Where To Stay In Bangkok First Time On A Budget 2025 - Affordable Areas
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok first time on a budget?
Finding an affordable place to stay in Bangkok is relatively easy. Hotel prices in Southeast Asia are generally low, and Bangkok is no exception.
Plus, there are plenty of hostels all over the city. However, if you want to explore Bangkok without getting stuck in traffic or overspending, certain areas are better than others.
Before we get into these recommendations, it’s essential to mention that staying near a BTS or MRT station is key.
The BTS, or SkyTrain, is an elevated transport system that offers easy access to modern Bangkok, while the MRT metro connects well to the city’s older districts.
Staying near one of these stations will allow you to enjoy a hassle-free trip.
In the following sections, I’ll show you the best budget areas for your stay in Bangkok.
After five years of living here, I’m confident I can offer you the best advice!
In short, the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time on a budget are Khao San Road, Phayathai, Silom and On Nut.
Most budget-conscious travelers head to Khao San Road.
Known as the backpacker hub of Southeast Asia, it’s a place where you can easily combine sightseeing with lively nightlife.
However, keep in mind that Khao San Road lacks direct access to public transport.
Because of this, many who book a hotel here end up staying primarily in this part of the city.
If you want more flexibility to explore, staying near a BTS or MRT station will also give you access to the modern parts of Bangkok.
Phaya Thai is a great option if you want to see all aspects of the city, as it’s very well-connected for easy travel.
Silom is another convenient option, located close to the river and Bangkok’s historic sites, with access to both the BTS and MRT.
Lastly, On Nut offers excellent value for money, especially for families as this area is quieter and has limited nightlife but still has access to the BTS for a quick trip into the city center.
Khao San Road – Known as Bangkok’s backpacker hub, Khao San Road offers plenty of affordable accommodation. However, it’s also a vibrant nightlife area, so you can expect some noise from the party scene until late. Sadly, there’s no direct access to the MRT or BTS here, which can be inconvenient. While you can take a taxi to the nearest stations, it’s not the most practical option. Despite this, many young travellers on a budget choose to stay here for the social atmosphere that makes Khao San the go-to spot among backpackers.
Phayathai – Often underrated, Phaya Thai is actually one of the best-connected areas in Bangkok. It offers direct access to the Sukhumvit BTS line and the Airport Rail Link, providing a direct connection to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Phaya Thai’s central location makes it easy to get to all the main attractions, although the area itself is a little quieter. There are plenty of affordable hotels here, making it the ideal area if nightlife isn’t your priority.
Silom – Close to the river, Silom is a modern district packed with great restaurants, rooftop bars, street food, and markets. The area offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to affordable boutique stays. It’s relatively close to the Old Town, where many of Bangkok’s top attractions are located, as well as Chinatown. With access to both the BTS and MRT, Silom is a great choice for sightseeing if you can find a budget option here.
On Nut – For those looking to stay a little outside the city center, On Nut offers excellent value for money. Many expats choose this area for its affordable accommodation, and you’ll have direct access to the BTS Sukhumvit line, leaving you just 15 minutes from the heart of the city. On Nut is developing rapidly, even with some luxury hotels coming up, but still offers plenty of budget options. While it’s further away from the main attractions, families will especially appreciate staying here.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok first time on a budget are:
1. Khao San Road
Khao San Road is, without a doubt, the best place for young travelers on a budget.
It’s the ultimate hangout for backpackers, where meeting like-minded adventurers is a breeze.
By day, you’ll explore Bangkok’s older districts, which are conveniently close by.
But by night, Khao San transforms into one big party, with loud music, cheap drinks, and street food galore.
For many, it’s the first stop on an epic Southeast Asian road trip, and hotels here cater to budget travelers with affordable rates.
If this scene sounds interesting to you, look no further than Khao San Road for your stay.
If it’s not exactly your style, don’t worry: our other recommended areas are a little more low-key.
If you stay here, don’t miss the local food gems along Dinso Road and Maha Chai Road, home to famous Bangkok restaurants such as Jay Fai, Pad Thai Thip Samai, Kor Panich, and Mit Ko Yuan.
Just be aware that there is no direct access to the MRT or BTS.
