Where to Avoid Staying in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a city that thrums with life at every corner—whether it's the vibrant street markets or the intricate temples. But for first-time visitors, navigating where to stay can feel like standing at a bustling crossroads, unsure of which direction to go. While certain areas are rich with culture and adventure, some neighborhoods might not provide the peace or experience you're hoping for.

So, where should you avoid staying in Bangkok? If you've found yourself asking this question, you're not alone. Many travelers, in their eagerness to experience everything the city offers, have stumbled into accommodations that did little to serve their needs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some neighborhoods to avoid, share personal stories, and offer advice on where you might be better off staying. Whether you're seeking a quiet escape or want to be close to the action, this article will help you make a decision with confidence.

Common Traveler Concerns

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the concerns many travelers have when deciding where to stay in Bangkok:

Safety: Is the area safe, especially for solo travelers or families?

Proximity to Attractions: Will you be stuck in hours of traffic, far from where you want to explore?

Noise and Crowds: Some areas are filled with late-night revelers, making it hard to rest after a long day of sightseeing.

Cultural Immersion: Are you in a tourist-heavy area, or can you experience the authentic side of Bangkok?

Quality of Accommodation: Are there good options for guest-friendly hotels near Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy?

With these concerns in mind, let’s dive into some areas you might want to avoid—or at least think twice about—when choosing your Bangkok accommodation.

Khao San Road: The Backpacker's Haven (But Not For Everyone)

Ah, Khao San Road. If you’re picturing a street that pulses with neon lights, throngs of backpackers clutching buckets of cocktails, and street vendors calling out to you, you’ve hit the mark. Khao San is famous for its backpacker culture, with cheap guesthouses, street food, and bars that stay open late into the night.

But here’s the thing—while it might sound exciting, Khao San isn’t for everyone. If you're looking for a more serene or authentic Thai experience, Khao San might not be your best bet. I once booked a hostel here, lured by the promise of meeting other travelers. But after a sleepless night due to pounding music, I regretted not looking for quieter, guest-friendly hotels in a less rowdy area.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Khao San Road:

Noise levels are through the roof. Even at 3 a.m., the music and chatter don’t stop.

The accommodation options can be basic at best. While they’re cheap, many of the rooms feel tired and cramped.

It’s a tourist bubble, meaning you won’t get a real sense of Bangkok’s charm and culture.

If you’re a backpacker with a penchant for parties, this might be your dream spot. But if you want a more balanced, restful experience, I’d recommend avoiding this area and exploring other neighborhoods like Sukhumvit or Silom, where guest-friendly hotels near Soi Cowboy are easily found without the constant thrum of nightlife outside your window.

Nana Plaza: Where the Night Never Ends

If you’ve heard of Nana Plaza, you likely associate it with Bangkok’s infamous nightlife scene. This area is notorious for its adult entertainment venues and is part of what many people call Bangkok’s Red Light District. For some, it might be intriguing, but for others, the atmosphere can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you're traveling with family or seeking a more low-key trip.

Staying in Red Light District Bangkok Hotels near Nana Plaza can be uncomfortable for those who aren't expecting it. A close friend of mine booked a hotel here, thinking it would be central and affordable, but she found herself constantly dodging aggressive bar promoters and feeling uneasy walking around after dark.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Nana Plaza:

The crowd: This area is heavily frequented by tourists looking for a specific kind of nightlife. It may not be the most comfortable environment if you're seeking a more wholesome or laid-back trip.

Street harassment: The aggressive nature of some promoters can make it unpleasant to explore the surrounding streets.

Limited appeal for families: If you’re traveling with kids or elderly family members, this might not be the place you want to settle down for your stay.

However, if you're looking for Guest Friendly Hotels Near Nana Plaza, they do exist, and some can offer a more sheltered experience from the area’s more notorious aspects. Just be prepared for the nightlife scene to be ever-present.

Patpong: The Tourist Trap You’ll Want to Escape

Patpong has earned a reputation for being one of Bangkok's top Red Light Districts, but over the years, it has evolved into a bit of a tourist trap. What started as a hub for Bangkok's nightlife has morphed into a busy market area filled with knockoff goods and overpriced street stalls.

One of my trips led me to this area out of curiosity. I was staying in a hotel nearby, thinking it would be close to the action. But what I found was an area swarmed with tourists, persistent street vendors, and an overwhelming sense of inauthenticity. While I was expecting lively bars and authentic local interactions, what I got felt more like a scripted scene set up for visitors.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Patpong:

Tourist overload: The area feels less like Bangkok and more like a carnival of overpriced goods and aggressive sellers.

The nightlife isn’t what it used to be: While the area once had a certain charm, it has lost its authentic edge, and many of the bars cater solely to tourists.

Safety concerns: While not inherently dangerous, there are reports of scams or overly aggressive touts, which can dampen the experience.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening out, you’d be better off exploring Bangkok’s many rooftop bars or the trendy neighborhoods like Thonglor and Ekkamai.

Sukhumvit’s Party Hotspots: When the Nightlife Gets Too Much

While Sukhumvit is known for its luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, and excellent transport links, parts of this area can be overwhelming, especially around the Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza areas. If you're looking for a quiet stay, you might want to steer clear of these sections, where the nightlife can be a bit too much.

I stayed in a lovely guesthouse not far from Soi Cowboy, thinking it would be convenient to access Bangkok’s MRT and BTS lines. While the location was perfect during the day, the evenings brought a surge of nightlife that was hard to escape. The flashing neon lights and crowds of partygoers made it difficult to relax after a long day.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Sukhumvit’s Party Hotspots:

The nightlife: Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza are synonymous with Bangkok’s more adult entertainment, and unless you’re there for that, it can feel out of place.

Noise levels: Like Khao San Road, the nightlife here doesn’t stop, and the streets can get rowdy, which might not be the atmosphere you’re looking for after a day of exploring temples and markets.

Over-commercialization: The area is very built-up, and while there are plenty of guest friendly hotels near soi cowboy, it can sometimes feel too busy and impersonal.

For a quieter stay, look into staying further down Sukhumvit or in a nearby area like Phrom Phong, which offers luxury and convenience without the same level of noise and chaos.

Where to Stay Instead?

So, where should you consider staying if you want to avoid the overly touristy or noisy areas of Bangkok? Here are a few neighborhoods I recommend:

Thonglor and Ekkamai: Trendy but quieter, these areas are known for their cool cafes, boutique hotels, and local hangouts. It’s ideal if you want to experience Bangkok like a local but still be close to the action.

Ari: This is a laid-back neighborhood with leafy streets, cute coffee shops, and an emerging art scene. It’s perfect if you want a more authentic, peaceful experience.

Silom (but away from Patpong): Silom offers a mix of business and leisure, with excellent transport links, but if you steer clear of Patpong, you can find quieter streets and family-friendly accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Bangkok is a city that offers something for everyone, but that doesn’t mean every neighborhood will align with your travel needs. Whether you're a solo adventurer, traveling with family, or on a romantic getaway, choosing the right area to stay in is key to having a memorable and enjoyable experience.

So, have you stayed in Bangkok before? If you have any tips or places you recommend avoiding—or, conversely, places you’ve loved—share your thoughts in the comments below!