first time bangkok traveler seeking input on hotel location

hey all, thanks in advance for any insight you might have to offer!

my friend and i (both 28) will be staying in bangkok for three days, two nights in july and i could use some help ascertaining in which part of the city we should stay based on our travel goals.

first and foremost, we want to prioritize staying near a skytrain or subway station as we'd like to avoid taking taxis whenever possible. we also think it would be cool to stay near/on the riverside as we love the water views and on the northern part of the river, the proximity to old city attractions like temples and chinatown. my worry is that the riverside areas west of suhkumvit and north of sathon might not have the nightlife we're looking for, based on what i've read so far... please forgive me if i'm wrong, i've been doing a lot of research today and my head is jelly :')

if you were me, where in town would you stay and why? hopefully i've given you sufficient info to make a judgement, but if i haven't, let me know! thanks again for any help you might have to offer! <3

ETA: we would like to ideally spend $50 USD or less per night before taxes :)