Khlong Toei is a district in Bangkok, which is also one of the best areas to stay in the capital city of Thailand. In this detailed guide, discover the Khlong Toei District in Bangkok. Explore top attractions, transportation options, the best things to do, and the best places to stay in the district of Khlong Toei, Bangkok.
Khlong Toei is a part of the Central Business District (CBD) that, together with Watthana, forms the downtown Bangkok area that is better known as Sukhumvit. Actually, Sukhumvit Road is the main road separating Watthana and Khlong Toei districts. The Khlong Toei district occupies the area south of Sukhumvit Road. Even if the Watthana district is better developed, similar conditions can be expected in Khlong Toei if you stay closer to the main road.
The central area is bustling with business centers, shopping complexes, numerous dining spots, unlimited nightlife, and various hotels suitable for different budgets. Sukhumvit is a very convenient place to stay in Bangkok for the majority of travelers. Therefore, we always recommend the Khlong Toei district for the first-time visitors who are looking for where to stay in Bangkok.
Where is the Khlong Toei District in Bangkok?
The northern part of the Khlong Toei district belongs to the modern center of Bangkok. The district stretches from Sukhumvit Road in the north to the Chao Phraya River in the south. The southern end of the district is occupied by Bangkok Port, while less developed areas, including Bangkok's largest slum, are in the middle of Khlong Toei District.
The neighboring Bangkok districts are:
Things to Do in the Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
Khlong Toei is offering many interesting activities and places to go to from day to night, so you will always find various things to do in the Khlong Toei district.
Rooftop Bars: Khlong Toei is home to many rooftop bars where you can enjoy nightlife with a spectacular view. The most famous rooftop bars in Khlong Toei are the following:
Octave Bar: A rooftop bar on the 49th floor of a luxury hotel building, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, in the Thonglor area.
Sky on 20 Rooftop Bar: A rooftop bar on the 26th floor of Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Bangkok's skyline and high-quality food and drinks.
RedSquare Rooftop Bar: Perched high above the bustling city streets on the 25th floor of Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4, this chic and stylish bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline.
Vue Bar Rooftop: A chic open-air lounge on the 29th floor of Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24, offering the experience of Bangkok from above.
Tichuca: One of the trendiest rooftop bars in Bangkok with the concept of an urban jungle amidst the chaotic city.
Benjakitti Park: The green space next to the Terminal 21 shopping mall, suitable for picnicking, cycling, and jogging around the lake.
Emporium: The most luxurious department store in Bangkok with luxury brands and designer stores and fine dining restaurants near BTS Phrom Phong Station.
Benjasiri Park: Known as the “Queen's Park,” as it was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit, the park is located near the Emporium shopping center.
Khlong Toei Market: A typical Thai market with a variety of fruits, vegetables, food stalls, and cheap clothing.
Nana Plaza: One of the best-known red light districts in Bangkok, full of adult entertainment.
The nightlife venues in the Khlong Toei District, such as Nana Plaza, are frequently visited by popular Bangkok nightlife tours similar to this tour to Soi Cowboy, Nana, Soi 11, Rooftops, Clubs & Go-Go’s.
You can learn theoretical and practical cookery skills in a relaxing and stress-free environment by attending Thai cooking classes in Khlong Toei.
To have more options for your choice, explore an extended list of the best Thai cooking classes in Bangkok.
The Khlong Toei District is home to many famous spa centers, where you can enjoy professional Thai massage and spa treatments. Some of the best spas in the area:
- HealthWorld Onsen Spa and Massage
- Spring Massage & Spa Asok
- Lek Massage Asoke
- Dream House Thai Massage at Sukhumvit 20
- BHAWA Spa
- Lek Massage BTS Nana
Places to Stay in the Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
Khlong Toei has a great choice of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels to hostels. It's easy to find a hotel you like at a price that suits you.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Khlong Toei
Majestic Suites Hotel: An affordable 3-star hotel that combines contemporary décor with state-of-the-art technology, close to Nana.
lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok: lyf’s newest property in Soi Sukhumvit 8, offering an authentic experience-led social living Bangkok experience in the most diverse part of the town.
