Pratunam is a popular shopping district in Bangkok, known for its number of wholesale shopping malls and markets. It also offers affordable accommodations and direct access to Suvarnabhumi Airport via Airport Rail Link Train.
Pratunam Market and the observation deck and revolving rooftop at Baiyoke Tower II are some of the top attractions in Pratunam. Additionally, the area is home to several other shopping malls including Platinum Fashion Mall, which add to the lively shopping scene.
Being located right next to Siam with more famous malls such as CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, Siam Square, you can have the benefits of staying in affordable accommodation while still having easy access to major malls and attractions.
In this article about where to stay in Pratunam, I will explain why you should stay in Pratunam, some downsides of staying in this area, as well as the best places and hotels in Pratunam.
Read More: Where to stay in Bangkok – All Areas Guide
Where is Pratunam?
Pratunam is the area around Pratunam Market and Baiyoke Tower II. It also includes the area around Victory Monument. Major roads running through Pratunam include Phetchaburi Road, Phaya Thai Road, and Ratchaprarop Road.
The south of Pratunam is bordered by Saen Saep Canal and Siam shopping district. The Airport Rail Link passes through Pratunam, with stops at several locations in the area, including Ratchaprarop and Phaya Thai stations.
Why should you stay in Pratunam?
Pratunam is one of the good areas to stay in Bangkok, especially for those who want easy access to Suvarnabhumi Airport for late arrival or early departure.
It is also a convenient location for those who come to Bangkok to do wholesale shopping at Pratunam Market and nearby malls in Siam Quare.
I chose to stay in Pratunam on my first night in Bangkok because my flight arrived around 9pm. It was late, and after an 8 hour flight from Melbourne, I just wanted to reach the hotel as quickly as possible. Pratunam is perfect for that.
Additionally, the area itself is vibrant and has plenty to explore, from restaurants, malls, night markets, it has it all. The BTS sky train runs through Pratunam, making it easy to explore other areas of Bangkok.
Here are a few reasons, from my perspective, why you should stay in Pratunam:
1. Convenient Location and direct access to the Airport
Pratunam is located in central Bangkok and is well-connected to public trains and ferries, making it easy to access other popular areas like Suvarnabhumi Airport, Siam, Sukhumvit, and the Old City.
Pratunam is home to several train stations, with Phaya Thai Station being the area’s most important station. It is the final stop of the Airport Rail Link, and from here, you can swap for the BTS skytrain to other parts of Bangkok.
Other train stations close to Pratunam are Ratchathewi BTS station, Chit Lom BTS Station, and Ratchaprarop ARL Station.
The train ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station on the Airport Rail Link takes approximately 30 minutes, which is great for those who have a late arrival or early departure.
From Pratunam, you can easily use BTS skytrain or even walk to Siam (just south of Pratuna) to explore Siam Square, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld.
Pratunam is also a convenient base to visit ChatukChak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Thailand. The Sukhumvit Skytrain line will take you directly to Mo Chit Station, from where it’s an 8-minute walk to the market.
To reach Sukhumvit with Terminal 21, Nana Plaza, Korean Town, and Soi Cowboy, you can take the BTS Skytrain, which will get you there in 4 stops.
If you want to visit the Silom area for Patapong Night Market and Little Tokyo, you can easily use the BTS Skhumvit line, or hop to Siam then swap to the Silom line for quick access to this area.
With the Saen Sap Canal located south of the neighborhood, you can easily use ferries to reach the Old Town, Chinatown, Riverside, and visit major attractions such as Jim Thompson House Museum, Golden Mount, Khao San Road, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho.
2. Affordable Accommodation
Compared to the more central areas such as Sukhumvit and Siam, Pratunam has more budget-friendly hostels, guest houses, and hotels. Of course, there are still options for luxury travelers. If you want a comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank, Pratunam is a good choice.
3. Shopping Paradise
This area is home to Pratunam Market and several other shopping malls and night markets such as Platinum Fashion Mall.
They are some of the best places in Bangkok to buy trendy clothing, accessories, and textiles at affordable prices, especially if you love wholesale shopping. I recommend putting the Pratunam Market in your itineraries when visiting Bangkok.
Additionally you can easily walk or take a short train ride to nearby neighbor Siam for more shopping at CentralWorld, Siam Square One, MBK, Siam Discovery, and Siam Paragon.
4. Food and Street Eats
Like all other areas of Bangkok, Pratunam has lots of cafes, restaurants, and night markets where you try both international cuisines and Thai comfort food. Most shopping malls and markets in this area have a food section where you can do nothing but shop and enjoy delicious, affordable meals.
5. Vibrant Atmosphere
Pratunam has a bustling and chaotic vibe, which is great to experience local life and people watch. It’s busy day and night, with plenty of shopping, eating, and entertainment options at every corner.
