Sukhumvit is one of the most popular areas to stay in Bangkok. It is a modern neighborhood in Downtown Bangkok known for its central location, cosmopolitan atmosphere, lots of shopping malls, and nightlife areas.
This area is also well-connected to public transportation, with the Sukhumvit BTS skytrain line running through the main road of Sukhumvit. This makes it convenient to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport and other parts of Bangkok by trains.
There are plenty of things to do and see in Sukhumvit itself. It is home to a wide range of shopping malls including both budget-friendly and high-end options. You can shop at the popular Terminal 21 with its delicious food court or head to the luxury Emporium and EmSphere for more upscale goods.
Additionally, Sukhumvit has a lively nightlife scene with many famous nightlife spots of Bangkok located in this area. From the red light areas of Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy, to the trendy bars, night clubs, and international restaurants in Thonglor and Ekamai, Sukhumvit has it all.
In this article, I will explain why you should stay in Sukhumvit, the best areas to stay along Sukhumvit Road, and best places to stay in this vibrant neighborhood of Bangkok.
See more: All Best Areas – Where to stay in Bangkok Guide
Where is Sukhumvit?
Sukhumvit Road is a 500km long road running from Bangkok to the border with Cambodia. In Bangkok, Sukhumvit is the area around Sukhumvit Road and its side streets. The first 6 km of Sukhumvit Road is the most popular area where you can find hotels and tourist amenities for visitors.
This popular stretch of Sukhumvit Road runs from Soi 1 to approximately the Thonglor and Ekkamai areas. It is the area between two toll ways, Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expy in the west and Chalong Rat Expy in the east.
Sukhumvit is bordered by several popular tourist areas of Bangkok, including Siam, Pratunam, and Silom. To the north is Saen Saep canal and to the east is Phra Khanong canal.
See more: How to get to Sukhumvit
Why should you stay in Sukhumvit?
Sukhumvit is a good area to stay in Bangkok, for both first-timers and repeat travelers. It has a central location, well-served by skytrains and subways, excellent shopping, vibrant nightlife, and hotels for all budgets.
1. Central location and Great Connectivity
Sukhumvit is located in the heart of modern Bangkok and is well-connected by BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, making it easy to get around Bangkok without traffic headaches. Major transport hubs in Sukhumvit include Asok, Nana, Thonglor, Phrom Phong, and Ekkamai Stations.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can use all public trains to get to your hotel in Sukhumvit. This includes using the combination of the Airport Rail Link train and either the MRT subway or BTS Skytrain, depending on your location in Bangkok.
From Sukhumvit, you can use BTS skytrains to visit popular shopping malls and markets in Siam, Pratunam, other other parts of Bangkok such as CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, Pratunam market, and Chatukchak Weekend Market.
You can also use the combination of BTS skytrains, and MRT subways to visit the Bangkok Old Town, Chinatown, and the Riverside with attractions such as Khao San Road, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Icon Siam, and Yaowarat Night Market.
The MRT subway line also connects Sukhumvit with popular night markets such as Jodd Fairs Night Market, The One Ratchada, and Patpong Night Market.
2. Excellent Shopping
Sukhumvit Road is home to several major malls including Terminal 21, EmSphere, EmQuartier, and Emporium. You can easily enjoy shopping within the neighborhood without traveling too far. These malls, particularly Terminal 21, are often considered among the best places to visit in Bangkok.
3. Vibrant Nightlife
Sukhumvit is famous for its nightlife as it is home to many rooftop bars, nightclubs, speakeasies, casual pubs, and adult entertainment areas. Popular nightlife spots in Sukhumvit include Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, Soi 11, and Soi Thonglor.
If you are into nightlife, you should put these hotpots in your itineraries in Bangkok. I’m not into the nightlife but as a curious traveler, I still visited these places.
4. Foodie Paradise
You can find all kinds of food in Sukhumvit, from delicious street food stalls to Michelin-rated restaurants. In addition to a wide range of local Thai food, this area has a large number of restaurants serving International cuisine such as Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian.
5. Accommodation for Every Budget
As a popular touristy area, Sukhumvit has accommodation for all budgets. From budget backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, it has it all! Make sure to book in advance if you are traveling into the high season as rooms can be sold out quickly during these seasons.
6. Cosmopolitan and Expat-Friendly
If you are looking for a modern and western atmosphere, Sukhumvit is the perfect choice. It is one of most international districts of Bangkok, with English widely spoken and amenities tailored to global travelers.
7. Urban Green Spaces, Wellness, and Lifestyle
In addition to the shopping malls and vibrant nightlife, Sukhumvit is home to several big parks, including Benjakitti Park and Benchasiri Park. These are great places to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The neighborhood is home to various spas, massage parlors, yoga studios, and coworking spaces cater to both short-term tourists and long-stay expats.
