Best Area to Stay in Bangkok for Tourists
First of all, let me say congratulations to you for choosing Bangkok for your trip. Bangkok is a gigantic city with multicultural, plenty of restaurants, a number of world-class shopping malls, countless hotels and some amazing tourist attractions. Peoples often ask what is the best area to stay in Bangkok for tourists? With the availability of so many options and lack of awareness, choosing a place for your stay really becomes difficult for tourists, especially when you are visiting Bangkok with your family with the intention of shopping then you've to take several things into account. So instead of suggesting you one area, I put together five areas with pros and cons. Each area has its own characteristics. So bear with me and after going through my full post, you'd probably able to get rid of this confusion.
Chinatown
There is no better place to stay than Chinatown in Bangkok if you are a street food enthusiast. If you're visiting for the first time in Bangkok, this area will offer you an unforgettable culinary experience. There are a lot of stalls that sell all kinds of local dishes, and you can savor authentic Thai street food on the streets. If this is your first time visiting Bangkok, then it is an excellent choice as you will get to taste the highlights of the city's street food scene.
Pro
Plenty of Backpacking Accommodation
Suitable for Mid-range Travelers
Several Tourist Attractions
Cons
Lack of Shopping Mall
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Chinatown
- Wat Traimit
- Sampeng Lane
- China Gate
- Yaowarat Road (At Night)
- Grand China Princess Revolving Rooftop Bar
- Wat Mangkol Kamalawat
- Romaneenart Park
- Wat Chakawat Ratchawat (crocodiles)
- Bangkok Chinatown by Bicycle
- Sala Chalermkrung (Khon)
Khao San
If you are a first-time tourist to Bangkok and you wish to experience a vibrant and budget-friendly atmosphere, then the Khao San Road area is a must-go. This bustling area is ideal for first-time tourists who are eager to experience Bangkok's bustling street life, shop for souvenirs, and interact with other travelers. Though there aren't any 5-star hotels here, it's a fantastic place to stay for tourists on a budget.
Pros
- Good for backpackers
- Good for Drinkers
- Good for Young traveler
Cons
- No 5-star hotel
- Noisy & Crowded
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Khao San
- Grand Palace
- Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha
- Emerald Buddha (Grand Palace)
- Giant Swing
- Golden Mount
Riverside
If you want to get a luxurious feel when you stay in Bangkok, Riverside is the best place to stay for tourists who want to experience the city's grandeur. It is a perfect choice for those who are visiting Bangkok for the first time. It is an ideal choice if you are seeking luxury, and plan on visiting the city's top attractions. There are no malls here, but first-time tourists who want to explore temples and cultural sites will have an unforgettable experience.
Pro
- Luxury Lifestyle
- Countless 5-star Hotels
- Multiple Sightseeing Options
Cons
- Expensive
- Shortage of Shopping Malls
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Riverside
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho
- Thonburi Canals (Khlong)
- Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower
- Asiatique The Riverside
- Royal Barges Museum
- Wat Kalayanamit
Rattanakosin
It would be best if you stay in the Ratanakosin area if you want to see the sights, learn about the culture and history of the city, and experience it for yourself, if you are interested in seeing the sights and experiencing the culture. This area is packed with historical attractions that make it an excellent place to stay if you're visiting the city for the first time. It's an ideal starting point for travelers looking to discover the city's heritage and history.
Pros
- Good for history & culture Lovers
Cons
- Shortage of Shopping Malls
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Riverside
- Rattanakosin Island Aerial
- Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew
- The palace buildings
- Wat Pho
- Wat Ratchapradit (Temple)
- King Prajadhipok Museum
Best Area to Stay in Bangkok for Shopping
Bangkok is very popular among tourists for shopping. Specifically for cosmetic products & grocery items, the city has set its own trustworthiness. Each and every month a considerable amount of visitors visit the Bangkok for shopping purpose. If you're one of them who has an open wallet for shopping then book your hotel within listed areas.
Sukhumvit
When you visit Bangkok for the first time and you are looking for a great place to shop, then Sukhumvit is the perfect choice for you. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a second-time visitor, Sukhumvit offers a wide variety of shopping malls and boutiques. It's the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-time shoppers who are interested in exploring the city's retail offerings.
Pros
- A lot of bars
- Plenty of Shopping Malls
- Good for Foodie
Cons
- Plenty of bars so not good for if you've kids
- Not much tourist attractions
- Walk often required visiting the tourist's places
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Sukhumvit
- Kamthieng House Museum
- Thailand Creative and Design Center
- Benchasiri Park
- Benjakiti Park
- Chacrit Muay Thai School
- Face Cooking School
- Emporium (Shopping Mall)
- Nana Square (Shopping Mall)
- Ploenchit Center (Shopping Mall)
Siam
There are many things to see and do in Siam, one of the best places to stay for shopping and sightseeing is because it's situated in the heart of Bangkok, making it a great place for tourists who wish to shop and see the city's top attractions in one place. If you're a first-time visitor to Bangkok, Siam provides an excellent balance of shopping and family-friendly attractions.
Pros
- Countless Shopping Malls
- Several Families friendly attractions
- Availablity of the central BTS Skytrain Station
- Lots of food options
Cons
- Lack of Bars
Pratunam
This is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok if you are shopping for clothes, groceries, and electronics at a reasonable price and you are first-time visitors to Bangkok. It is also good for tourists who are looking for bargain deals on cosmetics, electronics, and groceries in Bangkok. If you're a budget-conscious first-timer, Pratunam is the best area to stay for shopping.
Pro
- Best for foreign retailers
- Good for Shoppers
- Easy to reach Airport
Cons
- Busiest
- A little bit Noisey
- Mostly Crowed Traffic
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Pratunam
- Baiyoke Tower II Observatory and Revolving Roofdeck
- Bangkok Dolls Museum
- Phaya Thai Palace
- Victory Monument
- City Complex
- Indra Square
- Krungthong Plaza
- Metro Fashion Mall
- Pratunam Center
- Pratunam Market
Best Area to Stay in Bangkok for Nightlife
Silom
Those who are looking for exciting nightlife experiences in Bangkok for the first time should stay in Silom. This area comes alive in the evenings, offering a vibrant nightlife scene that is a must-see for any newcomer to Thailand. If you are a first-time visitor looking for exciting evening entertainment and food experiences, Silom is the perfect place to stay. It's the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-time partygoers and food lovers.
Pros
- Plenty of Bars
- Several Nightclub
Cons
- Traffic Problem
- Not Safe for Kids
Places & Tourist Attractions Near Silom
- Lumpini Park
- The Dome Sky Bar
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Bangkok Folk Museum
- Bangkok Seashell Museum
Do let me know in comments when you are planning to visit Bangkok?
