Where to Stay in Bangkok: The Best Hotels in Chinatown
This vibrant city has buzzing street markets, serene riverside views, and glamorous shopping malls, making for a tough decision when picking where to stay in Bangkok.
We’re here to make it easy for you, with information about some of the best hotels in our very favorite neighborhood – Bangkok’s Chinatown. It’s an old neighborhood, oozing with Thai-Chinese heritage.
Trust us? We recommend staying at Hostel Urby for a budget stay on the river.
🌟 UPDATE AUGUST 2025: TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. Luk Hostel is always our other top choice. 🌟
The atmosphere is always buzzing on Yaowarat Road, which then spills out into the maze of nearby narrow lanes that are just waiting to be discovered.
So what are you waiting for? Stay in Chinatown, Bangkok for a real feel of this magical city, and find out for yourself why it is one of the most popular cities in the world.
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Why Stay in Chinatown Bangkok
Experience Local Bangkok in Chinatown
The excitement and buzz around Chinatown is like nowhere else in Bangkok.
For us, Chinatown is always top of the list for where to stay in Bangkok because you are instantly thrown into an eclectic melting pot of local cuisine, ancient tradition, and authentic culture.
TOP TIP: We appreciate that busy (and sometimes chaotic) isn’t for everyone, but ultimately that’s what Bangkok is about! We think it’s a huge learning moment to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That way, you certainly won’t forget about your time here.
🍜 Read our list of mouth watering street food we sampled on Yaowarat Road and down Bangkok’s narrow lanes.
Best Area for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok
Chinatown is the best area to stay in Bangkok for first timers because it is super safe and has lots of accommodation options whatever your budget.
Not forgetting the affordable, world class food vendors right on your doorstep.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is also perfect because it’s not TOO chaotic unlike some other popular spots like Khao San Road.
It’s the perfect location to experience local life but not stay in the main tourist areas that can get really crazy!
Easy to Reach by Public Transit
Chinatown is located right on the Chao Phraya River, which means the convenient Bangkok river taxis are just steps away.
You can hop on a boat for less than a dollar and cruise down the river to some of Bangkok’s most iconic sites. River taxi routes are even on Google Maps.
Chinatown is also now more accessible than ever with two nearby MRT stations – Wat Mangkon and Sam Yot. This also means it’s easy to explore other areas of Bangkok during your stay in Chinatown.
Bangkok is a HUGE city! We were very grateful to have an eSIM set up for navigating the city’s public transport systems. Airalo has been the most reliable for us.
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Great for Exploring Day or Night
What are Chinatown Bangkok operating hours, we hear you ask? Pretty much 24 hours!!
The real-life city that never sleeps. Prepare yourself for sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors, regardless of what time you visit.
Where to Stay in Chinatown Bangkok
Once a favorite spot for budget-conscious backpackers, Chinatown has transformed into a vibrant mix of accommodations.
Today, you’ll find everything from stylish, upscale hotels to the original budget-friendly gems.
With options to suit every budget, Chinatown offers a unique charm that makes it an ideal choice when deciding where to stay in Bangkok.
❣️ If this is your first time in Thailand, don’t miss our First Timer’s Guide with essential etiquette tips, safety advice, and the best destinations to visit after Bangkok.
Budget Hostels in Chinatown Bangkok
Hostel Urby – OUR CHOICE (AUGUST 2025: Temporarily closed for renovations)
We stayed here and loved it! Hostel Urby offers a perfect blend of comfort and social atmosphere, with modern amenities and cozy communal spaces ideal for meeting fellow travelers.
Located along the Chao Phraya River, it provides easy access to Bangkok’s top attractions while offering stunning waterfront views.
Big plus: The rooftop balcony is connected to a bar and coffee shop – PERFECT for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing and sunsets over the river.
Luk Hostel
This is a great pick for digital nomads looking for where to stay in Bangkok. Luk Hostel stands out for its sleek, contemporary design and its vibrant rooftop bar, creating an ideal social hub for travelers.
Conveniently located in the heart of Chinatown, it offers easy access to street food, cultural landmarks, and bustling nightlife.
Budget Hotel in Chinatown Bangkok
103 – Bed and Brews
This hotel combines a boutique stay with a unique coffeehouse experience, offering stylish rooms above a cozy café.
Nestled in a historic shophouse in the heart of Chinatown, it provides an authentic local vibe close to Bangkok’s cultural sights and street markets.
Mid-Range Hotels in Chinatown Bangkok
Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown
Ideally situated in Chinatown, Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown is a great base for exploring local markets, street food, and cultural landmarks, all just steps away from your door.
Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities, including a rooftop pool and panoramic city views.
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown has a chic, minimalist design and a focus on community, with shared spaces perfect for connecting with fellow travelers.
Luxury Hotels in Chinatown Bangkok
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Looking to realllllyyy treat yourself in Bangkok? Shanghai Mansion Bangkok captivates with its opulent 1930s Shanghai-inspired decor, offering guests an immersive experience in luxury and style.
