Where to Stay in Bangkok: The River, Lumpini, Ploenchit and Sukhumvit

On the river

The Chao Phraya is the calmest address, with sunsets, hotel boats and a slower pace that suits couples and families. Boats bypass road congestion, and the nearest rail link is the BTS at Saphan Taksin; the trade-off is that nights out are harder to reach. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok was founded in 1876 and still has its historic Authors’ Wing.

Capella Bangkok is an intimate hotel on Charoen Krung in which every room faces the river, and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is a low-rise riverside resort.

Around Lumpini Park

Silom, Sathorn and Lumpini sit on both the BTS and MRT, and the park gives the area green space unusual in central Bangkok. Rush hour is heavy, but the rail lines let you bypass it. In Sathorn, stay in the upper half, near the Chong Nonsi or St Louis stations. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is a small hotel of suites in a private garden, built around a century-old tree, and Dusit Thani Bangkok overlooks the park, with interiors by André Fu.

Ploenchit and Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is busy, touristy and well connected, and suits first-time visitors; Asok is the key rail interchange. Traffic is intense, so rely on the rail lines. Rosewood Bangkok is a sculptural tower inspired by the Thai wai greeting, and Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is the first Fairmont in Thailand.

Pair with

For dining, see a gastronomic guide to Bangkok, and for rest, Bangkok and Thailand wellness.

Sources: Tara O’Reilly: Where to stay in Bangkok. Check the official websites for current information.