for a place to stay.

Bangkok is no longer a cheap city. Yes, prices here are much lower than in Hong Kong or Singapore, for example, but Bangkok is not ‘the cheapest city in Asia’.

Prices vary depending on the date, location, room type and whether breakfast is included. When choosing, I’d set aside this budget for a double room per night:

Budget	What I’d look for
Up to 1 500 thb	A small guesthouse or an older hotel. Check the location carefully.
1 500 thb – 3 500 thb	A decent city hotel near the BTS/MRT; look out for special offers on four-star hotels.
3 500 thb – 6 000 thb	A higher standard and sometimes a good deal at a five-star hotel.
Above 6 000 thb	Luxury hotels; check whether the price includes the specific room and view for which you’re paying extra.

These are budget ranges for your search, not guaranteed prices for all hotels.

Offers change significantly over Christmas and around New Year. Conversely, you may find better prices if you stay during the rainier months.

Only compare prices once you’ve entered your details and the number of guests. When two offers appear to be the same, the deciding factors will be breakfast, cancellation policy, taxes, and the size or view of the room. For smaller hotels, you can also compare prices on Agoda, but always compare the total price for the same room type.

The 10 cheapest hotels in Bangkok

Cheap accommodation in Bangkok: where to save money without wasting time

The lowest price per night is often found around Khao San Road or Chinatown.

However, if you’re planning to travel to Siam and Sukhumvit every day, factor in the time and money spent on transport.

I would therefore start by comparing the New Siam II near Khao San, Pho Place in Chinatown and the Asia Hotel Bangkok near the BTS Ratchathewi station.

If you’re looking for a hostel, as well as the price per bed, you should also consider privacy, air conditioning and the distance from the station. For a few baht extra, a private room for two might be better value than two beds in a dormitory.

Truly luxury hotels in Bangkok: it’s worth comparing prices

Bangkok has two hotels in the top three of The 50 Best Hotels 2026 ranking. If you’re tempted to stay in one of the world’s very best hotels at least once, I’d start here:

• Capella Bangkok – 2nd in the world. A more intimate riverside hotel where the rooms face the water. I’d choose it for an exceptional stay for two.
• Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – 3rd place. A sprawling, modern hotel that feels more like an urban resort. It’s also home to the BKK Social Club.
• Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – 10th place. A historic legend by the river for those who prefer a traditional style and a hotel with its own story.
• Aman Nai Lert Bangkok – 48th place. Just 52 suites set amongst the Nai Lert gardens; an interesting alternative if you’re drawn more to tranquillity in the city centre than to river views.

Generally speaking, luxury hotels in Bangkok tend to be cheaper than hotels of the same brand elsewhere in the world.

For example, the Four Seasons in Bangkok costs on average 680 eur per night, whilst in Hong Kong it is 880 eur and in London as much as 1 400 eur.

Hotels with rooftop pools in Bangkok: 3 tips

Here, I’d choose based on both the pool and the hotel’s location. For all three, I’ve found guest reviews that specifically praise the rooftop pool, not just the hotel as a whole.

• Amara Bangkok Hotel – my choice if you want a pool with views of the skyscrapers whilst staying in Silom. Guests in their reviews highlight both the views and the cleanliness of the pool.
• Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok – a rooftop pool with a bar on the 18th floor, situated between Siam and Lumphini Park. Guests particularly praise the pool area; I’d choose this one for a more relaxed city break.
• Avani+ Riverside Bangkok – the best choice if swimming is to be an experience in itself. On the roof is a 28-metre pool overlooking the river, which guests specifically praise in their reviews. Do bear in mind, however, that journeys to other parts of the city will take longer.

We also had a pool at the Pullman G, where we stayed ourselves. It’s smaller, though, so I wouldn’t book the hotel just for that.

Bangkok with children: where to stay as a family?

With children, I’d look for a quieter street, a short walk to the station and a room that’s actually comfortable to stay in.

The area around Lumphini Park in Silom is a good base. If you want to travel into the city and to BKK Airport by train, consider Phaya Thai.

• AT EASE Saladaeng – spacious accommodation with self-catering facilities, tried and tested by me; I’ve described our stay above. Check how many people a particular room can accommodate.
• The Sukosol Hotel – near Phaya Thai, it also offers family rooms. For each option, check the number of beds and the age requirements for your children.

An apartment in Bangkok for a longer stay

If you’re staying for a few extra days, it’s worth looking for a place with a kitchenette, a washing machine and a space to work. I’d start with AT EASE Saladaeng, where we appreciated the large room and the option to cook. An alternative is the Amanta Hotel & Residence Sathorn, which offers apartment-style accommodation in a quieter part of Sathorn.

For both options, compare the specific room type, the availability of a kitchen or laundry facilities, and the final price for the entire stay. The same establishment may also offer a smaller room without the facilities you were looking for.

Just one night in Bangkok: the city centre or a hotel near the airport?

If you have time to explore the city after arriving or before departing, I’d stay in the city centre. If you want to head to the modern city centre in the evening and fly out of BKK in the morning, Phaya Thai station is a practical choice: the Airport Rail Link runs here and connects to the BTS.

• The Tranz Hotel is right next to the station
• The Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai is a more comfortable option with a swimming pool

If you want to spend a single day mainly visiting the temples by the river, Silom or the Old Town would be better bases. From Phaya Thai, you’d miss out on the advantage of being close to the sights.

Are you flying very early in the morning or arriving after the trains have stopped running? In that case, the location at Phaya Thai itself won’t be of much help. Work out the cost of a taxi journey, or choose a hotel near the airport as described in the following section.

When is it worth staying near BKK or DMK Airport?

If you arrive late and are flying out early the next morning, travelling to the city centre and back may take longer than your stay at the hotel itself. In such a situation, I would choose a hotel near the airport.

First, check the code on your ticket: Suvarnabhumi is BKK, Don Mueang is DMK. They are two different airports.

• BKK: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport for the quickest possible access to the terminal. A cheaper alternative is usually The Park Nine Hotel Suvarnabhumi; if staying at a hotel outside the airport, check the current transfer times.

• DMK: The Amari Don Mueang Airport Bangkok is situated right next to the airport.

If you have a whole day between flights, you can stay in the city centre. Depending on your arrival and departure times, please first check our transport options from BKK Airport or transport options from DMK Airport.

What to check before booking a hotel

1. The actual distance to the station.‘Near the BTS’ can mean an unpleasant walk along a busy street. Check the walking route on the map.
2. The room you’re booking. A river view, a balcony, a higher floor or breakfast may not be included in the cheapest option.
3. Recent reviews. Focus on noise levels, the condition of the rooms, air conditioning and housekeeping. The same star rating can mean a very different experience in Bangkok.
4. Arrival and departure. If you’re arriving late, check the check-in times. If you’re taking an early morning flight, work out how long it will take to get to the right airport at the time you’re actually setting off.

If I had to give just one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t choose a hotel based on the word ‘centre’, but on the nearest station, evening entertainment and the actual type of room.

Compare hotels in Bangkok on a map