Renowned for its award-winning restaurant and jazz bar, it provides a unique blend of elegance and entertainment right in the lively surroundings of Chinatown.
The Mustang Blu
If you want to experience quiet luxury, this is the hotel for you. The Mustang Blu Hotel is known for its eclectic vintage decor, where every corner tells a story through curated antiques and lush greenery.
Tucked away in a historic building, it invites guests to explore a different side of Bangkok, blending old-world charm with a creative, contemporary edge.
USEFUL ADVICE: When searching for accommodation on booking.com we like to make use of the filters. That has always provided the most success when browsing the 100s of hotels available in massive cities like Bangkok. Here’s how we filter results ➡
How to Get to Chinatown Bangkok
Closest MRT Station to Chinatown
The MRT station at Wat Mangkon will drop you right into the heart of a bustling Chinatown. The beautifully decorated station sits on the Blue Line which runs from Tha Phra to Lak Song.
Key stops on the Blue Line include Sukhumvit for classic Bangkok nightlife, Lumphini for a walk around the gigantic Lumphini Park, or Sanam Chai Station for the Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple.
Easiest Way to Get from Bangkok Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chinatown
Suvarnabhumi is the main airport for international flights these days, and most visitors land here.
The easiest way to get from BKK to Chinatown, and also the fastest way, is to take a taxi. There is a newly opened 24 hour Grab Pick Up Area located at Gate 4 on Level 1 of the terminal building.
If, like us, you won’t have an internet connection on arrival (old school), you can use the public taxi service also located on Level 1 of the terminal building.
You just need to follow the taxi queuing system, receive a ticket from one of the machines, then head to the lane number that is stated on your ticket and the driver will take you to your hotel.
🔓 Bangkok was where we started our Southeast Asia adventure. It was a great jumping off point for our next 4 months of backpacking. Use our Southeast Asia Travel Route as inspiration for your own trip!
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Chinatown
This airport is now used mostly for domestic and regional flights to Bangkok. If you’re flying in from somewhere else in Thailand, you may fly in via this airport.
The easiest way to get from DMK to Chinatown is also by car. You can book a Grab upon arrival and meet your driver at the pick up points outside Gate 2 or Gate 5 in the Arrivals Hall.
Alternatively, DMK offers a similar service to BKK for their public taxi service. Follow the “Taxi” signs out of the airport and take a number from the ticket machines.
Once your number appears on the screen, go to the taxi stand where your driver will be waiting to take you to your destination.
Cheapest Way to Get from the Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chinatown
The cheapest way to get from BKK to Chinatown is by the Airport Rail Link, and MRT.
- In the airport, follow signs for “Airport Rail Link”.
- Upon arrival, purchase your ticket from one of the machines. You can only pay with coins or notes.
TOP TIP: We were shocked how cash orientated Thailand is still. Always have cash on you as you never know when an establishment in Thailand will only take cash.
- You are going to Makkasan Station – approx 23 minutes, 5 stops.
- From Makkasan, walk 5 minutes to the Blue Line MRT station called Phetchaburi.
- Purchase your MRT ticket from one of the machines, you can pay by cash or card here.
- You are taking the Blue Line towards Lak Song and your stop is Wat Mangkon.
FYI, if your budget is super tight, you can take the bus from the airport into the city too, and this is actually the cheapest option.
In our opinion, the buses are a little more uncomfortable, so we would recommend the train for that tiny bit extra!
Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Chinatown
The cheapest way to get from DMK to Chinatown is via public bus. You can find the routes available to you via Google Maps or Moovit.
TOP TIP: Download the Bangkok bus app, Viabus, for up to date bus routes and live tracking. This app was SO helpful for us getting around Bangkok!
However, for a couple dollars extra, you can also take the trains for a less stressful journey. First, take the Commuter train (Dark Red Line) to Bang Sue station.
From there, follow signs for the Blue Line MRT station and your stop will be Wat Mangkon.
Top Things to Do in Chinatown Bangkok
Explore the Chinatown Night Market
A night time walk down Yaowarat Road is a Bangkok bucket list item for anyone visiting the city.
Experience the bright lights, street food hawkers, and amazing energy of the Chinatown Night Market, but be warned – it gets VERY busy!
Visit Sampheng Market
The Sampheng Night Market is home to literally anything you could ever think of buying. Need shoes, make-up, jewelry, batteries or fruit? No problem, you can find it here!
Walk through the stalls and take in one of the most popular markets in the area. Maybe you’ll find some fun souvenirs to take home!
Discover Wat Ko
Stepping into the grounds of Wat Ko feels like entering a whole new world. Leave behind the bustling streets of Chinatown and explore this serene, well-maintained temple.
Art & Culture at ATT 19
An art gallery and cafe in one, this is a major hidden gem in Bangkok.
Enter the complex through an alleyway of greenery, then step into the gallery to experience some of the most creative local art in the city. The gallery is FREE to enter.
Once you’re done in the gallery, stop by the cafe for an iced coffee to recharge before moving on.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River
One of the best ways to see Bangkok is by water.