Downside of staying in Pratunam
While staying in Pratunam has many advantages for both first-timers and repeated travelers, it has a few downsides to consider as well.
The fast-paced and chaotic nature of the area can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors to Bangkok. The nightlife in Pratunam is less vibrant compared to Sukhumvit or Silom, but again you can easily take the train to these areas for parties.
While Pratunam is great for shopping and food, this area does not have much traditional charm. You will need to travel to the Old Town or Chinatown to visit iconic sights such as Gran Palace, and Wat Pho, but it will not be a problem as it is well-connected to trains.
Pratunam is just one of the many areas to stay in Bangkok, you can check more places to stay in Sukhumvit, in Chinatown, in Khao San, in Old Town, in Siam, in Silom, in the riverside area.
The Best Areas to Stay in Pratunam
The main area of Pratunam is quite small, approximately 1 km long and 600 m wide. This area is within Phaya Thai Road on the west, Phetchaburi Road on the south, Rachapraprop Road on the east, and the airport rail link line on the north.
Once you arrive at Pratunam, you can easily get around this area on foot. All malls and markets are located within walking distance from each other.
You can consider staying somewhere near the Phaya Thai Station, so when you get off the airport train you can easily walk to your hotel, without paying for additional transport.
There are also many hotels on Phetchaburi Road, near Pratunam Night Market, and a bit further away from the central area of Pratunam, around Victory Monument Station.
The Best Places to Stay in Pratunam
1. Near Phaya Thai Station
Phaya Thai Station is a major transportation hub located in Pratunam. It serves both the Airport Rail Link and BTS Skytrain, making it a convenient stop for traveling between the airport and central Bangkok.
Phaya Thai Station is the terminal station for the Airport Rail Link, offering a direct connection to Suvarnabhumi Airport. It’s about a 30 minute train ride, which is a quick and affordable way to get to and from the airport.
Additionally, Phaya Thai Station is on the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line, which connects you to many key areas in Bangkok, including Sukhumvit, Siam, and the popular Chatuchak area.
Where to stay in Pratunam near Phaya Thai Station:
Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
Eastin Grand is a major hotel in Pratunam, located near the main road, Phaya Thai Road. It’s just 5 mins walk from Phaya Thai Station, which offers a direct link to the airport within a 30 minute train ride. From this station, you can also use the skytrain line to get to Chatukchak Market, Siam, and Sukhumvit.
From the hotel, you can explore Pratunam on foot. You can walk to Baiyoke Sky Tower, Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall, and several night markets in the area.
The hotel has modern rooms, with facilities such as business center, Infinity Pool, fitness center, and multiple restaurants. The downside is it is right on the main road with lots of traffic, so it can be noisy and busy for some visitors.
The Sukosol Hotel
Sukosol is located 5 minutes walk from Phaya Thai Station, which offers quick access to the airport and other parts of Bangkok on trains. Siam shopping district is just 2 stops away on the BTS skytrain, while the vibrant nightlife Sukhum is 5 train stops away.
The hotel is a good base for all tourists including families with kids and business travelers. It has a beautiful outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing or business meetings.
you can enjoy traditional Thai massages at its spa, or stay activities at its onsite fitness center. There are also meeting rooms for business travelers.
Anajak Bangkok Hotel
Anajak is located on Kolit Alley, just a 3 minutes walk from Phaya Thai Station. You can easily access the skytrain and airport rail link to get to the airport and travel around Bangkok.
The hotel offers various room types, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Family Rooms, catering to both solo travelers and families. The décor is modern with a touch of traditional Thai elements, giving the rooms a cozy and welcoming feel.
2. On Phetchaburi Road
Phetchaburi Road is one of the main roads in Pratunam. It is a lively area and is home to many shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and shops. This street runs parallel with the Airport Rail Link line and is 500m away from Phay Thai Station.
To access this road in Pratunam, you take the BTS skytrain to Ratchathewi or Chit Lom BTS stations, followed by a 5-15 minute walk. Ratchathewi Station is around 130m to the intersection of Phetchaburi Road and Phaya Thai Road.
Phetchaburi Road has an urban, city feel, with high-rise buildings, busy streets, and a fast-paced vibe, making it one of the busiest roads in Bangkok. It is home to many accommodations including big chains such as Novotel, Amari, and Centre Point.
Where to stay in Pratunam Phetchaburi Road:
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
Novotel is a popular place to stay in Pratunam and Bangkok. It has a prime location on the top of Platinum Fashion Mall. You will have direct access to the mall with lots of shops and dining options.
You can reach this hotel by a 15 minute walk from either Chit Lom or Ratchathewi BTS Station. From Novotel, you can walk to all major sights in Pratunam and nearby Siam. There is the covered elevated pedestrian walkway (R Walk) connecting Novotel directly with CentraWorld and Big C.
