The Best Hostels in Bangkok

The Best Hostels in Bangkok

Posted by Mark Philip

Image by fuwuyuan sourced from wikimedia commons

There was a time not that long ago when the idea of Bangkok and hostels conjured images of grotty, backstreet hovels with questionable hygiene and security.

And these establishments would most likely be in the renowned budget, ‘backpacker’ regions of the city, notably Khaosan Road and its surrounding areas. Somewhat unsurprisingly, these kinds of establishment might have been known for tending to attract travellers of the ‘penny-pinching’ variety (the absolute least favourite form of visitor to the country to the natives’ mind).

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And while those kinds of establishment do indeed exist, these days there are also a host of modern, brighter, and more innovative hostels popping up than you could shake a stick at – in fact most people would be fairly surprised at not just how many there are now, but the sheer diversity and quality of many of these hostels offers increasingly new and dynamic options for visitors to Bangkok on a budget.

In a bid to upgrade the image of both the establishment and the clientele, some of these hostels in Bangkok are a lot more likely to have somewhat stricter and more obvious rules than some of the older models (for good and obvious reasons).

They are also generally much more appealing and trendy than many of the traditional ideas and images related to hostels might bring to mind – especially Bangkok hostels.

The regulations will largely be related to things like checking in and out, deposits, smoking, cancellation policies, and children (generally hostels are not suitable places for children and youngsters.)

Some hostels accept credit card payments, although you may find that for whatever reasons some of them still don’t.

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So in a bid to bring forth a new world of possible options for anyone considering a trip to Bangkok on a budget — here we aim to present a selection of some of the different best available options for hostels in Bangkok.

Hostels are big news right now for many innovative young Thais who believe their ideas to be part of the way forward in accommodating younger, more mobile, budget and ‘shoestring’ travellers to Bangkok.

 1. The Bed Station

The Bed Station is as good a place as any to start if you are looking for an all-round good deal.

Situated in a very central area of the city that is a good place to get around on the BTS system from, the bed centre has all the welcoming features of any city-centre hostel establishment such as a communal lounge and relaxation area containing sofas and bean bags for lounging on, complete with a TV, DVDs, a pool table, and a vending machine. The centre does put on loads of events and such down here such as karaoke for guests who fancy a bit of intermingling.

Image by Chainwit from wikimedia commons

The place is right next to the sky train station (Ratchathewi – a minute’s walk away), making it easy place to navigate the expanse of Bangkok from. .

The centre has mixed or female-only dorms, or private en-suite rooms for those who don’t quite go for the dorm vibe. Bed linen is free, along with a storage locker, complimentary soap, and a hairdryer. If anyone has safety concerns, all of the rooms here are secured by electronic key cards, which is always a bonus in places like hostels.

This is a great example of a modern, city-centre Bangkok Hostel with a laid –back vibe, wi-fi, air-con, and café and bar areas (open every day from mid-morning until evening).

A good, all-round, central spot for anyone looking for a stop-off point to shower, shave, and sleep, while still being able to venture out and see some of the crucial sights of the city.

Address: 486/149-150 Soi Petchaburi, 16 Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, Bangkok

BTS: Ratchathewi

2. Everyday Bangkok Hostel

Everyday Hostel is a Bangkok hostel located in the older area of the city, on the Si Phraya, an old road flanked by outmoded buildings of bygone eras and authentic-looking shops. Many of these establishments are selling handicrafts and such like, and have been there for decades.

The Si Phraya connects to Surawong Road, which is near the Patpong area, a region famous for its night market and go-go bars alike, and is also one of the longest-established tourist nightlife areas of Bangkok. It is just 5 minutes’ walk away from Samyan MRT station, a great starting point for your any journey out into the city.

This Bangkok hostel has vibrant décor, and is also in a great location for anyone wanting to explore the downtown area of Bangkok.

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Four different types of room (17 rooms in total) are offered here, namely:  mixed and female dorms, twin bed room (with shared bathroom), and double bed room.

Sap Road is where Surawong Road and Si Phraya Road connect.

Address: 1-3 Sap Road Siphraya, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand

MRT: Samyan

3. Back Home Backpackers

It may sound all back packers and bunk beds, but the bunk beds in in Back Home Backpackers come complete with in-built safety lock-ups and power points for individual use. The air con rooms here are fitted with huge thick and comfy mattresses, all have hot showers, and fresh towels are offered on arrival.

Sound inviting?

This hostel also has a nice communal room downstairs with a bar and a background musical score offering chilled beats. You’ll find art, games, guitars, hula hoops and activities such as Trivia or movie nights, and even the occasional cocktail extravaganza!

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Extra services such as travel advice and laundry are available, and the hostel holds daily info gatherings for those new to Bangkok.

The place is owned and run by an Australian, so there won’t be too many language barriers if you have any queries.

