Where to stay in Bangkok first time 2025 - 5 Best neighborhoods
Looking for where to stay in Bangkok first time?
In this article, I give you a no-nonsense, short answer to this question so you can enjoy this fascinating city full of street food, temples, nightlife, night markets, and more to the fullest.
I’m confident I can give you great advice on where to stay in Bangkok for your first visit
Why? Because I lived there from 2017 to 2022. My first trip to Thailand was back in 2015, and Bangkok instantly captivated me.
When you ask travelers about their experience in Bangkok, you often get one of two extreme responses: they either love it or hate it.
Yes, Bangkok can be overwhelming, and it’s certainly not your typical tropical destination. It’s a city that never sleeps, with one of the most vibrant street food scenes in the world, a nightlife that’s hard to resist, and a rich history full of stunning temples and palaces scattered throughout the city.
For many young travelers, Bangkok is the first stop on their backpacking adventure, but it also serves as a key gateway to Asia for all kinds of visitors.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best neighborhoods Bangkok has to offer, based on my extensive experience.
I’ll keep it concise, clearly distinguish between the areas, and only recommend places that truly stand out. So, let’s dive in!
What are the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time?
The best areas to stay in Bangkok first time visitors are Sukhumvit, Riverside, Khao San Road, and Silom.
But no matter where you can, one of the key factors in choosing the right area is access to public transportation. Bangkok offers two main options: the BTS SkyTrain and the MRT metro.
Below, you can find a short description of each recommended area. You can easily navigate to that part of the article by tapping on the name of the area.
Sukhumvit provides the best access to both, making it the top choice overall. It’s a large district, so I’ll break it down into different neighborhoods.
Riverside, while offering stunning views of the river and city, has less convenient access to the BTS and MRT, though it remains a popular area for its scenery.
Khao San Road is a backpacker’s haven and a favorite among younger travelers, but its public transport connections are not as good, especially when it comes to the BTS and MRT.
Silom offers excellent access to both the BTS and MRT, but since it’s located further south, many travelers opt for Sukhumvit instead. However, Silom is definitely worth exploring.
You can also easily navigate to each recommended area by tapping the link. Or simply go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time at the bottom of this article.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok for first-timers are:
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is undoubtedly the most popular area for first-time visitors to stay in Bangkok. The majority of the area is modern, and Sukhumvit Road is the main artery of the city. However, traffic is notoriously heavy, often bringing the road to a standstill.
Luckily, the BTS SkyTrain runs above Sukhumvit Road, allowing tourists to zip through the city with ease. Sukhumvit is vast and can be divided into different districts, and I’ll cover the two most relevant ones later in this section.
Sukhumvit is home to various nightlife hubs. Around Nana and Asoke, you’ll find the infamous nightlife scene, known for its Go-Go bars and prostitution—a side of Bangkok that some may not expect but is part of its reality. That said, Bangkok has much more to offer beyond this.
For a different kind of nightlife, head to RCA, a popular area for large nightclubs. If you’re after rooftop bars and trendy lounges, explore the side streets around Thonglor (Sukhumvit 55) and Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63).
Sukhumvit also has great shopping options, with large malls at almost every BTS station. Asoke, for example, has Terminal 21, an affordable mall with a variety of shops, while Phrom Phong boasts EmQuartier, a high-end mall featuring luxury brands from around the world.
For sightseeing, most of the city’s main attractions are located in the older part of town, easily accessible via the metro. You can catch the MRT at Asoke BTS Station, which will take you directly to those historic areas.
Additionally, the BTS line connects the international airport to the city, meaning you can take a train from Suvarnabhumi Airport straight to Sukhumvit, making it incredibly convenient for travelers.
It’s no surprise that Sukhumvit remains the most popular area in Bangkok. In the following sections, I’ll dive deeper into the two most prominent neighborhoods in Sukhumvit.
1. Asoke & Nana
Asoke and Nana are neighboring districts, both known for their vibrant nightlife. Of the two, Nana is the more notorious. Around Sukhumvit Soi 4 and Soi 11, the party scene lasts until the early hours, with Soi 4 in particular being home to the red light district. This area draws many travelers, but it can also be off-putting for others.
On the other hand, Asoke offers a safer, more family-friendly option. While nightlife exists, it’s far less intrusive, making Asoke a popular choice for families staying in the area.
What truly sets Asoke apart is its unparalleled access to both the BTS SkyTrain and MRT metro, allowing you to bypass the city’s traffic and easily reach any part of Bangkok, even the more remote areas. In terms of public transport, there’s no better district than Asoke.
