Bangkok is known as a fun-filled party land and (for most of us who have not been there) may seem the furthest thing from being Halal. However, did you know that there are around 6.3 million Muslims in Thailand and an estimated 265,000 to 1 million Muslims in Bangkok alone? And that’s not to count Muslim visitors coming to the country.
And thus Thailand is putting a lot of attention in making the country more Muslim friendly. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a mobile app called ‘Thailand Muslim Friendly’ that allows users to look up Muslim-friendly attractions and halal eateries nearby as a part of the tourism campaign towards Muslim travellers. With the nation’s hope to attract more Muslim tourists to the capital, there are now many Muslim friendly amenities including public prayer rooms, community attractions, halal restaurants in Bangkok and yes, Shariah-compliant hotels as well.
We’ve listed 5 best halal hotels in Bangkok for every budget type traveller:
Halal Bangkok Budget Hotels
1. Amarin Inn
This budget hotel is a clean, quiet and safe option for those who travel on a budget. Amarin Inn is a little ‘home away from home’ operated by Muslims with the owner, Mdm Umaiyah more than happy to tend to your needs.
All rooms feature a kitchen, seating area, TV with satellite channels and an attached bathroom. This guesthouse has hot water, a wakeup call service a convenient laundry service. The internet is available; its stable signal reaches all the rooms and the reception area. From the lovely, shaded rooftop terrace, you get a rare view of the night skyline of old Bangkok.
Despite its strategic location, you’ll find the hotel is located in a nice, quiet area away from all the noise. Although it is quiet, stepping out of the entrance to the hotel will lead you into a shopping haven: the Banglamphu shopping area, and the happening and cultural heart of Bangkok. The Royal Palace and Khaosan Road are just a short walk away.
Amarin Inn is directly opposite a white UNESCO listed building on Phra Sumen Road and near to the Chao Phraya River so you can travel by boat to the floating market. You can also indulge in a Thai massage and take in the sights of Thailand’s famous temples.
Muslims will be happy to know that this hotel is located right behind the Mosque (so you can be woken just in time for Fajr) and there are also plenty of halal food stalls beside the road at night and E-saan fung-Thon Restaurant, serving halal E-saan.
Location: 96 Trok Surau Chakrapong, Prasumen Road, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Price Range: From RM 70 per night
Muslim Friendly Facilities:
- Prayer mat (upon request)
- Smoke-free property
- Mosque nearby
- Halal food nearby
Halal Bangkok Mid-Range Hotels
2. Chatrium Residence Sathon
Talk about high life! Serviced residences and luxurious suites encircle a haven of manicured tropical gardens surrounded by seven towers. Suitable for business or leisure, this contemporary city oasis epitomizes rest and relaxation while still remaining accessible to main attractions.
Suites and studios within landscaped grounds provide spacious interiors and premium amenities while being tucked away in a peaceful neighbourhood 8 km from Emporium Mall and 4 km from Chong Nonsi Skytrain station. Guests get complimentary stay for kids age 11 and below, parking, Muslim-friendly breakfast and a Skytrain & Emporium mall shuttle.
1- to 3-bedroom apartments come with kitchenettes or kitchens and you can expect your unit to come with flat-screen TVs and a balcony. Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok contains a resort-style lagoon swimming pool, 250-person capacity Seasons Meetings & Events space, ensuring that you may not ever need to leave the hotel!
But if you do, plan some time for a popular Thai-Muslim eatery called Roti Mataba nearby for some finger-licking halal Thai food in Bangkok!
Location: 291 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Soi 24, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
Price Range: From RM 290 per night
Muslim Friendly Facilities:
- Clean, quiet rooms suitable for prayer
- No alcohol is served in the mini-bar
- Own cooking facilities
- Halal food nearby
3. Nouvo City Hotel
If you’re the sort that gets inspired by a slick uber-modern style, this hotel is right in your lane! Its 110 modern rooms and suites (which come with a Jacuzzi!) decked out in a tasteful, contemporary tropical style. Wall art, warm colours and wooden flooring feature prominently, satisfying your inner bohemian.
