Sukhumvit is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to the Sukhumvit area, you will find the essential information about the different parts of this district, with the most popular attractions and things to do in Sukhumvit, transportation, and a selection of hotels according to your budget.
If you are looking for accommodation in Bangkok but still have doubts about what the best area to stay is, you can definitely consider Sukhumvit.
Sukhumvit is known as the central area of the capital city of Thailand and is bustling with business centers, shopping complexes, numerous dining spots, unlimited nightlife with countless rooftop bars, and two popular red-light districts. There is a variety of hotels suitable for different budgets in Sukhumvit.
Where is Sukhumvit in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit is the area along Sukhumvit Road from Nana in central Bangkok to the suburbs around the Phra Khanong and On Nut BTS stations.
Asoke is the center of the area, where the BTS Green Line (BTS Asoke Station) and MRT Blue Line (MRT Sukhumvit Station) intersect.
Main areas of Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Tourist life mainly takes place along the BTS Sukhumvit Line, with the focus on the areas surrounding stations Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong, and On Nut.
Nana
Nana is mainly an entertainment area and famous for its nightlife venues such as bars, pubs, and sex shops.
Asoke
Asoke is the center of the Sukhumvit area, from which you can easily visit other parts of the city. Asoke is home to many high-rise office buildings, a wide selection of hotels, the large shopping mall of Terminal 21, and the entertainment district of Soi Cowboy.
Phrom Phong
Phrom Phong is one of the most upscale areas in Bangkok for shopping, with high-end department stores, Emporium and EmQuartier.
Thonglor
Thonglor is a trendy and chic area where tourists, expats, and Thai people gather. The surrounding area has a large selection of hotels and many high-rise condominiums, as well as cafes, restaurants, cozy bars, and nightclubs.
Ekkamai
Ekkamai is a quiet residential area, where many wealthy people live.
Phra Khanong
Phra Khanong is a residential area between Ekkamai and On Nut, offering affordable places to stay.
On Nut
On Nut is a bustling residential and commercial area in Bangkok, located along On Nut Road (Sukhumvit 77). Conveniently accessible by the BTS On Nut station on Sukhumvit Road, it's home to numerous condominiums, community malls like Onnut Plaza Community Mall, markets, and restaurants.
Things to Do in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Sukhumvit area has no popular temples or many traditional tourist attractions, but it offers many activities and many places to go from day to night, ensuring that you will always find things to do in Sukhumvit.
Terminal 21: A modern shopping mall where each floor has its own theme based on popular countries around the world. There are a variety of interesting shops, entertainment options, and restaurants and the food court for the best cheap eats in Bangkok.
Emporium: The most luxurious department store in Bangkok, with luxury brand and designer stores and fine dining restaurants. The place is recommended for those interested in high-end products such as fashion clothes, jewelry, watches, etc.
EmQuartier: An upscale shopping mall next to Emporium, joined by a pedestrian bridge. It has a large market and many mid-range stores.
Benjakitti Park: The green space in the middle of Bangkok city at the intersection of BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit stations, next to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. You can do various activities here, such as picnicking, cycling, and even jogging around the lake.
Benjasiri Park: Known as the “Queen's Park,” as it was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit, the park is located near Emporium shopping center and BTS Phrom Phong station.
Nana Plaza (Sukhumvit 4): One of the best-known red-light districts in Bangkok, full of adults entertainment - alcohol, girls, ladyboys, dance, and music.
Soi Cowboy (between Sukhumvit 21 and 23): The most famous red light district in Bangkok. It has a small alley packed with bars and clubs.
Soi Arab (Sukhumvit 3/1): A small alley next to the mighty Soi Nana, with Halal restaurants and numerous shops selling Arab products.
Rooftop Bars: Sukhumvit is home to many rooftop bars, where you can enjoy nightlife with a spectacular view. The most famous rooftop bars in Sukhumvit are the following:
Above Eleven: Rooftop bar and restaurant on the 32nd floor at Fraser Suites Hotel Bangkok with breathtaking views.
Nimitr Rooftop: Restaurant and rooftop bar, situated on the 27th floor of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in the Phrom Phong area, offers a dining experience that is as breathtaking as the views.
Mojjo Rooftop Lounge & Bar: Perched on the 32nd floor of SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok in the middle of Sukhumvit, it is a vibrant Latin-inspired rooftop bar offering stunning views of Bangkok's skyline and a lively atmosphere.
Muay Thai Class: Offered by FITFAC Muay Thai Gym in downtown Bangkok, this fun and interactive Muay Thai class lets you practice the art of self-defense and get that adrenaline rush.
Thai Cooking Class: Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes at a reputable cooking school in Bangkok and shop at a local market for fresh ingredients before your class.
Khlong Toei Market: A typical Thai market with a variety of fruits, vegetables, food stalls, and cheap clothing.
Kamthieng House Museum: A 19th-century teak farmhouse from Chiang Mai. It is now the headquarters of the Siamese Society.
Let's Relax Spa at Thonglor: A multi-awarded spa featuring a wide variety of mineral bathtubs, saunas, steam rooms, hot stone bed baths, and massages with excellent service at a great price. They also have a branch at Terminal 21 and branches in several other locations along Sukhumvit Road.
