Where to stay in Bangkok for 3 nights 2024 - 5 Most optimal areas
Looking for where to stay in Bangkok for 3 nights? You’re not alone—most travelers spend around three nights in the city, and choosing the right area can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore what we believe are the top spots to stay in Bangkok for a three-night visit, tailored to different types of travelers.
Having lived in Bangkok from early 2017 until mid-2022, I’m confident I can offer you some solid advice about where to stay and how to navigate the city.
Bangkok has a lot of great areas, but where you stay really depends on the purpose of your trip.
For a short stay, it’s essential to be near a BTS station. The BTS Skytrain is Bangkok’s elevated rapid transit system, making it super convenient to get around. Paired with the MRT (the city’s metro system), you can navigate Bangkok easily without getting caught in its notorious traffic.
Speaking of which, during rush hour, getting stuck in traffic for two hours is pretty common.
If you’re flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link connects directly to the BTS Sukhumvit Line, saving you precious time and hassle when you first arrive.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
In summary: the best areas in Bangkok to stay for three nights are Sukhumvit, Silom, Lower Sukhumvit, Khao San Road and Phaya Thai.
Sukhumvit is the most convenient area in all of Bangkok as you have superb access to both the Metro and the BTS, but it’s also a bustling and modern area full of nightlife, shopping options, night markets, and great restaurants.
Silom is a great option if you prefer to stay closer to the major attractions and also has great access to public transport. It feels more authentic than Sukhumvit, while Sukhumvit offers – in my opinion – more fun.
Lower Sukhumvit is a good option for those travelling on a stricter budget, but want to stay in a modern part of Bangkok. Families, for example, can save quite some money by booking a family room in this part of Bangkok, but you’re located further away from the heart of the city, and thus can this area be labeled as a bit boring.
Khao San Road is the place to be for younger travellers who travel on a stricter budget and plan to backpack throughout Southeast Asia.
Phaya Thai is a quiet, but convenient area with direct access to the Sukhumvit Line and the Airport Rail Link. It’s a pretty boring area, but when it comes to connectivity, it has a huge advantage.
To be clear, all these areas, except Khao San Road, have great access to public transport which helps you move around the city easily.
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok.
1. Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is arguably one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for a 3-night visit. It offers excellent public transport connections, modern buildings, shopping malls, and a wide range of amenities—all while being centrally located within the city.
Although Sukhumvit isn’t near major attractions like The Grand Palace or Wat Arun, these highlights are still easily accessible thanks to Bangkok’s efficient public transport system, especially with the recent MRT Line extensions.
When we talk about Sukhumvit, we actually divide it into three distinct areas.
a. Asoke & Nana
Asoke is the heart of Sukhumvit, serving as both a transportation hub and a bustling business district, which naturally draws plenty of people. From here, getting around the city is a breeze. You can hop on the BTS and ride all the way to Mo Chit, home to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Alternatively, you can take the MRT to the older parts of the city, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, and Chinatown.
Asoke also offers several nearby night markets for an enjoyable evening out, and when it comes to nightlife, you’re well-connected to two major hotspots: Sukhumvit Soi 11 and Thonglor.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that Asoke is close to two prominent red-light districts: Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. Some travelers might find this off-putting, but rest assured, if you’re not seeking out that scene, you won’t accidentally stumble upon it. The main draw of staying in Asoke is its central location.
One thing to note is that Asoke isn’t exactly known for its abundance of trendy restaurants you can easily stumble upon while walking around. For that, you’re better off in areas like Thonglor. But with the BTS, you’re just a quick five to ten-minute ride away.
In short, Asoke is an ideal base for exploring Sukhumvit and the rest of Bangkok, thanks to its unbeatable connectivity and central location.
Note: if you’re into nightlife and especially nightclubs, then you have the option to stay in Nana. Nowadays, there are several brand-new hotels you can choose from along Sukhumvit Soi 11 where you can also find several nightclubs. Nana Plaza is a popular area among single men. If you want to party like Thais do, head over to RCA, where you can find several large nightclubs that cater to Thais and expats.
b. Phloen Chit & Chitlom
For a more upscale experience, consider staying in these two connected areas. While you’re just five minutes away from Asoke via the Sukhumvit BTS Line, these areas are renowned for offering a luxurious experience for travelers. You’ll find two relatively exclusive shopping malls, and the atmosphere is especially family-friendly. Don’t expect a lively nightlife scene here, as it’s more of a relaxed, refined part of Bangkok.
