Besides the defining presence of the soaring Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Pratunam is undoubtedly one of Bangkok's most vibrant and lively districts - strewn with fashion outlets, street markets, roadside stalls and pavement entrepreneurs. Bangkok's shopping street and plenty of stylish shopping malls are only minutes away.
Pantip Plaza, an IT supplies treasure trove, and a wholesale paradise Platinum Fashion Mall are both within walking distance. Although there's no Skytrain (BTS) or underground stations in the area, it's relatively convenient to get to other parts of the city as Pratunam is well-supplied with lots of tuk-tuks, taxis and buses.
Along with shopping galore, great value accommodation - from budget to luxury - is also on offer. Have a look at our recommendations for what best suits your needs and requirements. If shopping is high on your agenda, Pratunam is an ideal place to stay... so shop 'til you drop!
Pratunam Market
The best way to get one's bearings in Pratunam is by using the market as a starting point. Perpetually chaotic with vendors and bargain hunters, the market's flanked by two of the most popular hotels in the area, Amari Watergate Hotel and Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Explore the market's nooks and crannies or head to the stylishly revamped CentralWord, located only a few minutes walk away (use its 'skybridge' to connect to more shopping malls in Ploenchit and Siam areas). Choose a hotel in this area to be close to the action!
Amari Watergate Hotel 4-Star | Spa | Clark Hatch Fitness Centre | Internet in Rooms | Business, Leisure & Family | Great Restaurants Located right on the corner of Petchburi Road before entering Pratunam, Amari Watergate Hotel's signature selling points are its accessible location, diverse facilities and outstanding service. The hotel takes its name from the bustling area beside the canal: 'pratu' meaning gate and 'nam' meaning water. Diagonally opposite Platinum Fashion Mall and Pantip Plaza, Amari Watergate Hotel comes with a selection of tastefully decorated rooms: Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive and Corner Suites. Ameneties include Sivara Spa, Clark Hatch Fitness Centre, function rooms, four restaurants (Italian, Thai, Chinese and international), two bars (Henry J Bean's Bar and Grill and Headlines Lobby Bar) and the Amari Bakery.(Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 3,999 THB)
Baiyoke Sky Hotel 4-Star | Thailand's Tallest Building | Panoramic Views | Rooftop bar & restaurant | Revolving Observation Deck Best known for its soaring 88-storeys and as Thailand's tallest building, Baiyoke Sky Hotel features 660 spacious rooms - ranging from Superior Rooms to Presidential Suite, and across three different zones (Standard Zone, Sky Zone, Space Zone). Highlights include fitness centre, conference room, 360-degree observation deck, Sky restaurant featuring international buffet, Rooftop Bar & Music, and Stella Palace. If you'd like to know what it's like to sleep in Thailand's tallest building, Baiyoke Sky is your only answer. (Baiyoke Sky Bangkok Hotel has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,400 THB)
Rajaprarop Road
Located further away from the action, Rajaprarop road connects Pratunam to the Victory Monument - a major roundabout with buses to almost anywhere in the city (and a BTS Skytrain station). Also nearby is the Santiphap Park, a relatively small park, but large enough for a relaxing stroll or gentle jog. If you prefer peace and privacy, yet still want to be close to the excitement of Pratunam and other areas, hotels on this road are ideal.
Century Park Hotel 3-Star | Clark Hatch Fitness Centre | Free Shuttle Bus Service | Business & Leisure | Fully-Equipped Function Rooms Straddling the bustling intersection of Pratunam and the Victory Monument, Century Park Hotel offers a selection of well-appointed contemporary Thai style rooms: Superior, Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Junior Suites and Executive Suites. The hotel's highlights include fully-equipped Business Centre, banquet and meeting facilities and a Clark Hatch Fitness Centre. A stunning outdoor swimming pool shaded by coconut trees is a perfect place to work on your tan. And, with Century Park's bar, restaurants, lounge, caf- and pastry shop, you don't even have to leave the hotel! Getting around is easy, as the BTS Victory Monument station is a leisurely short stroll away. Alternatively, take advantage of the free shuttle bus service (available daily) to major shopping areas.
Ibis Siam Bangkok 3-Star | Best Value | Internet in Rooms | Family & Leisure The first international economy brand hotel to ever grace Bangkok's exciting hotel scene, Ibis Siam features 179 guest rooms decorated in a contemporary style, all featuring up-to-date technology. It's situated close to shopping centres, the central business district, entertainment areas, and only 5 minutes walk from Suan Pakkad Palace, Santiphap park and Victory Monument (BTS) Skytrain station. Comfortable, reliable and, most importantly, affordable, it's among the best value international hotels in Bangkok. (Ibis Siam Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 1,236 THB)
New Petchburi Road
Branching off Pratunam, New Petchuri Road is brimful with bustling markets, local stalls, shopping malls and a wide variety of great value accommodation. Packed with all the essentials, and close to Pratunam, Chidlom-Ploenchit and Siam areas, New Petchburi is one of the most desirable areas to stay in Bangkok. Its best-known features are Pantip Plaza, an IT and electronics mall where you can find anything technology-related at unbeatable prices, and the wholesale buyers' mecca, Platinum Fashion Mall.
D'MA Pavilion Hotel Bangkok 3-Star | Great Value | Function Rooms | Internet in Rooms | Business, Family & Leisure Located where Petchubri and Pratunam meet, D'MA Pavilion Hotel is a hotel that gets better with time. Particularly popular among returning visitors, it features a wide choice of guest rooms ranging from cosy Superiors (32 square metres) to the massive Presidental Suite (128 square metres). With large and fully-equipped function rooms, D'MA Pavilion Hotel is also an ideal venue for business meetings and weddings. A bustling food market is available right in front of the hotel. Central Chidlom, Poenchit, Pratunam and Makkasan train station are within easy walking distance. (Ramada DMA Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,280 THB)(Read our review here)
First Hotel 3-Star | Business & Leisure | Banquet & Meeting Facilities First Hotel Bangkok is a medium-sized hotel offering 368 fully furnished rooms and a wide choice of dining options, including Thai restaurant, International food, Muslim and Indian. Featuring all of the amenities, facilities and levels of comfort you would expect from a hotel of this class, First Hotel manages to maintain the meticulous standards required by travel and tour operators worldwide. Suitable for business and leisure travelers alike, its offers guests a wide variety of facilities combined with a personalised service. Situated in the city centre, the First Hotel Bangkok is within walking distance of business districts, scenic cultural attractions, wonderful shopping and glittering night life. (First Hotel has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 1,800 THB)
Centre Point Petchburi 3-Star | Spacious Rooms | Internet in Rooms | Leisure & Family Situated in the middle of a bustling business area, Centre Point Petchburi welcomes you to its comfortable and convenient apartment with impressive facilities and amenities. Simple but spacious Studio Rooms (47 square metres, with or without kitchen) are available with full-service business centre, outdoor pool, and fitness centre. Not only that, Centre Point Petchburi is directly opposite Pantip Plaza, a comprehensive IT shopping centre, and just a stone's throw from the city's shopping street and Ploenchit (BTS) Skytrain station. (Centre Point Petchburi has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,100 THB)