Last updated on December 22nd, 2024

If you haven’t yet decided on Where to stay in Bangkok, have a look at our picks for the best areas and hotels to stay in Bangkok that suits your needs and budgets.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is the favorite travel destination of many travelers who are interested in culture, history, food, shopping, and nightlife. This travel hotspot is very affordable with a wide range of accommodation choices when finding where to stay in Bangkok. You can find a very deal as the accommodation prices are cheaper compared to others places. From full-blown luxury hotels to budget backpackers hostel, for sure you can find one that fits your needs. 

However, deciding on the perfect places to stay in Bangkok might be an overwhelming task, especially for first-timers. There are many different places to stay in the city and each of them has its own vibe. Accommodation prices do vary greatly with the season and areas. Listed below are some of the most convenient areas to stay in Bangkok, along with a detailed explanation to help you better understand where each of these areas is.

In this ultimate Bangkok accommodation guide, I will explain everything you need to know about how Bangkok is organized and which are the best areas for all types of tourists and budgets.

Where To Stay in Bangkok

Depending on what kind of vibe you’re after, here are the eight popular places to stay in Bangkok if you are visiting the city for holiday. In short, The top best places to stay in bangkok are Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, and Pratunam. Other decent places are Riverside, Chinatown, Khaosan Road, Ladpray and Ratchada.

Plan your Bangkok holiday easy – here’s where to stay in Bangkok for your trip to the city.

• Sukhumvit – The best area to stay for first-time travelers to Bangkok. It is in the center of the city and perfect area for your stay in Bangkok.
• Siam– Where to stay in Bangkok for shoppers (Best area to stay). The area is a within walking distance from some of Bangkok’s best shopping centers, bars, and restaurants.
• Silom – Business district area with entertainment, shopping, and food (Best area to stay).
• Pratunam – Another great area to stay for shopping and food.
• Riverside – Staying along the Chao Praya River for the best river view and close to the main attraction.
• Chinatown – The best and most famous area in Bangkok for street food.
• Khaosan Road – Where to stay in Bangkok on a budget with many mid-budget hotels and hostels. Great place for an epic Bangkok nightlife scene.
• Ladpray and Ratchada – Stay nearby Chatuchak and Don Mueang Airport.

Now let’s find out which are the best hotels in each of these 8 areas in Bangkok.

Already have a hotel booked? To search for the best accommodations at the best prices, I suggest checking out Booking.com or Agoda.com for the best price always.

Sukhumvit

The Sukhumvit is the best pick when looking for where to stay in Bangkok for first-timers. It is the most cosmopolitan neighborhood in central Bangkok and basically the heart and soul of the city. This area is home to all the luxury hotels, shopping malls, and plenty of international dining options such as rooftop bars, nightclubs, and bars. The famous party street, Soi 11 is also located here.

For accommodation, Sukhumvit is popular among foreigners and luxury travelers. There are many 5-star hotels with BTS and MRT run through Sukhumvit. The hotel price may at the high side. But, if you book them far in advance you could still find some good deals!

Let’s check out some of the top-rated hotels in Sukhumvit:

• Luxury: Skyview Hotel Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
• High Range: Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 and Asoke Residence Sukhumvit by UHG
• Mid-budget range: Romance Hotel Sukhumvit 97 and Grand Business Inn

Best Luxury Hotels in Sukhumvit

SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok – SHA Extra Plus – In case you’re looking for a gorgeous hotel in Bangkok, look no further! Centrally located on Sukhumvit road, this property is a well-known upscale hotel in the city. Staying in this hotel means 5-star service and impeccable views with Infiniti pools! A short walk to Phrom Phong BTS Station and a few steps from The Emporium Shopping Mall.

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Here’s another option if you want five-star hotels in Bangkok. It’s located right in the heart of the city with everything you expect from the Hyatt group. Here you can work out in the fitness center, relax in the sauna or enjoy your drink at the rooftop bar. The interior is in a modern style, perfectly clean and with very friendly staff. The location is also very convenient with easy access to Nana Skytrain station.

Best High Range Hotels in Sukhumvit

Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – SHA Extra Plus – This hotel is the ideal choice if you want to stay in the heart of Bangkok. About a 10-minute walk from Nana Skytrain Station. The whole premises of the hotel were exceptionally clean and had comfortable beds. Location on soi 11 is also good with a wide range of bars and restaurants close by. Good value for money in a central location.

Asoke Residence Sukhumvit by UHG offers modern service apartments in downtown Bangkok. It is best for travelers who landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport with the Airport Rail Link station is just within walking distance. direct line from the airport. It is well connected with various transportation options with a 10-minute walk from Asoke BTS Skytrain Station, and a 5-minute walk from Phetchaburi MRT Station. and a 4-minute walk from the riverboat shuttle at Saen Saeb Canal. Spacious room, absolutely comfortable for staying with all the necessary things.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Sukhumvit

Romance Hotel Sukhumvit 97 – This 3-star hotel awaits all the facilities you might need for a great stay in Bangkok. The rooftop pool and gym were excellent. The staff was friendly and helpful. A short walk which is about 300 meters to the nearest BTS with shuttle service provided.

Grand Business Inn is an ideal choice for anyone who looking for convenience in Bangkok. You’ll have an excellent location, right in the middle of nice restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and cafés. The hotel is just steps away from the Nana BTS Skytrain Station.

Siam

The shopaholic heaven, Siam is the best place to stay if you are coming to Bangkok for shopping. This area is surrounded by shopping centers, department stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The BTS Skytrain is connected in this area, so it is super convenient when getting around in Bangkok.

Where to stay in Bangkok – Siam:

• Luxury: Centara Grand At Centralworld
• High Range: Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
• Mid-Budget Hostel: Lub d Bangkok Siam

Best Luxury Hotels in Siam

Centara Grand At Centralworld is an awesome 5-star hotel with a stunning design that I absolutely adore! This Thailand chain hotel is located right in the heart of the city and offers a great view of Bangkok. The location is excellent it is located between two BTS stations and Chit Lom Skytrain station is just located next to the property. Easy access to other shopping centers, such as MBK, Siam Paragon, and Siam Square.

