A curated list of the 10 best Bangkok Airbnb rentals that bring the charm – plus a shortlist of the best areas to stay in Thailand’s capital.
Bangkok is synonymous with high-rise luxury hotels and slick condominiums. But if you’re anything like me, you’d much prefer to stay at an older property that has a story and some substance behind it.
Enter Airbnb.
Airbnb is a godsend for anyone who’s looking for a unique place to stay in Bangkok but doesn’t want to fork out for an expensive boutique hotel. These Bangkok Airbnb listings are every bit as luxe as the finest luxury properties (some even have their own private pool!), but with character and soul to boot.
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Where to stay in Bangkok: A very quick rundown of Bangkok’s best neighbourhoods
Let me start by saying: Bangkok is huge. Over the past six years, I’ve been to Bangkok more times than I can count – and I swear that every time I visit, the city looks more and more like it’s about to burst at its seams.
The Thai metropolis comprises more than 50 individual districts, each with its merits and downsides vis-à-vis accommodation. Proximity to restaurants, shops and street food is a given no matter where you stay, so the main things to look out for are access to public transportation and noise pollution.
There are a couple of Bangkok neighbourhoods I recommend above all others. The same suggestions hold for first-time visitors and old-hats. These are the locations where I always stay when I’m visiting Bangkok.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok Chinatown and its main arterial, the frenetic Yaowarat Road, is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city and by far my favourite place to stay. This is street food central; you’re never more than arm’s length from some of Bangkok’s best eats.
Apart from wok-laden food carts (most prevalent after dark), you’ll also find some terrific markets, old-school teahouses and stunning gilded temples hidden down Chinatown’s back alleys.
If it’s your first visit to Bangkok, Chinatown and its cacophony of colours and sounds is the best introduction to Thailand that you could possibly hope for.
Riverside
Bangkok is a river city at heart. The snaking Chao Phraya ambles through downtown, offering some much-needed reprieve from the heat and chaos of the busy streets and cluttered sois.
If your main objective is to chill, a Bangkok Airbnb in the Riverside district might be just the ticket.
Steeped in history and incredibly diverse, the small pockets that make up Riverside have real heart. At the same time, the area is blossoming with new creative spaces, boutiques and bars, thus offering a fantastic blend of historic and the contemporary.
Oh, and the views are outstanding – especially if your accommodation grants you a glimpse of the Royal Palace.
Silom
I spent two weeks in Silom on a recent trip to Bangkok and fell in love with this unsuspecting part of the city. This is the CBD, a steel-and-glass landscape of billboards, high-rises, whirling roundabouts and gated diplomatic quarters.
It’s also surprisingly leafy, backing onto Lumphini Park to the east and with more than a few wide, tree-lined boulevards that are perfect for late-afternoon or early morning walks (there’s not many parts of Bangkok that are as pedestrian-tolerant).
Some of Bangkok’s poshest hotels and sky bars are located in Silom and adjacent Sathon. There are also some truly wonderful Bangkok Airbnbs in this area – and you can usually find something for less than half the price of a hotel suite.
Siam
Siam is known for its shopping malls, including the popular Siam Square. If you’re in Bangkok to shop, you’ll probably find yourself spending a decent amount of time at this end of town.
Siam is equally popular among students, so you’ll also find lots of cool coworking cafes and cheap eats. Being a major transport hub, it’s very easy to get around, which makes Siam a great base if your goal is to explore Bangkok from top to bottom.
Banglamphu
Banglamphu occupies a huge chunk of prime real estate between Riverside and the central-eastern districts. Almost all of Bangkok’s main tourist sights are within Banglamphu’s invisible boundaries, making this another top spot for first-time visitors.
Bangkok’s main train station and the offices for international buses (including the Giant Ibis to Siem Reap) are within walking distance.
Banglamphu is also the postcode for notorious Khao San Road. This strip of hostels, clubs and bars has a decidedly ‘backpacker’ vibe, so if you’re interested in nightlife and mingling with other travellers, a Bangkok Airbnb in this area will serve you well as a crash pad.
Otherwise, steer clear of Khao San and stick to the quieter streets to the west, closer to Phra Nakhon.
10 incredible Bangkok Airbnb rentals
The phrase ‘old meets new’ was likely coined in Bangkok. For every high-rise development, there’s a few dozen Thai-style wooden houses, traditional shophouses and restored apartments hidden down alleyways or dotted along the riverfront.
This list brings together 10 of the most atmospheric Airbnbs in Bangkok.
Each of these Airbnb listings oozes with soul while still enjoying a great location and boasting stellar guest reviews. All are ‘Entire Place’ listings.
1. Peaceful Poolside Villa Guest Suite
Location: Punya Village, Suan Luang
If a pool is a non-negotiable (totally understandable give Bangkok’s oppressive humidity), you’ll be pleased to know the first three Bangkok Airbnbs on this list feature their own private resort-style pools.
This traditional Thai-style hardwood villa is by far the most impressive of all the properties on this list. Apart from a full-size pool, generous deck and open sala-style kitchenette and dining area, there’s two cosy king bedrooms, both with high ceilings. The property sleeps up to 6 people in total.
Birdsong from the leafy gardens that enclose the entire property will transport you to a place of pure relaxation. The Suan Luang location is a bit far removed from the city centre (you’ll need to use Grab to get around), but it’s worth the trade-off if you’re after a bit of a retreat from the urban jungle.
This is an Airbnb Plus property with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
2. Quiet & Natural Poolside Villa Onnut
Location: Punya Village, Suan Luang
Look familiar? If the previous villa is out of your price range, this is a smaller private guesthouse on the same property.