One of the perks of staying here is the direct access to a nearby park, perfect for a morning stroll before the heat kicks in. If your budget allows, it’s an excellent option. Some of the world’s top hotel brands have properties here, offering exceptional service and a high-end experience.
When you’re ready to explore Bangkok’s more touristy spots, it’s easy to head over to Asoke and switch to the Metro for quick access to areas like Chinatown, Wat Pho, and The Grand Palace.
C. Thonglor & Ekkemai
2. Silom
Silom is one of Bangkok’s most popular areas for visitors, thanks to its riverside views, excellent public transport connections, and central location close to some of the city’s key attractions.
In the past, Silom attracted many single men due to the presence of Patpong, an adult entertainment district. However, over the years, Patpong has lost much of its allure, with many bars transitioning into LGBT-friendly venues. Patpong is also tucked away, so families, couples, and other travelers won’t encounter its nightlife unless they’re specifically seeking it out.
Silom offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to smaller, eco-friendly options. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Lumphini Park, which is perfect for a morning jog or a relaxing sunset stroll.
With fantastic restaurants and easy access to must-see spots like Chinatown, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Mahanakhon Skywalk, Silom is a great choice for a 3-day stay in Bangkok.
The only drawback is the less convenient connection to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which might not be ideal if you’re only in town for a few days.
Alternatively, if you’re after a quieter setting, you might consider staying near the Riverside. The main downside is the lack of direct public transport, but most hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttle services to the nearest BTS station.
3. Lower Sukhumvit
Lower Sukhumvit, particularly Phra Khanong and On Nut, isn’t typically the first choice for most travelers, but it does have its appeal. For one, this area offers some of the best value-for-money hotels, and it’s only about five BTS stops away from Asoke (about a 10-minute ride). If you’re traveling with kids and looking for an affordable yet comfortable family room, this area could be a great option.
In the evenings, it’s quiet due to the lack of nightlife, as it’s primarily a residential neighborhood. Another key advantage is the proximity to the central bus station and direct access to the highway. If you’re planning to travel by bus or need to hire a van, especially if you’re heading east, staying in On Nut allows you to avoid Bangkok’s notorious morning traffic and get on the highway quickly, where jams are less frequent.
Tip: if you need to catch an early flight, then Phaya Thai (last paragraph) with its direct Airport Rail Link connection, is a great area for you.
4 Khao San Road
If you’re a young traveler or backpacker, you’ll likely find yourself near Khao San Road or Rambutri Road. While there are better options in the city if you’re not into partying, Khao San Road is perfect if you’re looking to meet fellow travelers and enjoy budget-friendly drinks.
But the appeal of Khao San Road goes beyond the nightlife. Its location near the river provides good access to some of Bangkok’s top attractions. During the day, you can easily visit The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, and in the evening, catch an official Muay Thai match or explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown.
There are a couple of downsides to staying on Khao San Road. Firstly, it lacks direct access to public transport, and getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San Road can be a bit of a hassle.
After your stay, the most convenient way to reach the airports or the new train station at Mo Chit is to take a taxi from Khao San Road to Phaya Thai BTS Station or Ratchathewi BTS Station. From there, you can catch either the Sukhumvit Line or the Airport Rail Link, making your journey to the next destination easier than the trip to Khao San Road itself. There is an MRT station near The Grand Palace, but it’s still not very close to Khao San Road.
5. Phaya Thai
Phaya Thai is a highly convenient area to stay in Bangkok for 3 days. One of its major advantages is the direct connection to the Airport Rail Link, allowing you to travel straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai BTS Station, which saves a significant amount of time.
Additionally, being connected to the Sukhumvit BTS Line and close to Siam BTS Station provides easy and quick access to other parts of the city. While Phaya Thai itself may not be the most vibrant neighborhood, it offers a range of good and reasonably priced hotels and hostels.
It’s an excellent choice for those interested in sightseeing and shopping, thanks to its proximity to popular shopping areas. However, if you’re looking to party, Phaya Thai may not be ideal, as it’s located far from the nightlife hotspots and the Skytrain doesn’t operate after midnight.