Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where to Stay
NEIGHBOURHOOD FOR
AGAINST
Bangkok's most famous sights at your door; occasion-
al river views; (relatively) fresh air; old-school
Bangkok feel.
Difficult to reach; few budget op-
tions; lack of dining and drinking
venues; touts.
KO RATANAKOSIN
& THONBURI
Getting to and from the area can be
troublesome; Th Khao San can be
noisy and rowdy; budget places can
have low standards; relentless
touts.
Close to main sights; proximity to classic Bangkok
'hood; lots of good-value budget beds; fun, inter-
galactic melting-pot feel; virtually interminable dining
options; one of the city's best nightlife areas.
BANGLAMPHU
Few midrange and upscale options;
not very convenient access to rest
of Bangkok; relatively few dining
and drinking options; comatose at
night.
Good budget options; riverside village feel; fresh air;
close to a handful of visit-worthy sights.
THEWET & DUSIT
Some interesting budget and midrange options; off the
beaten track; easy access to worthwhile sights and
some of the city's best food; close to Bangkok's main
train station.
Noisy; polluted; touts; hectic; few
non-eating-related nightlife op-
tions; access to rest of Bangkok not
very convenient.
CHINATOWN
SIAM SQUARE,
PRATUNAM,
PLOENCHIT &
RATCHATHEWI
Touts; unpristine environment; rel-
ative lack of dining and entertain-
ment options in immediate area;
lacks character.
Wide spread of accommodation alternatives; mega-
convenient access to shopping (and air-conditioning);
steps away from BTS.
Some of the city's best upscale accommodation; river
boats and river views; super-convenient access to BTS
and MRT; lots of dining and nightlife options; gay-
friendly.
RIVERSIDE,
SILOM &
LUMPHINI
Can be noisy and polluted; budget
options can be pretty dire; hyper-
urban feel away from the river.
Some of the city's most sophisticated hotels; lots of
midrange options; easy access to BTS and MRT; inter-
national dining; easy access to some of the city's best
bars; home to several reputable spas and massage par-
lours.
Annoying street vendors and sexpat
vibe; noisy; hyper-touristy.
SUKHUMVIT
Transport can be inconvenient; lack
of drinking and entertainment op-
tions.
GREATER
BANGKOK
Less hectic setting; good value; depending on location,
convenient airport access.
