Bangkok is much like a plate of its famous Pad Thai noodles; an intense mix of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy all at once. The cosmopolitan Thai capital is famous for street food, floating markets, ornate temples, and its nightlife. Whether it’s fast-moving tuk-tuks or Chao Phraya River cruises, the city is divergent in character. Likewise, the same contrasting persona trickles down to hotels in Bangkok, Thailand. No matter the kind of property, they make for trusty bases to explore this complex city.
Whether you seek luxury or value hotels, the city has lots of options across a range of neighborhoods. What’s more, the word ‘cheap’ hardly has negative connotations in the city. In fact, affordable luxury hotels in Bangkok cost almost half of what they cost in cities like New York or Tokyo. So, one doesn’t need to pay through the nose for fancy riverside properties. Similarly, the city has seen a boom in boutique hotels, where ancient teak homes now function as lovely heritage properties. Bangkok is a gay friendly city. On that note, we have a list of gay friendly hotels in Bangkok. And of course, Bangkok is famously backpacker-central and has innumerable choices in hostels like no other place in the world. So, here are the 11 best hotels you can find in Bangkok, Thailand. In town for quick transit? Check out our 11 Best Hotels near Bangkok Airport next!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is no less of a large bustling labyrinth, and so, it’s important to understand the city’s many, many amazing neighborhoods. To begin with, crazy Khaosan is the city’s most famous street and the center of its backpacking universe. Khaosan has cheap Thai food, trendy markets, and lots of pubs and bars. It is for the social butterflies, nocturnal revelers, and party monsters. On the other hand, tranquil Riverside has shrines and historic sights, like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and more.
Sukhumvit in central Bangkok is one of its most contemporary and cosmopolitan regions. Interestingly, the business district of Silom is also where lies Bangkok’s largest green space, Lumphini Park. Siam is the shopping universe with the highest density of shopping malls in the city. Finally, we come to one of Bangkok’s oldest areas, Chinatown, one of the 9 Best Chinatowns In The World! This buzzing neighborhood is all about narrow alleys filled with delicious-smelling street food.
Praya Palazzo
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Praya Palazzo is easily one of the best tranquil riverside hotels in Bangkok, Thailand. It offers a world of luxury at an inexpensive price. The 1923-built Italian-style mansion lies on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River right across from the Phra Sumen Fort. An intimate and romantic heritage hotel today, one can get to the Praya Palazzo only via its private boat! This hotel is a great choice for couples looking for a hideaway that’s not far from Bangkok’s best sights.
What makes the Praya Palazzo doubly special is that it’s the only heritage hotel along the river. A figurine-fringed pool, lush gardens, and ochre walls sit prettily against the river’s emerald waters. Although the breakfast is simple, the Thai lunches and dinners on the patio by the pool are grand affairs. Even though its more of a relaxing getaway, lounging by the inviting pool is a great way to unwind. Furthermore, the hotel is also happy to arrange for boat trips or visits to the famous 15 Best Floating Markets of Bangkok. On lazy days, curl up with a book on the wooden patio while watching ships glide down the river.
Rooms at the hotel are a blend of the old world and the modern one. They feature immaculate bathrooms, state-of-the-art mod-cons, huge beds, and antique-style period furniture.
Riva Arun Bangkok
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The chic Riva Arun Bangkok redefines minimalist living. The hotel lies in a historic Chinese shophouse on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River and faces the spectacular Wat Arun. What’s more, the boutique property lies within stone’s throw of many of the city’s historic attractions.
The elegantly restored hotel lies in a Chino-Colonial shophouse from the early 20th century. Chinese antiques sit amidst a modern green-and-white ambiance resonating with Wat Arun. Since it has basic facilities, guests are regularly ferried down the river to its sister property, Riva Surya. However, it has a fantastic rooftop restaurant with Thai food and excellent views. Moreover, the hotel offers the choicest of boat tours along the Chao Phraya River.
One can choose from the compact Studio rooms, Deluxe rooms, and Grand Deluxe rooms with jacuzzis. Still, all rooms are smartly-designed with comfortable beds, large windows, and even balconies. That said, the Deluxe and Grand Deluxe ones enjoy outstanding views of the river.
Prince Theater Heritage Stay
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How would you like to stay at a 100-year-old cinema? Welcome to the Prince Theater Heritage Stay, a stunning heritage property right down the street from the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is not only close to Chinatown’s hipster havens but is also a short ferry ride to the city’s historic attractions.
