Silom vs Nonthaburi: Where to Stay for Your Bangkok Trip

Silom: The Heart of Bangkok's Business and Nightlife

Silom is Bangkok's financial district by day and a vibrant nightlife hub after dark. The area is anchored by Silom Road, with the Sala Daeng BTS station and Silom MRT station providing easy access to the rest of the city. You'll find a mix of office towers, street food stalls, and markets like Patpong, known for its night market and entertainment venues. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to five-star hotels, with mid-range options typically between 1,500 and 3,500 THB per night. The area is ideal if you want to be within walking distance of major sights like Lumphini Park and have countless dining and shopping options at your doorstep.

Staying in Silom means you're never far from a Skytrain or Metro station, making it simple to explore areas like Sukhumvit, Siam, and the riverside. The streets are busy, and the area can be noisy, especially around Patpong. However, if you choose a hotel on a side soi, you can escape the chaos. Silom is best for first-time visitors, business travellers, and anyone who wants maximum convenience. For a quieter experience, consider Soi 2 or Soi 4, which have a more local feel and excellent street food. Just be prepared for crowds during rush hour.

Nonthaburi: Suburban Comfort with River Views

Nonthaburi is a province immediately north of Bangkok, connected by the Chao Phraya River and the MRT Purple Line. It's a more residential area, with local markets, temples, and a slower pace. The MRT Purple Line, which starts at Tao Poon and ends at Khlong Bang Phai, makes it easy to reach central Bangkok in about 30-40 minutes. Hotels here are generally cheaper, with mid-range options from 800 to 2,000 THB per night. You'll find larger rooms and more space for your money. The area is popular with expats and Thai families, offering a glimpse of everyday life away from the tourist trail.

The main draw is the riverside atmosphere and attractions like the Nonthaburi Pier, where you can catch a boat to Koh Kret, an island known for its pottery and Mon culture. The area is also home to the impressive Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and the lively Nonthaburi Market. If you don't mind a longer commute, Nonthaburi provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to the river. However, if your itinerary is packed with sights in central Bangkok, the daily commute might wear you down. It's best for repeat visitors, digital nomads, or those seeking a more authentic, less touristy experience.

Getting Around: Commute Times and Costs

From Silom, you can reach Siam by BTS in about 10 minutes, and the Grand Palace via MRT and a short walk in around 30 minutes. A taxi from Silom to Don Mueang Airport takes 30-45 minutes outside rush hour, costing roughly 250-350 THB. From Nonthaburi, the MRT Purple Line connects to the Blue Line at Tao Poon, from where you can reach Silom in about 40 minutes. A taxi to Don Mueang from Nonthaburi is quicker, about 20-30 minutes, and costs 150-250 THB. To Suvarnabhumi Airport, Silom is about 40-60 minutes by taxi (300-400 THB), while Nonthaburi is 50-70 minutes (400-500 THB).

If you plan to use public transport daily, Silom's BTS and MRT stations give you more flexibility. Nonthaburi relies heavily on the MRT Purple Line, which is efficient but can be crowded during peak hours. For river travel, Nonthaburi has an advantage with boats to Koh Kret and other piers. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available in both areas, but traffic in Silom can be dense. If you're on a tight schedule, staying in Silom saves time; if you prefer a slower pace and don't mind longer commutes, Nonthaburi is a good bet.

Which One Should You Book?

For most first-time visitors, Silom is the better choice. Its central location, transport links, and abundance of hotels make it easy to explore Bangkok's highlights. You can walk to Lumphini Park, take a short ride to the Grand Palace, and enjoy nightlife without long journeys. The higher prices are offset by convenience and time saved. If you're travelling on a budget or staying for an extended period, Nonthaburi offers better value and a more local experience. Families might appreciate the larger rooms and quieter streets.

I would book Silom if my trip is three to five days and I want to see the main sights. If I'm staying a week or more and want to save money, I'd choose Nonthaburi and use the MRT to get around. Avoid staying in Nonthaburi if you plan late nights in Sukhumvit, as the last MRT train is around midnight. Also, skip Silom if you're sensitive to noise; instead, look at hotels on quieter sois. Both areas have their merits, but your itinerary and budget should guide your decision. Regardless of your choice, booking a hotel in Bangkok is straightforward with our partner site.