Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
At first glance, deciding where to lay your head in Bangkok appears an insurmountable
task - there are countless hotels in virtually every corner of this sprawling city.
Making the job slightly easier is the fact that where you stay is largely determined by
your budget. Banglamphu and the tourist ghetto of Th Khao San still hold the bulk of
Bangkok's budget accommodation, although the downside is that it can be difficult to get
to other parts of town. Cheap rooms are also available around lower Th Sukhumvit, al-
though you'll have to put up with sex tourists and touts. Chinatown also has its share of
hotels in this category.
Those willing to spend a bit more can consider staying in 'downtown' Bangkok. Both
Th Sukhumvit and Th Silom have solid midrange options, typically within walking dis-
tance of the BTS or MRT. The soi opposite the National Stadium, near Siam Sq, have
some good budget/midrange options, and have the benefit of being close to the BTS.
Upper Sukhumvit is home to many of Bangkok's boutique and upscale designer hotels.
And the city's most legendary luxury hotels are largely found along the riverside near Th
Silom.
THINKING AHEAD
The rates listed in this chapter are high-season rack rates; ie the highest price a hotel will generally charge for a
room. However, there's no reason you should be paying this much, especially if you know ahead of time when
you'll be in town. Booking rooms online can lead to savings of at least 20%, and often more, at many of
Bangkok's leading hotels. This can be done directly through the hotel websites or by sites such as
Lonely Plan-
et's Hotels & Hostels
(
www.hotels.lonelyplanet.com
), which features thorough reviews from authors and travel-
ler feedback, and a booking facility.
Ko Ratanakosin, Banglamphu & Thonburi
Fortville Guesthouse
OFFLINE MAP
HOTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 0 2282 3932;
www.fortvilleguesthouse.com
;
9 Th Phra Sumen; r 790-1120B; ; Tha Phra Athit
(Banglamphu))
The rooms here are stylishly minimal, and the more expensive ones include
perks such as fridge, balcony and five hours of free wi-fi.