The Rachtawong water taxi station is located right in Chinatown – hop on the blue, orange, or green lines to reach any of the major sites in Bangkok.
Or just cruise down the river taking it all in until you’re ready to turn around.
The water taxis are our favorite way to get around the city!!
Sip Coffee at Song Wat Coffee Roasters
Bangkok is full of amazing coffee shops with delicious, creative drinks. Order a drink, grab a table and watch the people of Bangkok go about their day.
This is one of our favorite things to do in any city, but especially in Bangkok! Riri Cafe is another favorite spot close by!
Take a Bangkok Street Food Tour
If you aren’t coming to Bangkok to eat, you’re making a huge mistake! We love taking a food tour in any new country to learn about the best local foods and how to order them.
Chinatown has some of the very best and most affordable food in the whole city. We highly recommend booking a food tour to learn about what to eat here from an expert!
🥢 If you love learning the stories behind your food, this Bangkok food tour delivers far more than just great meals. Join a tour here and experience the history and flavors that make Bangkok’s Chinatown so unique.
Wander Through Talat Noi
Another somewhat hidden gem in Chinatown! Wander through alley after alley painted with street art and lined with street food sellers. This area is the ultimate blend of tourists and locals coexisting.
While the street art draws tourists to the area, this is very much still a local’s street, so remember to be respectful!
🇹🇭 Thailand is a special country with so much to offer. Here’s some inspiration for where to visit after Bangkok:
Live your best island life in Koh Tao
Discover the beauty of the north in Chiang Mai
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay in Khao Sok National Park
Explore River City Bangkok
We stumbled into River City Bangkok by accident and we definitely were not disappointed! This mini-mall is a collection of shops and art galleries spread between two floors.
If you need a bit of air conditioning after wandering around Chinatown for a few hours, this is a great spot to spend an hour or so!
There is also a rooftop bar if you visit later in the day and a few different dinner cruises leave from the dock here as well.
We didn’t take a dinner cruise, but watched them float by every night from our hostel balcony. We will definitely be taking one next time we’re in Bangkok because they looked like a blast!
⏳ Short on time in Bangkok? Read how we think you should spend 24 hours in the city.
FAQs About Staying in Chinatown Bangkok
Is Chinatown a good place to stay in Bangkok?
We’d say it’s the best spot hands down. It packs the city’s most exciting highlights into one vibrant neighborhood. Think buzzing streets, nonstop people-watching, and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in Bangkok.
Having tried out three different areas, we always end up back in Chinatown. Its lively energy, incredible variety of eats, and easy access to everything really capture what makes Bangkok special.
Honestly, it’s where we’ll keep booking from now on.
Which part of Bangkok is best to stay in?
When it comes to picking the best part of Bangkok to stay in, we’ve spent time in three very different neighborhoods and honestly, each gave us something unique.
Here’s how we’d rank them based on our own stays:
Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Our Top Pick
Our stay at Urby Hostel in Chinatown was unforgettable. It’s where we feel the true pulse of Bangkok. The neighborhood’s energy, combined with its accessibility, makes it our top choice for staying in Bangkok.
Riverside – Escape the Tourist Crowd
During our time at Aim House Bangkok we experienced a more local feel to Bangkok. We enjoyed being close to ICONSIAM and having easy access to the river taxis.
Khao San Road Area – Vibrant but Overwhelming
We also stayed at Nina Guesthouse, just a short walk from the lively Khao San Road.
This neighborhood is ideal for travelers seeking a party atmosphere and proximity to major tourist sites.
Given the proximity to Khao San Road, we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of outside disturbance!
What is the famous street in Chinatown Bangkok?
The famous street in Chinatown is called Yaowarat Road.
It’s where you’ll go in the evenings to sample some of the best street food in the world. The energy of the road spills out into the maze of nearby narrow lanes that are just waiting to be discovered.
Which is the best station for Chinatown, Bangkok?
The best MRT station to visit Chinatown is Wat Mangkon.
The beautifully decorated station sits on the Blue Line which runs from Tha Phra to Lak Song.
Our Experience Staying in Chinatown Bangkok
In our opinion, Chinatown is the best neighborhood to stay in Bangkok because it offers all the city’s highlights in one place.
From vibrant street scenes and incredible people-watching opportunities to some of the best food in the city, Chinatown captures everything we love about Bangkok.
After staying in three different neighborhoods, we’ve found ourselves drawn back to Chinatown time and time again – and it’s where we’ll always stay in the future.
With its lively atmosphere, diverse culinary experiences, and unbeatable accessibility, Chinatown truly embodies the essence of Bangkok.
🗺 Where are you going after Bangkok? Let us help you plan your holiday in Thailand. There’s something for every type of traveler with our detailed 10-day, 3-week, and 1-month itineraries.
🚌 If you’re heading to Chiang Mai, read our guide on booking trains, planes, and buses before you go.
🎒 Ready to pack for your stay in Bangkok? This is everything we packed in our 40L bags for months of travel in Southeast Asia.