Best High Range Hotels in Siam

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is close to many shopping malls with great facilities including a large outdoor pool with a sauna room and a day spa. Getting around in Bangkok is easy with BTS Siam Paragon is located next to the property.

Best Mid-Budget Hostels in Siam

Lub d Bangkok Siam – Located next to Siam BTS station, Lub d Bangkok Siam is a great choice for budget travelers who look for a convenient stay in the central city at a reasonable price. It is an affordable boutique-style accommodation that offers clean and spacious dorms or rooms with AC for travelers. The property is next to the MBK shopping center so everything you could need is close by.

Silom

Another great place to stay in Bangkok is Silom. This Bangkok business district area is gorgeous at night as it is by day. You’ll never run out of things to do in this area. Varied Thai restaurants, night markets such as Patpong night market, and bars all night long here. Besides, Silom is also home to Lumphini Park and the infamous Patpong red-light district. BTS and MRT run through Silom so getting around should be easy.

To learn the other best places to stay in Bangkok, here is the best pick for hotels in Silom:

• Luxury: W Bangkok Hotel and lebua at State Tower
• High Range: The Quarter Silom by UHG and I Residence Hotel Silom
• Mid-Budget: Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe

Best Luxury Hotels in Silom

W Bangkok Hotel – Probably one of the best hotels to stay in when exploring Bangkok. The accommodation is superb and the service is sublime. Everything was comfortable and clean, the staff was extremely helpful and competent.  A 3-minute walk from Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain Station.

lebua at State Tower – For the ultimate in luxury and service, book a room at lebua at State Tower. The property has the in-house 2 Michelin stars restaurant and a famous Skybar in the city. It’s hard to beat the best view from the room or rooftop bar when you’re staying here. The facilities and cleanliness of the hotel are first-class, and the staff is extremely polite and courteous. Lebua is so fantastic!

Best High Range Hotels in Silom

The Quarter Silom by UHG – Located in the Silom Business District, this four-star hotel has spacious rooms equipped with a variety of modern amenities. Enjoy relaxing steam and sauna or drinks on the terrace after a long day of exploring Bangkok. Walking distance from BTS Sky Train and Metro.

iSanook Bangkok – Conveniently located in the business district, this property offers big size room and a clean bed. Located in a quiet alley in the business district with many things nearby like street foods, restaurants, a marketplace, and the massage. Suitable for travelers who look for quiet places in the city.

I Residence Hotel Silom – This stylish design hotel is ideal for families. Its contemporary and cozy rooms are outfitted with big size comfortable beds and boast a stunning infinity pool and rooftop restaurant. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, this hotel is a short walk to great food and wonderful sights. Located just next to BTS Chong Nonsi station, with car park in this hotel.

Best Mid-Budget Hostel in Silom

Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe – One of the great hostels in Silom, offers dormitory and family rooms. The hostel is close to public transport (10 mins walk to Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain Station and Silom MRT station), which allows you to get around easily. The staff was very kind and helpful. Great for budget and solo travelers.

Pratunam

Pratunam is a huge and vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district. If you’re specifically visiting Bangkok for food and shopping, Pratunam might be your best choice. What I liked about staying in this area is the many shopping areas such as MBK, Pratunam mall, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon are all located in this area. For those who have a short stopover, Pratunam is also connected with Airport Direct Rail which is superbly convenient.

Where to stay in Bangkok – Pratunam:

• Luxury: Amari Watergate Bangkok
• High Range: Baiyoke Sky Hotel and Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
• Mid-Budget: In a Box Hostel

Best Luxury Hotels in Pratunam

Amari Watergate Bangkok offers spacious and comfortable rooms if you are looking for where to stay in Bangkok comfortable. It has a great location just a few steps away from Pratunam Market and many restaurants nearby. Spend the day for city shopping, then come back to the room with Bangkok’s exciting night scene. Both Chidlom and Ratchathewi BTS stations are within a 15-minute walk.

Best High Range Hotels in Pratunam

Baiyoke Sky Hotel – Featuring panoramic views of Bangkok, Baiyoke Sky Hotel stands at 88-stories, making it Thailand’s tallest hotel. The location is superb, with a 5-minute walk to Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link Train station, and several metro stations nearby. It a just a short walk from the Racthaprasong shopping district and many eateries nearby. Ask for the rooms with views of the city’s skyline!

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam – Directly on top of the popular Platinum Fashion Mall, Novotel Bangkok Platinum offers shoppers the convenience of modern air-conditioned rooms. It has a children’s club with video games and a play area, very suitable for families with kids. A 12-minute walk to Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station.

Best Mid-Budget Hostels in Pratunam

In a Box Hostel – The location is superb and just a step away from the Phaya Thai BTS Station and Phaya Thai airport railway link. This hostel offers dormitory rooms with free Wi-Fi access in all areas. Providing shared and private rooms, this hostel is calm and clean. Perfect for one or two days’ stay with a short stopover in the city. A popular pick among budget travelers.

Riverside

On the shores of the Chao Phraya River, there are many delightful luxury hotels offering great views of the river. This area is a more upscale neighborhood with many 5-star hotels situated, so expected accommodation prices will be slightly higher. The area is slightly away from the downtown, but you’ll get closer to the major attraction sites in Bangkok such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. A great place to stay if you’re looking for a more laid-back holiday in rustic Bangkok.

If you like the Riverside area, there are a few of the top-rated hotels in the area:

• Luxury: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers and Millennium Hilton Bangkok
• Mid-High Range: Ibis Bangkok Riverside and New Siam Riverside

Best Luxury Hotels in Riverside

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers is located on the bank of Chao Phraya River, boasting 4 dining options and 2 outdoor pools. The location is superb and close to many attractions, galleries, and great restaurants. Just a couple of steps and you are right at the pier to go to Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. Free shuttle boats bring guests to Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station and Icon Siam Shopping Mall which is a great plus!

