Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget - 7 Best areas

Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Bangkok on a budget and best cheap hotels in Bangkok for all travelers.

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, offers a plethora of affordable accommodation options in various neighborhoods that cater to budget-conscious travelers without compromising on convenience or charm. Whether you’re seeking bustling markets, cultural landmarks, or a taste of local life, this city has it all.

Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget?

The best areas to stay in Bangkok on a budget are Khao San Road, Lower Sukhumvit, Silom, Pratunam, Chinatown, Rattanakosin, and Suvarnabhumi Airport area. These areas offer affordable options while still providing convenient access to transportation, attractions, and amenities.

Consider using online booking platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, or Hostelworld to compare prices and read reviews from previous guests. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best rates.

Here is an overview of recommended areas in Bangkok on a budget:

Best areas in Bangkok on a budget	Why should you stay in this area?
Khao San Road	is the backpacker hub of Bangkok, offering affordable accommodation options, budget-friendly street food, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers.
Lower Sukhumvit	This area, particularly around Sukhumvit Soi 11 and Soi 8, has numerous affordable hotels. It’s also well-connected to public transportation, making it convenient for exploring the city.
Silom	a bustling business and entertainment district, close to attractions like Lumpini Park, Patpong Night Market, BTS Skytrain and MRT subway lines.
Pratunam	Known for its wholesale fashion markets and shopping malls, budget hotels and guesthouse. Close to Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link station.
Chinatown	is famous for its vibrant street markets, delicious street food, and affordable guesthouses. It’s a fascinating area to explore, and it’s easily accessible by MRT or Chao Phraya River boats.
Rattanakosin	the historic area of Bangkok, home to iconic Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. You’ll have easy access to many cultural sights.
Suvarnabhumi Airport area	If you have an early or late flight, staying near Suvarnabhumi Airport can be convenient. You can take the Airport Rail Link to downtown Bangkok for sightseeing.

Map of Best areas where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget:

Map of 7 Best areas to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget

7 Best areas to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget are:

1. Khao San Road

Khao San Road in Bangkok has long been known as a popular destination for budget travelers, backpackers, and those seeking a vibrant nightlife scene. It offers a range of affordable accommodations, street food stalls, cheap bars, and a bustling atmosphere.

Khao San Road is located in the Banglamphu neighborhood, with easy access to important landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and the Chao Phraya River.

The area is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. It offers a lively and energetic atmosphere, especially in the evenings, attracting travelers looking for a social experience and entertainment.

Khao San Road is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide array of street food stalls and affordable eateries. Travelers on a budget can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine without breaking the bank.

The surrounding streets are filled with market stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Bargaining is common in these markets, allowing budget travelers to get the best deals.

Khao San Road is dotted with massage parlors and spas where you can relax and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring. Traditional Thai massages, foot massages, and other wellness treatments are popular options.

The street is filled with travel agencies, tour operators, and shops offering a range of services for backpackers. You can find assistance with visa extensions, book tours to popular destinations, arrange transportation, and much more.

Located near Khao San Road, Wat Chana Songkhram is a Buddhist temple that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling street. Take some time to admire the Democracy Monument, which commemorates the 1932 Siamese Revolution, and learn about its historical significance.

It is a very touristy area, which means it can be crowded and noisy, especially at night. It’s a vibrant hub for backpackers and party-goers, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer a more peaceful and local experience, you might want to consider other neighborhoods.

Khao San Road is known for its abundance of affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. The area caters to budget travelers and backpackers, offering reasonably priced accommodation options.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Khao San Road on a budget:

🔍BEST HOTELS IN KHAO SAN ROAD

2. Lower Sukhumvit

Lower Sukhumvit is a popular area to stay in Bangkok for travelers on a budget. Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok’s major thoroughfares and stretches for several kilometers:

Lower Sukhumvit, the area around Nana and Asok with a mix of nightlife, shopping, and dining options. It is well-connected to public transportation and offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations.
Middle Sukhumvit, the area around Phrom Phong and Thonglor, is home to luxurious hotels, high-end shopping malls,trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Upper Sukhumvit, the area around Phra Khanong and On Nut, have a more residential and local feel, great for a more laid-back and authentic vibe away from the crowds.

Lower Sukhumvit is well-connected by public transportation. The MRT subway and BTS Skytrain runs along Sukhumvit Road, making it convenient to explore other parts of Bangkok.

Lower Sukhumvit is known for its vibrant food scene and lively nightlife. Along the main road and the adjoining sois, you’ll find a wide variety of street food stalls, local restaurants, and inexpensive eateries.

There are plenty of affordable bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can enjoy the nightlife without breaking the bank:

Soi Cowboy, one of Bangkok’s most famous red-light districts, known for its neon-lit go-go bars, clubs, and pubs, offering a lively atmosphere.
Nana Plaza, a three-story entertainment complex with numerous bars and adult-themed venues.
Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok’s most popular party zone with lots of nightclubs, pubs and bars.

