Where To Stay In Bangkok First Time With Kids: 4 Best Options
Are you wondering where to stay in Bangkok for the first time with kids? I lived in Bangkok for five years and have been visiting this fantastic country for over ten years.
During that time, my family has visited me several times… sometimes with small children and a few times with a slightly larger group. With this experience, I can confidently say that I’m able to provide clear and practical advice on this topic.
The difference between my first visit to Bangkok and how the city looks today is enormous. Bangkok is constantly evolving. New buildings, attractions, and neighborhoods are emerging at a tremendous pace.
On the one hand, this creates new opportunities; on the other, the city is losing a bit of its authenticity. For families, however, this is a major step forward.
Public transport (the SkyTrain and the Metro) has improved enormously. Shopping malls offer plenty of entertainment for children, and international food is available everywhere.
New skyscrapers like the Mahanakhon provide fun activities at great heights (including the glass floor at 312 meters). SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is a must for families, and Jurassic World: The Experience Bangkok recently opened.
At the same time, there are still plenty of traditional Thai attractions you can visit with the whole family: spectacular temples, the Grand Palace, night markets like Jodd Fairs, Chinatown, and even cooking classes.
In short, Bangkok is far from boring, and in this article, I highlight the very best neighborhoods for families to enjoy this metropolis to the fullest.
What are the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time with kids?
The best neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok for the first time with kids are Riverside, Asoke, Siam, and Silom. These four areas are all strategically located and centrally positioned.
Although I always recommend staying as close as possible to a BTS or MRT station (to make it easy to travel around the city), the neighborhood I recommend most is actually the one with the least direct access: Riverside.
Riverside does not have direct access to the BTS or MRT, but it is both central and relatively quiet. Moreover, most hotels offer a free tuk-tuk shuttle to the nearest station. Bangkok’s Riverside is typically known for being the most family-friendly area in all of Bangkok, despite its few flaws.
But Riverside isn’t the only great area to stay at with your family. If you prefer easier access to public transport, you should choose one of the following three neighborhoods:
- Asoke: The heart of the city, located in the middle of Sukhumvit… Bangkok’s most vibrant area. Here, you have direct access to both the MRT and the Sukhumvit Line of the BTS. It’s a busy area, but a very convenient area.
- Siam: The shopping hub of Bangkok. It feels very commercial during the day but becomes much quieter in the evening. You have access to both BTS lines here. Asoke’s access to both the Metro and SkyTrain is better for sightseeing than Siam’s access to both SkyTrain Lines, but Siam is a calmer as soon as the last shopping mall closed its doors.
- Silom: A great option if you want the benefits of Riverside but with better access to both the MRT and BTS (the Silom Line of the BTS). It’s the perfect alternative for those who want to have most of the benefits of Bangkok’s Riverside but with good access to the Metro and the BTS.
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 with kids at the bottom of this article.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok first time with kids are:
1. Riverside
Bangkok’s Riverside is widely considered the most family-friendly area in the city.
Despite lacking direct BTS or MRT access, the advantages are hard to ignore.
It’s away from nightlife areas while offering excellent access to major attractions such as the Grand Palace, Chinatown, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Mahanakhon, and ICONSIAM.
It’s the perfect base for exploring Bangkok while staying in a relatively quiet area.
Many family-friendly hotels are located here, and high-floor rooms often offer stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
Compared to other areas, Riverside feels more authentic, with architecture dating back decades.
The perfect example of this authentic vibe is Talat Noi, Bangkok’s oldest neighborhood.
Nowadays, it’s a great, trendy part of Bangkok to explore when the sun is about to set.
Street art, unique coffee shops, riverside views, and independent stores dominate the streets and wandering around this area is perfect when you have kids.
At the same time, new hotels continue to open each year.
Most hotels provide free shuttle services to nearby stations, and taxis are always an option. S
ince you’re close to many major attractions, travel time is often minimal.
Don’t forget to explore the waterways: ferries run along the river, and canal tours are also available.
You can even reach Siam by boat (we will discuss how to get around Bangkok in the next paragraph).
Getting here from the airport may take a bit longer, but once you arrive, it’s an excellent base for a relaxed and convenient stay.
With its relatively laid-back atmosphere, central location, and riverside access, Riverside is the most desired area among tourists with kids, and we highly recommend start looking for a hotel here.
But Riverside is not the only amazing area for families, though!