Places to Stay in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Sukhumvit area has a great choice of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels to hostels. It's easy to find a hotel you like at a price that suits you.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Sukhumvit
Aspira Sukhumvit: A cheap hotel situated on Soi 7/1, 1 minute from BTS Nana station and within easy reach of the adult-oriented Nana Entertainment Plaza. This boutique hotel is NOT for families but appeals much more to adult single male travelers or groups of men.
Majestic Suites Hotel: An affordable 3-star hotel combines contemporary décor with state-of–the-art technology and is close to Nana.
S Box Sukhumvit Hotel: A backpacker hotel that has access to everything. The hotel is located on Sukhumvit 31, just 50 meters from Sukhumvit Road and 500 meters from BTS Phrom Phong station, providing a calm place to stay.
Le Fenix Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok: 3-star hotel featuring 147 cozy and comfortable rooms with contemporary furnishings. This hotel is located on Bangkok's vibrant street Sukhumvit Soi 11, within walking distance of Nana BTS Station.
Chill Inn Bangkok Urban Hostel: Affordable and convenient accommodation decorated in a sleek and modern style, with furnishings that create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The hostel is just a stone's throw away from Ekkamai BTS station.
Mid-Range Hotels in Sukhumvit
Hotel Clover Asoke: A well-rated art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok city center. This 4-star hotel is a 5-minute walk to Asok BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT Station.
Sukhumvit Suites Hotel: A good 3-star hotel next to the Interchange 21 building in between Sukhumvit 21 and Sukhumvit 23. All 73 non-smoking rooms are uniquely furnished in restful colors.
Thee Bangkok Hotel: A contemporary design hotel with a touch of modern classic luxe and a sense of tranquility. Thee Hotel is only 7 minutes walking to BTS Asok Station and MRT Sukhumvit Station.
Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18: 4-star hotel by Radisson, offering a comfortable escape from the bustling city. The hotel is close to MRT Sukhumvit station.
IR-ON Hotel: A uniquely designed 3-star hotel offering ultimate relaxation and sincerest Thai hospitality right in the coolest hub of the Sukhumvit area, Thonglor.
Luxury Hotels in Sukhumvit
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: A fabulous 5-star hotel where you can experience the French art de vivre during your stay. This hotel has its own skywalk bridge that connects the hotel directly to the nearby BTS Asok Station, MRT Sukhumvit Station, and Terminal 21.
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21: The 5-star hotel that is superbly located above Terminal 21 Shopping Mall with a surprisingly spacious lush outdoor garden with a jogging track, an infinity pool, a lap pool, a tennis court, and a golf putting range.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Luxury hotel with 338 elegant rooms and suites, a choice of renowned dining venues including the MICHELIN Guide-listed, Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, and a Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of the cityscape, located between BTS Asok and Phrom Phong stations.
Emporium Suites by Chatrium: The 5-star apartment hotel, set in the luxury Emporium shopping complex, lies a minute's walk from Phrom Phong BTS station, providing guests with everything from a bespoke shopping experience to easy access to the Business District.
Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: 5-star hotel featuring 290 rooms and suites to serve business and leisure travelers, only 200 meters from the metro and SkyTrain, close to the Interchange 21 building and Soi Cowboy.
Transport in Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Sukhumvit area is one of the best connected by public transport areas in Bangkok, making access to sightseeing and attractions easy.
The BTS Skytrain line spans along Sukhumvit Road. Popular BTS stations for tourists to stay nearby are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong, and On Nut. Asok is the most convenient station, as it is right in the center of the Sukhumvit area and is directly connected to Bangkok MRT Sukhumvit Station, which makes getting around the city very easy.
To make your travel experience more efficient, get a BTS One-Day Pass for unlimited travel on the BTS Skytrain during a single day and avoid the long queues at ticket machines.
At the intersection with Soi 63, there is an Ekkamai Bus Terminal serviced by buses and minivans running to destinations in Eastern Thailand such as Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, Chanthaburi, and tourist destinations like Pattaya, Sriracha, Sattahip, Koh Chang, and Koh Samet.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit
By Train: The Airport Rail Link train connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with the BTS SkyTrain at Phaya Thai Station. There you can transfer to the BTS and get off at any station on the Sukhumvit line.
By Bus: Bangkok bus No. 552 connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport to BTS SkyTrain On Nut Station. Departures are scheduled every 20 minutes.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhumvit with private transfer service. The all-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: A Bangkok taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Sukhumvit area takes approximately 1 hour but can take more during heavy traffic.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Sukhumvit
By Bus: Bus A1 can be used to transfer from Don Mueang Airport to BTS Mo Chit Station and MRT Chatuchak Park Station within 30 minutes. From there you can take the Skytrain or metro to Sukhumvit.
By Train: The SRT Red Line from Don Mueang Airport stops at Bang Sue Station, which is connected to the MRT Blue Line, passing MRT Sukhumvit Station.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to the Sukhumvit area takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Tips for a Stay in Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit is full of life. If you like a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, choose the Sukhumvit area to stay in Bangkok.
If you are not a party lover, avoid staying near the red-light areas such as Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (Soi 23), which can be quite annoying due to street prostitution.
As it is the central area, traffic conditions in the Sukhumvit area can be heavy, meaning that a 15-minute trip can turn into a 1-hour-long journey. Public transportation such as BTS and MRT should be your preferred choice if you are not willing to waste your time in traffic jams. Save time by booking a BTS Rabbit Card or BTS One-Day Pass in advance.