Bangkok – a city overflowing with high rises, traffic, people, and heat. How do you find the right accommodations in all the chaos of Bangkok? And how do you even know where to begin? Should you stay close to the river, would it be better to stay in the heart of downtown, or would staying a bit further out by the airport fit your needs best?
These are all great questions, and after 9 years of living in Bangkok, our family has found great places to stay in different parts of Bangkok.
Here we will outline the benefits of each of the different areas of Bangkok, why you would want to stay there, and a few good options of places to stay in those areas. So, whether you need a quick stay by the airport, or are looking for guidance on what area of Bangkok you wish to stay in, you have come to the right place.
Since room choice and guest needs vary, we have differentiated price range very broadly. The hotels and pricings below are searched for 4 people – two adults and two children per night stay on their hotel website (when possible). The dollar signs are written below the hotel name for easy searching in your price range.
| Expense Level | Price in Thai baht for a family of 4 to stay per night |
| $ | up to B3,000 |
| $$ | B3,000-B6,000 |
| $$$ | B6,000 and up |
Sukhumvit Road Area (Downtown)
Our top choice when it comes to an area to accommodations in Bangkok is the Sukhumvit area. This area has everything a family needs to enjoy a vacation in downtown Bangkok. To get the most out of staying in the Sukhumvit area, look for hotels near the BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain line for easy public transport. Finding one within walking distance of the BTS Skytrain will allow getting around much easier and more convenient.
The heart of Sukhumvit is Siam Station, the central station for the BTS Skytrain where the Sukhumvit Line and Silom Lines intersect. Next to Siam station is the ritziest mall of all, Siam Paragon. For families, a real gem of a place is Sea Life Bangkok, the aquarium found in the basement of Siam Paragon. This is a great and enjoyable family activity in the heart of Bangkok. Other malls surround the area with a plethora of shopping and dining options worth checking out.
The other spot in the Sukhumvit area we would recommend for Bangkok accommodations is next to Asok BTS Skytrain station. Asok is the area where Sukhumvit Road and Ratchadamri Road intersect. It is also where the BTS Skytrain intersects the MRT line (underground train) which is very helpful when it comes to using public transportation for getting around.
If you are staying within walking distance from Asok Station, then you can choose to hop on the BTS of the MRT! If you stay elsewhere you will end up having to come to Asok and transfer anyway, so why not stay nearby. The mall that we love on that intersection is Terminal 21.
Terminal 21 is unique because the entire mall is themed like an airport with each floor being a terminal to a different destination. You can go up and down the escalators and find yourself in England, or Japan, or (go find out for yourself what else it has to offer!)
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
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Luxury plus convenience, the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit tops our list as the best hotel in Bangkok. With 5-star service and comfort, the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit also sits on the main road in the commercial center of Bangkok, with a connection to both the BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground train.
Why families love it: The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit seems to have everything and anything a traveling family would want. They have wonderful customer service.
Location perks: The Sheraton Grande connects directly to the BTS Skytrain by elevated walkway. The elevated walkway connects to Asok BTS station, which is the interchange station with the Sukhumvit MRT station. This creates effortless travel to almost anywhere in the city, which is a perk you really can’t beat at any other location.
Room info: Family rooms available for up to 6 people.
Grande Centrepoint Terminal 21
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Located next to Terminal 21, a unique mall with an airport theme, Grande Centrepoint Terminal 21 is a 5-star family-friendly hotel. With a special kids room and game room, the hotel caters to families who want to stay in downtown Bangkok.
Why families love it: Grande Centrepoint Terminal 21 is great family hotel right in the heart of downtown Bangkok. With easy access to everything – transport, shopping, and entertainment, this hotel is in a prime location.
Location perks: The hotel is right next to the BTS skytrain station, Asok, which is also the interchange station with the Sukhumvit MRT station. This makes the hotel accessible to all parts of the city. Being attached to Terminal 21 mall also means that hotel guests can access the restaurant and shopping options inside the mall.
Room info: There are several different types of rooms for four or more people and the hotel has specific family connecting room options that you can book.
Kid-friendly features: The hotel has special kids facilities on site.
Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok
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The Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok Hotel gives the option for families to be immersed in downtown life, while also having the flexibility of a more home-like environment.
Why families love it: The Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok hotel gives you the feel of an apartment with a kitchenette in every room option. So, if you are needing a hotel that doesn’t feel like a hotel but is in downtown Bangkok, this is a great option for you!
Location perks: The Citadines hotel chain has several hotels across Bangkok along the Sukhumvit road. The one found down Sukhumvit 8 is closest to the Nana BTS Skytrain station. The hotel provides a free tuk-tuk service to the BTS station throughout the day.
Room info: The Citadines has a studio executive apartment that will allow two children to stay free, but for more space for your family, we recommend the 2 bedroom apartment.
