Where to stay in Bangkok for a first visit

On a first stay in Bangkok, the neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. This guide complements our article on choosing a neighbourhood by answering a single question: which area should you pick when you are discovering the city? We give no hotel prices, which vary too much with the dates: compare them for your exact dates.

The short answer

The Siam area, where the two BTS lines meet

For most first stays, choose Siam or its immediate surroundings (Chit Lom, Ratchathewi): Siam station links the two BTS lines, so you can reach almost anywhere without a complicated change. If your trip is centred on temples, prefer the riverside, with a hotel near an express boat pier. Our page on the Siam shopping malls helps you place the area.

Which area for your trip

Three days, a bit of everything: Siam. See our Bangkok in 3 days.
Two days, mostly temples: the riverside or Banglamphu, to reach the Grand Palace and Wat Pho on foot or by boat. See Bangkok in 2 days.
A week: alternate, for example three nights in Siam then three near the river.
Evenings out: Sukhumvit or Silom, livelier but noisier.

The criteria that really matter

The Chao Phraya River, with hotels on the bank

Walking distance to the station. Look for a hotel within ten minutes on foot of a BTS or MRT station. A street looks close on the map, but the heat and crowded pavements make the walk longer.
Traffic. Taxis are convenient, but jams can double a journey's length. The Skytrain and the boats are more predictable (see getting around Bangkok).
Noise. Avoid bar streets if you are a light sleeper.
Displayed price. Many hotels add service charge and VAT (the "++"): details in our main guide where to stay in Bangkok.

A BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok

Mistakes to avoid

Booking a hotel "near the centre" without checking the nearest station.
Staying near the airport for more than one night: the centre is far away.
Underestimating the heat: the hotel should be air-conditioned and close to covered transport.
Renting an apartment for under 30 days without checking it is legal: see the rule explained in the main guide.
Booking at the last minute in high season, from November to February.

Before you book

Check free cancellation, the distance to the station, recent reviews and the total price with taxes. To prepare the rest of your trip, read our guide to a first trip to Bangkok, the one on airports and the trip budget.