Where To Stay In Bangkok With Family – 4 Best Options
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bangkok with family, I have some good news for you.
I can give you excellent advice on this question because I lived in Bangkok for almost five years and know the city from in and out.
But there is one rule that you always must follow when visiting this amazing, yet chaotic city: always pick a hotel that is located within walking distance of a BTS or an MRT Station.
Bangkok is an overwhelming city, and you either love it or hate it. There is basically no in-between.
For most tourists, it’s a mandatory stop for their journey through Thailand, although it’s also possible to arrive or depart from Phuket International Airport (something that most people overlook).
Bangkok is a concrete jungle and it’s always chaotic and incredibly warm. Moving around the city seems a daunting task, but thankfully, the city has two rapid railway systems: the BTS and the MRT.
The BTS, also known as the SkyTrain, runs above several major arteries of the city and takes you from one point to the other in a matter of minutes. The metro takes you to the other corners of the city underground.
It’s vital to stay near a station to have a stress-free trip.
Now let’s briefly discuss the attractions Bangkok has to offer.
Temples, palaces, night markets, food courts, rooftop bars, Muay Thai stadiums, day trips to floating markets and old ruins, street food, the largest Chinatown in the world, boat rides over the canals, the largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia, street art tours, and the list goes on and on.
I guarantee that the kids will be impressed by everything Bangkok has to offer, but it’s also important to pick a family-friendly area.
It’s no secret that Bangkok has a bit of a notorious nightlife scene where adult entertainment is a common thing.
All of this will be discussed in this article.
Each area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be summarized at the end of the paragraph.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Bangkok, along with the city’s main attractions.
We start with an overview, which allows you to scan quickly which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas for families to stay in Bangkok are Riverside, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Rattanakosin.
Riverside offers a far more relaxed atmosphere compared to the other areas, plus it has great views, luxury hotels, and easy access to boat tours and historical landmarks.
Sukhumvit is ideal for its modern amenities, superb access to public transportation, family-friendly parks, and excellent dining options.
Silom combines a central location with access to Lumphini Park and public transport.
Rattanakosin, the Old City, is perfect for exploring Bangkok’s iconic cultural sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. But, it has the worst connection to public transport out of these four.
Below, we’ll break down each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which is the best fit for your family.
Tip: Tap on the name of the area to jump directly to that section of the article for more information!
🚫 I don’t recommend you stay in the following two areas:
- Nana
- Khao San Road
These are primarily nightlife areas, of which the first is also the main adult entertainment district.
Riverside: In my personal opinion, Riverside is the ideal area for families as you’re located near several major attractions, has a quieter ambiance which makes Bangkok a less overwhelming experience, has decent access to public transportation, and hotels here mainly cater to families.
Sukhumvit: In terms of connectivity, it does not get any better than this. You can easily move around thanks to its great access to both the MRT and BTS. It’s also a modern part of Bangkok full of shopping malls (which are basically air-conditioned small towns on their own). Sukhumvit is large and can be divided into several neighborhoods.
Silom: There are many similarities between Silom and Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit has better connectivity while Silom has better access to major attractions. It’s just that most families choose to stay at Bangkok’s Riverside, which is located near Silom. But Silom does have its own perks, though.
Rattanakosin: Bangkok’s Old Town is full of authentic architecture, local eateries, and several of the major attractions the city has to offer. Families who don’t want to stay in a modern hotel, but prefer to stay in a boutique should definitely start looking here. This part of Bangkok feels the most authentic, but you don’t have great access to public transport. Luckily, in recent year, the metro line extension made it possible that there is one MRT Station nearby (Sam Yot), so I highly recommend staying as close as possible to this station to explore other parts of Bangkok without getting stuck in traffic.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok with family are:
1. Riverside
Simply put, Riverside is the most popular to stay in Bangkok with family.
There are several reasons why so many book a hotel here.
The stunning views of the Chao Phraya River add a peaceful ambiance that’s a welcome break from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle.
Staying here makes it easy to access many of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Asiatique The Riverfront, all of which are enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Getting around is straightforward thanks to river taxis and hotel shuttle boats, which connect to the BTS Skytrain for city-wide travel.
The area is home to some excellent family-friendly hotels, many of which have pools, play areas, and spacious rooms designed with kids in mind.
Riverside dining is also a highlight, offering everything from casual local eateries to high-end restaurants with river views, ensuring everyone in the family finds something to enjoy.
While it’s known for its luxury hotels, there are also affordable accommodations, making it accessible for various budgets.
Now, no area is perfect.
The main problem with Bangkok’s Riverside is that it does not have direct access to the MRT or BTS.
But almost every hotel solves this with free tuk-tuk rides to and from these stations.
Besides, you do have great access to the waterways, and you should ask your hotel for more information about it, as it’s often overlooked by tourists.
Another thing is that it’s more difficult to get to the hotel from the airport compared to areas like Sukhumvit.
Expect at least a one-hour taxi ride from the airport to your hotel.
But overall, it’s an excellent base to explore the highlights of the city and the relatively calm environment (especially in the evening) is incredibly welcome for most families in a chaotic city like Bangkok.
If you do prioritize using public transportation and you want better access, which I don’t blame you, then the next recommended area is a better fit.
Pros
- Scenic and tranquil environment, great for families.
- Easy access to cultural landmarks and boat tours.
- Family-friendly accommodations with excellent amenities.
Cons
- Less convenient for direct public transport access like the BTS.
- Some hotels and restaurants can be pricey.
- Limited nightlife and modern shopping options compared to other areas.
2. Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant areas, and parts of it are highly suitable for families.
Especially Asoke and Phrom Phong (Sukhumvit Sois 21–39) are perfect when you want to explore the city to the fullest while staying in a family-friendly area.