Millennium Hilton Bangkok is perfect for anyone visiting Bangkok for the first time. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this contemporary 5-star property has 4 dining options, a gym, and a world-class spa. Everything was good. Cozy and clean room with a good view of Chao Prayer river. Walking distance to IconSiam shopping mall with amazing food court.

Best Mid-High Hotels in Riverside

Ibis Bangkok Riverside – Located along the Chao Phraya River, Ibis Bangkok Riverside offers clean and comfortable rooms for your great stay in Bangkok. The location is great, there is everything you need within a few minutes’ walk. The staff is incredible – very helpful and incredibly friendly. Best value for a budget yet relaxing stay in Bangkok.

New Siam Riverside is located right on the Chaophraya with many tourist attractions within walking or short TukTuk distance. The location is perfect to take a private boat ride or grabbing a tuk-tuk to explore the city. Your stay featured a great view of the waterway, definitely worth paying the extra.

Chinatown

The lively and colorful Chinatown is another best area to stay in Bangkok if you are into food. Located here is the Yaowarat Road, one of the best and most famous areas in Bangkok for street food. Every time I am getting to Chinatown and wandering around for food and souvenirs. One of the must-do when getting to Bangkok.

Where to Stay in Bangkok Chinatown:

• High-Mid Range: Hotel Royal Bangkok Chinatown
• Budget: Luk Hostel

Best High-Mid Hotels in Bangkok Chinatown

Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown offers clean and comfortable beds for your stay in Bangkok. The location is excellent with Wat Mangkon MRT Subway Station and Hua Lamphong Train Station is located nearby. The staff here are polite, friendly, and helpful. Excellent value for money.

Best Budget Hostels in Bangkok Chinatown

Luk Hostel is excellently located in the center of Chinatown. The hostel had a unique atmosphere with a modern vibe. Facilities are impeccably clean, well designed, spacious, and so peaceful. Close to metro station and train station. Highly recommend it if you are looking for a budget stay in Yaowarat.

Khaosan Road

Khaosan Road is a popular area to stay in Bangkok among backpackers and party-goers. This area is a great place for bar hopping and partying with an epic nightlife scene. Many street foods and plenty of unique hostels also can be found here. Even if Khaosan can be loud at night, it is a practical place to be in as you will be right in the pulsating heart of Bangkok’s entertainment and food scene which runs until very late at night. The best place to stay if you want to experience the lively vibe in Bangkok.

Here are some of the best mid and budget hotels in the area:

• High Range: Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan
• Mid Range: Dang Derm Khaosan and Villa Cha-Cha Banglumphu
• Budget: Khaosan Art Hotel

Best High Range Hotel in Khaosan

Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan features unique accommodations inspired by the story of the ancient epic, Ramayana. The room is exactly what you expect with clean comfortable rooms and all the amenities. The rooftop pool has a spectacular view of Bangkok. Within walking distance of Khao San Road and Rambutri Alley, as well as the Grand Palace. All in all a great place to stay when looking for where to stay in Bangkok.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Khaosan

Dang Derm Khaosan – Conveniently located on the lively Khaosan Road, Dang Derm Hotel offers stylish rooms with a nice rooftop pool. The rooms are big, well furnished, and perfectly clean. Location with easy access to food, shopping, and massages. Tuk-tuks are available everywhere and are affordable. Good value for a budget stays in Bangkok.

Villa Cha-Cha Banglumphu – Situated in the Banglampu shopping area, the Villa Cha-Cha is a 2-minute walk from the lively Khaosan Road. The location is fantastic as you are in the bustling shopping area of Khaosan road with lots of food places, massage, music, and shopping. A simple family place that is friendly and comfortable.

Best Budget Hotel in Khaosan

Khaosan Art Hotel offers great value for the money when choosing to stay here. The property has clean and basic rooms with all the basic amenities. The location with an easy walk to Khaosan road and plenty of restaurants nearby. The staff is attentive and helpful. A popular pick for a budget stays in Khaosan.

Nearby Chatuchak

If you are looking for a place to stay nearby Chatuchak market and Don Mueang Airport, we recommend staying at Ladpray and Ratchada. These areas are slightly away from the city center but it will be fewer tourists and best to experience the local life. Choose the accommodation nearby with MRT or BTS Skytrain for easy getting around.

Here are some of the top-rated hotels nearby Chatuchak market and Don Mueang Airport:

• Luxury: Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao
• High range: The Quarter Ladprao by UHG
• Mid-Budget: MyBed Ratchada

Best Luxury Hotel nearby Chatuchak

Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao is a Thailand famous chain hotel located not too far from the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This 5-star hotel offers clean and well-furnished rooms with comfy beds. The property is connected with Centra Plaza Ladprao Shopping Complex and within walking distance of the Ha Yaek Lat Phrao BTS Skytrain Station. Close to Don Mueang Airport if you are looking to stay nearby the airport.

The Quarter Ladprao by UHG is a great hotel located nearby Chatuchak market. It is located in a non-touristy part of Bangkok where you get a real sense of life there. Besides, the property is conveniently located beside an MRT, so getting around wasn’t difficult. The price was very reasonable for the location, facilities, and design.

Best Budget Hostels nearby Chatuchak

MyBed Ratchada offers en-suite private rooms and capsule rooms for guests. The accommodation price is reasonable and good for budget travelers. The location is close to the Lad Phrao station and Mo Chit bus station, making it extremely easy to travel. The facilities are complete and the receptionist speaks very politely.

Final Tils for Where To Stay in Bangkok

Overview: Best Place to stay in Bangkok

Lastly, I hope you have a brief idea of where to stay in Bangkok. I’ve been to Bangkok several times and stayed at a few different places and hotels. The accommodation price in Bangkok is very reasonable for the excellent service and facilities. There are also lots of unique hostels in the city to choose from if you are looking for budget options.