*Depending on where you want to stay along Sukhumvit Road, the Citadines hotel chain has hotels on Sukhumvit 8, Sukhumvit 11, and Sukhumvit 16. The number of the hotel corresponds to the road number branching off the main Sukhumvit Road. The larger the number the further from the center of downtown.
The Staytion Hotel at Sukhumvit
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A conveniently located hotel, the Staytion Hotel at Sukhumvit is simple, neat, and clean. The Japanese simple minimalist style adds to the attraction of making this a desirable location for people who are looking for something a bit farther away from the city center, but right next to public transportation.
Why families love it: For families looking for easy access to public transportation for their Bangkok accommodations, but want a more budget friendly option and don’t need a lot of space, the Staytion Hotel at Sukhumvit is a great option. You can go out all day looking at the city, but come back on the skytrain and be right at your hotel.
Location perks: You can exit the Phra Kanong BTS skytrain station and be right at the Staytion Hotel at Sukhumvit.
Room info: Family rooms come with two tiny bedrooms and a bathroom
Chao Phraya River (Along the River)
Bangkok accommodations along the Chao Phraya River mostly congregate in the area south of Chinatown near the Saphan Taksin BTS station. This area is well known for its tourist destinations including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), and Asiatique The Riverfront Night Market. There are also many river cruises along this stretch of the Chao Phraya and a view of the famous Wat Arun temple on the opposite river bank. If you want to feel like you are close to the major tourist destinations, this is a great place to choose to stay.
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
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On the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Chatrium Hotel is known for its elegance, service, and peaceful atmosphere. While it is in a great location, especially with free ferry service, the hotel has also managed to block out all the noise and created an oasis in the city. The free ferry service is easy as it will take you from the hotel to the Sathorn Pier and back. As a family you can all use the ferry service as a quick free river tour of the city as you will get great views of various Bangkok landmarks on your ferry ride.
Why families love it: Not only is the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok a luxury hotel, but it also caters to all types of visitors. They have a beautiful property alongside the river with all the amenities of a 5-star hotel. Families specifically will love the free ferry shuttle available for hotel guests.
Location perks: There are two types of public transport nearby – the Skytrain and the ferries. The BTS Skytrain station, Saphan Taksin, is a short walk up the street. This will take you into the city. The free ferry shuttle leaves from the hotel, but there is a public ferry that leaves from down the street as well. The public ferry can take you up and down the river.
Room info: The hotel has several 2-bedroom suites for 4 people, as well as a presidential suite for 6 people. Some of the 2-bedroom suites available also have a river view!
Kid-friendly features: The Chatrium has several kids’ pools alongside its adult pool on the 6th floor. Near the pools, there is a kid’s playground available for use.
Shangri-La Bangkok
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Classic luxury on the river, the Shangri-La is known for its world-class service. If you are looking for a Bangkok accommodation that gives you a great hotel experience with no surprises, this is it.
Why families love it: The Shangri-La Bangkok has a vibe that makes it really fun for adults and kids alike. Being right on the river gives kids the fun of watching the river while also being able to play in the pool.
Location perks: The Shangri-La is in a perfect location for visiting the main tourist attractions along the river. It is situated right on the river and an easy 5 minute walk to the Saphan Taksin BTS station, which you can get to without leaving the hotel premises. It is also only a 6 minute walk from the Sathorn Pier where you can take a ferry to Asiatique, ICONsiam across the river, or other sights up and down the river. This means the Shangri-La is an excellent place to stay as you can easily get to it or leave from either the BTS or the river ferries at Sathorn Pier.
Kid-friendly features: There are different activities available for children at the Shangri-La Bangkok. Several days of the week, children can sign up for a workshop put on by the hotel – these range from Muey Thai to Board Games.
Room info: The Shangri-La has connecting rooms available for families.
Bossotel Inn Bangkok
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Off on a side street by the river, the Bossotel gives you the location of being near the Chao Phraya River, Chinatown, and the royal sights, without the cost of the 5 star hotels. While not directly on the river, the Bossotel is only around an 8 minute walk to the Saphan Taksin BTS and a 10 minute walk to the Sathorn Pier
Why families love it: For families looking for a Bangkok accommodation that is budget-friendly, but near the river and tourist sights, the Bossotel Inn Bangkok is a great option.
Location perks: Just like the 5 star hotels along the river, the Bossotel Inn Bangkok is within walking distance of both the Saphan Taksin BTS station for the skytrain and the Sathorn Pier for ferries. This gives you accessibility to the whole city. Along with this, the Bossotel Inn Bangkok is very near Bangkok’s Chinatown and tourist destinations like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
Room info: Room choice includes 4 person rooms with breakfast included.
