Which neighborhood to choose for staying in Bangkok?

Hi there,

During my last trip to Bangkok, I stayed in Sukhumvit. It’s a good area for getting around easily thanks to the Skytrain, but during the day, it’s mostly a business district. It’s great for nightlife and shopping lovers—malls, rooftops, and all that.

I’m heading back in a few weeks, and this time, I’ve chosen the Khao San Road area. While planning, I realized all the major sites I wanted to revisit were easily accessible on foot or by boat (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Thonburi district...). We also wanted street food nearby, markets, and a local vibe. Khao San Road seems very touristy, but it fits exactly what I want to see and do, plus it helps optimize transport for just 3 days there. I picked a hotel in a quiet spot so I wouldn’t be bothered by nighttime noise.

Thanks for your reply. I’d spotted Khao San because of its proximity to the main sights, but I don’t get the feeling the area is as lively in the evening as Chinatown, for example. Not really into Khao San Road and its hordes of tourists. But hey, since I’ve never been there, I can’t really judge! If you’d be kind enough to share your thoughts when you get back, I’d love to hear them—though we’ll probably have booked our hotel by then...

Hi there,

I prefer staying by the river in Bangkok. Ideally with a view of the river... Prices have gone up, so I had to drop that last criterion... But I’ve kept the "near the river" one. (Right bank of the river)

It’s perfect for classic sightseeing with the river shuttles.

Last time, I booked at the Red Door—far enough to be quiet but not too isolated from various restaurants (on foot or by river shuttle). The only downside was breakfast. It’s better to go somewhere else for that.

Chinatown isn’t far from the tourist spots, but yeah, it’s pretty lively...

If you could give me a report when you get back, I’d be interested—even though we’ll probably have chosen our hotel by then...

We’re heading back on January 30th... and we’ll likely write a travel journal.

I’d spotted Khao San because of its proximity to the sights, but I don’t get the feeling the area is as lively in the evening as Chinatown, for example

Probably... Besides, it’s not out of the question that we’ll pick Chinatown for our last night and day before flying back to France. Khao San Road is very touristy, sure, but staying in that area makes getting around *so* much easier. We want to make the most of it since we’re only there for 3 days. I also seriously considered Thonburi. https://www.lespetitsgateaux.fr/thonburi-thailand/

Good evening Attila,

But I kept the criterion of being near the river. (right bank of the river) (...) Last time, I booked at the Red Door,

If we're talking about the same place, the Red Door is on the left bank, in the Banglamphu district (where Khao San Rd is). It's Thonburi that's on the right bank.

And you, Thierry, which neighborhood would you recommend to someone who hasn’t been to Bangkok yet?

I'm getting there: I'm drafting my reply to Falsealarm's original question.

Yes, that’s the one I meant! 😉 My right-left confusion came from looking at the map.

But if you follow the river down to its mouth, it’s actually on the left.

Khao San Road isn’t too far, even though I haven’t been there myself.

I checked out your link and I think the illustration chosen for this neighborhood really detracts from the rest of the article. It looks like a photoshopped image of a building or a house being sold off-plan.

Hi there,

You won’t be able to meet all the selection criteria you’ve set, so you’ll have to compromise on some.

Apart from staying near public transport (metro, skyline, BRT), I’m torn between several neighborhoods. I don’t mind taking public transport or walking long distances, but if every trip takes 45 minutes or an hour, it’ll quickly become a pain.

Get used to the idea right away: no matter what transport you use, getting around Bangkok always takes a lot of time. The same goes for walking—even when two places look close on a map. For example, the kilometer between Khao San Road and the entrance to the Grand Palace takes at least half an hour to walk.

Arriving from France in the middle of the afternoon, then leaving the day after next for southern Thailand by plane, then again for 3 nights before returning to France (arriving at the airport in the late afternoon, 3 nights on-site, then leaving for France in the late morning).

You’ll have plenty of chances to experience Bangkok’s traffic jams (from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM... Even the expressways crawl at those times).