Lower Sukhumvit is home to several shopping malls, such as Terminal 21, where you can find both high-end and budget-friendly shopping options. Emporium and EmQuartier are located side by side near Phrom Phong BTS station.

There are also various markets, including the popular Nana Night Market, Sukhumvit Soi 11 Night Market or the Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 (Soi Arab) Market, where you can find inexpensive goods and delicious street food such as pad Thai, som tam (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice.

Located near Asok BTS station, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center hosts various events, exhibitions, and conferences throughout the year.

The area is well-developed and offers a wide range of amenities, including convenience stores, pharmacies, laundromats, and local markets. You’ll have easy access to all the essentials you may need during your stay, often at affordable prices.

Lower Sukhumvit is home to some green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Benjasiri Park, located is a popular park with jogging paths, a lake, and sculptures. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Lower Sukhumvit can be quite busy and crowded, especially around the Nana and Asoke areas. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you may want to explore other areas of Bangkok that still offer budget-friendly options.

Lower Sukhumvit offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, hostels, and affordable hotels. You can find budget-friendly accommodations along the main Sukhumvit Road as well as the side streets (known as “sois”).

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Lower Sukhumvit on a budget:

Revolution Asoke (hostel)
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club (hostel)
ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 (3-star hotel)

🔍BEST HOTELS IN LOWER SUKHUMVIT

See more: Where to Stay in Sukhumvit

3. Silom

Silom is an attractive area to stay in Bangkok for travelers on a budget due to its combination of affordable accommodation, convenient location, diverse food options, budget-friendly shopping, and entertainment choices.

Silom has excellent transport links, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway. The BTS Sala Daeng Station and BTS Chong Nonsi Station are the two major stations in the area, making it easy to access Silom and explore the surrounding areas.

Silom is close to many of Bangkok’s popular attractions. The iconic Wat Hua Lamphong, Sri Mariam Temple, and Lumpini Park are within walking distance. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun are easily accessible from Silom via public transportation, saving you both time and money.

Silom is often referred to as the Wall Street of Bangkok due to its concentration of banks, financial institutions, and corporate offices. Many multinational companies and Thai businesses have their headquarters in this area.

Silom is known for its lively entertainment and nightlife scene. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs offering affordable drinks and entertainment options. Silom also has a reputation for its LGBTQ+ nightlife, with several gay bars and clubs located in Soi 2 and Soi 4.

There are also food stalls, food courts, and small restaurants serving a variety of Thai dishes at reasonable prices. This allows you to experience authentic Thai cuisine without breaking the bank.

The vibrant Patpong Night Market and the Silom Walking Street Market offer a wide array of affordable shopping opportunities, including clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Bargaining is also common in these markets, allowing you to get even better deals.

One of the highlights of Silom is the Sky Bar, located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua State Tower. This rooftop bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Chao Phraya River. It gained international fame after being featured in the movie The Hangover Part II.

While Silom offers affordable options for budget travelers, it’s important to note that the area can get quite busy and crowded, especially during rush hours.

Silom offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. You can find reasonably priced accommodations that cater to various budgets, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Silom on a budget:

The Cube Hostel
Kinnon Deluxe Hostel Coworking Cafe
Yellow Ribbon Hills Boutique Suites (3-star hotel)

🔍BEST HOTELS IN SILOM

4. Pratunam

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Bangkok with easy access to shopping, transportation, and attractions, Pratunam is definitely worth considering. It is a bustling neighborhood and is famous for its wholesale fashion market and affordable accommodations.

Pratunam is home to the Platinum Fashion Mall and Pratunam Market, offering a vast selection of clothing, accessories, and other goods at wholesale or discounted prices. Bargaining is common in these areas, giving you the chance to grab some great deals.

In the evenings, Pratunam hosts the Pratunam Night Market and Palladium Night Market, providing a lively atmosphere, local street performances, and a chance to shop for inexpensive clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

The neighborhood is home to numerous street food stalls and local eateries where you can indulge in delicious and affordable Thai cuisine. Some popular street food spots include Soi 19 and Soi Phetchaburi 30.

You can visit the observation deck on the 77th floor in Baiyoke Sky Tower, the tallest building in the city where you can also dine at the rooftop restaurant for a memorable experience.

Other cheap and budget-friendly things to do and see in Pratunam include:

Trimurti Shrine, a Hindu shrine dedicated to the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Indra Square, a four-story shopping complex where you can find clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs.
Santiphap Park, a peaceful green space in the middle of Pratunam. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or simply to relax and people-watch.
CentralWorld, one of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls. It houses a wide range of international and local brands, restaurants, a cinema, and an ice-skating rink.
Pantip Plaza, IT shopping mall offers a vast selection of computers, cameras, software, and accessories.

