Your Guide to Searching For a Hotel in Bangkok

Mention "Bangkok" and images of its countless temples, modern shopping malls, diverse culinary offerings and pulsating nightlife will come to mind. These offerings and more are the main reasons why Bangkok is such a popular haven for tourists and business travelers looking for a uniquely enjoyable yet affordable experience. However, to be truly able to appreciate this wonderful city and all that it has to offer, you would first have to select a hotel that would be your base during your stay.

A good hotel that conforms to your expectations of great value, high service standards, accessible location or attractive amenities, goes a long way in making your stay in Bangkok a memorable one. You would be pleasantly surprised to discover that many hotels located throughout the city have these attributes and more. Hence, we would be pleased to assist in your search for your ideal hotel in Bangkok by providing the following useful information.

In Bangkok, it is generally easy to find hotels in different price ranges that offer great value in the form of modern amenities, friendly service and convenient locations for a relatively low price. This is because of the attractive exchange rates between your home currency and the Thai Baht, which makes hotel accommodation more affordable without compromising on the quality. For example, you would pay as much for a 2-star hotel in the West as a 3- or 4-star hotel in this city, making it a good deal for all travelers.

Whether you are looking for cheap hostels to stay the night, a comfortable budget hotel with swimming pool or a luxury hotel with top-notch business facilities, you can find them easily in Bangkok's main districts. Particularly, if you are on a budget and do not mind smaller rooms, there are many budget hotels that can be found at or near the city centre, eliminating the need for you to travel to the outskirts to search for them, as is the case for many other cities. Saving money on your hotels is a wise move as it frees up your expenditure for other activities such as shopping, dining and exploration of this exciting city. What's more, if you travel to Bangkok during the low season months of March to November, you can enjoy lower room rates offer by these hotels. Let us explore which districts in Bangkok you can consider for your specific hotel needs and budget.

If money is not an issue during your stay in Bangkok, why not consider a deluxe 5-star hotel in the wealthy Sukhumvit district for the ultimate pampering experience? Here, you get to not only enjoy the comforts that accompany your luxurious stay but can also indulge in a large variety of fine international cuisine served by the numerous restaurants in this area, and partake in a vibrant clubbing scene which attracts an international clientele. To cater to the influx of high-spending visitors, it is thus no surprise that famous international hotel chains and boutique hotels are commonly found here. Sukhumvit also has the welcome benefit of being in the middle of Bangkok which makes it easy for you to access other parts of the city. A similar option would be the Silom district, the corporate and financial center of Bangkok which is also home to the most highly-rated 5-star hotels in the city, as well as a concentration of top-end restaurants and trendy bars.

If you are on a more modest budget, a less expensive option is to go for budget hotels, and there is no better place in Bangkok to search for them than at Khaosan Road. This area is a haven for budget tourists and backpackers alike, with a satisfactory selection of cheap accommodation from basic dormitory-style guesthouses to 3-star hotels. Even the amenities in the area are catered specifically to the budget-conscious crowd, with plenty of affordable dining and entertainment options which create a relaxed atmosphere. Budget hotels can be found virtually everywhere in Bangkok, including the more upscale districts, but you can also try searching at Yaowarat Road, which is the centre of Bangkok's Chinatown and is home to a numerous vendors selling a wide variety of goods at wholesale prices. If you are visiting Bangkok primarily to shop, we suggest that you can also consider staying in Siam Square, which places you in the vicinity of Bangkok's prime shopping district.

You may wonder how to get around Bangkok from your hotels, especially if your hotel is located in a less accessible location. You can consider the following modes of transport that are available in the city - taxi, Tuk Tuk, Sky Train (BTS), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), river transport and buses. However, our recommendation would be to walk or take a taxi to the nearest BTS or MRT rail station to get around by train as the trains are not only quick, clean and affordable, they also allow you to escape the heat and congested roads that Bangkok is known for. Furthermore, the rail stations are located near some of the major tourist attractions in Bangkok.

Looking for an online hotel booking portal that allows you to search and book your hotel in Bangkok with ease? You need look no further, as Chan Brothers Hotel Portal allows you to select from a large database of hotels in Bangkok and worldwide and book them all at competitive rates, including special promotion deals for selected Asia hotels. In addition, with instant confirmation of your booking a certainty, you will find your booking experience hassle- and worry-free.