If you use the airport rail link, you can get off at Ratchaprarop BTS Station, and walk for 10 minutes to reach Novotel. Phaya Thai Station is also nearby.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with stunning views of the Bangkok skyline, as well as a gym, spa, business center, and multiple restaurants.
Amari Bangkok
Amari has a prime location step away from Pratunam Market and opposite Platinum Mall. It is also within walking distance to lots of other malls, restaurants, souvenir shops, and massage shops in Pratunam. You can walk to CentralWord and Siam Paragon.
The hotel is also within walking distance to the airport rail link (Ratchaprarop Station) and the river pier for ferries to the old town area of Bangkok to explore attractions such as Wat Saket, Wat Pho and Grand Palace.
In terms of amenities, Amari has modern rooms and suites, outdoor pool, gym, spa, bar, and restaurants. It has a 24-hour front desk, ensuring that guests receive assistance whenever needed.
Centre Point Plus Hotel Pratunam
Centre Point is a popular base in Pratunam, located close to the main road, on Soi Phetchaburi 15. It is 500m from Phaya Thai Station, which offers direct train access to Bangkok Airport.
If you have a light suitcase, you can walk to the hotel from Phaya Thai Station. Otherwise, use a short taxi, tuk tuk ride to avoid the heat and uneven road. Another way is to swap the BTS skytrain to Ratchathewi BTS Train, then walk for a few minutes to the hotel.
Staying in Centre Point means you’ll be within a short walk from the various restaurants, massage shops, and malls in Pratunam and Siam.
The hotel houses 254 spacious rooms, with modern amenities, and some rooms with city views.There are also a pool, laundry services, spa, kids clubs….
The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam
Berkeley is one of the best places to stay in Pratunam, Bangkok. This hotel is centrally located right at the corner of two main roads in Pratunam, Phetchaburi Road and Ratchaprarop Road. It is within walking distance from lots of malls and markets such as Platinum, Palladium, and Pratunam Market.
You can easily walk to other points of interest in Siam Shopping district such as Big C, CentralWorld, Siam Paragon. It is also a short taxi ride from Bangkok Airport. If you arrive by Airport Rail LInk, you can get off at Ratchaprarop Station then walk to the hotel for around 10 minutes.
The hotel has two towers and around 800 rooms. It has multiple dining options, a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and spa facilities.
3. Near Pratunam Market
Pratunam Market is a major attraction in Pratunam, located in the heart of this neighborhood. The market is known for its vibrant and affordable shopping destinations, bustling atmosphere, and wholesale fashion deals.
In addition to fashion shops, this market and its surroundings offer a variety of street food stalls and local eateries. You can enjoy traditional Thai dishes, Chinese food, and Indian food at many restaurants near the market.
Close to Pratunam Market is Indra Square, Krungthong Plaza, the City Complex Mall, and Baiyoke Sky Tower. You can buy a ticket to visit the observation deck at Baiyoke Tower to enjoy the views at one of the tallest buildings in Bangkok and Thailand.
Where to stay in Pratunam near Pratunam Night Market:
Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Baiyoke is a famous hotel in the heart of Pratunam, within walking distance of Pratunam Night Market. The hotel has 88 floors, and is one of the tallest hotels in Thailand. The hotel is known for its observation deck and a revolving roof deck that has stunning views of the city.
Baiyoke’s location is also convenient for those traveling from or to Bangkok Airport by airport Rail Link. It is a 5 minute walk from Ratchaprarop Station.
Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, you can still visit its observation deck to enjoy the sweeping views of the city. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the ticket counter inside the hotel.
Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok
This hotel is located on Ratchaprarop Rd, a few minutes walk from Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link Station, offering direct access to Bangkok Airport. You can easily walk to the Pratunam Market, shopping malls, and night markets.
The hotel has a nice rooftop area with stylish lounge seating and stunning views of the Bangkok skyline. It’s a good spot for evening relaxation or enjoying a drink while taking in the city lights.
4. Near Victory Monument Station
The Victory Monument area is located just one stop train ride from Phaya Thai Station, which is the terminal station of the airport train. If you find some good hotel in this area, you can choose to stay here, as it is well-connected to other parts of the city via the Sukhumvit BTS skytrain line.
The Victory Monument area itself is home to several attractions such as the King Power duty-free shopping mall, Santiphap Park, Centre One Shopping Mall, and Bangkok Dolls & Museum.
Where to stay in Pratunam near Victory Monument Station:
Pratunam is a vibrant neighborhood in central Bangkok, an ideal base for both first-timers and those who want to be close to the airport. This area has lots of shopping malls, markets, and affordable hotels. Even if you do not stay in Pratunam, you can visit it as it is one of the best places to explore in Bangkok.
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