I’ve read so many different tips that I’m really struggling to decide. I’ve seen advice saying it’s good to stay near the river for sightseeing, and that taking the boat to get around is really pleasant. But I’m worried about being a bit isolated for going out in the evening (eating at a cheap little restaurant, having a drink, without being a night owl!).

Taking the boat buses on the Chao Phraya is a great option for visiting well-known sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew/Wat Pho/Wat Arun, so staying near the river is a good idea. Khao San Road is a solid choice for that—the street itself gets lively around 4–5 PM, but you’ll also find nice (touristy) accommodations, restaurants, and places to grab a drink in the quieter side alleys. A bit north of Khao San Road, the Thewet neighborhood is another riverside option, quieter with good lodging options.

Chinatown really appeals to me for the food—it looks amazing... and it doesn’t seem too far from the sightseeing areas with public transport.

"Good food" shouldn’t be a deciding factor—you can find great places to eat *everywhere* in Bangkok (and beyond). As for "not too far," re-read my earlier warning.

Victory Monument/Phaya Thai

Phaya Thai has the advantage of being the quickest area to reach from BKK Airport thanks to the Airport Rail Link, without needing a taxi or metro transfer afterward. Downside: this area (and Victory Monument) is on some of the most congested roads in the city.

Victory Monument/Phaya Thai (...) And even with public transport, isn’t it a long trip to visit places like the Grand Palace area?

Even longer than you think.

BTS Nana station, in the Sukhumvit area—though I get the feeling it’s mostly a neighborhood for shopping malls?

And hotels where most package tours stay, plus prostitution (the favorite spot for older, potbellied Western men who prefer very young local women) and go-go bars.

So, I’ve covered all your neighborhood ideas. Out of all of them, I’d personally choose Khao San Road ("Rice Grain Street") or Thewet.

Eating really well! I’ve heard that big shopping malls also have amazing food.

Yes, but not to the point where you’d only go there for that.

Phra Athit Pier is the closest to Khao San Road. The entrance to the covered soi leading there is here: 13°45'46.88"N 100°29'40.52"E. Refuse the ticket for the blue tourist boat (see photo)—it’s much more expensive and doesn’t offer anything extra. The touts will try to sell it to you, but just buy a ticket for the regular orange-flag boat (around 15 baht).

the orange-flag boat

You can also take it for a laid-back, cool 45-minute ride up to Nonthaburi (the northern terminus). Once you arrive, you return the same way by boat, making it a fun 1.5-hour "excursion" among locals for less than a euro round-trip. Once in Nonthaburi, you can also take a short taxi ride to Wat Sanam Neua in Pak Kret, where the ferry departs for the charming and super-friendly island of Koh Kret. You can bike around the island in about half a day. A few photos of Koh Kret in my posts 30 and 31 here: https://voyageforum.com/forum/parties-campagne-thailandaise-d10760313-2/

On board the orange-flag boat-bus to Nonthaburi:

Hi there,

I was there just 2 weeks ago, and personally, I stayed in the Siriraj neighborhood, on the other side of the river at the "Baan Wang Lang Riverside," a small hotel by the riverside. With the many water shuttles, I had access to the main points of interest. The only downside is that after 9:00 PM, there are no more shuttles. Fred





Fred

I also prefer the riverside, especially for access to the shuttles. There are quiet hotels near Khao San Road, two or three in the royal complex area. Chinatown is also an option.

For Sukhumvit, as with other neighborhoods, make sure to check the reviews left by guests on Google, Agoda, or Tripadvisor. There are peaceful hotels in the side alleys perpendicular to this big avenue. It’s definitely lively in the evening, especially the sois from soi 3 to soi 35.

Right in front of the Phra Arthit pier, I just tried the StandardX—amazing location, rooftop pool, and the rooms with river-view balconies are seriously great.

