We list the best hotels in Bangkok as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with guest reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Bangkok: Hotel Riva Arun
Best boutique hotel in Bangkok: Cabochon Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Best hostel in Bangkok: Hostel Lub D Siam
Best eco-friendly hotel in Bangkok: Old Capital Bike Inn
“More than 100 years old, the Mandrin Oriental’s Author’s Wing retains its magical aura with its picturesque parlors, each named for a scribe they once hosted, including the likes of Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad and Ernest Hemingway.”
“Those who wish to experience Bangkok in regal splendour should try The Sukhothai Bangkok, which has old-world charm, an excellent choice of restaurants and a great location.”
Featured in The Telegraph’s 36 Hours in Bangkok.
“The Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok feels just right among sky trains, high rises and gigantic malls – smart, very cosmopolitan, but informal. It also has a superb downtown location near some of the city’s best shops and restaurants.”
Featured in The Telegraph’s 36 Hours in Bangkok.
“There are a handful of super luxurious hotels in Bangkok, and the Peninsula should be considered one of the finest of the group. Situated on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, the hotel defines quality with spacious river-view rooms, incredible drinking and dining options, and a world-class spa.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Bangkok.
“The Siam, opened in 2013, is something very special, and though the rates are astronomical, the place is already the talk of the town. With just 38 suites and pool villas, the smallest of which is 860 square feet, it offers the height of luxury.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Bangkok.
“The place is crammed with curios, ranging from the intriguing (retro typewriters) to the downright kooky (cheetah skulls). It’s got character to burn, not to mention a rooftop pool, a restaurant serving Isaan and Lao cuisine, and prime location just off of Sukhumvit Road.”
“The stylish W concept remains intact at this 407-room hotel (“chili-hot nightlife” is advertised) located on Bangkok’s Embassy Row near a vibrant commercial district.”
“The hotel’s personality is spelled out by the stores in the mall it’s connected to—all upscale, all chic. Park Hyatt Bangkok offers top-notch luxury in a prime spot connected to the exclusive Central Embassy mall and Ploen Chit BTS station.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List
“With floor-to-ceiling windows in its 25 rooms and a lively rooftop restaurant with river views, the new Riva Arun makes for a great spot to soak in the scenery.”
“With an ideal central location, every amenity imaginable, and an attention to service that’s above and beyond, the hotel is the perfect spot for the discerning high-end traveler.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Bangkok.
“Lub D proves that being on a budget doesn’t have to mean losing out on style or location. There are two Lub D “hostels” in Bangkok, both rocking an industrial chic design. The original is on Decho Road, off Silom. The newer Siam location is opposite National Stadium, close to the BTS SkyTrain and a short walk to Siam Square and the malls of Rajaprasong.”
“Villa Bangkok Hotel, formerly Villa Phra Sumen, is a great budget choice with modern rooms edging the Rop Krung canal in the heart of the historic Phra Nakhon district.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Bangkok.
“Created to connect people through cooking, the well-run Hom Hostel sits incongruously on the edge of one of Bangkok’s nightlife areas. But with clean dorms, simple rooms, a huge kitchen, a rooftop garden and cooking demos and classes, it’s a great option for travellers curious about Thai cuisine.”
“The Yard Hostel is an attractive and funky collection of container dorms and rooms located in one of the backstreets of Ari, a hip residential quarter near the famous Chatuchak weekend market. The garden and common areas make this hostel a great place to socialise for solo travellers.”
“A 1920s building with 12 dormitories and nine private rooms — splurge at the adjoining 80/20. Decorated in an industrial style, the gallery-restaurant serves daring, playful and delectable neo-Thai concoctions.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Bangkok.
“The smart, quiet Luxx XL is in the upmarket Lang Suan area near the British Embassy, with large, simple rooms.”
Featured in The Telegraph’s 36 Hours in Bangkok.
“Signs of this riverside boutique’s previous existence as a coconut sugar factory are everywhere, from the original storage tins in the walls to the oversized wheels of jaggery that serve as tables in the restaurant.”
“Mode Sathorn has 201 rooms and suites in five categories, each featuring a different design concept, plus a presidential suite on the 36th floor. F&B offerings come in the form of three restaurants and three bars.”
“The Galleria 10 is a 188-room, chrome-and-glass hotel with modern furnishings. It’s geared toward “always-on-the-go” business travelers, with high-speed Internet access included in the room rate.”
“Opened in late 2017, the 231-room Lancaster Bangkok is a spacious and luxurious newcomer with a gym, spa, restaurant, rooftop pool and multiple bars.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Bangkok.
Recommended by:
CNN, Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Travel+Leisure, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph, The Guardian, CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
The Guardian, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
The Guardian, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, CNN
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
The Guardian
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
New York Times
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand that is renowned for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. The city has some world famous landmarks such as Wat Phra Kaew Temple, Grand Palace, Rattanakosin royal district, and Chao Phraya River.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Bangkok are:
Ari
Ari is a neighborhood in the capital city that has a wide range of luxurious, fine-dining restaurants as well as streetside eateries co-existing and thriving side-by-side. The neighborhood has a wide range of coffee shops to choose from.
Banglamphu
Banglamphu is among the main neighborhoods in the city that is lined with numerous hippie markets, street food options, live music, and much more. The neighborhood is home to one of the most notorious streets named Khao San Road. The area also is home to religious sites Wat Suthat and Wat Saket.
Bangrak
Bangrak is a neighborhood that is famous both for its food and nightlife. From fine-dining restaurants to bakeries, a majority of eateries are situated right next to BTS Skytrain Station Sala Daeng. The neighborhood is also home to nightclubs and discotheques.