For me, the most important factor for the hotel search in Bangkok is the transportation options and safety. Still, no matter what the places you choose, staying as near as possible to a BTS or MRT station for ease of transport arrangement is the best practice. Alternatively, you can still depend on a taxi or Grab when getting around.

Related Thailand Travel Stories:

• Bangkok Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Day Trip to Ayutthaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Traveling to Bangkok for food? Here is the best food listed to help you decide where and what to eat in Bangkok.

• Bangkok Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Bangkok
• Food Trip to Chinatown Bangkok: A Yaowarat Food Guide
• Rung Rueang: Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Noodles
• Bangkok Best Food: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Planning a beach holiday to Phuket? Get to know more before planning your trip to Phuket.

• How to Plan Your Phuket Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Phuket: Top 7 Areas on Island
• Island Hopping Tour to Koh Phi Phi: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on December 22nd, 2024

Are you planning your Bangkok trip and excited to find out about the must-visit places to visit in this amazing city? Here is the Bangkok travel guide blog that covers the things to do for your 3 to 5 days of Bangkok itinerary!

Bangkok is a traveler’s paradise and it has so much to offer! This capital city of Thailand is the richest destination in the country, and one of the most visited places in the world. The city is surrounded by many great attractions – from beautiful temples, mouth-watering Thai food, shopping destination, nightlife, and more. There are so many reasons that will prove that indeed Bangkok is a must-visit city!

Visiting Bangkok, you will be astounded by the amazing natural landscape, unique culture, friendly locals, and a countless number of great attractions around the city. You will get to feel the city’s vibe and atmosphere. No matter how many times you’ve been, you’ll never get bored and there is always something new and exciting to see, do, and eat in Bangkok. You may want to spend a few days exploring everything the city offers.

If you are also visiting Bangkok during your trip to Thailand, check out my suggested Bangkok itinerary here.

Over the years, we’ve visited Bangkok so many times for leisure holidays, short gateways, shopping trips, or business trips. Still, I always enjoy coming here for the delicious Thai food, unbeatable value, and fascinating things to see in the city. Bangkok can be overwhelming if you’re visiting Thailand for the first time. But, rest assured. We compiled this comprehensive Bangkok travel guide with in-depth travel information and tips. Make the most out of your trip with this detailed Bangkok itinerary with things to see and do as well as suggested tours.

This Bangkok travel guide blog is compressive and long. Free feel to check out the quick links to transportation, hotels, tours, and other services.

Bangkok Travel Tips

In Bangkok, you’ll easily find yourself being lost in a myriad of things to do and see. There is a wide range of hotels, restaurants, eateries, local markets, and tons of cultural experiences awaiting you to discover. So it is always helpful to have a clear idea of what the city is offering before your trip. You’ll learn about all the useful travel information and money-saving tips to ensure you don’t miss out on any great attractions.

Do you like cultural attractions? The stunning temples and the interesting and varied sights can easily spend your time in Bangkok. The Grand Royal Palace and Wat Pho is the must-visit attraction in Bangkok for first-time travelers.

Are you a shopaholic? Bangkok is a shopping paradise with plenty of shopping malls and markets to keep you busy. The Chatuchak Market is the world’s biggest shopping market with 15,000 stalls!

For food lovers, Bangkok is a haven for foodies. Plenty of street food stalls and nice restaurants selling good inexpensive Thai food. You’ll never have an empty tummy during your trip to Bangkok.

In short, Bangkok has something for everyone. It’s an exciting, affordable city that’s much more than your gateway into Thailand. For many travelers, it’s the destination.

Here is a brief idea of how many days you can plan on your Bangkok itinerary:

Best Time To Visit Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand is a tropical climate country and the weather is hot and humid all year long. The best time to travel to Bangkok is from November to February as this is the coolest month of the year and the weather is more comfortable. These few months are also the peak season to visit Bangkok and accommodation prices will also increase.

Between March and May is the hottest season and the city’s temperature may reach 26 – 30 Celsius degrees. The serious heat may also cause stormy evening rain in the city. While July to November is the rainy season in Bangkok. So expect rain on most of the days.

Traveling to Bangkok

For international travelers, Bangkok is serviced by two main airports which are Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) if you’re taking a flight into Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main primary airport that services most international flights. Public transport is more convenient compared with Don Mueang Airport. You can get into the city with the below options:

• By train: The Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai Station with around THB 45. You can transfer to the nearest BTS line and get into your hotel.
• By Bus: Frequent buses depart from 6:00 to 18:00 to Khaosan Road every 30 minutes. The departure point is at Gate 7 on the first floor of the passenger terminal with a bus fare of about THB 60.
• By Taxi or Grab: The fare is about 400 THB to the city center, depending on the distance. Make sure to ask for a meter taxi. Alternatively, the e-hailing Grab is also pretty convenient with the app.
• By Private Airport Transport: From Suvarnabhumi International Airport to/from any popular destinations in the city for single or group of people. Pre-book from Klook with the best price.

While Don Mueang International Airport mostly serves the budget airlines within South East Asia. It is closer to the city but there is no link to the BTS or MRT train station. You’ll need to get to the nearest Mo Chit Station if you want to transfer by train or bus. Alternatively, you’ll need to look for a taxi, Grab, or Don Mueang Private Airport Transfer to the city.

dtac HAPPY TOURIST 4G/5G SIM Card for Thailand

Bangkok Travel Guide: Have the Grab app ready on your smartphone prior to your Bangkok trip. You’ll need the get the wifi connection to pinpoint your pick-up and drop-off locations when using it. Remember to grab your wifi sim card ready at the airport.