How to get around Bangkok with kids
Getting around Bangkok with kids can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually quite simple if you use the right transport.
Traffic in Bangkok is notoriously bad, so families should rely on the BTS SkyTrain and MRT Metro whenever possible.
- The MRT connects you to Chinatown, night markets, and Bangkok’s Old Town.
- The BTS takes you to modern districts, shopping malls, rooftop bars, and the river.
By combining these two systems, you can travel across Bangkok quickly, cheaply, and without stress.
That’s why choosing accommodation near a BTS or MRT station is usually recommended. However, these areas can be busy and noisy at night. This is where Riverside stands out as one of the best places to stay in Bangkok with kids: it’s quieter, scenic, and still centrally located.
Another advantage? You can use the Chao Phraya River to get around by ferry, river taxi, or long-tail boat… something kids usually love.
Exploring Bangkok’s iconic landmarks... like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, engages all the senses, even for kids. These awe-inspiring sites leave lasting impressions, sparking imagination and creating memories your children will carry with them for years to come.
2. Asoke
Asoke is one of the most popular areas to stay in Bangkok, mainly due to its direct connection to both the BTS Sukhumvit Line and the MRT.
From here, you can easily travel to almost any part of the city.
While it’s suitable for all types of travelers, including families, Asoke is a busy area.
Although there’s no major nightlife directly in Asoke, nearby areas like Nana and RCA attract partygoers.
Families typically won’t be bothered much unless staying very close to these zones.
Compared to Riverside, Asoke is less family-focused, but it has several advantages: easier airport access, excellent transport connections, and a wide variety of international restaurants.
It’s actually the perfect base to explore Bangkok when you’re taking advantage of its access to the trains (BTS and Metro).
The area is also quite westernized, which can be comforting when traveling with kids.
Shopping malls are another highlight.
These aren’t just for shopping… they offer air conditioning, entertainment, and a wide range of food options.
Nearby night markets are also a great way to introduce kids to Thai street food in a relatively clean and safe environment.
In terms of convenience, Asoke wins it from Riverside.
But in terms of family-friendliness, Riverside is a slightly better option than Asoke. Both won’t dissapoint, though.
Bangkok is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own perspective... both at street level and from above. Chinatown feels like a world of its own, best discovered on foot or by bike, while the sleek skyscrapers around Sukhumvit are best appreciated from rooftop spots like Octave. For a true sense of the city’s scale, make your way to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, soaring 314 meters (1,030 feet) above the streets below.
3. Siam
Siam is another popular area for families. Despite its commercial feel, it’s centrally located with access to both BTS lines.
While I personally prefer combining MRT and BTS travel, having access to both BTS lines is still a major advantage.
Siam is ideal for those who enjoy shopping and prefer to avoid nightlife-heavy areas.
After around 10 PM, the area becomes much quieter as malls close and nightlife shifts elsewhere.
This makes it peaceful for families, but also means there’s less to do at night.
However, having malls nearby ensures plenty of dining options for picky eaters.
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is also located here, making it especially convenient for families.
To visit night markets, you can take the BTS to Asoke and transfer to the MRT.
Although Siam doesn’t have the best rail access to Bangkok’s historic areas, you can use canal boats from Saphan Hua Chang Pier to reach Old Town efficiently and cheaply.
We highly recommend you exploring Bangkok’s waterways (the canals lead you all the way to the river).
This form of transport is way too often overlooked by tourists, but is so incredibly convenient.
Overall, Siam is a great alternative to Riverside, especially if you prefer direct train access.
Bangkok is just as lively by night as it is during the day... even when you’re traveling with kids. After ticking off the main attractions, head to a night market for a different side of the city. Jodd Fairs is a popular choice, offering clean and varied street food, plenty of souvenir stalls, live music performances, and fun photo spots featuring street art and vintage hot rods.
4. Silom
Silom shares similarities with Asoke: both are business districts with access to BTS and MRT, and both are near parks.
Silom borders Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space… perfect for families in the early morning or late afternoon.
Compared to Sukhumvit, Silom feels slightly less modern, which can be a positive or negative depending on your preference.
However, its location is excellent: close to Chinatown, Riverside, Asiatique, Mahanakhon Tower, and ICONSIAM.
While Asoke offers more shopping malls, nightlife, and international restaurants, Silom provides a calmer atmosphere with good transport connections.