Downsides of Staying in Sukhumvit
I love staying in Sukhumvit due to its central location and great connection to BTS and MRT trains. While Sukhumvit has its advantages, no place is perfect. Here are a few downsides, in my opinion:
Sukhumvit is a very modern area of Bangkok with an international atmosphere. It is filled with huge malls, skyscrapers, expats, chain restaurants, and very few traditional temples or old architecture.
To visit iconic historical and cultural sights of the city, you need to travel for around an hour or so to reach areas like Bangkok Old Town and Chinatown.
Sukhumvit is just one of the many areas to stay in Bangkok, you can check more places in other districts of Bangkok in Pratunam, in Khao San Road, in Chinatown, in Old Town, in Siam, in Silom, in the riverside area.
The Best Areas to Stay in Sukhumvit
The lower part of Sukhumvit, let’s say from Soi 1 to the area around Asok Station, is more popular than the upper part of Sukhumvit, which runs from Phrom Phong to Thonglor and Ekamai area.
The Lower Sukhumvit is more popular because it has a more central location. It is right next to other major areas of Bangkok such as Siam, Pratunam, and Silom. The lower part is also home to more entertainment complexes including Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy.
Lower Sukhumvit is home to Nana BTS station, Asok BTS station, and Sukhum MRT Station. Upper Sukhumvit is home to Phrom Phong BTS Station, Thong Lor, and Ekamai BTS stations.
Major points of interest in Lower Sukhumvit are the Terminal 21 Shopping Center, Nana Plaza, Soi 11, Soi Cowboy, Benchakitti Park, Soi Arab, and Korean Town.
Major points of interest in Upper Sukhumviti are high-end shopping malls (EmSphere, EmQuartier, and Emporium), as well as trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants.
You might find more budget-friendly accommodations in Upper Sukhumvit, but you need to add more time and cost on transportation to travel to other popular attractions in Bangkok.
If you are first-timers, it is best to book somewhere around Nana, Asok, and Phrom Phong BTS stations for quick travel to other parts of Bangkok.
If you are someone who stays in Bangkok for a long term, or you want to stay near Korean/ Japanese communities, you can consider staying in Thonglor, Ekamai, in the far upper part of Sukhumvit.
Wherever you choose to stay, make sure to book well in advance if you are traveling to Bangkok in the peak season (from November to May).
I booked a hotel spontaneously just a few days before my visit in November and I didn’t have many options. I had to book an accommodation located in Sukhumvit 44 on the far upper part of Sukhumvit.
It was not the problem for me as it is within walking distance from Phra Khanong BTS Station and Ekamai Station. But again, I had to add more time to commute to other parts of the city.
The Best Place to Stay in Sukhumvit
1. The Asok Station Area
Asok BTS Station is an importation station in Sukhumvit because from this station you can walk to Sukhumvit MRT Station to get to MRT subway. The MRT line will take you to old parts of Bangkok such as Old Town, Chinatown, and Khao San Road. It also connects to famous night markets such as Jodd Fairs.
The Asok Station Area is the area around Asok Station to Sukhumvit Soi 31. It is home to the famous Terminal 21, and offers easy walks to Soi Cowboy, Korean Town, and Benchakitti Park.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit near Asok Station:
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal21
Grande Centre Point is one of the best places to stay in Sukhumvit and Bangkok. It is a popular hotel because it has a very central location, with direct access to Terminal 21, Asoke BTS train station, and Sukhumvit MRT. You’ll be in the heart of the action.
From Grande Centre Point, you can walk to Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, and Korean Town. It is a short train ride to Siam shopping area and the luxury malls at Phrom Phong Station.
The hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness facilities. It offers family suites and amenities suitable for travelers with children.There are also meeting rooms and a business center for business travelers.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Sheraton has a great base in Sukhumvit and Bangkok. It has an excellent location, not only within a short walk from BTS Asok and Nana, but also close to Sukhumvit MRT Station.
This is very convenient to get to everywhere in Bangkok including Bangkok Old Town, Chinatown where all historical and cultural attractions of the city are located.
Guests frequently praise the hotel’s exceptional service, spacious rooms, and convenient location. The hotel has received numerous awards for its hospitality and dining excellence.
Radisson Blu Plaza
This is a popular hotel located on Sukhumvit Soi 27, 7 minutes walk from Asok station and the well-known Soi Cowboy. You are also close to the upscale Phrom Phong area with lots of high-end malls, restaurants, and bars.
The hotel has prime location, modern amenities, and exceptional service, making it a great choice for all travelers, including business, couples, solo, and families.
2. The Nana Station Area
The Nana Station area is the Lower part of Sukhumvit, starting from Sukhumvit Soi 1 to around Nana BTS station. This area is right next to Siam shopping district, Pratunam, and Silom. You will be very close to major sites such as Central World, Siam Square, Pratunam Market, and Patpong Night Market.
