We have 27 places to stay in and around Sukhumvit.
Ploenchit
The beginning of Sukhumvit Road can be viewed as an extension of the shopping and office districts of nearby Siam Square, with mostly tall and shiny high-rises set on some seriously pricey real estate often occupied by major hotels. This is a good area if you want to avoid the seedy (in places) scene found a bit further east while remaining close to the skytrain and central Bangkok. Ironically, two of the hotels listed here shrug off the norm by occupying one-of-a-kind buildings constructed in the mid-20th century.
Nana and Asoke
The area around Nana and Asok BTS stations is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant, convenient and popular, boasting stacks of big-name hotels like Sofitel, Westin Grande and Aloft. This includes the lively Sukhumvit Soi 11 and multi-lane Asoke-Montri Road, but also some quieter streets with a few great hostels to choose from. Two out of Bangkok’s three red-light districts are also found here, but they’re mostly contained in their respective streets: Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 4. The area also hosts an enclave of Middle Eastern travellers along with swanky nightclubs, loads of restaurants, upscale spas and an interchange between the skytrain and subway.
Phrom Phong and Thong Lor
Continuing east up Sukhumvit, the area around Phrom Phong and Thong Lo BTS stations is less seedy, more trendy (at least in places) and with notably large communities of Japanese expats and hi-so Thais. Though very convenient and with a terrific dining, shopping and nightlife scene, the vibe is more laid-back than around Asoke and Nana, with more condos than big-name hotels. If you don’t mind being a bit further from the rest of Bangkok, you’ll have some very good small hotels to choose from.
Ekkamai, Phra Khanong and On Nut
The accommodation surrounding Ekkamai, Phra Khanong and On Nut BTS stations put you at least six skytrain stops from Siam Square and a solid hour’s journey from the historic Rattanakosin district. The pluses of staying here include very easy access to the eastern bus terminal and relatively close proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Sukhumvit’s livelier areas are a short cruise up the skytrain line, and some interesting art galleries are found in the Ekkamai vicinity.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Newly developed as a direct result of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s opening in 2006, the Lat Krabang area in the city’s far eastern reaches has a handful of good-value small hotels. If you want the absolute closest bed to your departure gate, splurge for the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Suvarnabhumi is far removed from the rest of Bangkok and we wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you’ve got an early departure or late arrival.