Discover the most interesting Bangkok areas with our Bangkok district guide. Find the best things to do, where to stay and what to eat.
Khao San Road
image © Robert BrandsBangkok’s backpacker central, Khao San Road is crowded, noisy and a lot of fun. It’s somewhere every visitor to Bangkok should visit at least once, even if just for a fun night out.
Rattanakosin
image © Earth Bound Misfit IHome to some of Bangkok’s most impressive attractions, including the stunning Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic district.
Bangkok Riverside
image © Prachanart ViriyaraksThe Chao Phraya River is the heart of Bangkok and the riverside one of its most charismatic areas – explore the city from the water or watch the world go by on the riverbanks
Nana And Asoke – Lower Sukhumvit
image © Null0Stretching from the start of Sukhumvit Road to Asok Station is Lower Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok’s most popular business and nightlife districts. Home to a wide range of markets, restaurants and some of the city’s most popular nightlife, Lower Sukhumvit is a mix of work and play.
Thonglor, Phrom Phong And Asoke – Central Sukhumvit
image © Mike BehnkenCentral Sukhumvit (running from Sukhumvit Soi 21 to Soi 67) is Bangkok’s upmarket dining and entertainment area, and one of the city’s most desirable places to live. Home to world-class restaurants, shopping malls, and some of Bangkok’s best nightlife, Central Sukhumvit is a great place to shop, relax and unwind.
Upper Sukhumvit – On Nut, Phrakanong, And Beyond
image © My Train PixUpper Sukhumvit – particular the On Nut and Phrakanong districts – might be more laid back than Mid and Lower Sukhumvit, but it’s quickly becoming one of Bangkok’s most interesting areas. With a huge selection of restaurants and cheap hotels, Upper Sukhumvit is a good place to stay on a budget.
Siam Square, Ratchaprasong and Ploen Chit
image © Thangaraj KumaravelRatchaprasong is Bangkok’s shopping capital, home to the city’s biggest shopping malls and most exclusive designer boutiques. It’s also home to Siam Square – a fashionable shopping area aimed at teens and 20-somethings – as well as some of Bangkok’s best hotels.
Silom And Sathorn
image © Stock PhotoFinancial district by day, party hotspot by night, Silom is one of Bangkok’s busiest areas. Home to some of Bangkok’s most expensive luxury hotels and the beautiful Lumphini Park, Silom also contains some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.
Chatuchak
image © Nopkamon TanayakornHome to Bangkok’s legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Chatuchak district also has some beautiful parks which are the perfect escape from the city’s traffic
Ari
image © Anthony JohEqual parts upscale residential area and hipster hangout, the Ari neighbourhood is home to a selection of great restaurants and cafés. Although it’s off the typical Bangkok itinerary, Ari (also sometimes spelt Aree) has a lot to offer for visitors to Bangkok seeking a quieter side of the city.
Phaya Thai
image © David McKelveyLocated north of Siam, Phaya Thai is a mixed residential and commercial district with cheap shopping and a great range of local restaurants. It’s also where you arrive if you catch the Airport Rail Link into town
Victory Monument
image © Mike BehnkenA major transport hub, Victory Monument is not the prettiest Bangkok district, but it does have some great restaurants and interesting streets to explore
Ratchadaphisek
image © JonasRatchadaphisek (or Ratchada, as it’s known) is an entertainment, business and residential district that’s largely unvisited by most tourists in Bangkok. Home to Royal City Avenue (RCA), one of Bangkok’s biggest nightlife districts, Ratchadaphisek is a fun area to explore.