Fancy being pampered while taking in the gorgeous view of Bangkok’s old city at The Sala Spa? How about sampling some award-winning halal fare at The Sara Halal Restaurant? With an outdoor pool and sauna at the rooftop, guests will get the peace of mind.
Run by Muslims, this modern, boutique halal-certified hotel situated in Bangkok’s historic district is a short walk to Banglamphu Market and in a great position to access the National Museum and the Grand Palace.
Furthermore, the hotel serves neither pork nor alcohol and during Ramadan can even arrange for Muslim travellers to have Iftar and Suhoor, as well as the transport to Taraweeh prayers.
Location: 2 Samsen 2, Samsen Road, Pranakorn, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Price Range: From RM 320 per night
Muslim Friendly Facilities:
- Halal certified food and hotel restaurant
- Dedicated male/female prayer rooms
- Special Ramadhan facilities upon request
- List of nearby mosques can be provided on request
- Prayer and Muslim sanitation facilities in rooms
Halal Bangkok 5-Star Hotels
4. Al Meroz Hotel
Al Meroz (which means ‘heritage’ in Arabic) is the first halal hotel in Thailand and it just lives and breathes the Muslim travel experience.
Even the building is modelled on Islamic architecture with lovely geometric motifs and female travellers (especially those travelling alone) will enjoy one floor reserved exclusively for female guests. This floor is only served by female staff.
Onsite guests can enjoy the halal fare at Diwan, a restaurant with everyday halal buffets and dishes ranging from Indian to European, regional and Thai delicacies crafted by experienced chefs. Tickle your tastebuds with Spiced Sea Bass and Salmon Tikka followed by some Goat Milk Ice Cream.
In the hotel, you will also find another restaurant, Barakat (‘blessing’ in Arabic) which features speciality Mediterranean Cuisine in a cosy and elegant environment. Fresh ingredients and full flavours take centre stage as you sink your teeth into halal dishes.
Founded by Thai-Muslim businessman Mr Rausak Mulsap, this four-star hotel close to The Foundation of Islamic Centre Bangkok. Additionally, you’ll get amazing views of Bangkok’s skyline.
Location: 4, Soi Ramkhamhaeng Road 5, Bangkok, 10250, Thailand
Price Range: From RM 330 per night
Muslim-friendly Facilities:
- Female-only floor
- 2 fully halal restaurants and 1 cafe
- Non-smoking rooms
- Muslim sanitation facilities in rooms
- Qibla, Al Qur’an and prayer mats in rooms
- Rooftop swimming pool allocates different timing for different sexes
- Islamic Centre nearby
5. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
This award-winning hotel is regarded as one of the top luxury and business hotels in Asia. Princely interiors and grand designs, as well as state-of-the-art technology, come together with stunning panoramic views of Lake Ratchada and the city.
Choose from an assortment of beautifully decorated and spacious city view or lake view rooms. Unwind with a relaxing massage at The Grande Spa or sit back with one of the complimentary newspapers found in the lobby, and for a treat, drop at the Cafe de Nimes that offers some of the best halal food in Bangkok hotels.
About 10 minutes drive from the hotel, you’ll find Naraiphan, selling Thai cotton and silk, pewter, silverware, Thai handicrafts and more. Shop till you drop with this 5-star hotel which is strategically placed to access Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Central Chidlom Department Store, as well as The Emporium (Bangkok’s ultimate shopping complex) with boutiques containing big brands such as Cartier and Versace.
That’s not all. You’re also within close proximity of Dinosaur Planet and Benjakitti Park as well as Sukhumvit Road Soi 3/1 where you can find a narrow street known as Soi Arab or Arab street that the major enclave of best halal food in Bangkok.
Location: 250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Price Range: From RM 770 per night
Muslim Friendly Facilities:
- Halal certified restaurant and food facilities
- Non-smoking rooms/floors
- Qibla, Al Qur’an and prayer mats in rooms
- Halal restaurants nearby
What do you think of these halal hotels in Bangkok?
Do you have your favourite Muslim-friendly nook in Bangkok? Share with us! Don’t forget to try these dishes when you’re in Bangkok.