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Bangkok has been named the most visited city in the world for the fourth consecutive year. It welcomes around 22.7 million visitors a year. It’s a great city, full of excitement and friendly people. I’ve had some good times in Bangkok over the years and have stayed in a few places. If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, here are some recommendations for where to stay.
Getting to Know Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and one of the most popular cities in the country. It isn’t hard to imagine why it is the most visited city in the world. If you are into culture and history, Bangkok has some pretty great temples and museums. Temples aren’t my favorite thing about traveling, but they are interesting. And if you are looking for a spiritual experience on your trip, then you can find it in one of Bangkok’s many temples.
Some of the highlights of Bangkok are the Wat Arun, a stunning Buddhist temple that was named after the Hindu god Aruna. Wat Pho is the oldest surviving temple in Thailand which is famous for having a reclining buddha of 46 meters and covered in gold leaf, it also has the leading massage school of Thailand (now that’s a reason to visit!).
If you enjoy outdoor activities, then you should visit the Lumpini Park. It includes an outdoor gym, aerobics sessions, and paddleboats. Anyone who enjoys learning a bit of history when they travel will enjoy the famous Jim Thompson House museum, he was an American silk entrepreneur who is responsible for the revival of Thai silk. And his house is pretty impressive.
One of the most popular activities for people visiting Bangkok is to do some shopping. And of course, I’m a huge fan of bargaining in the local markets! It’s a great way to connect with the local people, have some fun, and score some good deals. From the famous floating markets where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables as well as local food cooked on the boats, to the Roi Fai Night Market which is a vintage bazaar. Or there’s my favorite, the enormous MBK Market which is where you can find a ton of great bargains.
Getting Around Bangkok
Bangkok is a classic Asian big city – that means a lot of traffic. There are several types of public transportation options in Bangkok. If you have a tight budget the cheapest option is the bus, but it’s a little harder to navigate if you don’t speak or read Thai. However, it can be a fun adventure just to hop on and see where it goes.
Taxis are comfortable, you may have to sit in traffic and you have to insist that the drivers use a meter so you pay a fair price. If you don’t want to worry about Bangkok traffic or arguing with taxi drivers, then use the subway and Skytrain. You can also use the canal boats to get to and from Siam square or areas surrounding it, or there are the Chao Phraya river taxis too.
However, I think one of the most exciting type of transport in Bangkok are the tuk-tuks. These three-wheel open-air vehicles can be spotted all around town, especially near tourist areas. They are a lot of fun but be aware that you will have to haggle for a deal with the drivers.
Types of Places to Stay in Bangkok
Hostels in Bangkok
Hostels in Bangkok is the way to go if you want some social interaction with other travelers and are traveling on a budget. Since Bangkok is so popular, especially among backpackers, there are some quality hostels with travelers from all over the world. So you can save some money, meet some fun people and have good times. Some hostels, like on the famous Khao San Rd, are more dorm-style with big rooms with bunk beds. Some are separated by male and female, then again some are not. You can also splurge at some hostels and pay to get your own private room from time to time for more privacy.
Some hostels like those on Khao San Road are made more for partying. So it can get a bit loud and rowdy. If you don’t want that vibe, then check out other areas of town. There are plenty of hostels available in quieter areas.
Airbnb’s in Bangkok
Airbnb is a popular option if you are going to be staying in Bangkok for a longer stay, or if you want a more homey atmosphere. Actually, you can find some pretty dope spots on Airbnb. In Bangkok, you will mainly find small apartments that are fully furnished. Some might even come with some great amenities like pools and gyms, which is great if you want to feel at home. Others are shared and offer a type of “homestay” experience where you can get to know the hosts and other travelers in common areas.
Extended Stay Apartments in Bangkok
This is a great way to stay for a longer period of time in Bangkok and not spend a ton of money. You can find these through Airbnb or you may be able to find extended stay apartments in hotel searches.
Chain Hotels in Bangkok
Just as in other major tourist spots, you will find your normal chain hotels in Bangkok. Places like the Holiday Inn, Days Inn, and others. Personally, I don’t find these very desirable and would much rather stay somewhere more interesting. But if you prefer something familiar, then this is a good option.
Boutique Hotels in Bangkok
There are some beautiful boutique hotel options in Bangkok. These may cost a little bit more than a traditional chain hotel, but worth it. If you are going ball out in Bangkok, then a really cool and authentic boutique hotel might be a great way to go so you can feel like you are in Thailand.
Popular Neighborhoods in Bangkok
Khao San Rd
This is a popular place for backpackers, although it’s not for everyone. There is a lot of food and nightlife options here. Some food is cheap, but a lot of the restaurants cater to tourists and have tourist prices. Due to the high concentration of young travelers, this is the neighborhood to go dancing and enjoy the nightlife because the area is full of bars and clubs.
Historic Area (near Grand Palace)
Rattanakosin is a part of town with many of the historical attractions. In this area, you can visit the famous Grand Palace and the museum of Siam where you can get to know more about Thai history as well as Buddhism, and also the evolution of Thai TV programs. They even have a “Bangkok Cafe” from the 60s where you can sit.
MBK Area
MBK Center is a large shopping area in the heart of Bangkok. It was the largest shopping mall in Asia when it opened in 1985. It is located in the Siam area close to the Siam Center and Siam Paragon. So this whole area is really full of shopping options!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
If you are planning to do a lot of bargaining for deals while shopping in Bangkok, then you may be spending a lot of time in MBK Center and Patpong Night Market. I recommend planning out your visit and seeing what parts of town you plan to spend the most time, then searching hotels in that particular area. Bangkok is a sprawling city, so you don’t want to be too far from the fun and waste your money and time on transportation all the time.
Some of these places you can easily find through certain apps.
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Below are some recommendations for places to stay in Bangkok.
Evergreen Place Siam by UHG
It is located in Phaya Thai road. It is a 10-minute walk to the MBK Mall, it is also close to the Jim Thompson House Museum, Siam paragon mall, BTS National Stadium, and Siam discovery. It offers free aerobic classes and has an outdoor pool. There is free wifi in all the rooms and they have a balcony where you can enjoy stunning city views. The staff speaks English.
Monomer Hostel Bangkok
Located on Phaya Thai Road, it’s a convenient location to many attractions. They offer private and dormitory-style rooms with a shared kitchen. Rooms have free wifi and the staff speaks English. Prices are affordable.
Asia Hotel Bangkok
Also located on Phaya Thai road, this hotel offers spacious rooms with free wifi, a personal minibar, and a fridge as well as marble luxury bathrooms. You can enjoy the pool, get a Thai massage or work out in their fitness center. It has 4 restaurants where you can enjoy Vietnamese and international food.
Enjoy Your Visit to Bangkok
Bangkok is a memorable city to explore in Southeast Asia. You will definitely want to spend several days in this city, at a minimum, so you can have time to explore some of the ancient temples as well as shopping through the day and night markets. Bangkok is a great city, and it serves as a good hub if you are planning to continue traveling elsewhere, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea or even China.