Where to Stay in Sukhumvit Bangkok: Best Areas, Hotels & Travel Tips

Planning your next trip to Bangkok? Odds are you’ve asked yourself the exact same question: where to stay in Sukhumvit? The reason is simple: Sukhumvit Road is long. Very long. It spans dozens of neighborhoods covering miles of pavement and each district has a distinct personality. Choosing the wrong neighborhood can make or break your stay in Bangkok.

That’s why we created this ultimate guide on where to stay in Sukhumvit.

Quick Glance: Where to Stay in Sukhumvit Bangkok

Where to Stay in Sukhumvit? Let’s Dive Into Why Sukhumvit Is Great

Before we get into where to stay in Sukhumvit specifically, let’s address why Sukhumvit is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok in the first place.

Why Sukhumvit Makes Sense for Every Kind of Trip

For starters, Sukhumvit has it all. From convenience and dining options to nightlife and transportation, Sukhumvit blows every other area of Bangkok out of the water.

First, the BTS Skytrain actually runs along Sukhumvit Road so getting from point A to point B is super easy without dodging cars or navigating Rush Hour traffic.

Hotels in Sukhumvit place you right next to international restaurants, local street food spots, shopping malls, rooftop bars, massage shops, and parks.

Another reason Sukhumvit works for everyone is length of stay. Sukhumvit hotels cater to short term and long term stays. Sukhumvit is great for business travelers and couples. Families can stay Sukhumvit if you know which section to stay in.

The secret is realizing that Sukhumvit isn’t a neighborhood: Each section of Sukhumvit road has an entirely different vibe.

You Have Questions About Sukhumvit Areas? We Have Answers

The most common question we get asked about Sukhumvit goes a little something like this:

“What area of Sukhumvit should I stay?”

The single most important detail to factor in when choosing where to stay isn’t the hotel, but the BTS station closest to the hotel.

Sukhumvit is massive. You don’t want to be stuck wandering for miles during rush hour or Bangkok’s intense summer humidity just because you picked a “good deal” too far from a BTS station.

As a rule of thumb, always pick a hotel within five minutes of a BTS station. Your wallet and feet will thank you.

Popular Sukhumvit BTS stations among visitors include:

• Nana
• Asok
• Phrom Phong
• Thong Lo
• Ekkamai

Let’s explore each area and determine which traveler each is best suited for.

Nana: Nightlife Hotspot & Perfect for Short Stays in Bangkok

One of the biggest debated areas for visitors is Nana. This neighborhood has an incredible reputation as Bangkok’s party central. There’s constant partying around Sukhumvit Soi 11 and Nana Plaza.

If you are looking for bars, clubs, and late night eats within walking distance, Nana can work for short term stays in Bangkok.

The biggest thing to know about Nana is that this part of Sukhumvit never sleeps. Hotels are busy. Crowded. Loud. And full of travelers with backpacks until past midnight.

On the upside, many Nana hotels offer budget to mid-range prices with good value for your location.

Nightlife is life here and if you’re flying solo or with a group of friends that won’t be spending much time in the hotel, Nana is a solid choice.

If you have a family or like to keep things low-key after 10 PM, you may want to look a few sois down Sukhumvit.

Asok: Best Overall Location for First Time Visitors to Bangkok

If you have no idea where to stay in Sukhumvit, Asok may be your best bet. Located right where the BTS Sukhumvit Line intersects with the MRT Blue Line, Asok is one of the most connected neighborhoods in all of Bangkok.

Asok is home to popular shopping mall Terminal 21, hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and massage shops. You can also take direct BTS trains to Siam, Silom, Chatuchak, and even Chinatown.

Asok has hotels for any budget, from efficient business hotels to luxury high rises. We think this neighborhood is ideal for first time visitors, couples, and business travelers who want the most bang for their buck without staying in a party district.

Phrom Phong: Best Neighborhood for Shopping and Family Travel

Compared to Nana or Asok, Phrom Phong has a more residential feel. There are some really nice upscale shopping malls like Emporium and EmQuartier. Plus a large city park called Benchasiri Park which gives this area much needed green space.

