Watthana, also known as Vadhana, 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 Watthana District in Bangkok. Explore top attractions, transportation options, the best things to do, and the best places to stay in the district of Watthana, Bangkok.
Watthana is the Central Business District (CBD) that, together with Khlong Toei, 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 Watthana district is located north of Sukhumvit Road and is a better developed area.
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 Watthana district for the first-time visitors who are looking for where to stay in Bangkok.
Where is the Watthana District in Bangkok?
Watthana is part of modern Bangkok's center. The district stretches from Sukhumvit Road in the south to Saen Saep Canal in the north.
The neighboring Bangkok districts are:
- Pathum Wan
- Khlong Toei
- Phra Khanong
- Suan Luang
- Huai Khwang
- Ratchathewi
Things to Do in the Watthana District, Bangkok
Watthana 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 Watthana district.
Rooftop Bars: Watthana is home to many rooftop bars where you can enjoy nightlife with a spectacular view. The most famous rooftop bars in Watthana are the following:
Spectrum Lounge & Bar: A vibrant rooftop bar on the 29th and 30th floors of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant: Perched on the 46th floor of the Sky Walk Residences, it is one of the highest rooftop dining venues on Sukhumvit Road, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view.
Nimitr Rooftop: A restaurant and rooftop bar situated on the 27th floor of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in the Phrom Phong area, offers a dining experience that is as breathtaking as the views.
Terminal 21: A modern shopping mall where each floor has its own theme based on popular countries around the world.
EmQuartier: An upscale shopping mall next to Emporium, joined by a pedestrian bridge. It has a large market and many mid-range stores.
Kamthieng House Museum: A 19th-century teak farmhouse from Chiang Mai. It is now the headquarters of the Siamese Society.
Soi Arab (Sukhumvit 3/1): A small alley next to the mighty Soi Nana, with Halal restaurants and numerous shops selling Arab products.
Soi Cowboy: The most famous red light district in Bangkok, which is a small alley packed with bars and clubs.
The nightlife venues in the Watthana District, such as Soi Cowboy and rooftop bars, are frequently visited by popular Bangkok nightlife tours similar to this tour to Soi Cowboy, Nana, Soi 11, Rooftops, Clubs & Go-Go’s.
Watchara Muay Thai Gym: The place on Soi Sukhumvit 1, where you can experience the ancient martial art of Thailand from one of the best instructors in the country.
The Watthana 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:
- Let's Relax Spa Terminal 21
- Foot Master Spa Sukhumvit 31
- Eden The Ultimate Spa and Massage Experience
- Lek Massage Grand 5 Hotel & Plaza
Places to Stay in the Watthana District, Bangkok
Watthana 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 Watthana
FuramaXclusive Asoke: An affordable hotel offering stylishly furnished rooms a two-minute walk from Asok BTS Station.
Aspira Sukhumvit: A cheap hotel situated on Soi 7/1, next to BTS Nana Station, that appeals to adult single male travelers or groups of men.
S Box Sukhumvit Hotel: A backpacker hotel on Sukhumvit 31 that has access to everything via BTS Phrom Phong station and provides a calm place to stay.
Le Fenix Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok: A 3-star hotel featuring 147 cozy and comfortable rooms with contemporary furnishings on Bangkok's vibrant street, Sukhumvit Soi 11.
Chill Inn Bangkok Urban Hostel: An affordable and convenient accommodation decorated in a sleek and modern style, located just a stone's throw away from Ekkamai BTS station.
Mid-Range Hotels in Watthana
Sukhumvit Suites Hotel: A good 3-star hotel next to the Interchange 21 building between Sukhumvit 21 and Sukhumvit 23.
The Continent Hotel Bangkok: A luxury hotel offering elegantly designed rooms and suites that balance modern comfort with warm, attentive service.
Jasmine City Hotel: A 5-star Bangkok business hotel in the heart of Sukhumvit, designed for professionals and long-stay guests.
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11: Situated on Soi Sukhumvit 11, the hotel features loft-inspired rooms and suites with tech-smart features and panoramic views of the Bangkok cityscape.
NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard: A 5-star hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 5, offering more than 300 rooms and suites just 200 meters from Nana BTS Station.
Luxury Hotels in Watthana
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: A fabulous 5-star hotel where you can experience the French art de vivre during your stay.
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21: The 5-star hotel that is superbly located above Terminal 21 Shopping Mall with a surprisingly spacious outdoor lush garden with a jogging track, an infinity pool, a lap pool, a tennis court, and a golf putting range.
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit: A wellness hotel offering premium stays at 5-star accommodations, serene amenities, and clean dining designed for revitalization.
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit: A luxury hotel with 338 elegant rooms and suites, a choice of renowned dining venues, and a Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of the cityscape.
Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: A 5-star hotel featuring 290 rooms and suites to serve business and leisure travelers, close to the Interchange 21 building and Soi Cowboy.
Transportation in the Watthana District, Bangkok
The Watthana 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 Watthana District are Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, and Phra Khanong.
The MRT Blue Line also passes the Watthana District with MRT Sukhumvit Station serving the area, so you can get from Sukhumvit to Chinatown or Old Town directly.
Many Bangkok bus routes pass through Watthana, so you can travel along Sukhumvit Road in an even more affordable way than the BTS.
At the intersection with Soi 63, there is 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 Watthana
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 Watthana 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 Watthana can take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Watthana
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 MRT Sukhumvit Station.
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 Watthana District normally takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Tips for a stay in Watthana
Sukhumvit is full of life. If you like a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, choose the Watthana District to stay in Bangkok.
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 Watthana 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.