Khaosan Road is stepping up its game with hotels like this, but it’s not cheap… I hadn’t been back there in a while. Khaosan Road itself is still for young travelers looking for McDonald’s, beers, and weed. If you want a bit of peace, you’re better off near the river on Rambutri. The crowd’s a little older, and the restaurants actually put effort into their decor… though they’re all pretty similar.

That said, for transport, it’s only the express boat—still no subway or Skytrain nearby.

On the other hand, for transportation, it’s just the express boat—still no metro or Skytrain nearby...

But luckily, there’s a bunch of bus lines and taxis passing* along the big, nearby Ratchadamnoen Avenue parallel to Khao San Road.

* For first-time visitors in this area: here more than anywhere else, never take a taxi (or tuk-tuk) that’s parked waiting for customers—only flag down those that are passing by, otherwise you’re guaranteed a scam attempt. Probably the same risk when leaving the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai.

I stayed in the Siriraj neighborhood, on the other side of the river at "Baan Wang Lang Riverside", a small hotel by the riverside. With the many water shuttles, I had access to the main points of interest. The only downside is that after 9:00 PM, there are no more shuttles.

But one advantage: in case of an accident, the huge Siriraj Hospital* (public) is right next door 😉 .

* where the previous king stayed for a long time before passing away there.

Definitely a great area for those who want to stay somewhere more fun and less touristy... plus the skytrain is on the street behind.

There’s a good hotel there, the Théâtre Résidence, but unfortunately, its prices have really gone up in recent years.

Hello,

I was there just 2 weeks ago, and I stayed in the Siriraj neighborhood, on the other side of the river at "Baan Wang Lang Riverside," a small hotel by the riverside. With the many water shuttles, I had access to the main points of interest. The only downside is that after 9:00 PM, there are no more shuttles. Fred

It’s worth noting that at that hour, the city starts to clear up, and when it’s late, getting around by taxi is *so* much easier. However, it’s getting harder to make them turn on the meter, even when it’s not too late.

* for people staying in this neighborhood for the first time: here more than anywhere else, never take a taxi (or tuk-tuk) parked waiting for customers—only flag down those passing by, otherwise a scam attempt is guaranteed. Probably the same risk when exiting the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai.

That’s so true. In my experience, it was hard to find a taxi in almost all of Khao San Road that wasn’t keen on overcharging.

Thanks everyone for all your feedback and tips! I’ll read through and digest all of this.

But to summarize, is Chinatown not such a great idea after all because it’s not actually that well-located for transit times? (Based on what you said, Thierry?) Yet I had the impression it could be close to the blue metro line...

Staying by the river is super convenient, but I’m a bit hesitant about the river shuttle boats stopping in the evening—does that mean we’d have to rely on taxis? At least to get to a metro line...

Should I consider Khao San then for its proximity to everything? But is it a nice area for dining, grabbing a drink, or taking an evening stroll while avoiding the infamous Khao San Road, which doesn’t appeal to me at all...

But in Thailand, taxis are a steal. You can go kilometers for next to nothing, and with AC, please.

The first thing to do is state your destination to see if the driver is up for it. And right away say "meter krap" ("miteur kap") so they turn on the meter. If they quote a flat rate, refuse—it’ll be at least double the real price. You might have to try 2, 3, or even 4 taxis before finding one who’ll use the meter, but it’s only a couple of minutes wasted.

But I had the impression it could be near the blue metro line... (...) to reach a metro line...

Since the underground and elevated metro network isn’t yet extensive enough (limited number of lines) to rely on it and forget about taxis, don’t fixate on it—prioritize taxis (or buses for shorter trips outside rush hour).

Khao San to consider then for its proximity to everything,

Not *everything*, but yes for the main sights (the three wats, the Grand Palace, and to a lesser extent, the Thonburi khlongs).

Khao San (...) is it a nice area for dinner, drinks,

I already answered that (the side streets). Besides, even though I’ve rarely stayed there overnight, whenever I pass through the area (always during the day), I never miss stopping for a quick "Singa’ Sling" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Sling).

strolling in the evening while avoiding the infamous Khao San Road, which doesn’t appeal to me at all...