You can find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs in Soi 11 and Nana Palaza. Places like Little Arab Town in Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 and Korean Town near Soi Suk Chai offer a good range of Middle Eastern and Korean food.
You will also be within walking distance to Terminal 21, which is one of my favorite shopping malls in Thailand. It has lots of mid-range shops selling clothing and cosmetics. And the highlight is its affordable foot court with authentic Thai food.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit near Nana Station:
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
This is a popular hotel in Bangkok located right on the main road of Sukhumvit at the beginning of Sukhumvit Soi 13. You can easily walk to either Nana or Asok Station for BTS skytrain. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, restaurant, bar, and terrace with views.
The Landmark Bangkok
The Landmark is conveniently located right on Sukhumvit Road, just 150m from Nana Station. It is a good base to explore major attractions in Sukhumvit on foot and travel to other parts of the city by trains. You can walk to Benchakitti Park, Soi 11, Nana Plaza, and Korean Town.
This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, multiple restaurants, and a shopping arcade. Staying here means you will have clean comfortable rooms, high quality services, and in the heart of the action.
ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 4
As its name suggests, this ibis Styles hotel is located on Sukhumvit Soi 4. It is within easy walking distance from Nana Station, offering easy access to the skytrain for exploring shopping malls, nightlife spots, and major attractions in Bangkok easily.
In terms of the hotel’s amenities, it has an outdoor pool, a gym, and a rooftop bar. You can easily walk to numerous bars, restaurants, massage shops within the neighborhood.
3. The Phrom Phong Station Area
The area around Phrom Phong Station, stretching from Sukhumvit Soi 31 to Soi 49, is an upscale area of Sukhumvit located just one skytrain station away from Asok. It is home to a cluster of high-end shopping malls which include Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere.
Additionally, the area has a wide range of stylish restaurants, bars, bakeries and coffee shops serving both international and Thai food.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit near Phrom Phong Station:
Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24
Mercure is located just a block away from Sukhumvit Road, on Sukhumvit Soi 24. It has a convenient location, within just a few minutes walk from Phrom Phong Station, Benchasiri Park, and a range of upscale shopping malls such as Emporium and EmQuartier.
I think it is in a very good location, not as central as Nana or Asok, but better than Upper Sukhumvit. The hotel features 201 rooms and suites, each designed with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and minibars. You can choose a room with city views.
Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 24
Hyatt Place is a great place in Sukhumvit Soi 24, an upscale part of Sukhumvit. You will be within a few minutes walk from EM shopping District with several luxury shopping malls and fine dining restaurants.
The Phrom Phong Station is within walking distance from the hotel, which is convenient for trains to Terminal 21, CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and Pratunam market for more shopping opportunities.
You can enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring Asian and American options. The on-site Aire BAR restaurant serves seafood cuisine.
4. The Thonglor Area
This area around Thonglor street, or Sukhumvit 55 is an upscale residential area of Bangkok. It is a popular area for expats from Europe, South Korea, and Japan. You can find a wide range of international restaurants, particularly Japanese restaurants and bars alongside upscale cocktail bars and clubs.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit in Thonglor Area:
Hotel Nikko Bangkok
This 5-start hotel is located in Sukhumvit Soi 55, just a hundred meters from Thong Lor BTS station. This offers great access to the more central areas of Sukhumvit but still has a good stay in the trendy area of Thong Lor.
Terminal 21 is only two train stops away while Emporium and EmQuartier are only 1 stop away. rooms and suites at Nikko have modern Japanese-inspired design.
Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok
You might have heard of Octave rooftop bar and lounge, which is one of the best rooftop bars in Sukhumvit. This bar is located in the Marriott Hotel in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok.
The hotel is centrally located in Sukhumvit Soi 57, step away from Thong Lor Road and Thong Lor Station. It offers fully furnished apartments with kitchens and city views.
5. The Ekkamai Area
This area is from Sukhumvit 63 to Sukhumvit 71. It has a quieter atmosphere than Lower Sukhumvit and Thong Lor. It is also well served within two BTS stations, Ekamai and Phra Khanong BTS Station.
Ekkamai Road, or Sukhumvit 63 is the main road in this area. You can find many hip cafes, stylish restaurants, and authentic Japanese, Korean, and Thai eateries. The Japan-themed Gateway Ekamai mall is a good place to shop here with lots of restaurants, shops, and a supermarket.
Ekkamai is home to the Eastern Bus Terminal, which offers minivans and buses to famous cities in eastern Thailand such as Pattaya and Rayong.
Where to stay in Sukhumvit in the Ekkamai Area:
So, you have it, my recommendation on where to stay in Sukhumviti, the bustling downtown neighborhood of Bangkok. I hope you found a good place to stay in this area for your visit.
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