Bangkok Hotels

Bangkok Hotels

With neon signs demanding your attention, the spicy aroma of street food filling the air, and small shops stuffed with locally made goods, a simple stroll around Bangkok is a treat for all the senses. It’s no wonder that this friendly, multicultural city is popular with expatriates from around the globe, many of them working within the towering skyscrapers that fill the skyline. There’s a great contrast between the old and new, with ornate Thai architecture sharing the streets with contemporary, glass fronted buildings.

Things to see

Siam Square is a thriving shopping and entertainment district with eclectic and colorful stores piled high with clothing and bric-a-brac. In the evening, locals and tourists flock to the neon-lit restaurants and cinemas, making it a lively night out. A short walk away, the imposing MBK Center hosts nearly 2,000 shops, restaurants, and a cinema, with shiny glass escalators whizzing you to all eight floors. If there’s any space left in your luggage, then Pratunam Market is one of the cheapest places to buy clothes, although you will have to work through the stuffed rails to find the right item. Once you’ve worn out your credit card, head to the National Museum Bangkok which is based on the grounds of a magnificent 18th century palace. You’ll feel like royalty as you take in the large collection of intricate carvings, golden antiques, and spectacular pavilions. Those backpacking through the city with no doubt find themselves visiting Khao San Road. Stuffed with shops and market stalls, there’s a tempting aroma of street food, and the sound of cyclists weaving down the narrow street. At night, the street lights up with neon and becomes a lively party zone for tourists.

Hotels in Bangkok

Many of the city’s five star and luxury hotels stand imposingly on the city’s landscape, often with contemporary, gleaming facades. With such a wide choice, it’s easy to find Bangkok hotel deals, and the higher end hotel rooms often feature minibars, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and oversize tubs. There are also plenty of recognizable hotel chains which offer a comfortable bed, family friendly facilities, air conditioning, and buffet breakfasts. Those who are backpacking, or just need a place to sleep, can enjoy an authentic Thai experience in the cozy guest houses and inns which are often just a short stroll from the popular tourist areas.

Where to stay

Business travelers, as well as those just passing through Bangkok, often stay in the Sukhumvit area. One of the major highways in Thailand, this busy road is the site of many Western hotel chains, and at night is full of tourists enjoying the lively bars. The quieter area of Siam Square – Ratchaprasong is popular with families, as well as being close to many colorful cultural festivals, and the easy public transport makes it appealing to adventurous tourists. The Silom and Sathorn areas host many financial institutions and international corporations within their gleaming skyscrapers, and many of the top hotels in the city are within these streets. At night, the decadent environment attracts those after a good time, and the waft of cigar smoke often fills the upmarket cocktail bars.

How to get to Bangkok

The impressive Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the busiest in the country, however it manages to be clean and efficient, with many types of transfers available. The airport rail link takes you to many major Bangkok train stations in under half an hour, and there are buses running regularly from dawn until late at night. Across town is the older Bangkok (DMK-Don Mueang Intl.) airport which also welcomes visitors, but is a much less busy alternative. From here it’s a half hour taxi ride, or slightly longer bus journey, and there’s also a regular shuttle bus between the two major airports. At the heart of the futuristic sky train network is Nana BTS Station; a hub with cheap, easy links to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as well as other popular areas around the city.