The northern part of Asoke is a major business hub, meaning it’s bustling during the day, though it lacks the authenticity of more traditional areas. However, for convenience, Asoke is hard to beat.
If you’re after a more vibrant, walkable neighborhood, I’d recommend staying in Thonglor and using the BTS to access Asoke when needed.
For those wanting to explore Bangkok’s nightlife hotspots like Sukhumvit Soi 11 or RCA, with its array of nightclubs, Asoke is the ideal base.
But, if you want to avoid the nightlife altogether and prefer a quieter, more peaceful area, consider staying in the next recommended district.
2. Thonglor & Ekkemai
3. Ploen Chit & Chitlom
For first-time visitors looking for luxury and convenience in Bangkok, Ploen Chit and Chit Lom are ideal areas to stay. These central neighborhoods offer access to Bangkok’s most luxurious shopping malls and major attractions, all while being well-connected to public transport via the BTS SkyTrain.
Here’s why Ploen Chit and Chit Lom stand out:
Luxury Accommodation: These areas are known for high-end hotels, many of which belong to world-renowned hotel chains. With newly built skyscrapers, you’ll find modern, well-appointed rooms, top-tier services, and incredible rooftop bars offering stunning city views.
Proximity to Major Shopping Malls: Both Ploen Chit and Chit Lom are close to high-end malls like Central Embassy and CentralWorld, offering a premium shopping experience.
Public Transport Connections: Both areas are located between Siam and Asoke, making it easy to navigate the city. You have quick access to the BTS, with Siam just a stop or two away for transfers to the Silom Line, and Asoke nearby for easy MRT connections.
While these neighborhoods may lack the historical authenticity of older areas in Bangkok, they make up for it with modern comforts, luxury, and convenience—ideal for those whose budget allows for a high-end stay in the city.
How to Get Around in Bangkok: Bangkok’s traffic is notorious for its chaos. To avoid long delays, it’s best to steer clear of taxis, buses, and motorbikes whenever possible.
Instead, use the BTS (SkyTrain) or MRT (metro) as much as you can. This makes it crucial to book a hotel that has convenient access to a station, as it will save you significant time getting around.
In the older parts of Bangkok, such as around Khao San Road, you won’t always have the BTS or MRT available. When you need to take a taxi, make sure it uses a taxi meter, and avoid tuk-tuks. While tuk-tuks are often seen as a quintessential Bangkok experience, they are typically overpriced and far less comfortable than an air-conditioned taxi.
If you’re staying near the river or Siam, don’t overlook the boat taxi or ferry services. These are often ignored by first-time visitors, but they offer a pleasant and efficient way to travel between the modern and older parts of Bangkok.
Finally, for travel to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link BTS line is usually the fastest and most convenient option, helping you bypass Bangkok’s traffic altogether.
3. Riverside
Riverside is often considered the ideal area for families and couples looking for a quieter stay in Bangkok. This part of the city is home to stunning high-rise buildings, with many hotels offering rooms in these skyscrapers. The height provides not only incredible views but also helps reduce the noise pollution typical of Bangkok.
Location-wise, Riverside is closer to many of the city’s top attractions, though it doesn’t always offer direct access to the BTS or MRT. To make up for this, many hotels provide complimentary tuk-tuk services to the nearest station.
Nightlife is minimal here, with the exception of a few rooftop bars, which is exactly why this area is so popular. After a long day of sightseeing in the heat, it’s nice to retreat to a quiet, comfortable hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Being close to the river, I highly recommend taking advantage of the ferry or boat taxi services. It’s easier than you might think to head to the pier and cross the river. Two must-visit highlights are Wat Arun and ICONSIAM, the largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia. Chinatown is also conveniently nearby.
One downside to staying in Riverside is that it’s not as easily accessible from Suvarnabhumi Airport as other areas like Sukhumvit. Since there’s no direct connection, you’ll likely need to take a taxi, and traffic jams are common.
Despite this, Riverside remains one of the most popular districts in Bangkok, offering a peaceful, scenic alternative to the busier Sukhumvit area.
4. Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the ultimate destination for backpackers. If you’re embarking on a long trip through Southeast Asia or just Thailand, there’s no better place to kick off your adventure. This area is filled with like-minded travelers, and as the backpacker hub of Southeast Asia, it offers an abundance of affordable hostels.