Dynasty Inn: Nana Plaza can be reached within a 1-minute walk from the hotel, as it is located next to the nightlife venue.
Nana Hotel: The hotel opposite the Nana Plaza entertainment complex.
The Galleria 12 Hotel Bangkok: A decently new 4-star hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 12, suitable for both business and leisure travelers.
Mid-Range Hotels in Khlong Toei
Hotel Clover Asoke: A well-rated art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok city center.
Thee Bangkok Hotel: A contemporary design hotel with a touch of modern classic luxury and a sense of tranquility.
Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18: A 4-star hotel by Radisson, offering a comfortable escape from the bustling city.
IR-ON Hotel: A uniquely designed 3-star hotel offering ultimate relaxation and sincerest Thai hospitality right in the coolest hub of the Sukhumvit area, Thonglor.
ON8 Hotel Sukhumvit Nana: A chic and contemporary urban retreat tucked away on the tranquil Soi 8 with a plethora of bars and restaurants around.
Luxury Hotels in Khlong Toei
Emporium Suites by Chatrium: A 5-star apartment hotel set in the luxury Emporium shopping complex.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit: A resort-style hotel with direct access to the BTS station, offering an experience of unrivaled luxury and sophistication.
The Landmark Bangkok: An established hotel offering five-star facilities and services for both leisure and business travelers, with a Skytrain station located in front of the hotel.
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok: A 5-star oasis on Sukhumvit Road with completely redesigned spaces and luxury amenities, located just a 5-minute walk from Nana BTS Station.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok: A 4-star Japanese-style hotel with a serene atmosphere.
Transportation in the Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
The Khlong Toei District is one of the areas in Bangkok that are best-connected by public transport, making it easy to access different sightseeing spots and other places of interest in the city.
The BTS Skytrain is serving the area, as the Sukhumvit Line spans along Sukhumvit Road. The stations in the Khlong Toei District are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, and Phra Khanong.
The MRT Blue Line also passes the Khlong Toei District, with MRT Khlong Toei Station and MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station serving the area, so you can get from Sukhumvit to Chinatown or Old Town directly.
Many Bangkok bus routes pass through Khlong Toei, so you can travel along Sukhumvit Road in an even more affordable way than the BTS.
At the intersection with Soi 63, there is the Ekkamai Bus Terminal, serviced by buses and vans running to destinations in Eastern Thailand such as Pattaya, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, and others.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khlong Toei
By Train: The Airport Rail Link connects the airport with Phaya Thai Station. There you can transfer to the BTS and get off at one of the stations on the Sukhumvit Line.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Khlong Toei with a private transfer service. The all-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: A ride by a Bangkok taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khlong Toei can take approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Khlong Toei
By Train: Trains on the SRT Red Line depart from Don Mueang Airport and terminate at Krung Thep Aphiwat Station, which is connected to the MRT Blue Line. From MRT Bang Sue Station, you can travel directly to one of the MRT stations in the Khlong Toei district.
By Bus: Bus A1 can be used to travel from Don Mueang Airport to BTS Mo Chit Station. There you can transfer to the BTS Sukhumvit Line.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to the Khlong Toei District normally takes approximately 40-55 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Tips for a stay in Khlong Toei
Sukhumvit is full of life. If you like a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, choose the Khlong Toei District to stay in Bangkok. However, make sure that you are staying in the northern part of it, closer to Sukhumvit Road.
If you are not a party lover, avoid staying near the red-light areas such as Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (Soi 23), which can be quite annoying.
As it is the central area, traffic conditions in Khlong Toei District can be heavy, meaning that a 15-minute trip can turn into a 1-hour-long journey. Use BTS and MRT to escape traffic jams.
Other Bangkok Districts
As Bangkok is a huge metropolis, staying in the right place can save you lots of time and money during your visit. Explore the city's most popular districts and choose the best district to stay in Bangkok according to your trip plan.
Otherwise, explore a full list of Bangkok districts.