The historic heart of Bangkok is sometimes referred to as ‘Bangkok Old Town’ or simply, the ‘Old City’. This is where you will find many of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions including the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho. Staying in Bangkok’s Old City is also convenient for the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, and a number of local markets. Although there aren’t as many accommodation choices here as there are in other areas of Bangkok such as Sukhumvit, Sathorn or Silom, what the Old City lacks in quantity it makes up for with quality with a number of outstanding boutique hotels and family-run guest-houses.
Thaizer’s top picks for where to stay in Bangkok’s Old City
These are my top picks for hotels and guest-houses in this historic district of the Thai capital. The selection takes into account a number of factors including my personal experience, service, value for money and atmosphere. In no particular order, they are:
Aurum the River Place
I first stumbled across this hotel a few years ago when I was scouting out locations for my mother and sister to stay during their visit to Bangkok. The location is fabulous, in a quiet lane not far from Wat Pho and just yards away from the Chao Phraya River with views across to Wat Arun on the opposite side. The staff were lovely when they showed me around the hotel and my family had a wonderful stay here. Price also includes an excellent breakfast in an al fresco setting by the river.
Price per night (rack rate): from 3,500 Baht
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Hotel website
1905 Heritage Corner
1905 Heritage Corner is a new and welcome addition to the accommodation scene in the Old Town area. Located just to the east of the Grand Palace, this tastefully renovated colonial style guest-house only has 3 rooms so it’s best to book well in advance.
Price per night (rack rate): from 5,800 Baht
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Hotel website
Royal Tha Tien Village
I’ve stayed at the Royal Tha Tien Village a few times in the past. Staying here feels more like being a guest in somebody’s home rather than a hotel and offers excellent value for money for such a prime location. With only 6 rooms in an old heritage-style building close to the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho, rooms are often snapped up quickly.
Price per night (rack rate): from 1,700 Baht
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Hotel website n/a
Bangkok Publishing Residence
An old shop-house which once housed printing presses and was also the family home of a well-known Bangkok publisher has been transformed into a stylish bed and breakfast. Bangkok Publishing Residence offers 8 individually designed guest rooms in a location close to the Golden Mount.
Price per night (rack rate): from 4,800 Baht
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Hotel website
Old Capital Bike Inn
This intimate family-run guest house has established itself as one of the best choices in Bangkok’s Old City. Situated close to Loha Prasat and the Golden Mount, the Old Capital Bike Inn provide free bicycle rentals and complimentary night-time cycle tours around the historic Old Town area.
Price per night (rack rate): from 3,200 Baht
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Hotel website
Riva Arun Bangkok
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River and with views across to Wat Arun, this 25-room boutique hotel is a fine choice for your stay in Bangkok. Bright and airy, the River Arun Bangkok is a modern hotel with a good selection of rooms covering a range of prices.
Price per night (rack rate): from 2,600 Baht
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Hotel website
Ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai Hotel
I was in two minds whether to include this hotel or not. Although the location and style of hotel wouldn’t be my first choice, it is a solid option for first-time visitors to Bangkok and with 215 room offers a contrast to the smaller hotels and guest-houses that make up the rest of this list. The hotel recently underwent a complete revamp and relaunched under the family-friendly Ibis Styles brand. It’s close to the backpacker area of Khao San Road, but not right on it and has the familiarity and comfort you would expect from Ibis hotels.
Price per night (rack rate): from 2,200 Baht
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Hotel website
The Bhuthorn Bed and Breakfast
With just 3 guest rooms, this is another accommodation option in Old City that has the intimate feel of a homestay. The historic building was a former shophouse which has undergone a sympathetic conversion into boutique accommodation. Using antique furniture and traditional touches, the Bhuthorn is a charming option near the Grand Palace although the limited number of rooms means it does get booked out quickly.
Price per night (rack rate): from 4,500 Baht
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Hotel website
Chakrabongse Villas
There are few better locations in Bangkok’s Old City than Chakrabongse Villas. The original villa here was built by Prince Chakrabongse in 1908 and is now owned by his granddaughter, Narisa. This is a unique choice of accommodation and for anybody seeking something extra special, Chakrabongse Villas is one to consider.
Price per night (rack rate): not quoted
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Hotel website
Sala Arun
Sala Arun is another example of the boutique hotels that the Old City does so well. All 9 rooms are tastefully decorated and the location is hard to beat. Even if you don’t stay at Sala Arun, do try to visit for sunset drinks at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Eagle’s Nest, for fantastic views of Wat Arun.
Price per night (rack rate): from 3,500 Baht
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Hotel website
Sala Rattanakosin
Sala Rattanakosin makes the most of its fabulous location overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. Not surprisingly, the river-view suites are the highest priced rooms, but there are less expensive rooms available too and all things considered this is a good choice for a comfortable stay within easy walking distance of the Grand Palace.
Price per night (rack rate): from 3,500 Baht (low season)
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Hotel website
Bangkok Bed and Bike
Providing comfortable and classy hostel-style accommodation, Bangkok Bed and Bike is a good choice for travellers on a budget who want to stay near the Grand Palace. Stay in one of the dorms or opt for a private room with different options suitable for single people, couples or families. As the name would suggest, this is a great choice for cycling enthusiasts with the owners arranging bike tours around this historic district of Old Bangkok. The building itself has an interesting and diverse past having served as a royal dispensary and a theatre.
Price per night (rack rate): from 400 Baht (dorm room); 1,200 Baht (private double room)
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Hotel website