The KSR area is easy to navigate while avoiding the main street itself.

But in Thailand, taxis are a steal. You can go kilometers for next to nothing, and with AC, please.

Yeah, and you get to choose the scent—lemon, mint, raspberry, lavender, etc.—and often two scents like lemon-mint...

False alarm, and what do you think about the Silom Sathorn area?

Falsealarm, what do you think of the Silom Sathorn neighborhood?

These neighborhoods, like much of Sukhumvit, are modern areas with high-rises and tourists, of course. Lower Silom is pretty good because it’s close to Bangrak, which is super convenient for transport (Skytrain and express boat). Personally, Bangrak is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bangkok… especially since the northern part of the area has seen lots of galleries and trendy shops opening in recent years, and you can explore it all on foot.

Ah, Bangrak... back in the days of the Swan Hotel and L'Harmonique restaurant. Every year, the first day of our stay. It was something else.

I don’t know Bangkok at all, so it’s a bit hard for me to answer, but I’m open to any neighborhood recommendations you might have! :) I had seen that being close to the elevated or underground metro was better for getting around quickly. I was a bit put off by staying along the river because of the dependence on river shuttles that stop running in the evening.

Apparently, taxis aren’t too expensive, so that wouldn’t be a problem for getting around at night. But if the city is really congested and you need to get around during the day, and the river shuttles aren’t practical for where you want to go (especially if it’s not near the main sites along the river), it could be an issue. Unless you get dropped off at a metro station, but I’m not sure if that avoids traffic jams, and it might just add extra travel time?

Anyway, based on the messages here, I’m reconsidering the Khao San area, but I’m a bit worried about not being near public transport... I was looking at Chinatown and possibly near Siam because it seemed central for transport, or maybe near Lumphini Park?

Oh man, it’s tough when you don’t know the city! 😄

I was a bit annoyed about being along the river because of the dependence on the river shuttles that stop in the evening.

At that point, you just take a taxi as a backup! Songsam mentioned that traffic jams are bad from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and from 3 PM to 8 PM. Since the shuttles stop at 7 PM, I don’t see where the problem is.

Ah, Bangrak... back in the days of the Swan Hotel and L'Harmonique restaurant. Every year, the first day of our stay. It was something else.

A huge thanks for reminding me of the Swan—I’ve been trying to remember that name for ages!

Well, it was obvious that given the price per square meter in that neighborhood, it was only a matter of time before it got sold...

Just so you know, the express boat ride is an experience in itself—way more fun than the subway, plus you get to see Bangkok from the river, which is the best part!

the Khao San area, but I’m a bit worried about not being close to public transport...

You’re worrying for nothing—do you really think this accommodation hub would be one of the most visited in the world if it weren’t well served by public transport? As I mentioned earlier, the main Ratchadamnoen Avenue bordering it to the south (a 5-minute walk from KSRd) is served by a ton of bus lines. You even have the S1 bus that takes you straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the two streets framing KSRd, using the expressways (detailed info from October 2025: https://thaiest.com/fr/thailande/bangkok/bus-s1).

Again, get used to the idea that no matter what transport you use, getting around Bangkok always takes a lot of time. I’ll add now: "no matter where you’re starting from."

Few tourist sites are served by the metro.

As I already mentioned above, the large Ratchadamnoen Avenue that borders it to the south (a 5-minute walk from KSR) is served by a ton of bus lines.

Would the buses be faster than taxis? Do they have a dedicated lane?

Thanks for this info—I wasn’t really counting on the buses because of the traffic jams, but I’ll trust your experiences! Thanks everyone

Would buses be faster than taxis? Do they have a dedicated lane?

No, taxis are faster. I mentioned buses because Falsealarm’s post said "the Khao San area, but I’m a bit worried about not being close to public transport..."