This stretch offers a great balance of convenience, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities.
What sets this part of Bangkok apart from the rest of the city is the connectivity to both the MRT and the BTS.
At Asoke, you can find the connection to the metro, which takes you all the way to the older parts of the city where you can find major attractions like The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Chinatown.
The SkyTrain takes you all the way to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Then there is the connection to the airport (Airport Railway Link), which can be reached by metro as well.
That metro line also takes you to some of the best night markets in Bangkok.
Along Sukhumvit itself, there are several major shopping malls.
Now I hear you thinking: why should I visit shopping malls when I’m on holiday?
Shopping malls in Southeast Asia are almost like small towns. You simply wander around, buy delicious snacks, eat at great family-friendly restaurants, and find some entertainment for the kids while the air-conditioning is blasting.
Most importantly, staying near Asoke allows you to travel to every possible corner of Bangkok without ever being stuck in traffic.
But be aware.
Along Sukhumvit, there are two red-light districts.
The first one is located at Nana, and you and your family should avoid this part at all costs.
The second one is actually located near Asoke BTS Station. Soi Cowboy, which is the name of this street, is tucked away. That means that you won’t be bothered by it unless you specifically are looking for it.
Lastly, Sukhumvit does not have scenic views over the river like the previously recommended area. But the views on the rooftop bars along Sukhumvit Road are almost as amazing and I highly recommend you and your family catch the sunset here while having a drink and perhaps a bite.
I used to live not far from Asoke, and I can guarantee that it’s an incredibly convenient area that allows you to enjoy Bangkok to the fullest with your family!
Pros
- Excellent transportation links via BTS and MRT.
- Plenty of family-friendly malls, parks, and dining options.
- Wide variety of accommodations, from budget to luxury.
Cons
- Certain sections (e.g., Nana) have a nightlife focus, not family-friendly.
- Can be busy and crowded, especially during peak hours.
- Limited cultural attractions compared to other areas like Riverside or Rattanakosin.
3. Silom
Silom is a fantastic option thanks to its great connectivity to public transport and its central location near several major attractions.
Somehow, it’s not the most favorite area among tourists, which actually surprised me a little bit.
Maybe it’s because Sukhumvit offers a little bit more and is more modernized.
Or maybe it’s because most tourists prefer to stay near the river, which is not that far from Silom.
But here is a reason why you should consider staying in Silom: it has most of the perks of Riverside, but with better connectivity.
At Silom, you have access to both the MRT and the BTS.
It’s not as perfect as Sukhumvit, but it’s far better than Riverside.
Also, you’re located relatively close to areas like Chinatown and Bangkok’s Old Town.
One of the biggest highlights is Lumphini Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city where kids can enjoy the playgrounds, paddle boats, and watching monitor lizards in their natural habitat.
Keep in mind that there is an area at Silom that is called Patpong, which functions as an adult entertainment area.
But to be fair, it’s not as flashy as it used to be and it’s definitely not as large as Nana Plaza, making it incredibly easy to avoid.
Pros
- Close proximity to Lumphini Park for outdoor family activities.
- Excellent transport links via BTS and MRT.
- Wide range of dining options and family-friendly hotels.
Cons
- Some areas (e.g., Patpong) are not suitable for children.
- Lacks the scenic charm of Riverside or the modern malls of Sukhumvit.
- Busy business district vibe during weekdays.
4. Rattanakosin
Rattanakosin, also known as Bangkok’s Old City, is a wonderful area for families who want to really discover the city’s rich culture and history.
The area is surrounded by old architecture, something that none of the other recommended areas can offer.
You can also find several major attractions here, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Pho, all of which are must-visits for first-time travelers.
It’s a very walkable area, with most of the major sights close to each other, so you can minimize travel time with kids.
However, the heat in Bangkok doesn’t make you want to walk that much.
There’s also the Bangkok National Museum, which offers an educational experience for older children interested in history and culture.
Food options are abundant, ranging from casual street food vendors to riverside restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes.
If you want to eat like a local, there are several famous local eateries available along Maha Chai Road.
Pad Thai Thip Samai is the most famous Pad Thai restaurant in Thailand, and Jay Fai is the most famous Thai restaurant in general, as this local eatery has a Michelin Star.
Unfortunately for the latter, it will close its doors permanently in 2025.
For some refreshment during the heat, head over to Nattaporn Coconut Ice Cream for the best coconut ice cream in the city.
By now, you understand that staying in the Old City is all about authenticity.
This comes with a unique vibe, but also with a few disadvantages.
It lacks shopping malls and thus modern amenities.
Also, access to public transport is limited.
Luckily, the metro extension made sure that you can find at least one metro station nearby, which is Sam Yot, and I highly recommend picking a hotel nearby.
But there is another way to quickly move to other parts of the city, which is a bit of a local secret.
At Wat Saket, you can find a pier where the boat taxi stops and that boat takes you all the way to Siam, the heart of modern Bangkok.
From there, you have access to two BTS Lines. Definitely ask your hotel for more information.
It’s not per se a quick way to move around, but at least you’re not stuck in traffic. It is a scenic route though, and hey, you’re the one who wanted to experience the authentic way of Bangkok.
I’m pretty sure your kids will love it.
Lastly, not far from Rattanakosin is Khao San Road, the party street for backpackers.
While it’s sure fun to walk along that road in the evening, avoid picking a hotel there as you will be bothered by drunk backpackers during the night.
Pros
- Close proximity to Bangkok’s most famous cultural landmarks.
- Walkable area with less hustle and bustle compared to other parts of the city.
- Plenty of authentic Thai dining options.
Cons
- Limited public transport options (no direct BTS or MRT access).
- Fewer modern amenities like malls or family-focused hotels.
- Can get crowded around major tourist attractions during peak hours.