The nearest MRT stop is near the Grand Palace, while the nearest BTS station is at Phaya Thai.
However, Bangkok’s water transport is quite accessible from here.
During my first visit to Bangkok, I stayed near Khao San Road.
I was blown away by the vibrant chaos of the city and had a great time.
For twenty-something travelers eager to meet fellow explorers, Khao San Road is perfect.
However, after living in Bangkok for five years, I would probably choose somewhere closer to Sukhumvit, the city’s main artery, with a different nightlife scene and easier access to the modern city.
But then again, I’m not twenty anymore!
2. Phayathai
Phaya Thai is a neighborhood that is often overlooked by travelers, mainly because it doesn’t offer a lot of activities.
But what it does offer is an incredibly convenient location with direct access to both the Sukhumvit Line and the Airport Rail Link.
The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport directly to the city center, so there’s no need to wait in line for a taxi or endure an hour-long ride to get to your hotel.
Simply hop on the train and you’ll be at your destination in 25 minutes.
With direct access to the Sukhumvit Line, exploring modern Bangkok is easy.
Shopping malls, night markets, restaurants, and nightlife venues are all just a short BTS ride away.
If you want to visit areas like Chinatown, you can take the BTS to Siam, change lines, and arrive in about 20 minutes.
To get to Khao San Road and the city’s older districts, simply take the BTS to Victory Monument and grab a quick taxi from there.
Phayah Thai also has plenty of affordable hotels and hostels.
While the area itself can be a little quiet, it’s great for those who prefer a more low-key vibe, especially if the party scene on Khao San Road isn’t your style.
Plus, its quiet atmosphere means you won’t have to worry about loud noises at night.
For convenience and tranquility, Phaya Thai is a great choice!
3. Silom
Generally, Sukhumvit and Silom are the top choices for tourists staying in Bangkok.
Both areas offer a lively atmosphere, excellent access to public transport (a must in a city as chaotic as Bangkok) and countless dining and entertainment options.
The area recommended above (Phayathai) is well connected to the Sukhumvit Line, which takes you directly to popular neighbourhoods such as Asoke, Nana, Thonglor and Ekkamai, so staying there means easy access to the heart of Sukhumvit.
You can also look for hostels in these sub-areas if you want to be right in the bustling centre of Sukhumvit.
On the other hand, Silom is a fantastic option.
While it is home to upmarket restaurants, rooftop bars and luxury hotels, you will also find plenty of affordable 3-star accommodation.
While Sukhumvit’s nightlife is livelier, Silom offers something unique: closer proximity to Bangkok’s main attractions.
Chinatown, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun are all much closer to Silom, making it a prime spot for sightseeing.
And when you’re ready for a night out in Sukhumvit, just take the metro to Asoke for easy access.
Does Silom have any downsides? Well, unlike Sukhumvit, it’s not that easy to get to from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
It can be a bit of a struggle compared to areas like Phaya Thai, which has direct access to the Airport Rail Link.
Phaya Thai may be quieter, but it offers more affordable accommodations.
If you’re looking to balance a central location with a vibrant nightlife scene, Silom is a great option.
Just keep in mind that finding budget options here can be a bit more difficult than in the previous two areas.
4. On Nut
On Nut is a popular neighbourhood among expats with direct access to the Sukhumvit Line.
It’s a favourite for its excellent value for money; hotels and condos are reasonably priced and the city centre can be reached by BTS in around ten minutes.
This makes On Nut a great choice for those travelling on a tighter budget.
However, keep in mind that On Nut is a bit further away from Bangkok’s main attractions.
For example, to get to the Grand Palace, you would first take the BTS to Asoke and then transfer to the MRT to Sam Yot, a journey that can take around 45 minutes.
However, once you’re in that area, you can explore multiple attractions in an afternoon without travelling too much.
On Nut is particularly family-friendly as it has spacious hotels and a quieter nightlife.
The expat community means there are plenty of international restaurants, perfect for families with children or anyone who appreciates variety.
While it may not be the most central location, On Nut is hard to beat when it comes to affordable 4-star hotels.
Just be sure to stay as close to the BTS station as possible to maximize convenience.