Located in the older part of Bangkok, Khao San Road itself has a distinctly Western vibe, but nearby streets like Dinso Road and Maha Chai Road are home to some of the city’s best local eateries. Don’t miss Thip Samai, famous for serving the world’s most renowned Pad Thai, or try Mit Ko Yuan and Kor Panich, both among the best in Bangkok. For those who prefer familiar flavors, there are also plenty of Western food options.
Khao San Road provides easy access to iconic attractions like Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and The Grand Palace, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. Although there’s no direct connection to the BTS or MRT, you can still get around easily by using the ferries and boat taxis. A little-known option is taking the boat taxi from Wat Saket all the way to Siam, quickly linking you to the more modern parts of Bangkok.
In the evening, Khao San Road comes alive with wild nightlife, offering cheap drinks and loud music, which is why so many young travelers are drawn to this area.
If the vibrant party scene isn’t your style, but you still want to stay in a backpacker-friendly area, consider Rambuttri or Samsen—quieter alternatives that maintain a relaxed, traveler-friendly atmosphere.
5. Silom
The last district I recommend is Silom, which shares many similarities with Sukhumvit. In terms of location, Silom is actually more convenient for visiting some of Bangkok’s key highlights. Despite this, many tourists still opt for Sukhumvit over Silom, largely because Sukhumvit is more modern and offers greater comfort.
However, this doesn’t mean that Silom is a bad choice. In fact, if you’re looking for something more authentic, Silom is definitely worth considering. It offers a vibrant nightlife scene, though it’s less overwhelming compared to Sukhumvit. That said, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Silom has excellent transport links, with access to both the BTS SkyTrain and MRT metro. It also offers direct access to Lumpini Park, the largest park in the city, perfect for an early morning stroll or some peaceful relaxation.
Just south of Silom is Sathorn, a more residential area. Like Asoke, Silom is also partly a business district, so it can get busy during the day. However, it offers fantastic access to Chinatown as well as the older part of Bangkok, where you’ll find Wat Pho and The Grand Palace.
With the metro, you can easily reach all the key districts. Silom can be seen as a mix between Sukhumvit and Riverside, offering a bit of both in terms of atmosphere and amenities.
The only downside is that traveling to Silom from Suvarnabhumi Airport can be tricky, as traffic jams are common. That said, families and couples will particularly appreciate the area’s charm and convenience.
Overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time
- Asoke & Nana: Asoke offers direct access to both the MRT and the BTS, making it the perfect base to explore Bangkok while staying in a modern part of the city. Keep in mind that Nana is home to the adult entertainment industry of the city, which is for most tourists a drawback.
- Thonglor & Ekkemai: This central area is more lively than Asoke, the main transportation hub of the Sukhumvit area. Although it’s more convenient to explore the city from Asoke, Thonglor, and Ekkemai offer more fun things to do in the evening with a great restaurant and nightlife scene. As all these areas are located near each other, you can easily combine the advantages of these neighborhoods.
- Phloen Chit & Chitlom: If you’re into luxury traveling, consider staying in these two combined areas. Not only can you find plenty of five-star hotels here with rooftop pools and top-notch facilities, you can also shop at several upscale shopping malls and dine at high-end restaurants.
- Riverside: This is the calmest area of Bangkok with fantastic views over the river. You’re located closer to the major highlights of the city, but you don’t have the best access to the BTS or MRT. Still, many tourists – especially families – tend to stay here due to its calm character and tourist-friendly facilities.
- Khao San Road: This is the backpackers’ epicenter of Southeast Asia. If you’re a younger traveler, especially when traveling on a stricter budget, this is the place to be. Khao San Road turns into a party street in the evening and attracts both backpackers and young Thais.
- Silom: There are many similarities between Sukhumvit and Silom. The big difference is that Silom is located closer to the main attractions. Sukhumvit is more bustling, though. However, if you don’t prioritize nightlife (that includes visiting restaurants and night markets), then Silom is a fantastic option, especially because you don’t have to travel much to see highlights such as Chinatown, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace.
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About the author
My name is Joost, a travel enthusiast and a true foodie with a deep passion for exploring new places and cultures. Since 2017, I’ve been living abroad, immersing myself in diverse communities and cuisines. I spent four unforgettable years in Southeast Asia, where I fell in love with its vibrant street food, unique history, and beautiful landscapes. Since 2021, I’ve been calling South America home, continuing my journey of discovery and sharing tips to help fellow travelers make the most of their adventures.