Where to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok: the city that surprises

Many see Bangkok as a stopover on the way to the islands, but the city deserves two to four days on its own. Here are the Grand Palace and the temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun, a street food scene famous around the world, rooftop bars above the skyscrapers and some of the best hotels in Asia.

The city is big and the traffic heavy, so your choice of area matters. Stay near the river or the BTS Skytrain and you avoid sitting in queues. See also things to do in Bangkok for a day-by-day plan.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and a natural start or finish before a week in Phuket or Chiang Mai.

The best areas to stay in Bangkok

Riverside

Classic luxury hotels along the Chao Phraya, with hotel boats and the river ferry to the temples. The most atmospheric choice for a first visit.

Rattanakosin and the old city

Walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with small boutique hotels. Quieter in the evening, and some way from the Skytrain.

Siam and Chidlom

The shopping malls, the Skytrain and central hotels. Practical if you want to get around quickly.

Sukhumvit

Restaurants, bars and hotels at every price along the Skytrain. The most versatile area.

Silom and Sathorn

The business district, with Lumphini Park, rooftop bars and easy access to both the river and the nightlife.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Street food, neon signs and gold shops. Wonderful in the evening, but intense to stay in.

The hotels we would book in Bangkok

Bangkok has world-class hotels at prices below those of European capitals. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Mandarin Oriental: the riverside legend

The classic hotel on the Chao Phraya, with its authors' suites, afternoon tea and its own boat across the river.

Book your stay: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River: modern by the water

A modern luxury hotel on the river, with gardens and a pool down by the water and a short boat ride to the ICONSIAM mall.

Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

The Peninsula Bangkok: a view over the whole river

The hotel on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, where almost every room looks across the river to the skyscrapers. The hotel boat takes you over to the Skytrain.

Book your stay: See rooms at The Peninsula Bangkok

Siam Kempinski: a garden in the middle of Siam

A luxury hotel with gardens and pools right behind the Siam shopping malls, with the Skytrain close by. A good choice for families and for shoppers.

Book your stay: See rooms at Siam Kempinski

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February is the most comfortable time, with lower humidity. March to May is the hottest, and June to October is the rainy season with short, heavy showers. The city can be visited all year, and hotels are often cheaper outside high season.

Frequently asked questions about Bangkok

What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?

Stay by the river for atmosphere and temples, in Sukhumvit for restaurants and nightlife, and in Siam for shopping and the Skytrain. Silom and Sathorn are central, with rooftop bars and a park.

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

Two to four days is enough for the temples, the markets, a river trip and a couple of evenings of food and rooftop bars.

How do you get around Bangkok?

The BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro and the river boats are the fastest. Taxis and tuk-tuks are handy but can get stuck in rush-hour traffic.

Is street food safe in Bangkok?

Street food is a big part of the city. Choose stalls with plenty of local customers and food cooked in front of you, and the risk is low.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February has the most comfortable weather. March to May is the hottest, and June to October is the rainy season.