Silom/Sathorn Area (Just South of Central Downtown)
The Silom/Sathorn area of Bangkok is a busy area just south of the Sukhumvit area. Many visitors to this area find their way to Lumpini Park, the largest park in Bangkok. Silom is also home to the King Power Mahanakhon tower where you can ascend to the 78th floor and look out at the city on a glass floor! If you are looking for another busy place with lots to do for your Bangkok accommodations, then the Silom and Sathorn area is a good one.
The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhan
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Found in the busy Silom area, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhan is actually found inside the iconic King Power Mahanakhan building. It is new, modern, and 5 star luxury hotel.
Why families love it: The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhan doesn’t only give you a first class stay, but it also allows you a daily complimentary visit to the 78th floor skywalk. This is the level with the glass floor that you can walk out on and feel you are standing on top of Bangkok. A wonderful perk as a hotel guest.
Location perks: The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhan is located opposite the Chong Nonsi BTS Station. This makes it easy to travel to other parts of the city.
Room info: The rooms are a choice of king and double, but there is the option of having connecting rooms. However, do contact them ahead of time to let them know as there are only a limited number of connecting rooms.
Green Lung (Jungle in the City)
The green lung is a section of Bangkok where the Chao Phraya river bends around making almost an island right in the center of Bangkok. There, inside the bend lies a swampy jungle to explore. Left untouched by developers, the Green Lung has kept its old town historic Bangkok vibe.
Explorable on elevated sidewalks by foot or by bicycle, the Green Lung gives a unique peek into what Bangkok used to look like before the arrival of the skyscrapers. This makes for a very different vibe on accommodations in Bangkok.
Besides being a wonderful place to ride bicycles or take a walk in fresh air, there is also a local floating market called Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market that is open on the weekends.
One other good reason to stay in the green lung of Bangkok is to be right on the Chao Phraya River but away from the larger, city hotels that you find farther upriver. Staying in the green lung feels like a reprieve from the city and it feels like you are going back in time to what Bangkok used to be.
There are not a lot of options of places to stay in the Green Lung as it is a preserved area and most is locally owned. The most iconic place to stay in the Green Lung is called the Bangkok Treehouse, and it takes full advantage of the vibe of the area.
Bangkok Treehouse
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An open concept, this hotel is such a gem in the middle of a chaotic city. Located in the green lung, the Bangkok Treehouse looks out at Chao Phraya river while being enveloped by the mangrove jungle around making the hotel feel hidden.
Why families love it: The Bangkok Treehouse is for those who enjoy a different kind of adventure. It’s tucked away and you need to bicycle or walk in to get to it, but once you are there, you feel away from everything else. The hotel is eco-friendly with a rustic vibe. It has an open concept with lots of ability to see the green space around it.
One big perk to this hotel is the bikes provided for hotel guests. This gives families a way to adventure around on their own.
A stay does include breakfast. The rooms are not specifically for children, so don’t expect extra kid-friendly features.
Location perks: The Bangkok Treehouse allows you to stay in downtown Bangkok while also having the feeling of being away from city life. Instead of traveling to get out of the concrete jungle, you just need to simply travel to this urban oasis.
Room info: One room called the ‘Bee Hive’ has room for 3 adults + 1 free child (under 13 years old).
East Side of Bangkok
The east side of Bangkok stretches out toward Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the main international airport for the city. However, the main artery of the east side that runs from north to south is Srinakarin Road (also spelled Srinagrindra).
Here you will find yourself away from the main tourist areas of central Bangkok and in the midst of daily local and expat Bangkok life. If you are wanting to explore the east side of Bangkok, this is the area you will want your accommodations to be in.
Along Srinakarin Road you will find an assortment of destinations – the famous Rot Fai Night Market (Srinakarin Train Market), King Rama IX Park, multiple malls (the largest being Seacon Square Mall). A bit further south on the East Side you will find the Ancient City. The BTS skytrain runs a yellow line along the road, which also meets the airport rail link train that will take you to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Dusit Princess Srinakarin
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Dusit Princess Srinakarin is a modern and elegant hotel on the busy Srinakarin Road, a main throughway on the east side of Bangkok. Our family loves their breakfast buffet! Even though they are located right beside Seacon Square Srinakarin Mall, their pool and gardens are quiet and relaxing.
Why families love it: For us personally, we fell in love with this hotel over the breakfast buffet. Their rooms are fresh and bright and they have wonderful customer service. Being right on the main road, Srinakarin Road, on the east side of Bangkok makes it easy to dive into local city life. In other words, you are not experiencing the normal tourist world.
Location perks: The Dusit Princess Srinakarin is close to several Bangkok attractions, such as the Train Market Srinakarin and Seacon Square Mall. It is an 8 minute walk to Srinagarindra 38 BTS Skytrain station, which can take you into the center city of Bangkok. You can also take a taxi up the road to the Hua Mak Airport Rail Link to get a train directly to the airport.