Getting Around in Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling city and it’s very crucial to understand the best ways to get around the city. The traffic in Bangkok is hectic with horrible jams. So it is always advised to figure out the best transport options to avoid the rush hour in Bangkok. Take note that the subway system does not fully cover the travel attraction in Bangkok. So you’ll still need to figure out how to get around in the city when traveling around.

By BTS Skytrain or MRT – Getting around by trains is still considered convenient to the main attractions in the city. Most of the time, we used this option together with the taxi, or Grab when getting around in the city.

By Taxi and e-hailing service: Again, we highly recommended to use Grab when traveling around to avoid tourist scams with estimated prices listed in App. But on some occasions, you will still need to look for a taxi to get there. Please ask for a meter taxi or check with the estimated price to get to the location.

Bangkok Travel Guide: We advise you to write the address down and show it to the driver when communicating with the driver when getting around in the city.

Where To Stay in Bangkok

As a world popular travel destination, there are lots of accommodation options for you to choose from while in Bangkok. You can choose to stay at the budget-friendly guest houses or hostels that provide clean enough accommodation for less than $15 per night. If you visit the city with friends, then there are many mid-range hotels at cheaper prices compared to other cities.

For quick and easy, here are the popular areas with hotel recommendations to stay in Bangkok:

• Sukhumvit and Silom – A modern and cosmopolitan area to stay in Bangkok.
• Siam and Pratunam – Easy access for shipping and getting around in the city.
• Riverside – Stay along the riverside for a great view of the river and nearby Bangkok’s attractions.
• Khaosan – Lively neighborhood with a great introduction to the Bangkok vibe. You’ll find endless bars, shops, restaurants, and street food vendors for whole days.
• Chinatown Bangkok – Stay for food in one of the oldest areas of Bangkok. Many budget hostels and boutique hotels in this area.

We highly recommended the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers. It is a great luxury hotel situated along the Chao Praya River. The rooms are super comfortable with fantastic views overlooking the river for your Bangkok gateway.

The Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is close to many shopping malls with great facilities. Getting around in Bangkok is easy with BTS Siam Paragon is located next to the property. A great pick for shoppers in Bangkok.

For budget travelers, In a Box Hostel is a popular pick for a short stopover in the city. The location is superb and just a step away from the Phaya Thai BTS Station and Phaya Thai airport railway link.

Lastly, be sure to check out our Bangkok accommodation as we wrote an in-depth guide about where to stay in Bangkok.

Planning for Bangkok Itinerary

There are so many things to do in Bangkok that it is hard to decide where to begin. Below is our recommended itinerary for 3 to 5 days in Bangkok which includes what we think are the top things to do in Bangkok for first-time travelers.

How To Plan for Bangkok Itinerary for 3 to 5 Days:

• Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown (Yaowarat)
• Day 2: Amphawa Floating Market, Maeklong Railway Market, Drink at Rooftop Bar
• Day 3: Shopping Day! Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon, and more.
• Day 4 – 5: Ayutthaya Day Tour, or short trip to Khao Yai, Hua Hin, or Pattaya.

Bangkok Travel Guide Tip: This Bangkok itinerary is flexible and can easily be adjusted, extended, or shortened depending on your interest and travel date. The Chatuchak Market is only available on weekends. Make sure to include it if you’re visiting Bangkok at weekend.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 1

On your first day, start your Bangkok itinerary at the city’s most iconic historical attraction at Chao Praya River. This area is a great place to start your activities as almost all the iconic historical sites and tourist attractions are located here. You may also consider making your way to the Chao Phraya river on either a tourist boat or the local boat to experience this unique culture.

Get the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat

We recommended planning your morning and afternoon time for temples and historical sites visit. Have some rest and then only proceed to Bangkok Chinatown for food and shopping.

Day 1 Bangkok itinerary:

• Morning: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
• Noon: Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha. Wat Arun
• Evening: Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Tour recommended: The Grand Palace and temples like the Wat Pho, and Wat Arun are the most visited places in Bangkok. You would probably prefer to join the “Full-Day Classic Bangkok Tour” tour that will take you to those most visited places in Bangkok hassle-free!

Friendly reminder, please dress appropriately for the day as you are visiting the Palace and temples. Make sure to have your shoulders and knees covered when you go there. Avoid spaghetti straps, leggings, and tight jeans, especially at Grand Palace. If you are not prepared, the Grand Palace does offer sarung to cover up.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is definitely one of the first places to see in Bangkok! The Grand Palace opens at 8:30. We recommended getting there early to beat the crowd and also escape from the afternoon heat!

Located right in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is the home of King Siam since 1782. You can visit the building complex to understand how the Thai Royal Family lived their lives here. You’ll find many gold shining buildings inside the premise. All the golden statues and jeweled mosaics are simply breathtaking!

One of the highlights is the Wat Phra Kaew, which is also called “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha”. The 66cm Jade Buddha in gold clothing is highly sacred, only the King and no one else is allowed to touch it. Photos are strictly not allowed.

You can explore the Grand Palace on your own, but if you’d like to learn more about its history, then you may be interested in booking a guided tour with Klook or Viator (Tripadvisor).

Grand Palace, Bangkok

• Operating Hours: Daily from 8:30 to 15:30
• Admission Fee: 500 Baht
• Estimated time of visit: 2-3 hours

How To Get to Grand Palace Bangkok: Take the BTS (Skytrain) to Saphan Taksin (S6) station. From there, go to Sathorn Pier and take the Chao Phraya River Express or the local water taxi to Tha Chang pier. The orange flag boat costs 15 Baht and the Blue flag boat (faster) cost 40 Baht. Alternatively, a taxi, tuk-tuk, or Grab will get you to the Grand Palace.

Bangkok Travel Tips: Beware of scams when you are looking for the entrance of Grand Palace as those Tuk-tuk drivers will bring you to those small temples for a small fee. Just ignore them and walk to the entrance.

Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

The “Wat” in Thai is the temple. Just 10 minutes’ walking distance to the south of the Grand Palace, is Wat Pho.  It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is home to the impressive 46m long and 15m tall gold-plated reclining Buddha and gets closer to this world-famous Buddha statue.

