Where to stay in Bangkok with family 2024 - 5 convenient areas
Wondering where to stay in Bangkok with family?
With its delicious street food, stunning temples, incredible views from vantage points, and attractions for young and old, it’s no secret that many families flock to this fascinating city.
But when traveling with family, especially with children, finding the right area to stay is key to ensuring a fun, safe, and stress-free experience. From family-friendly neighborhoods to hotels with great amenities, choosing the right base can make a big difference in how you explore the city.
It’s no secret that Bangkok also has a bit of a dark side, with one of the largest adult entertainment industries in Asia.
These areas should at all costs be avoided when traveling with family.
But no worries, in this article, we cover everything you should know on choosing the right area to stay in Bangkok with your family, with factors kept in mind such as noise pollution, access to public transportation, family-friendly food areas, and facilities to entertain the kids.
I lived in Bangkok for more than four years, so I’m pretty convinced I can give you the right information.
So, let’s dive into our top picks for family-friendly places to stay in Bangkok.
Bottom line: The best areas to stay in Bangkok with family are Riverside & Silom, Lower Sukhumvit, Phaya Thai, Chit Lom, and Siam.
Out of these five recommended areas, Riverside & Silom are the best options. These areas are located near the major attractions and are in Bangkok terms, relatively quiet.
Because of high demand, popular hotels can be fully booked or prices have significantly increased. In that case, have a look at one of the alternative yet great options.
Lower Sukhumvit is an area near the heart of the city with excellent access to both the MRT and BTS. The downside is that this area is quite dull compared to the other more popular areas. So, you always need to travel a bit to reach the more bustling areas. The upside is that you can find far more hotels that offer value for money.
Phaya Thai has similarities to Lower Sukhumvit, except it is located closer to the highlights of the city.
If your budget allows it, stay at Chit Lom, an upscale area close to the heart of the city.
Siam is also a good option as you have excellent access to public transport and shopping malls, although this central location does get crowded during the day.
You can easily navigate to each area by tapping on the link. Or go directly to the overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok with family.
1. Riverside & Silom
Ideally, when staying in Bangkok with family, you’ll want to find a relatively quiet area—though this can be tricky in a bustling city like Bangkok—and have easy access to public transport for smooth travel around the capital.
A helpful rule of thumb is that areas closer to the river tend to be quieter. Hotels along the river offer plenty of comfort for families and are away from the city’s major nightlife areas, which means they primarily attract families and couples. However, the downside to staying near the river is limited access to public transport, particularly the SkyTrain (BTS) and the subway (MRT).
Having access to the BTS or MRT makes it much easier to explore the city without the hassles of traffic. Since Bangkok’s main attractions are spread across different areas, you’ll need to travel regardless of where you stay.
For family stays, consider the Riverside and Silom area, which offers proximity to Lumphini Park, the city’s largest green space—a perfect spot for families to enjoy nature. Additionally, Silom provides access to both the SkyTrain and the MRT, making it convenient for traveling to Bangkok’s key attractions.
With the recent extension of the MRT line, Silom has become one of the best places to stay, allowing you to reach Bangkok’s highlights with ease. However, the one downside is that Silom lacks the large shopping malls found in Sukhumvit, which often come with diverse dining options that cater to all family members. While there are many excellent restaurants in Silom, shopping malls can offer the kind of variety that might be more suitable for family dining.
Despite this, Silom offers a range of hotels and accommodations across different price points, making it a popular and practical area for families to stay.
2. Lower Sukhumvit
In recent years, Lower Sukhumvit has evolved into an ideal area for families to stay in Bangkok, thanks to new hotels and various improvements. With direct access to the SkyTrain, it’s easy to move around the city while enjoying comfortable and spacious accommodations that often come at a better price than those in other parts of the city.
Though Sukhumvit Road itself is notoriously busy during the day, you can find relatively quiet hotels tucked away in alleys connected to it, in areas like Phra Khanong and On Nut. Both neighborhoods are close to Sukhumvit Soi 77, which leads directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Depending on traffic, you can usually reach the airport within an hour or less.