Room info: Kids stay free in the parent’s room (for 2 kids 12 and under). Otherwise, you need to book more than one room per family.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport on East Side of City)
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the larger, newer international airport found in Bangkok. The airport code for Suvarnabhumi is BKK. The airport is found to the east of the city. It can take up to an hour from the airport to get downtown depending on traffic. Usually it will take less time than that, but you should plan for at least an hour. Staying near the airport can ease anxiety about catching flights on time.
When is comes to planning your Bangkok accommodations near Suvarnabhumi we would only recommend it if you do not have a lot of time, or planning to stay in this area just after arriving or just before leaving if your flight times are at odd hours. The convenience of being near the airport when flights are at inopportune times can really make it easier.
The area is a bit far from the main attractions if you are going to find yourself downtown for multiple days, however, there are a few attractions doable from this locations. One of the largest malls in Bangkok, Mega Bangna, is just about 25 minutes away.
We mentioned the Ancient City as being in the East Side and while it is, it is also conveniently close to the airport also. This would be a great location to visit if you need to stay near the airport.
Amaranth Suvarnabhumi
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The Amaranth Suvarnabhumi is found right next to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Why families love it: Amaranth Suvarnabhumi hotel caters to weary travelers and so they have made it easy to relax amidst stressful flying times. The hourly free hotel transfer is available to and from the airport, so you don’t need to find your own transportation.
There is also a breakfast buffet which is free of charge with some room types.
Location perks: We recommend this hotel only if you are flying in or out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is still quite a distance from the Bangkok city center, so only book if you need an airport hotel.
Saen Sabai Hostel
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A small, budget-friendly option near Suvarnabhumi International Airport is Sean Sabai Hostel. Family run, this hotel is a clean, basic accommodation for in between flights or before or after a flight.
Why families love it: Saen Sabai Hostel has only one family room, which holds 4 people. It is small and cozy, but perfect for a quick night’s sleep. It is very close to the airport which makes it ideal. The hostel can provide transportation for B200 or you can easily get a Grab taxi to and from that location to the airport.
Location perks: We recommend this hostel only if you are flying in or out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is still quite a distance from the Bangkok city center, so only book this if you are in need of a quick, cheap accommodation when flying.
Room info: Choose the family room for 4 people
Don Mueang Airport (DMK Airport on the North Side of the City)
Don Mueang Airport (airport code DMK) is the international airport just north of Bangkok. This is the older international airport in the city. It is home to the budget airlines with many domestic flights and flights around southeast Asia. Most notably, almost all AirAsia flights fly out of Don Mueang.
Some of the reasons you might want to stay in this area for your Bangkok accommodations is that it is often cheaper to fly into Don Mueang as it hosts budget airlines. It is also close to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel
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The Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel is attached to the Don Mueang Airport via a walkway. It is very well marked in the airport and looks like a door that will take you to the walkway. The walkway takes about 7 minutes to walk to the hotel.
Why families love it: For an upscale hotel that makes traveling so much easier, the Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel fits that bill. You are paying for comfort and accessibility, something that is great to have on travel days with children. If you are staying over breakfast, be aware that there is a buffet breakfast available, but it only comes free with certain room bookings.
Location perks: When you need a hotel to stay at next to the airport, this location can not be beat. With its own entrance out of the airport, you just need to take the walkway directly to the entrance of the hotel. This makes it super easy to manage with children in tow!
Room info: Deluxe family rooms are available for up to 4 people.
Don Muang Hotel
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The Don Muang Hotel is a short 10 minute drive or a 1 kilometer walk from the Don Mueang International Airport. When we stayed here some of our family took a taxi and the others felt like walking. We arrived at the hotel at the same time. This hotel is spaced out between three different buildings with a main guest registration desk where the continental breakfast is also served.
Why families love it: The Don Muang Hotel checks off all the boxes for frugal family travelers when needing a place near the airport – it’s clean, basic accommodations; family rooms for up to 4 people; budget price; and a short distance back to the airport.
If you need a quick small continental breakfast, there is one available with some hotel room bookings or you can pay a small fee.
Location perks: It is within walking distance of the airport or a short taxi ride. They also have an airport transfer van available every 30 minutes during the day. You can book the airport transfer van for a small fee per person when you arrive at the hotel.
Room info: Family rooms available for up to 4 people in a room
Great family Bangkok accommodations can be found all over the city of Bangkok. There are hundreds of places you can choose to stay. We know choosing one is a really hard choice, but we hope this list will help you find where you would like to stay for your time in Bangkok. We have stayed in many other places around Bangkok also, some good and some not so good. We hope you find yourselves in Bangkok, and if you do, you probably want to find the perfect itinerary of Bangkok attractions.