In Wat Pho, make sure to check out Phra Ubosot, considered to be the most sacred prayer room with its amazing architecture. You can also walk around and get lost between hundreds of Buddha statues. Definitely one of the places that you must see in Bangkok!

Wat Pho, Bangkok

• Operating Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 18:30
• Admission Fee: 100 Baht
• Estimated time of visit: 1-2 hours

How To Get to Wat Pho: 10 minutes on foot from Grand Palace to Wat Pho. Alternatively, take the water taxi to Tha Tien Pier (No#8).

Lunch at Chao Praya River

After visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, it’s time to sit down for some Thai food lunch. There are many Thai restaurants along the Chao Praya river bank which offer a nice view. You can grab your lunch at one of the restaurants, or just simply walk-in into the small cafe in the area.

Wat Arun

Next on the Bangkok itinerary is visiting the Wat Arun Temple.

Known as Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is featured with an 82-meter-high cortical-shaped tower decorated with ceramic tiles and colorful porcelains. It is one of the most beautiful structures in Bangkok and extremely photogenic, especially during sunset.

We recommend climbing to the top of the pagoda for a gorgeous view over the river!

Wat Arun, Bangkok

• Admission Fee: 100 Baht
• Estimated time of visit: 1-2 hours

How To Get to Wat Arun: Take the ferry to cross the river from Wat Pho to Wat Arun at 3 Baht.

Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Keep the Chinatown for the last things to do of the day.

Bangkok Chinatown or Yaowarat Road is the best place to visit after the temple visit. Thanks to the mix of Chinese and Thai cultures, there are plenty of street food vendors if you want to indulge in delicious Thai Chinese food at cheap prices. Enjoy a stroll down the Chinatown to get a glimpse at how the city’s Chinese community lives in Thailand. The areas are open all day but lively at night. We came here for the mouthwatering food!

Have your dinner at Yaowarat! At night, there are many locals and travelers who can be seen along the streets enjoying the food. We loved the fresh seafood and have a food feast during our visit to Yaowarat. You can also buy the souvenir at Yaowarat Road as the price is cheaper compared to other places in Bangkok.

If you need some food recommendations, check out the Food Trip to Chinatown Bangkok: A Yaowarat Food Guide. Take note that most of the food stalls will be closed on Monday.

Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat)

• Admission Fee: Free!
• Estimated time of visit: 2-3 hours

How to Get to Yaowarat: From Wat Arun, you can get to Yaowarat by tuk-tuk or Chao Phraya River Express boat. Just get off at Ratchawong Pier (No#5) and from there you can quickly get to the famous Yaowarat Road. If you are visiting Yaowarat from other places, we recommend just taking the grab or taxi to get to Yaowarat. Besides, with the recent opening of Wat Mangkon MRT station, getting to Chinatown is so much easier. The Wat Mangkon Station shortens the walking distance by roughly only 4 mins walk.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 2

On your second day, we recommend visiting a floating market and railway market to soak into the local life. The markets are located slightly outside of the city. So please include the traveling time from your hotel to the destinations. Next, back to the city center by visiting some malls or have a good relaxing spa massage, and end your day with a cocktail in one of the rooftop sky bars in Bangkok.

There are three unique Thai markets that can be put onto your Bangkok itinerary. For hassle-free, you can consider going for Bangkok Floating Markets Tour which includes the famous Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Railway, and Amphawa Markets. However, if you are planning for self-DIY for Bangkok Floating Markets Tour, we recommend just choosing two markets due to time-limited and transport arrangements.

Bangkok Floating Markets Tour: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Railway, and Amphawa Markets

Bangkok Travel Guide Tips: If you prefer a day tour with transport arrangements to the floating markets and the Railway Market, here is a good one.

Amphawa Floating Market

The floating market is an authentic market for locals with people selling goods on boats. It is very popular in Thailand and worth visiting although most floating markets are located outskirts of the city. 

There are two popular floating markets close to Bangkok and can be planned on your Bangkok itinerary. Compared to the famous Damnoen Saduak, we recommended Amphawa Floating Market as it’s the local’s favorite and more authentic.

The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular weekend and day-trip destination. The market is a fun place to shop and enjoy local Thai food while experiencing the unique local culture. It is interesting to see people bargain on the boat. Alternatively, you can also experience it by taking a longtail boat ride to explore the surrounding canals and rivers.

Amphawa Floating Market

• Admission Fee: Free!
• Estimated time of visit: 2-3 hours
• Travel Tips: Have your breakfast or lunch at Amphawa!

How to Get to Amphawa Floating Market: The easiest way is by minibus from the Victory Monument all the way straight to the doorstep of Amphawa Floating Market. Fare is around 100-150 baht one way. Remember to pre-book your returning time from the driver.

Maeklong Railway Market

One of the most unusual markets I’ve seen so far. The Maeklong Market was built on a railroad, and you’ll see the vendors selling the local produces during normal hours. However, all the vendors will be picking up their stalls to make way while the train passes through the market. These activities are repeated that still work today!

To witness this, be sure to check the train schedule so that you don’t miss it. You can consider visiting the Maeklong Market with an Organized Market Tour together with all the unique markets in Bangkok.

Maeklong Railway Market

• Admission Fee: Free!
• Estimated time of visit: 1-2 hours
• Travel Tips: Be sure to check the train schedule so that you don’t miss the train show.

How to get to Maeklong Railway Market: Take a shared passenger truck (Songthaew) from Amphora Floating Market to Maeklong train market. The fare was around 8-10 baht.

Drink at Rooftop Bar

In the late evening, proceed to one of the city’s rooftop bars for excellent views of the skyline.

Thanks to Bangkok’sdense skyline, Rooftop bar drinking is one of the popular things to do in Bangkok. Travelers can admire the best bird-eye view of the city while sipping on a delicious drink. Share a romantic dinner with a gorgeous view of Bangkok and dine at the rooftop bar.