The historic refurbished hotel lies in a magnificent 100-year-old Art Deco-inspired theater. The former cinema is now the lobby/bar with an old projector, the original wooden stage, and a huge screen. Here, events like vintage film screenings and weekly dance sessions take place. It’s also perfect to strike interesting conversations with fellow travelers. Also, culture buffs will love the small exhibition detailing the structure’s illustrious history. The staff only adds to the fun, arty vibe with their knowledge of the area and love for movies. Finally, even though the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, it does serve a basic breakfast. All this certainly makes Prince Theater one of the most unique hotels to stay in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rooms at this hotel are in a separate section of the building and can be accessed only with the electronic key cards handed out, adding to the safety and security. You can choose from female-only/mixed pod rooms, dorms, as well as private suites, which are the hotel’s highlight. Nevertheless, all rooms feature beautiful period furniture, elegant bathrooms, and vintage photographs.
Siam@Siam Design Bangkok
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The Bohemian Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok is an excellent artsy accommodation right in the heart of Downtown. The hotel is not only surrounded by the city’s best restaurants and museums but is also close to both the river and Khaosan.
This informal yet urbane hotel is peppered with old-world-cum-modern photography and art. The hallways painted in muted yellow, red, and orange hues also pop against the surroundings. The hotel is environmentally-conscious too and makes use of recycled metal and wood. The ground-floor international restaurant is also where a phenomenal breakfast buffet is on the offer. That said, do not miss visiting the rooftop restaurant/bar, where sipping on a sundowner while watching Bangkok’s sunset is a perfect end to the day. No wonder it’s one of the best hotels in Bangkok with a rooftop pool. Gym rats can even engage in shedding off all these extra Thai calories at the gym. Besides, the highlight of the hotel is the 11th-floor infinity pool with lots of sun loungers and incredible views of the city.
The colorful vibe of the hotel extends to its rooms, all of which are compact, yet comfortable and one-of-a-kind. When booking rooms, not that the suites have private saunas, while the upper-floor ones have the best views.
Mad Monkey Hostel
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The name ‘Mad Monkey’ is synonymous with fun throughout the world, and Mad Monkey Bangkok is no exception. Not only is it one of the best party hostels, but it’s also one of the very few city hostels with a swimming pool!
The hostel’s Bangkok outpost builds on the brand’s successful ‘trendy, poolside, happy hours’ recipe and exudes a sleeker look. You can choose from women-only/mixed four-bed dorms or private rooms. Moreover, every bed comes with electric outlets, reading lights, and spacious roomy lockers. Meanwhile, rooms have one bathroom each.
Mad Monkey has a slew of cleverly-designed common areas. For instance, the former driveway is now a hangout zone/bar with lots of wooden tables. The pool is perfect for a dip during hot afternoons. Lots of colorful murals and exposed-brick walls lend the place a chilled-out ambiance. What’s more, the place also serves Western and Thai fare on-site. Finally, the main draw is that party-central Khaosan is right outside the front door.
The Sukhothai Bangkok
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The Sukhothai Bangkok is like an opulent rural oasis is easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok, Thailand. With colonial-era trappings and many amenities, it offers old-world charm in fast-paced Downtown.
Ancient Khmer-style cravings grace the lobby and the salon. Elsewhere, the dulcet tones of a ‘khim,’ which is a Thai stringed instrument, float around in the afternoons. The pool, which has both cabanas and loungers, is ideal for both lounging around or swimming on a hot day. Apart from the round-the-clock gym, the hotel even has a spa where an afternoon massage is as refreshing as it is relaxing. A hearty breakfast aside, the place even has a smattering of fine dining restaurants. The nucleus of the hotel is, unarguably, the lush, shaded garden with lots of trees, bean bags, and lotus ponds.
Colonial-era rooms here redefine Far Eastern luxury with Thai fabrics and teakwood furniture. Rounding off the rustic-regal vibe are the lavish bathrooms with wooden bathtubs and flooring.
Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
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Enjoy the delights of Downtown by staying at the well-rounded Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. The hotel lies close to shopping, dining, and transport options in Downtown Bangkok, Thailand.
Spread across two towers, the Welcome and Memory wings, the hotel features a vibrant ambiance. An orange/grey color hue aside, there are also lots of classic Art Deco highlights thrown into the mix. Additionally, the hotel possesses a lot of excellent amenities. For instance, the gym offers Muay Thai cardio workouts, apart from other equipment. A charming spa is a great place to indulge yourself, while the saltwater pool is a small, but an ideal setting for relaxation. However, the food therapy menu at the in-house restaurant is its highlight. Besides, the hotel grows its own Thai herbs on an open-air terrace, where it also offers cooking classes.
Entry-level rooms, although compact, have luxurious beds, mod-cons, and Art-Deco furnishings. For more space, book the larger executive rooms and suites.
103 Bed and Brews
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Those who want to escape the concrete confines of Downtown will love the 103 Bed and Brews on the edge of historic Chinatown. Not only is it surrounded by the very best of Bangkok’s nightlife but it’s also a 15-minute metro ride to its top attractions. So, this makes 103 the perfect culture-rich yet comfortable base to explore the Top 10 Things To Do In Bangkok.