One drawback of staying in Lower Sukhumvit is that it’s a bit farther from the city’s major attractions. For example, reaching Siam BTS Station will take about 20 minutes, or 10 minutes to Asoke BTS Station. From these points, you’ll need to either switch to another train or grab a taxi to visit landmarks like the Grand Palace. However, the air-conditioned trains make the extra travel time comfortable, and it usually takes just about 20 minutes longer than from more central areas.
If minimizing travel time is a priority during your stay, you might consider accommodation near the Riverside. However, by staying in Lower Sukhumvit, you can find high-quality yet affordable hotels, which is especially beneficial when traveling with family.
Keep in mind that the further you stay east of Asoke, the less convenient the area becomes.
Getting around Bangkok:
Bangkok is a bustling, vibrant city, but navigating its chaotic traffic can be a challenge. Many of the city’s top attractions are located near the river, in the older parts of Bangkok.
The most efficient way to get around is by using the BTS (SkyTrain) or the MRT (subway).
The BTS, Bangkok’s elevated train system, has two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. While it’s the fastest way to travel “above” the city, it doesn’t provide direct access to some major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chinatown. For those, the MRT is a better option.
The MRT (subway) also operates two lines, and recent expansions mean that even the Grand Palace now has a convenient MRT station nearby. The two key transfer points between the BTS and MRT for tourists are Asoke (Sukhumvit) and Silom, making it easy to switch between the two systems.
Whenever you travel in Bangkok with your family, it’s best to rely on the MRT or BTS for most of the journey. Afterward, you can hail a taxi if needed, though that’s often unnecessary.
While tuk-tuks are an iconic symbol of Bangkok, it’s recommended to avoid them when traveling with family. They’re not the safest option, and the exposure to traffic fumes can be unpleasant.
If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link (connected to the BTS) is a convenient way to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, but be prepared for Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
3. Phaya Thai
While some forums or websites suggest Siam as the ideal area for families, we believe it’s too busy for a relaxing family stay. Instead, nearby areas like Phaya Thai offer a much quieter atmosphere, making them more suitable for families.
One key advantage of staying in Phaya Thai is its direct connection to the Airport Rail Link, making travel from the airport hassle-free. Additionally, the area’s convenient location in the city center provides easy access to the SkyTrain, allowing for smooth transportation to Bangkok’s main attractions.
From Phaya Thai, you can also easily reach the many shopping malls along Sukhumvit Road, which offer a diverse selection of food options to suit the tastes of all family members. While Bangkok is home to countless amazing local eateries, including those in Phaya Thai, some families might prefer the familiar offerings found in shopping malls.
When it comes to family-friendly accommodations, Phaya Thai offers a decent selection, though the Riverside area has a broader variety. That said, Phaya Thai is much more affordable due to its quieter surroundings and distance from major tourist attractions. However, thanks to Bangkok’s efficient public transport system, these attractions remain easily accessible.
Though Phaya Thai may not be the most visually appealing part of Bangkok, some hotels offer stunning city views from their upper floors. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, nearby areas like Chit Lom or Ploen Chit are worth considering.
Being centrally located, Phaya Thai provides quicker taxi access to the older parts of Bangkok compared to Lower Sukhumvit. Like Lower Sukhumvit, Phaya Thai offers excellent value for money, making it a smart choice for families looking to balance comfort and budget.
4. Chit Lom
If your budget allows, one of the best options for staying in Bangkok with family is Chit Lom (and Phloen Chit), both located along Sukhumvit Road. These areas sit right in the heart of the city, offering convenient access to the Sukhumvit BTS Line, making it easy to get around.
Chit Lom and Phloen Chit are considered higher-end areas, home to some of the leading names in the hospitality industry, with luxurious hotels occupying the many impressive skyscrapers. Here, you can expect top-notch service and lavish amenities, but naturally, this level of comfort comes with a higher price tag.
Asoke is for most tourists the ideal area to stay at, but this is an extremely busy area and is home to Bangkok’s adult entertainment industry. So instead of staying here, a viable option is Chit Lom. You almost have the same perks of Asoke, except you won’t be bothered with the red light district and its clientele.
But as said, this doesn’t come cheap. If you do want to stay close to Asoke but are traveling on a higher budget, consider areas like Thonglor, Ekkemai, and On Nut.