Phrom Phong is popular with families visiting Bangkok, longer stay visitors, and expats living in Bangkok. Side streets tend to be quieter. Sidewalks are wider. There are many cute cafes and international restaurants.

For travelers who value comfort, cleanliness, and a slower paced atmosphere without sacrificing that downtown location, Phrom Phong is a great answer to where to stay in Sukhumvit.

Thong Lo: Trendy, Hip, and Full of Delicious Food

Thong Lo may be our favorite Bangkok neighborhood. It’s very trendy right now with young professionals, creatives, and Japanese expats flocking to the area.

Expect to find cute cafes, boutique coffee shops, tasty cocktail bars, and some of the best restaurants in Bangkok all within a few sois of each other.

Thong Lo has that hip, local vibe that you don’t get visiting Asok or Nana. If exploring street food, trying new restaurants, and boutique shopping is more your style, checkout Thong Lo.

You won’t find many hotels in Thong Lo, but there are tons of serviced apartments and boutique hotels designed with longer stays in mind.

Thong Lo is ideal for couples, repeat visitors, and anyone who really wants to experience a lived-in version of Bangkok.

Ekkamai: Best Area for Long Term Stays & Easy Airport Transfers

Ekkamai Station is one BTS stop past Thong Lo. Right outside Ekkamai is the Eastern Bus Terminal. Ekkamai is convenient if you’re looking to visit Pattaya, Rayong, or any of the eastern provinces.

Ekkamai is a little quieter and more affordable than Thong Lo. It’s still downtown but has a lot of apartments, local eats, and casual cafes.

If you plan on doing mostly day trips during your time in Bangkok and want a quiet evening to yourself after exploring, Ekkamai might be right for you.

Ekkamai is ideal for longer stays, digital nomads, and travelers who don’t mind staying slightly off the beaten path but still on Sukhumvit.

Picking Your Perfect Sukhumvit Neighborhood: 3 Tips

When trying to figure out where to stay in Sukhumvit, ask yourself these questions:

• How much will you use public transportation? Having a hotel a ten minute walk from a BTS station is much more important than the number of stars your hotel has.
• Will nightlife nearby keep you up at night? Consider whether you will be bothered by nightlife if you’re traveling with kids or need to work from your hotel in Bangkok.
• How long is your stay? Shorter stays tend to benefit from being right in the thick of Sukhumvit near Asok. Longer term stays often feel more comfortable in Phrom Phong or Ekkamai.

You should also consider walking distance. Hotel shopping from the comfort of your computer can be deceiving. South East Asia’s heat and humidity is no joke. If you pick a hotel that requires a long trek down a small Soi, you may regret it later.

How Safe is Sukhumvit For Tourists?

Wondering if Sukhumvit is safe for tourists? TripAdvisor and Google have tons of reviews from travelers who’ve stayed in Sukhumvit and can answer that question for you.

Yes, Sukhumvit is safe for tourists. It’s actually one of the safest districts in all of Bangkok. Sukhumvit streets are always brightly lit and patrol cars roam the streets, especially around popular BTS stations.

Like any major city in the world, petty crimes do occur. Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare.

Nightlife hubs like Nana and Asok will have rowdier situations at night but that just requires a little street smarts. Staying at a reputable hotel on or close to a main soi or BTS station will keep you safe in Bangkok.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully our breakdown of where to stay in Sukhumvit has helped you learn more about Bangkok and narrowed down your decision.

Remember there is no one right answer to where to stay in Sukhumvit because each section of road attracts different types of travelers.

For first time visitors wanting a convenient location with tons of transport options, we recommend Asok or Phrom Phong.

If you are a returning traveler and want that more local experience, look into hotels around Thong Lo and Ekkamai.

Picking the right Sukhumvit neighborhood will set you up for a smooth, enjoyable Bangkok trip and minimize vacation stress.