Sukhumvit attracts plenty of first-time visitors to Bangkok, but many make avoidable mistakes when planning their stay. Choices around location, transport, timing, and luggage can quietly impact the overall experience. Here are some of the most common missteps travellers make.
Booking a Room Without Checking the Map
Travellers often choose Sukhumvit accommodation based on price alone, without considering how close it is to the places they actually want to visit. Bangkok is large and congested, so a poorly located retreat can cost valuable hours that could otherwise be spent sightseeing, shopping, or dining. For instance, someone considering Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 should first list the neighbourhoods they plan to visit most and check how easily each can be reached from the hotel.
Forgetting About Rush Hour
Even a well-located hotel in Sukhumvit cannot protect travellers from the city's notorious traffic. Roads can become heavily congested during peak hours, and visitors often forget to allow extra travel time, particularly for airport journeys. The Skytrain offers a fast, air-conditioned way to travel around central Bangkok, making it a practical option for travellers staying in Sukhumvit.
Treating Sukhumvit as a One-Night Stop
Some visitors rush through Bangkok on their way to the southern beaches. While the capital has no coastline, it makes up for it with an impressive mix of shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Staying in Sukhumvit for at least two nights gives travellers enough time to experience the area while exploring more of what the city has to offer.
Arriving With Too Much Luggage
Overpacked suitcases are another common mistake. As clothing, toiletries, and accessories are widely available at affordable prices, visitors staying in Sukhumvit can pack light and pick up extra items after arriving. It is still worth bringing a few spare essentials, as few travellers will want to go shopping immediately after a long-haul flight.
