Bangkok for backpackers and beyond

Bangkok can be one of the cheapest cities in the world to visit, and the gap between a dorm bed and a riverside suite is enormous. Most first-timers start around Khao San Road, the classic backpacker strip, which is lively but noisy and a long walk from the Skytrain.

Smarter locations

• Sukhumvit: the modern spine of the city, on the Skytrain, with everything from hostels to five-star towers.
• Silom / Sathorn: business district by day, good transport and quieter at night.
• Riverside: calm, scenic and expensive — best for a treat at the end of a trip.

Practical tips

• Book your first night only, then extend once you know the city and its traffic.
• Stay within walking distance of a Skytrain (BTS) or metro (MRT) station — taxis sit in heavy traffic.
• Air-conditioning is non-negotiable; check it is in the room, not just the lobby.