Here are several known best sky bars in Bangkok for you to hang out in your Bangkok itinerary:

• Sirocco at Lebua State Tower is a very famous Skybar in Bangkok that serves wine, cocktails, and Mediterranean dishes
• Vertigo is located on the 61st floor, atop the Banyan Tree Hotel.
• Sky on 20 which is located right above the Novotel hotel in Sukhumvit, serves delicious cocktails and bubble drinks.
• Moon Bar for a great view of the city in a chill environment.
• Rooftop Bar at Baiyoke Sky Hotel for buffet dinner. You make the reservation for dinner Buffet at 81st Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

Time to treat yourself to a drink and city best view!

Bangkok Itinerary Day 3

Shop till you drop at Bangkok! On your day 3 is a shopping itinerary that helps you go through some of the best shopping places in Bangkok. Shoppers will find 24 hours are not enough for shopping.

Chatuchak Market

Brace yourself in the biggest market in the world. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is so huge covering more than 1km with 15,000 stalls. divided into different sessions for the indoor and outdoor. The market has been in Bangkok for decades and still growing.

Here you’ll find almost everything in the market such as clothes, household products, souvenirs, artworks, and even furniture to bring home.

If you get hungry while shopping, there are many food stalls and markets where you can grab some popular Thai food. Coconut ice cream is the must-eat snack food in Chatuchak market to beat the infamous heat in Bangkok. Thai massage with air conditioning is also get be getting there if you want to have some rest while shopping.

Most of the time, we spend more than 6 to 7 hours walking in the market for non-stop eating and shopping. Plan your estimated allocation time here, or else you would be able to get out from the Chatuchak market. Everything is so freaking cheap. A day is not enough to cover the whole market!

As its name suggests, Chatuchak is only open on weekends. The Chatuchak weekend market is open from 9:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and from 18:00 to 24:00 on Fridays. We recommended visiting early in the morning as it can be very hot during the afternoon. Besides, the market is extremely crowded. It’s best to keep your belonging under close watch.

Chatuchak Market

• Admission Fee: Free!
• Estimated time of visit: At least 6 hours!

How to get to Chatuchak Market: Take the SkyTrain to Mo shit BTS station.

Shopping Mall and Market

If you’re not visiting Bangkok during the weekend, there are still many shopping malls and markets in Bangkok. Bangkok has some of the largest malls in the world for your shopping trip. Some malls even with nice interesting interiors that are worth going on a shopping adventure even if you’re not a shopper.

The big 4 shopping centers are located in the area and can easily spend hours and hours exploring. Here is a brief introduction to how to do your shopping in Bangkok:

• Siam Paragon – One of the high-end shopping malls in Bangkok, with all the luxury brands that you can think of.
• Central World Plaza – One of the largest malls in the world. Their festival decoration always catches visitors’ attention and comes here for visit.
• MBK Shopping Center – Probably the most popular mall for tourists. with good bargains for goods.
• Siam Discovery – A cool modern mall with top brands and designer stuff. Bangkok’s Madame Tussauds is located on the 6th floor,
• Platinum Mall and Pratunam market – Slightly away from the popular areas. But you can still use Tuk-tuk or grab to get there. Ladies’ paradise for clothes, shoes, bags, and more. A wholesale market. Here you’ll find the cheapest goods in Bangkok.

Bangkok Travel Guide Tips: Tired from all the walking? You can try a foot massage – there are cheap parlors everywhere in the city and the prices are around 250 Baht (8 US$) for one hour of a foot massage!

How to get there: Just take the Skytrain to Siam Station or Chit Lom Station and start your shopping sphere.

Erawan Siam

Located in the middle of Bangkok, Erawan Shrine is a very popular sport in the city among locals and tourists, and sometimes even more popular than some temples. Locals will stop by Erawan Shrine for prayer during their work or even during lunch break.

The Erawan Shrine is a shrine to the Hindu god Brahma, known to Thais as Phra Phrom. Throughout the day you’ll find worshippers offering flowers, incense sticks, and fruit to the Hindu god of creation. You may have the chance to see the Traditional Thai dance performances by the dancers hired by worshippers.

Erawan Shrine

• Admission Fee: Free!
• Estimated time of visit: 15 minutes

How to get to Erawan Shrine: If you’re shopping in the city, the Erawan Shrine is easy to reach via the Skywalk from Central World. A quick stop for a visit while making your way for shopping. Alternatively, the closest metro station is Chit Lom if you are purposely coming for the shrine.

Relaxing with Thai Massage

One of the things not to miss in Bangkok is to enjoy an authentic Thai massage. After a whole day of shopping and perspiring under the sun in the tourist spots in Bangkok, the best way to end the day is with a Thai or foot massage.

There are Thai massage parlors everywhere. For the best spa and massage experience in Bangkok, here are a few recommendations that you can consider:

• Let’s Relax Onsen is the best place for relaxing and indulging at a multi-awarded spa. Klook offers easy redemption for their Onsen experience in Bangkok. You can also include Thai massage in your visit.
• One More Thai Massage and Spa is another great option to Pamper yourself after a day of traveling around Bangkok. Conveniently located 1 minute away from Chit Lom BTS Station on foot.
• Alternatively, you can find many shops for spas or massages in the city, including back-alleys, and shopping malls for relaxation and recharge.

Short Trip from Bangkok

Obviously, if you have more time to spend, then you can’t go wrong with taking advantage of it. If you’re looking for short day trips from Bangkok, there are a few popular short trips that you can plan in your Bangkok Itinerary.

Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok – The historical city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. This tour will bring you to many attractions that are hard to reach outside of Bangkok. It includes a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Chaiwatthanarm, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and Market Visit. Each attraction has its own unique characteristics that you can enjoy. One of the popular day trip from Bangkok.