Ekkamai
Ekkamai is a neighborhood that has one of the busiest bus terminals in Bangkok and is a great option for visitors on move. The neighborhood has swanky coffee shops, shopping malls, and art centers where travelers can pass their time and experience the local way of life.
Thonglor
Thonglor is a neighborhood that serves as a center of connection to the other neighborhoods in the city. The neighborhood is home to several nightclubs, gaming bars, eateries, cafes, as well as landmark tourist spots such as Benjasiri Park.
Also check our guide about the best areas to stay in Bangkok.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Bangkok, then try Hotel Riva Arun. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Bangkok.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Bangkok, then go for Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Bangkok, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Bangkok, then you should check out Hostel Lub D Siam. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of best hostels in Bangkok.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Bangkok, you should check out Cabochon Hotel. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Bangkok, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a Bangkok hotel that offers great breakfast then try the Hotel Park Hyatt or The Sukhothai Hotel. Inn A Day Hotel offers an excellent Thai breakfast if you want to try that.
Looking for a great view while having your dinner or drinking a pint? Siam@Siam Design Hotel has a great rooftop bar, while the Cabochon Hotel & Residence offers an excellent rooftop swimming pool and Hotel Riva Arun offers a fabulous rooftop restaurant. It's not a hotel but the Sky Bar offers probably the best views of Bangkok.
You can get some of the best views of Bangkok from Inn A Day Hotel and Hotel Mode Sathorn. It's not a hotel but the Sky Bar offers probably the best views of Bangkok.
Hotels are relatively cheap in Bangkok compared to other major cities in the world. For a 3-star hotel in Bangkok you'll pay around $45 per night. A 4-star Bangkok hotel will cost you approximately $85 a night and a luxury 5-star hotel will cost around $165 per night.
Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk. This award-winning night tour by tuk-tuk provides a great introduction to Bangkok for first-time visitors, but it also showcases a side of the city that most repeat visitors haven't seen. Price: $74.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour. Enjoy the unique experience to reach the iconic Maeklong Railway Market (umbrella pulldown market) by taking a local train. Then, visit Damnoen Saduak, the most famous floating market in Thailand filled with colorful boat vendors to explore. Price: $31.
6-Hour Best of Bangkok City Tour including Lunch. See the top sights in Bangkok with a professional guide who shares key details about each place you visit along with the history of Thailand’s capital city. Price: $96.
More things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in Asia, attracting over 14 million tourists every year. With so many places to explore and different activities to try, it’s easy for travelers to feel overwhelmed with all the options. Bangkok has something for everyone if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or a night out on the town. Here are some things you need to know about Bangkok before your first trip.
Bangkok is a huge city with a population of over 8.2 million people. It covers an area of over 600 square kilometers and therefore offers many different options for transportation. For example, the sky train and underground metro can get you around, or you can take a tuk-tuk to explore the city more intimately. Whatever method you choose, be sure to use an official taxi service like Uber or GrabCar with drivers that have local knowledge. These drivers will know the best places to eat and the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok.
There are many places to explore in Bangkok. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, head over to the country’s most famous island, Ko Samui. Here, you can unwind at one of the many secluded beaches or party it up on Phangan Island. Want to stay in town? Spend your days exploring the streets of Chinatown and shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market for souvenirs. If nightlife is what you’re after, take a night tour of Bangkok with a few friends and find out which clubs have the best music. There are also plenty of temples to visit in Bangkok if you want to get some culture while on vacation. The Wat Arun temple often tops the list as one of the must-see attractions in Bangkok and is especially popular during sunset hours.
Bangkok is not only about exploring the sights either. It’s also about enjoying the food. Delicious street food is everywhere, and you can find everything from pad thai to delicious desserts around every corner. Thai cuisine has a huge variety, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds no matter what they’re craving.
It’s important to note that Bangkok is generally safe for tourists. Just like any other city, there are certain parts you should avoid, as well as some safety tips to keep in mind.
Most importantly, don’t go out alone at night and stick to the main streets, especially when it’s dark. When walking home late at night, make sure someone knows where you’re going and take a cab if possible. If you plan on drinking alcohol, do so responsibly and take a taxi home.
Don’t carry large sums of cash with you – use a money belt or put it in your hotel safe if needed. Be cautious when exchanging money on the street – only use reputable money exchange shops or banks. Lastly, but most importantly, don’t drink tap water or eat anything uncooked without checking first with the locals.
Thailand is a culture that welcomes visitors with open arms, and Bangkok is no exception. With a culture so full of tradition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the new surroundings. If you want to do the things foreigners don’t typically do or say the things foreigners typically don’t say, make sure to study up on Thai culture before you visit. It will help you fit in more seamlessly and avoid any embarrassment or offense.
In Thai culture, showing respect is essential. This means avoiding public displays of affection and dressing modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites. Some people might find this frustrating at first but remember it’s just part of their culture and it will be worth it once you get used to it.
When visiting Buddhist temples, be mindful of where you step; always walk around the Buddha statue instead of in front of it. And if you see something interesting in one of their shops that you want to buy, be mindful before taking it because they may not sell many copies and may take offense if you take too much without paying for them first.
Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in Asia and it’s easy to see why. The city has a rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious food and sunshine all year long. If you’re considering a trip to Bangkok, this guide will help make your trip easier so you can enjoy all it has to offer.
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Bangkok; it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Bangkok, then you should also check out our selection of boutique hotels in Singapore or luxury hotels in Hong Kong.