The BTS Silom Line is slightly less convenient than the Sukhumvit Line, but transfers are easy at Siam.
Silom is ideal for families who want to stay near Riverside but still have quick access to public transport.
It’s a great middle-ground option that balances convenience and a quieter atmosphere.
⛔️ Areas to avoid when traveling in Bangkok with kids
In general, staying near the river or close to a BTS or MRT station is a safe strategy. However, some areas are less suitable for families.
Neighborhoods like Nana and Patpong are known for adult entertainment. While most of it happens indoors, the surrounding atmosphere may not be ideal for families.
Similarly, Khao San Road is a popular backpacker hub. It’s fun to visit early in the evening, but later at night it becomes crowded with partygoers.
Overall, there aren’t many party areas directly next to BTS or MRT stations.
So your best approach is simple: choose a hotel near public transport or stay along the Riverside for a quieter, family-friendly experience.
Overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok first time with kids
Riverside: Bangkok’s Riverside is often dubbed as the most family-friendly area in all of Bangkok. In my opinion, you should start looking for a hotel here. Make sure to choose a hotel that offers a tuk-tuk service that takes you to the nearest station. When you pick a hotel close to the river, try to pick one within walking distance to the nearest pier. Exploring Bangkok by boat is not only efficient, it’s pretty fun with kids to see the skyline and all its major sights.
🟢 Calm area without much nightlife.
🟢 Central location close to major sights such as Wat Arun, Chinatown, and The Grand Palce.
🟢 Huge variety of family-friendly hotels in all budget classes.
🔴 No direct access to either the MRT or BTS .
🔴 A bit difficult to reach from the airport compared to other popular areas.
Asoke: In terms of convenience, Asoke is by far the best option, thanks to its direct access to both the Sukhumvit Line and the metro. Despite being such a busy part of Bangkok, the benefit of having so many things to do nearby outweighs, in my opinion, the crowds. Just make sure not to choose a hotel toward Nana, Bangkok’s red-light district. From here, you can also easily reach popular night markets like Jodd Fairs and Ratchada by metro.
🟢 Exceptionally good access to the BTS and MRT, and thus the rest of the city.
🟢 Sukhumvit itself is a fun, modern part of Bangkok to which you have direct access to: think huge shopping malls with all sorts of entertainment options (cinema, e.g.).
🟢 Night markets are within easy reach, meaning not only fun days but also fun evenings.
🔴 Asoke is extremely chaotic and busy: it will be overwhelming for kids.
🔴 Avoid Nana and Soi Cowboy, two of Bangkok’s well-known red-light districts. They’re easy to steer clear of, though.
Siam: Shopping Walhalla of Bangkok that can actually serve as a great base for families. It’s one of the most central areas of the city and you have access to both BTS Lines. You’re also located on the border of Old Bangkok and New Bangkok, meaning that reaching the historic parts of the city is quite easy from here. It’s a very modern base that mainly caters to shopaholics, but once these malls are closed, the area becomes relatively quiet as there is no nightlife to be found.
🟢 Central area with direct access to both BTS Lines (Sukhumvit Line + Silom Line)
🟢 An abundance of modern facilities (from electronic shops for your SIM-card to beauty retailers in case your forget to bring your sunscreen).
🟢 Often overlooked: you have direct access to the pier that takes you to the older parts of Bangkok for a bargain.
🔴 It’s mainly a commercial area that doesn’t feel like the “real” Bangkok.
🔴 Siam BTS Station is the busiest station in all of Bangkok, so it will be quite chaotic when traveling with kids during rush hours.
Silom: I would say that this is the alternative option for those who prefer to stay near the river yet want direct access to both the Metro and BTS. Silom and Asoke have many similarities, but Asoke is in most cases a better option as its more developed. But with direct access to Lumpini Park and the fact that nightlife is not as wild compared to Sukhumvit, Silom is quite a good option for families. Choose to stay here if you prefer Bangkok’s Riverside but with better access to the trains.
🟢 Direct access to both the MRT and BTS (Silom-Line).
🟢 Direct access to Bangkok’s largest park: Lumphini Park.
🟢 Good location to visit Bangkok’s major sights: Chinatown, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, ICONSIAM, and the Mahanakorn Skywalk.
🔴 Less developed compared to Asoke (fewer malls, night markets, international restaurants, etc.)
🔴 Asoke’s connection to the Sukhumvit-Line instead of Silom-Line is for tourists more convenient.