READ MORE: Day Trip to Ayutthaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Explore Khao Yai National Park and beyond – During our trip, you can appreciate this UNESCO-recognized site’s flora and fauna when you visit Farm Chokchai, Jim Thompson Farm, and more. Khao Yai is hard to access by public transport unless self- driving. Alternatively, you can customize your Khao Yat with Private Car Charter for 1, 2, or even 5 days.

Hua Hin is a perfect place to spend with family and friends. The place is the perfect mix of city and sand as you discover the district’s lively markets, natural landscapes, and a wide range of activities and experiences for you to try. You can customize your trip to visit the Vana Nava Waterpark, Kao San Roi Yot National Park, Swiss Sheep Farm, and mora ith customized tour from Klook. Check the Hua Hin Private Car Charter Custom Tour here.

Pattaya – For beach and sea, you can also include the popular Pattaya in your Bangkok itinerary. This is a popular destination for beach and nightlife from Bangkok. You have been visiting Pattaya and feel free to check out our Pattaya itinerary.

More Things To Do in Bangkok

In case you are wondering what to see in Bangkok if you have more time on hand, no worries – I got you covered! Here are some bonus best places to visit in Bangkok and things to do in this amazing city, sorted by the type of activity:

Safari World Bangkok – Kids always love visiting Zoo! For travelers with family and kids, the Safari World Bangkok is highly recommended. The Safari World consists of two parks and you can choose to visit either Safari Park, an open zoo, and Marine Park, or both parks in one day. Inside, visitors can have a close encounter with the animals and it is a truly amazing experience. You can also join a lot of activities and spectacular performances throughout the day such as the Dolphin Show, and the Spy and Elephant show at Marine Park. A great place for the family to spend a whole day activity.

Get discounted prices for Safari World Bangkok from Klook with easy redemption at the counter.

Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium – Have an encounter with over 400 marine species and 30,000 sea creatures during your visit to the Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium (formerly known as Siam Ocean World). Make sure to have enough time for the visit as there is so much marine life to watch and pay attention to the animal feeding time.

Klook offers a lower price with Skip-the-Line Ticket to access Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium.

Sompong Thai Cooking Class – Thai food is some of the best food in the world. If you are keen on how to make your own Thai food, you can join the cooking classes to learn about the Thai cooking style. You’ll get a great experience with the Sompong Thai cooking class with ingredients that are well prepared and ready for you. There are morning and afternoon classes for your option. Click here to check for the Sompong Thai Cooking Class.

Bangkok Arts and Thailand Cultural Centre – A great location for those interested in seeing contemporary art exhibits or cultural events. If you are wanting to add some cultural experiences to your Bangkok trip planner, this is a good place to start.

More Bangkok Travel Tips

Plenty of things to do in Bangkok and most of them required a lot of walking. Just be sure to wear your comfiest shoes and be prepared to walk under the heat! It can be daunting to enter this bustling city without a plan. It is best to have a brief idea of what to do for your days and attractions nearby the area so you can make the most of your day.

Stay connected by unlimited data with pocket devices or a wifi Sim card once touch down at Bangkok airport. The personnel will help you exchange it for your phone if you purchase it at the airport. It is very simple and very cheap. Get dtac HAPPY TOURIST 4G/5G SIM Card in Bangkok airport.

Always make sure to have an agreement for prices when riding tuk-tuk. Some drives drivers will often inflate the price for visitors when riding tuk-tuks. If you’re taking a taxi, be sure to ask for a meter taxi. Alternatively, e-hailing is getting common in Bangkok, especially Grab. Just download the app and call a ride on-demand, with a price displayed with Grab car in Bangkok. It is cheaper and safe.

Plenty of things to do can be planned for your Bangkok itinerary. If you are lazy and looking for hassle-free arrangements, you’ll still able to see and experience the best of Bangkok with a Full-Day Classic Bangkok Tour! This tour will give you the classic Thailand vibe that every tourist deserves.

As a popular travel destination, there are many tourist scams in the city that offers various types of tours and services in town. Most of the time, this kind of tour will include some hidden charges and fees that you might not be aware of. In Bangkok, I suggest going through Klook (Reputation Travel Agency in Asia) or Viator (Tripadvisor company) as they are reputable companies with reliable customer service for many years.

Sometimes, there will be a friendly local approach to tourists and bring you to some attractions in Bangkok for free. Most of the time, they’ll try to get you to a gem shop or tailor as they will get a small amount of commission by bringing the visitor and purchasing the product from there. Just be aware!

Overview: A Trip To Bangkok

All in all, Bangkok is a truly vivid and unique city in the world. The city has so much to offer that any traveler will find something to do for the short gateway or long holiday. With the mouthwatering Thai food, cultural attractions, lively markets and shopping malls, beauty natural, and smiling locals, Bangkok has it all. I am sure you will have a great time on your Bangkok trip and 3 days in Bangkok is a great introduction to this amazing city.

One thing to keep in mind no matter how long you have to dedicate to your Bangkok travel itinerary is that it is always new places and things to do to discover, and impossible to see absolutely everything in a single trip. So make sure to prioritize what you want to visit and I’m sure you’ll still come back for your next visit!

Thank you for reading this Bangkok travel guide blog. Did you enjoy this Bangkok itinerary? We have more useful information as well as some bonus travel tips in below Bangkok travel blog for your holiday.

• Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels
• Day Trip to Ayutthaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Traveling to Bangkok for food? Here is the best food listed to help you decide where and what to eat in Bangkok.

• Bangkok Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Bangkok
• Food Trip to Chinatown Bangkok: A Yaowarat Food Guide
• Rung Rueang: Bangkok Michelin Bib Gourmand Pork Noodles
• Bangkok Best Food: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Planning a beach holiday to Phuket? Get to know more before planning your trip to Phuket.

• How to Plan Your Phuket Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Phuket: Top 7 Areas on Island
• Island Hopping Tour to Koh Phi Phi: A Travel Guide Blog