This listing consists of the larger of the two bedrooms with a private modern bathroom, kitchenette and deck. Guests also get full access to that stellar pool.
3. Heritage Home in Silom With Plunge Pool
Location: Silom (near Sri Maha Mariamman Temple)
Located in humming Silom, close to all the action of downtown, this stunning heritage home was built at the turn of the 20th century from golden teak. High ceilings and antique furniture throughout reinforce the historic vibe, while pops of colour from textiles and modern artworks (including a few swish Thai murals in the living room and bedrooms) add a contemporary twist.
This place is an interior decorator’s dream – just look at the photos to see what I mean. Every bedroom is delicious down to the smallest detail, and one is finished with a private patio. The house sleeps up to 8 people in total.
Three bathrooms – two with clawfoot tubs – and a well-appointed, modern kitchen are perfectly practical. Indoor-outdoor relaxation spaces and a canopied plunge pool complete the floorplan.
This is an Airbnb Plus property with an average rating of 4.95 out of 5.
4. Private House in Old Town
Location: Rattanakosin Island (Banglamphu)
A little more understated but no less charming, this house is just a 5-minute walk from Khao San Road and 20 minutes from the Grand Palace. It’s a complete oasis in the hubbub, featuring an airy, sunlit dining room, kitchenette, and double bedroom that sleeps up to 4 guests.
Officially called ‘Boon Chan Ngarm house’, the building is a heritage two-story shop house that dates back to 1900. This area is an enclave known locally as Rattanakosin Island and is one of the oldest parts of the city.
Newly renovated, the loft bedroom is accessed via a spiral staircase and looks out over a sweet tropical garden. The combination of timber and matte concrete floors, steel window frames and exposed brick perfectly captures Bangkok’s youthful spirit.
5. Ratchada Retreat
Location: Din Daeng
A house doesn’t have to be old to have character – and this Bangkok Airbnb proves it.
Nestled inside a 40-year-old building down a local soi in one of Bangkok’s hippest neighbourhoods, this private room with ensuite is white, bright, and totally calming. The design and furnishing are minimalist with subtle heritage details in the roof beams.
The entry to the complex via a Japanese garden is spectacular. There are several private rooms on the property, all sharing a common living space and kitchen.
The best thing about this Airbnb is the location – the BTS and Rod Fai night market are both just a few minutes away by foot.
6. Architect’s House Near Chatuchak Market
Location: Chatuchak
Chatuchak Weekend Market is known for being one of Bangkok’s busiest hotspots. This architect-designed house is a complete contrast. White walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and lush indoor plants are a breath of fresh air.
Furnishings are quite minimalist, but there’s no mistaking the contemporary Thai elegance (in fact, stepping into the kitchen area feels a bit like taking a table at one of the city’s coolest cafes). Two bedrooms, one with an en suite, sleep up to 4 guests.
As well as being walking distance from the market, the Chatuchak MRT station is very close by, making it easy to get around the city.
This is an Airbnb Plus property with an average rating of 4.95 out of 5.
7. Baan Yok Original Shophouse
Location: Chinatown (near Hua Lamphong Station)
Located atop a tapas bar on Soi Nana, one of Chinatown’s best streets for eating and drinking, this Airbnb is a traditional Chinese shophouse with a 100-plus-year history.
Lovingly restored as a homage to the original immigrant owners, the house preserves many of the original details, including hardwood floors, rolling barn doors and internal windows. Decorations are sparse, but it’s the bones of the place – the blue shutters, the wooden staircase – that really make it special.
Two bedrooms accommodate up to 4 guests. There’s also a small balcony and a petite but functional bathroom and kitchen.
8. Canal House Bangkok Airbnb
The location: Bangkok Yai (near Wat Arun)
This totally unique Bangkok Airbnb is perched on Khlong Mon, a waterway that opens up from the river. Close to the buzz of the Chao Phraya but still submerged in a residential area, it offers visitors a completely local experience.
Sit on the covered terrace and watch the longtail boats whizz by; wave at your Thai neighbours inside their gorgeous timber houses across the canal.
Far from a gimmick, this house not only sports an unbeatable location, it’s also beautifully designed for a comfortable stay. Two generous bedrooms with wood panelling and lattice windows (great for air flow) sleep up to 4.
9. The3House
The location: Bang Phlat
Another modern Airbnb, this house is ideal for families or groups of up to 5 friends. Simple bedrooms, a full kitchen and a lovely enclosed courtyard with hammock define the space. Quirky paintwork and cute neon art give this house a unique vibe.
There’s a nice story behind the neighbourhood, too: Bang Phlat means ‘lost place’ in Thai, a nod to the overgrown waterways that characterised this corner of town in the past. Sirinthorn MRT is just 700m away.
10. Thai Style House
Location: Siam
Taking up the entire 5th floor of a heritage home in Siam, this property is truly a change of pace from Bangkok’s busiest district. Hostess Pariya has poured her heart and soul into the restoration, ensuring every detail celebrates and honours her city’s heritage.
First, the space. The apartment consists of a generous bedroom, spacious living area, a separate dining room with kitchenette, plus a private balcony and bathroom. The pièce de résistance is of course the four-poster bed. Matched with antique rugs and vintage ephemera from Pariya’s personal collection, it sets the scene for an unforgettable stay.
Airport transfer and breakfast come included in the nightly rate – a lovely touch and a rarity among Bangkok Airbnbs. The National Stadium BTS is a 10-minute walk away.
Which of these unique Bangkok Airbnb rentals are you bookmarking for your next trip to Thailand?