More than 50 million people pass through the Suvarnabhumi Passenger Terminal, Bangkok’s main airport, each year, and almost every one of them has spent at least one night in the city. In this article we will tell you which areas of Bangkok become the objects of attraction for this human flow, and why, which are worth staying (see 10 best budget hotels in Bangkok), and where to go shopping.
For Thailand, which is often smaller than other Russian regions, a capital city with a population of more than ten million people is unusually large. In fact, Bangkok is not only a metropolis, but also a regional center, successfully competing with such giants as Singapore and Hong Kong. It is the largest crossroads of Southeast Asia, and the riot of passion in its streets and squares is serious. Not everywhere the Farangs, as foreigners are called by the natives of the kingdom of Siam, can be comfortable, interesting and safe. So the question of which neighborhood in Bangkok is the best place to stay is not a frivolous one.
Best neighborhoods to visit and stay with foreigners
It should not be thought that the best neighborhoods in Bangkok, where foreigners may well satisfy their curiosity and touch the colorful and tantalizing forbidden entertainment culture of Southeast Asia, are precisely in the center of the city, as might be the case if one follows the European historical tradition. This view is true, but only in part.
For Thais themselves, the Rattanokosin district (really the geographical center of the city), where the Big Royal Palace and most of the city’s historic architectural landmarks are located, is the sacred center of the country. The other interesting places for tourists where you can do shopping, go crazy at night, or find the forbidden attractions of a sexual nature (read more about sex-tourism in Bangkok), are scattered around the metropolis in a beautiful mess. This quite reflects the nature of the mentality of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia, who, unquestioningly submitting to a single administrative will, nevertheless constantly maintain the desire for anarchy and personal freedom.
Administratively, the Thai capital is divided into 50 districts, called khetas, and more than a hundred and fifty khwengs, which we could call municipal districts.
Ko Rattanakosin
The Ko Rattanakosin area of Bangkok is truly central. Both geographically and spiritually. It’s located on a man-made island, separated from the rest of the city by the Chao Phraya River and the canal that straightens its bend. The Big Royal Palace complex and the adjoining temples, Wat Pra Keo and Wat Pho, are located there. The filler hill on which these places of worship are located also plays the role of viewpoint of Bangkok. The capital’s main tourist center, but you won’t be able to linger in it – you won’t find a hotel or a hotel near the monarch’s residence.
Riverside
The Riverside neighborhood in Bangkok is located on the Chao Phraya Riverfront, in its most landscaped and picturesque part. There is a constellation of luxury hotels. For example, “Penisula”, “Sheraton”, “Sofitel”, “Oriental”. The rooms offer a wonderful river panorama of the city (watch webcam at the Chao Phraya River). The area is full of souvenir shops and old (not older than the middle of the 19th century) buildings. For shopping fans, the area is unattractive.
Banglamphu
The Banglamphu district of Bangkok is best known for Kaosan Road, which attracts a lot of tourists. Among backpackers (fans of wilderness travel) it is considered the Gateway to Asia. Bustling and typically Oriental and laidback, it’s packed with little shops, cafes, restaurants, and places of dubious character. The mass of cheap gest houses, no pompous hotels. Leads mainly a nightlife. To the east of the Monument of Democracy there is a wide range of local attractions: the sanctuary of the Golden Mountain, the museum of King Prajahipoka…
You’ll be able to find a lot of local attractions.
Chinatown
Located southeast of Big Royal Palace, along Yaowarat Street. The Chinatown area of Bangkok has largely retained the ambience and spirit of colonial Indochina. Of course, the number of brothels in it has decreased markedly, but the swarm of passions even today may seem excessive to the tourist. In the small lanes adjacent to Yaowarat Road one can find a mass of jewelry shops. There are a lot of people loitering and street vendors selling all sorts of things – edible and not quite. There are two Buddhist temples. In Wat Traymit you can go look at the statue of the Supreme Deity of pure gold. For the adventurous on the heel, we recommend stopping by the alleyway area by the Texas Suki Hotel. The best hotels are along the main thoroughfare.
Silom
The Silom district in Bangkok by day is a business center, respectable and slightly prim and proper. It’s home to the headquarters of world-famous companies. It gathers the largest number of high-rise buildings in the city. For example, State Tower. There are hotels with the highest number of stars. A promising place for shopaholics who are attracted by the numerous shopping malls and boutiques. Of the attractions only Hindu temple Wat Kek Silom. At night it turns into a haven of entertainment and debauchery. On Patpong is the Red Light District.
Lumpini
The Lumpini area of Bangkok is a mecca for martial arts fans. They regularly gather in the stadium of the same name and hold fights. It’s also one of the rare places in the capital that has a big green Lumpini Park.
Siam Square
If you’re a shopaholic, this is the place to go. Siam Square in Bangkok is home to a huge number of large chain supermarkets and shopping malls. There are even more small shops. Shopping here is less ruinous than in Silom. The prices are lower by an order of magnitude. You can alternate your shopping spree with a visit to Siam Ocean World, the Wax Museum, the Suan Pakad Palace, the local culture and arts center.
Ploenchit
Another center of attraction for store lovers. The Ploenchit area of Bangkok is not the cheapest place to live, the price of rooms is the same as in the Silom area.
Pratunam
The Pratunam area of Bangkok is a place where you can meet many compatriots. They are attracted by the democratic prices of accommodation and very good conditions. There are not many entertainments, but there is the capital’s most famous observation deck – Bayok Skyscraper, and a huge Pratunam Market – a market with very democratic prices.
Sukhumvit
The Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is a place where well-meaning and reasonable tourists should not go as it is more suitable for nightlife. The largest concentration of brothels, go-go bars and other dubious establishments. The situation is difficult criminal and very anarchic morals. Farangs are considered easy prey.
Ratchadapisek
The Ratchadapisek district in Bangkok is Silom’s main rival, a new business district not yet marked on all maps. There is everything for a good time: large supermarkets, nightclubs and pubs, cabarets. Operates Thailand Cultural Center – the main cultural site of the capital. Hotel room prices are very high and you won’t find a cheap hostel here.
Best neighborhoods on a map of bangkok
Map of Bangkok (Download original)
Center of Bangkok (Download original)
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