Bangkok Visitors Guide - Ten Fun Things To Do In Bangkok

Your "Venice of the East," the city of Bangkok offers you unlimited fun, enjoyment, pleasure, adventure, and excitement. Often nicknamed as the "City of Angels," Bangkok is one of the most coveted vacation destinations of the world. Bangkok is the tourist destination known for its huge wealth of cultural sites.

The Thailand capital, Bangkok is as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep in Thai. Bangkok is an important economic and financial center in Southeast Asia. It is the 22nd most populous city of the world. The Bangkok Province borders 6 other provinces including Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Pathom.

There are a lot of fun things that you can do in Bangkok. The 'Krung Thep' is your place for the fun and adventure suiting to all tastes. The city offers you lots of fun during days as well as nights. It fascinates visitors with its enthralling, vibrant, colorful, and thriving scenery and nightlife.

You can visit Thai Village Show & Rose Garden to have nice glimpses of Thai Culture; some of the attractions include Buddhist Ordination Ceremony, Hill Tribe Dance, the Fingernail Dance, Thai Sword Fighting, Folk Dance and a conventional wedding ceremony.

You can have city tour to explore the beauties of Bangkok. You know, Bangkok is famous for its museums and parks; some of the places where you can visit include Children's Discovery Museum, The Joe Louis Puppet Theater, The Snake Farm, Dream World, Bangkok Doll Factory, Ancient City, Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Mansion, The National Museum Bangkok, Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, Royal Barges National Museum, Erawan Museum; The national Museum; The National gallery, The wax museum, Doll Museum, etc.

You must relish the nightlife of Bangkok whenever you are in Bangkok. Bangkok offers extremely vibrant and notorious nightlife. The city has a number of pubs, clubs, discos, bars, and restaurants. Aerobic dances are the area's major attraction. You can visit Thai cultural centre that often features artistic performances in classical music, dance, ballet and pop.

Your Bangkok tour will be incomplete without having a tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is some 80 kms outside of Bangkok. You can take an organized tour, and get the experience of a Thai village life.

Of course, you can't miss tasting yummy Thai foods at the restaurants of Bangkok. There are numerous restaurants in Bangkok offering you everything from the traditional Thai foods, to Indian, Chinese, Italian, American dishes. Some of the best restaurants are Charley Brown's Mexican Restaurant, Biscotti, Ban Klang Nam, New York Steak House, Suda, Lemon Grass, Rang Mahal, Govinda etc.

You can also have some nice time at Bangkok spas. You can find the world's best spas in Bangkok offering all type of massage therapies, and other natural treatments at the best possible prices. Some of the best spas are Ananda Spa, dvn spa and Wellbeing centre, i.sawan, Oasis Bangkok etc.

Chinatown Bangkok, also called 'Yaowarat,' is a "must visit" thoroughfare in Bangkok. The street is full of ever-present goldsmith shops, sharksfin and birds nest restaurants, shops and vendors selling Chinese herbal medicine, dried mushrooms, salted fish, roast, Chinese calendars, almanacs and of course, lottery tickets.

You can enjoy some of the most popular activities in Thailand thru Boating Tours. You can enjoy the floating tours by the public ferryboat or a private water taxi. These tours will take down the Chao Phraya River and other watercourses, canals or Khlongs as they are called in Thailand.

The Bangkok Beaches are that places that you mustn't miss. Bangkok offers you one of the coolest and the most pristine beaches, which include Phuket island, Krabi, Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta on the South West Coast, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Jomtien beach, Cha Am, Khao Takiab Bay. The beaches offer you great opportunities to enjoy windsurfing, skiing, diving, fishing, sailing, gliding, seaside restaurants, beach bars, etc.

Of course, Shopping Malls aren't to be missed! Bangkok offers you the best, the most innovative and the biggest shopping malls in Asia. Some of the most popular Bangkok Shopping Malls include CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Siam Paragon- The Pride of Bangkok, MBK Shopping Center, The Emporium Bangkok, Siam Center Bangkok, Amarin Plaza Bangkok, Gaysorn Bangkok, Siam Discovery, Erawan Bangkok, Pantip Plaza (IT Mall), Peninsula Plaza, All Seasons Place, Platinum Fashion Mall Bangkok and Union Mall Bangkok.

Last but not least, you must visit Bangkok temples. Bangkok has a number of traditional and well known Buddha temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, The Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), and Wat Intharawihan.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for apartments, bed and breakfasts, Bangkok holiday apartments hotels and Bangkok villas

A Simple and Easy Guide to Renting a Service Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand

What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for both expats and travelers.

Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia

As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.

Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok--the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.

What's So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?

Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.

Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons--the primary one being there are so many 'fine print' and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.

