Where to stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok is huge, and the area you stay in will shape your whole trip: travel times, atmosphere and budget. The golden rule is to stay close to a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, or near the river and its express boats, to avoid the traffic jams.

To visit the great temples, the old town around Khao San Road and Chinatown are ideal. For shopping, restaurants and nightlife, Sukhumvit, Siam and Silom are more convenient and modern. Here is our advice area by area, with the pros and cons of each and three hotels we recommend.