However... Check out my reply to Kate just above.

Bangkok is 50x50 km, so it always takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to get around. In one day, I only schedule 2 meet-ups. Traffic jams from 7 to 10 AM and from 3:45 to 7 PM.

Khao San Road is a city of 300,000 pricey, uninteresting Northern Europeans, and Chinatown is right next to it with no connection at all.

So, aim for neighborhoods with a BTS station about 20 stops from the center. Sukhumvit stretches over 20 km...

In summary, consider: - Phayathai-Ratchathewi: close to BTS and Airport Link - Bangkapi: 20 minutes from the center by canal taxi boat (unless you're only planning to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Nonthaburi, and Chinatown) - Sukhumvit: move a bit further out—Phrakanong-On Nut has cheaper, quieter small hotels... though all are still well soundproofed.

Have a great trip!

If you could give me a report when you get back, I’d be interested, even though we’ll probably choose our hotel before then...

Hi, I’m not back yet, but I can already share my thoughts on the neighborhood where we picked our accommodation: the Lamphu Tree Hotel, not far from Khaosan Road. Aside from that touristy, noisy street—which didn’t really appeal to us (except maybe for one night out of curiosity)—we really liked the area around the hotel, near a *klong*, with a backpacker vibe and the little streets toward Samsen Road. The big plus is being close to all the major sites, since you can spend a lot of time in transit.

And the room itself?

They have perfectly acceptable rooms. In both buildings.

I’ve read some pretty negative reviews (like, really negative), so I was wondering?

Good evening, I’m a Thailand enthusiast! I’ve tried many neighborhoods, and in the end, I head south—near Saphan Taksin BTS station. I stay at the Ibis Riverside Bangkok, right by the river, close to the BTS and the water. It’s not too expensive, and it’s really nice to have breakfast by the water. Have a great evening!

Hi Agnes

Huge rooms, really clean, king-sized bed, nice bathroom. The common areas are pleasant with small lounges, sunbeds, a pool... And a breakfast buffet with plenty of options. But most of all, the location—right by the klong—is incredibly peaceful. You wouldn’t think you’re in a capital city! 🙂

I read some not very positive reviews (actually, downright negative)

I think those who leave downright negative reviews about this hotel would be better off staying home, honestly.

I think those who make overtly negative comments about this hotel would be better off staying at home, actually.

“Tourism is the industry of transporting people who’d be better off at home to places that’d be better off without them.” Jean Mistler.

I wonder if the hotel doesn't have some pretty mediocre rooms that they palm off when it's full or nearly full.

I've already been offered such rooms before, usually when you pay in advance. (The least well-located ones, like above the kitchens, near the lobby, facing the street, not renovated, etc.)

The (very) negative reviews mention a total mismatch between the room and the photos, noise (both outside and inside), faulty air conditioning, bathrooms needing renovation, outdated furniture, and sewage smells. (Ratings below 4)

There are also details that don’t bother me much, like stairs, safety signage, or the hotel being hard to find.

Based on these reviews, I wouldn’t have chosen this hotel (especially because of the noise), even though the room you got seems fine.

Then there’s the value-for-money aspect. Maybe the disappointed travelers paid a premium price?

It’s often like that with ski trips. Rentals get slammed by vacationers in February and at Christmas who paid a fortune for something that’s worth half as much in January... Off-season travelers are much more forgiving because they feel they got their money’s worth.

For noise, all it takes is one party or some inconsiderate guests to turn any room into a nightmare...

---/---

Hope your train trip went well. I recently saw there was an accident.

I hope your train trip went well. I recently saw there was an accident.

Yes, it went great, we must have some good karma

Safe travels! ;)

Safe travels! ;)

Thanks Agnès! For now, we’re in southern Laos, on the 4,000 Islands. It’s gorgeous! In a week, we’re heading back to Thailand and then to Bangkok, where we still haven’t picked a hotel for our last night. :P ;)