Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and it doesn’t take long to realise why. Bangkok is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. Marvel at the gleaming temples, catch a tuk tuk along the bustling Chinatown or take a longtail boat through floating markets. Food is another Bangkok highlight, from local dishes served at humble street stalls to haute cuisine at romantic rooftop restaurants. Luxury malls compete with a sea of boutiques and markets, where you can treat yourself without overspending. Extravagant Luxury hotels and surprisingly cheap serviced apartments welcome you with the same famed Thai hospitality. And no visit to Bangkok would be complete without a glimpse of its famous nightlife. Be it nightclubs, cabarets or exotic red-light districts, Bangkok never ceases to amaze. Not convinced yet? See our 10 Must See and Do list.
hoosing where to stay in Bangkok can make or break your holiday. It’s worth spending a couple of minutes looking at the pros and cons of each district. You can see what’s good and what’s not so good before you choose where to stay in Bangkok. Once you know which neighbourhood you prefer, it’s quite simple to choose a hotel. Most people find planning a first trip to Bangkok confusing. There are so many strange foreign words to learn and contradictory advice. Sound familiar? If you are a first time visitor or just someone curious about where to stay, here’s a quick rundown of the most famous and popular districts in Thailand’s enigmatic capital.
Sukhumvit: How to decide… This prominent 18km long road is the centre of up-to-the-minute shopping, eating and nightlife in Bangkok, and it’s fair to say Sukhumvit has something to offer all visitors. While there are touches of ‘Thai-ness’ on every corner, the many fashionable restaurants, bars, air-conditioned malls, hotels and clubs give the area a distinctly modern, cosmopolitan flavour. Plus, the elevated Skytrain (BTS) helps make exploring incredibly easy. Who is it For: – Partygoers – Shoppers – Trendy restaurant fans – People who want a bit of everything (but don’t mind a bit of distance between venues) What’s Good: – Plenty of nightlife and dining options – Wide range of hotel prices, styles and star ratings – BTS Skytrain route makes travelling easy What’s Not So Good: – Sightseeing is few and far between – Traffic is intense – The coolest venues are spread out – Things are spaced out so walking is often required