Pratunam has its own BTS Skytrain station called Chit Lom, which connects you to other major areas of Bangkok. It is also well-connected by taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis. Keep in mind that traffic can get quite congested in the area, especially during peak hours.

Pratunam is within reasonable distance of many of Bangkok’s popular tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This allows you to explore the city’s highlights without spending too much on transportation.

Pratunam offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. You can find reasonably priced rooms that cater to different budgets, allowing you to save money on your accommodation expenses.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Pratunam on a budget:

Pinto Hostel
Bunkbed Hostel
Lemontea Hotel Bangkok (3-star hotel)

🔍BEST HOTELS IN PRATUNAM

5. Chinatown

Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Bangkok known for its rich cultural heritage, street food, and traditional markets.

Chinatown has a rich Chinese heritage, dating back to the late 18th century when Chinese immigrants settled in the area. You can see the influence of Chinese culture in the architecture, temples, and various Chinese shops.

There are attractions to explore for free such as the famous Talat Mai market, Sampeng Lane Market, Chinatown Heritage Center, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, and Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha).

Chinatown is renowned for its vibrant street food scene. You’ll find numerous food stalls, restaurants, and local eateries offering delicious and inexpensive dishes.

The area is famous for its bustling markets and street stalls, where you can find great bargains on a wide range of items, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs. Haggling is a common practice, allowing you to further stretch your budget.

Chinatown is at its best in the late afternoon or evening when the streets are at their busiest and the food stalls are in full swing. You can easily reach Chinatown by taxi, tuk-tuk, or Bangkok’s MRT subway (Hua Lamphong station).

Chinatown can be quite busy and noisy, especially during the day and on weekends. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed environment, you might want to consider other areas of Bangkok.

Chinatown offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. These places often provide basic amenities at affordable prices, making it ideal for travelers on a budget.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Chinatown on a budget:

Mangkon Hostel
Luk Hostel
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown (3-star hotel)

🔍BEST HOTELS IN CHINATOWN

6. Rattanakosin

Rattanakosin is a budget-friendly area of Bangkok due to its proximity to many of the city’s iconic attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

Known as the historic district or Old Town, Rattanakosin was established in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to its current location on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Rattanakosin’s central location provides easy access to numerous tourist spots and cultural sites walking distance or a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride.

Rattanakosin also has a vibrant street food scene with plenty of inexpensive local eateries and markets. You can sample delicious Thai cuisine at places like Wang Lang Market and Tha Maharaj, or explore the famous street food stalls along Soi Rambuttri and Khao San Road.

Rattanakosin is situated along the Chao Phraya River, and many riverside hotels offer beautiful views of the water and easy access to river transportation. You can take a riverboat to explore other parts of Bangkok or enjoy a scenic dinner cruise in the evening.

You can witness daily monk processions, experience traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho, or attend cultural performances at the National Theatre. There are also various museums in the area, such as the Bangkok National Museum, which showcase Thailand’s history and art.

The area offers a wide range of budget accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and affordable hotels. These options are often more budget-friendly compared to the accommodations in other popular areas like Sukhumvit or Silom.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Rattanakosin on a budget:

Issara by D Hostel
Boxpackers Hostel Phranakorn
Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and Cafe (3-star hotel)

🔍BEST HOTELS IN RATTANAKOSIN

7. Suvarnabhumi Airport area

Staying near Suvarnabhumi Airport can be advantageous if you have an early morning or late-night flight. By staying nearby, you can minimize travel time and avoid the hassle of commuting from other parts of Bangkok during peak hours.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to the city center by public transportation, including the Airport Rail Link and public buses. This makes it relatively easy to explore other parts of Bangkok while staying near the airport.

The airport itself has a wide range of shopping and dining facilities. If you are on a budget, you can find affordable meals at food courts, as well as duty-free shops and convenience stores where you can purchase essentials at reasonable prices.

Since Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major transportation hub, there are several budget hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity that cater to transit passengers and budget-conscious travelers. These accommodations often offer competitive prices due to the high competition in the area.

Best places to stay in Bangkok in Suvarnabhumi Airport on a budget:

🔍BEST HOTELS IN SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT AREA

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Summary – Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok on a budget?

In conclusion, Khao San Road, Lower Sukhumvit, Silom, Pratunam, Chinatown, Rattanakosin, and Suvarnabhumi Airport area are some of the best places to stay in Bangkok on a budget. They offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants for all visitors.

Khao San Road caters to backpackers with its vibrant atmosphere, while Lower Sukhumvit is ideal for shopping and nightlife. Silom combines affordability with business amenities, and Pratunam is perfect for bargain hunters. Chinatown showcases cultural immersion, Rattanakosin exudes historical charm, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport area provides convenience for transit.

No matter which area you choose, Bangkok has something to offer for every budget-conscious traveler.

Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget – 7 Best areas