I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which 'services' are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok's City Plan

The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.

The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.

The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok

Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:

Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street, Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok Silom, another business and red light district Ploenchit, business district Chit Lom, business district The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok's thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.

Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments

These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.

5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:

Room Cleaning Water/Utilities Internet Usage 24 Hour Security Room Service/Errand Boy
4 Facilities That Should Be Included

Restaurant Gym Pool Convenience Store
The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity

If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.

Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.

Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.

How much Should I Pay?

This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.

Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.

Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?

The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.

The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok

Ascott Bangkok Sathorn There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service. Lebua Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and 'google' the residence for reviews.

Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Siri Sathorn Apartments Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone. Fraser Place Urbana Langusan They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind

Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Silom Convent Garden Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn't have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.

If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a "paradise" city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn't get any better in the City of Angels!

This article is brought to you by Silom Convent Garden, the exclusive 44 room serviced apartments that offers tastefully decorated Studio, one, and two bedroom apartments for lease in a private living environment. Book Today and Save 10% at one of the best Serviced Apartments in Bangkok.

Your Definitive Guide on Choosing Bangkok Accommodations

Bangkok is one of the most amazing places to visit in holidays. Whether you are a lover of natural beauty or fan of quality architecture, you will find Bangkok offering something for all.

However, it is obvious that you need to take rest after a long day of traveling and that's when you need right Bangkok Accommodation. For all the savvy leisure and business travelers, this Asian business hub offers an array of apartments and hotels amongst the gleaming skyscrapers. Most of the facilities offer spectacular views, warm ambience, contemporary décor, homey feeling and direct access to the inner areas of this vibrant city. All of these attributes make the stay both functional and rewarding. But, with the provisioning of many outstanding and equivalent features, it becomes difficult for a traveler to effectively choose between a hotel and an apartment. Nevertheless, it is essential for a traveler to determine the best residential choice.

If you are in Bangkok for more than a week's time, then apartments in Bangkok are a definite preference over the Bangkok Hotels. As compared to Bangkok Hotels which are well acclaimed for facilities, apartments in Bangkok offer hospitality of mystic East and comfort of home. Bangkok Hotels offer a cramped feeling whereas the space offered by the apartments is no match. Additionally, the plethora of facilities offered by these apartments further make them a logical choice.

When it comes to exceptional and always available services, nearly all of the apartments are equipped with satellite television, laundry services, free car parking and internet facility. Moreover, most of the apartments are provided with 24/7 security. Some of the apartments in Bangkok also encompass swimming pool, manicured gardens, and gym. All these are provisioned at a reasonable price as compared to what is offered by the expensive Bangkok hotels. The standard apartments cost around $12 per day, and pent houses averages around $50.

The best locations to find reasonable apartments in Bangkok include Sukhumvit which is the main road of Bangkok, Asok which is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live, Thong Lo which is widely known as the chic and fashionable street, and Sathorn which manifests the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Additional business areas include the districts of Silom, Ploenchit and Chit Lom. Of these localities, Asok and Chit Lom are highly recommended as these are the classiest areas of Bangkok. Silom is notorious for the night market and is not preferred for family stays. Sukhumvit represents the energy and life of Bangkok and is always an enriching experience for adventurous travelers.

The reasonable pricing and explicit access to numerous facilities make apartments in Bangkok a definitive choice over the many Bangkok hotels. So, it is advisable to opt for these apartments.

Sabaii.com eases the selection as well as reservation task for the online customers who want Kuala Lumpur apartments, Shanghai apartments, or apartments in Bangkok. So browse through the site to explore and reserve many of the reliable services!

Bangkok (City Guide)

Discover Bangkok

Watch the sun set whilst sipping a cocktail at one of Bangkok’s rooftop bars, and gear up for a magic night out in Asia’s capital of cool
Explore the labyrinthine bustle of Southeast Asia’s biggest open-air market as you bargain for everything from silk to spices at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Slurp up a storm over a fragrant bowl of world-class noodles at one of the city’s many streetside stalls
Follow the drumbeat to a temple or shrine and delight in traditional lá•kon gâa bon (shrine dancing)

In This Guide:

Two Bangkok insiders, 720 hours of in-depth research on the ground, 29 detailed maps, 75 bowls of go o•ay de e•o (noodles) eaten
Luscious color section covering the best of Thai cuisine
Unrivalled coverage of Bangkok’s diverse and vibrant nightlife
Visit the website lonelyplanet.com/bangkok for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler insights
Price: $19.99

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