Ultimate Bangkok Guide by Neighborhood

There's a reason why Thailand is called the 'Land of Smiles.' There are so many reasons as to why you'd want to smile here. The welcoming people, the stunning culture, and loads of exciting things just waiting to be explored and experienced. It's no surprise, then, that the country has always been one of the most visited in the world. Moreover, some of those same visitors have also decided to stay here and call Thailand their home. Their city of choice? Usually the capital, Bangkok. There are a ton of neighborhoods here that many people from around the world will find homely. Here are some of them.

 

Banglamphu

Thailand is one of those countries that are paradises for backpackers. It's the type of destination where you just want to explore, and only when you're tired at the end of the day do you take your rest at home. Bangkok, in particular, is such a place. With so much to offer, the Thai capital is an explorer's dream. And if you're a backpacker yourself, you'd do good by staying at the Banglamphu area. Not only is this where the city's liveliest street is located, Khao San Road, but the town itself is full of adventure as well! 

Source: Flickr.com/ Adam Jones

 

Bangrak

Bangkok, in many ways, is regarded as a "gilded city." And it's not just because of the golden temples peppered all over the city. Bangkok is actually one of the most luxurious cities in Asia. It's part of the reason why it's such a prominent destination. Apart from the culture it offers, Bangkok is home to a flourishing financial and business hub. In turn, certain areas within this capital city are beaming with swanky hotels, five-star spas, upscale malls, and more. The beautiful Bangrak is one such area. And if you're now that's often drawn to the finer things in life, here is where you should stay! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Charoen Krung

One of the most beautiful things about Bangkok is its reverence to the past. It's a modern city, yes, but it also still upholds certain traditions and preserves certain landmarks. The temples, of course, are the best examples of such. But also, there are the 19th-century marvels of Charoen Krung. If you want to see what life might have looked like two centuries ago in Bangkok, here is where you'll find out. Though there's still a huge speck of contemporary life here, what will really draw you in is the history and rich culture on full display. Not a bad place to stay at! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Chinatown 

Unsurprisingly, Bangkok has its own Chinatown. Practically every major city in the world has one. But due to the country's close proximity to mainland China, this particular area has a tinge more authenticity than, say the Chinatowns in New York or Sydney. Here, Chinese culture is alive and well, with countless restaurants, cafes, temples, and more that push forward Chinese culture. It's also a deep-dive look into how the Chinese influenced that Thais and their own culture too. Though it's often busy here, it's not a bad place to stay if you want to soak up as much Asian culture as you want! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Ekamai

People often think that the partying hub of Bangkok is in Khao San Road. And while there's some truth to that, this famous spot is not the end-all and be-all of having a good time in the Thai capital. For one thing, there's still Ekamai. A series of nightlife hubs as far as the eye can see, this is one of those areas where partying is the name of the game. In the afternoon, it's a peaceful environment that's still a pleasant place to stay. But as night falls, trust that it will go lively and fun all night long! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Ko Rattanakosin 

Arguably, the Ko Rattanakosin area is probably the most-visited out of all the districts on this list. Why? Because this is where two of Bangkok's most famous tourist sites are located! Namely, they are the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho temple. The former is the seat of power of the country's monarchy, marked by gilded palaces and beautiful temples that should be seen in person. The other is most famous for its reclining Buddha, a humongous golden Buddha statue that's said to be the biggest in the world. These two sites alone are worth staying in this area. But there are also a few nice markets and culinary establishments too! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Pathumwan

Pathumwan is one of those areas that will remind you of the standard urban city life. It's easy to think that Bangkok is this exotic destination full of gilded temples and floating rivers. But in reality, the capital is as normal a city like any other. And the Pathhumwan area stands testament to that. A series of upscale establishments, it has some of the finer things the city offers. Affordable yet quality shopping, delicious foods and snacks, and museums and galleries galore! You'll likely find a new thing to do every day during your stay here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Sathorn

Similarly, the Sathorn neighborhood provides the same luxurious experience. Here, luxury condominiums are a dime a dozen. So in terms of finding a place, you're essentially good! But once you walk outside, you'll see that it mostly made up of both traditional and modern high-class eateries. Some have even noted that Sathorn is the foodie capital within the Thai capital. From the spiciest of their meals to the sweetest of their desserts, your taste buds will their own adventure here. Every day throughout your stay can give you a new treat to feast on if you stay here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Sukhumvit

In terms of business, Sukhumvit is arguably the city's hub for that. One of the longest roads in all of the country—one that extends all the way to Cambodia—this is where all the big business happens. It's also where most of the foreign workers who live in Bangkok stay. So if you're planning you stay in the country, this is one of the best places to start and slowly ease into becoming a local here. As you might expect from any other business hu around the world, this place has its own fair share of upscale eateries, quality shopping, a thriving nightlife scene, and more! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Thonglor

With its mix of the old and new, Bangkok is expectedly a city that has drawn countless creatives and welcomed them in. Their district is the Thonglor area. You can say that this particular neighborhood is the center of artistic expression within the Thai capital. And it's not just because of the galleries, museums, and exhibit spaces here too. This place has a ton of hotspots where artists can get their creative juices flowing. Think novel cafes and coffeeshop filled with writers typing away on their devices. Or scenic parks where an artist might be painting something new. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Bangkok is a more exciting place than you might expect. Whatever your expectations and prejudices are of the Thai capital, especially with what you see on film, actually going here and even staying here is a totally different experience. And these neighborhoods will show you that!