The quaint, gracefully-restored century-old structure radiates a retro vibe. The three-story building was earlier the home and place of business of a Chinese merchant. Even though it’s been restored, attention has been paid to both detail and history. For instance, the ground-floor craft beer bar-cum-coffee shop retains a gorgeous tiled floor. Apart from a basic complimentary breakfast, one can also order a larger one for an extra free. Political posters grace the whitewashed walls, while wooden ceilings are supported by exposed wooden beams. Moreover, the steep original staircase only adds to this hotel’s vintage appeal. Furthermore, the hotel even has a dedicated taxi reservation service.
Due to the building’s design, only two rooms have attached bathrooms, while the rest four have private bathrooms right next to them. However, all are spacious and different from each other. Also, they have retro posters, tasteful trinkets and curios, and European and Asian antiques. In fact, the best three rooms even have small patios.
Riva Surya Bangkok
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The chic Riva Surya is an especially delightful hotel. It lies right by the Chao Phraya River and is close to the famous Khaosan Road in Bangkok, Thailand. The boutique property is a great upmarket choice amidst the neighborhood’s budget undercurrents.
An elegant lobby with colonial-era designs, lots of mirrors, and copper hues blend into the riverside pool area. What’s more, the freeform pool is sprinkled with daybeds, with a kids pool right next to it. Although there’s no spa, people can book and enjoy in-room massages. The eclectic restaurant serves a generous breakfast as well as Western and Thai fare during the day. The hotel appeals to fitness hounds as well with a well-equipped gym. last but not least, culture buffs can join one of the hotel’s many walking and boat tours in the area.
While all rooms are spacious and have patios and minimalist white-grey tones, the deluxe rooms offer stellar views of the river. However, all rooms boast high-tech amenities, plush armchairs, and equally comfortable beds.
ibis Styles Bangkok KhaoSan Viengtai
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Budget travelers who want to stay in the heart of Khaosan needn’t necessarily stay in a hostel, with the fabulous ibis Styles right there. The funky accommodation is a favorite with backpackers and budget travelers. Hence, it is one of the best budget hotels you can find in Bangkok, Thailand.
The hotel is not without history. Basically, it opened in 1953 as the Viengtai Hotel and was the first in the area to begin catering to out-of-towners. In spite of that, it oozes a fresh, contemporary vibe. The jazzy colors are all over the place, right from the chic lobby to the ground floor striped pool and even the rooms. There’s even a smaller kids’ pool as well as a pool bar, which adds to the fun. The lone restaurant on-site not only serves a fresh buffet but also in-room breakfast. Moreover, it also offers themed Thai buffets during the day.
The charming rooms feature an orange/blue color palette, sink-in carpets, and pop-art tapestries. Apart from all standard mod-cons, they also feature choices of single, two bunk, and double beds for different types of travelers.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
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Overall, the unofficial title of the best hotel in Bangkok, Thailand definitely goes to Anantara Riverside. Whether it’s location, value-for-money luxury, amenities, or service, Anantara ticks all the boxes. What’s distinctive about this place is that it’s Bangkok’s only low-rise resort hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Anantara sits on its western banks in Thon Buri, slightly off the beaten track and away from the city’s crazy confines. Despite the offbeat location, the hotel doesn’t seem far-flung. You can get to major Bangkok attractions and transport hubs via the hotel’s regular boat services.
The international resort has Thai-inspired interiors like elephant sculptures and Sanskrit writing. The oversized pool fringed by lush foliage and daybeds is home to the only swim-up bar in Bangkok. While there’s an excellent gym, we recommend Muay Thai training sessions. The spa is different here too, with one of the treatment rooms housed in a gorgeous wooden sala in an equally stunning Lanna-style yard. Six restaurants offering world cuisines ensure that your taste buds are never bored here. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel even has an in-house expert guide who whisks you away on tours of the hidden and lesser-known gems of Bangkok, Thailand.
All rooms here feature warm tones, marble bathrooms, and charming balconies with views of the pool and river. Apart from high-tech mod-cons in every room, you also receive smartphones with free internet and calls.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Bangkok:
- Raan Jay Fai: This Michelin star street food stall that whips up Thai delicacies is a must-visit on any food itinerary in the city.
- Midnight Food Tour by tuk-tuk: Embark on this yummy food tour of Bangkok after dark and discover its culinary delights.
Recommended Activities In Bangkok:
- Bangkok – History and Culture Tour on a Tuk-Tuk: Explore the music, food, and art of the city that was once known as Siam.
- Chao Phraya Princess Cruise: Dig into authentic Thai food on this wonderful night cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