Address: 72/1 Samsen Road (soi 2), Banglampoo, Pranakorn, Bangkok 

4. Here Hostel

Complete with its own indoor slide, Here Hostel also boasts a rather laid-back lounge and garden bar area.

The hostel has its own café that serves breakfast every morning, along with the free coffee, tea and drinking water available all day long in the guest pantry, this 100-year-old, eco-friendly building has even been renovated and modernised quite recently. The outdoor pool and fancy bathrooms with ‘rain-shower’ features are nice touches.

Image by davidmcelvey sourced from wikimedia commons

Here Hostel is in a relatively serene section of Bangkok’s Old Town, not more than a 10-minute walk from Khaosarn Road, one of the world’s most famous backpacker neighbourhoods which has, in many ways, helped shape the Bangkok hostel theme and scene.

This is a lively tourist hotspot for those on a bit more of a budget – but not only that aspect of the area is on show as you peruse the street markets and try cheap, delicious street food. This spot is also less than half an hour away, even on foot, from some of the city’s other top sights that might be of interest to first-time visitors, like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho temple.

An hour’s rail link ride away from the airport, this hostel has a range of private rooms, some of which have en-suites and their own private terraces. All the rooms, which include mixed-gender and female-only dorms – have both linen and towels included just for those who are travelling seriously light.

But for those travelling a bit heavier there are also spacious lockers big enough for those humungous backpacks. The bunks now all have a privacy curtain, especially for the smart phone generation traveller, with its own handy plug and USB socket – ideal!.

The hostel reception is open 24 hours a day, and free on-site parking and left luggage drop-off services are offered drop off what you don’t need and leave it for up to a month).

Address: 196-3-8 Soi Damneon Klang Tai Ratchadamneon Rd., Bovornnivet, Phranakorn, Bangkok, Thailand

5. Mad Monkey Bangkok

Keeping in line with the backpacker theme for a bit longer, we can also find the Mad  Monkey Bangkok Hostel  just off Khaosarn Road, complete with views of a canal and a just a brief  walk from the river.

The usual amenities and services offered by any self-respecting, city-centre, Bangkok hostel such as swimming pool, bar and restaurant are not in short supply here. The hostel puts on regular social events geared towards helping guests, especially solo travellers, to meet other like-minded travellers along with a food and drink menu including budget-friendly specials.

Mad Monkey is another hostel in Bangkok offering both mixed and female-only dorms, and there is again always the private room option for those seasoned travellers who have nevertheless by now had enough of constant strangers’ snoring from various levels of bunks.

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Like in most of the newer, more modern and forward-thinking establishments, all the bunks at Mad Monkey have power outlets for the obligatory phone charging and the inimitable lock-box valuable safes. Wi-Fi and linen come complimentary, and it goes without saying that all rooms have fans and air con to help combat the ever-present Thai temperatures and humidity.

Mad Monkey is all about being sociable, and hence hosts regular pool parties, limbo, and karaoke nights. However, if all of that sounds just a little too much on the lively side, seek out a room on the quiet floor (ask reception), or head for the lounge.

Address: 55 Phra Sumen Road, Bangkok, Thailand

 6. The Art Hostel

This Bangkok hostel is another prime example of one of the more modern, spacious and clean-looking  establishments located in the centre of Bangkok that have appeared in recent years.

The hostel offers bright, air-conditioned rooms (with the obligatory) free wi-fi, and on the ground floor there are local Thai restaurants along with a small cafe. On this same floor there are coin operated washing machines and dryers, and bed covers are provided along with them for all bedrooms free of charge.

Image by mxgranger sourced from wikimedia commons

Unlike some of the other hostels who state that some (or all ) of their rooms are unsuitable for families with children, the Art Hostel does actually have family rooms as well, claiming to be perfect for all types of travellers from individuals to families.

Address: 3757/13-14 Soi Sangchan, Phakanong, Sukhumvit 40 Road, Khlong Toei

7. Thonglor Travellers Hostel and Café

 Like many of the other types of establishment in the Thonglor area of Bangkok, the Travellers Hostel and Cafe offers oodles of style and comfort. The owners, who are relatively young, originate from the NE ethnic region of Isaan in Thailand.

heir aim is to recreate the friendly and fun spirit fostered in that region. A fine selection of coffees from both Thailand and the rest of the world is offered, and the common areas contain big comfy chairs where you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, air conditioning.

As far as the sleeping arrangements go here, the bunks have privacy curtains, safety boxes, and fresh white linen.

Address: 1059 Sukhumvit Road, Klong Ton Nua, Wattana District, Bangkok, Thailand

8. Matchbox Bangkok Hostel

In and around an area which just happens to be great for nightlife, shopping malls, restaurants, and even has a great park, is the Matchbox Bangkok Hostel. The Promphong BTS station (which has luxury shopping malls Emquartier and Emporium on either side of the road out of both exits) is literally 5 minutes away on foot.

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Rooms at the Matchox are modern, clean and comfortable, and there are 50 Box rooms (at approximately 78 person capacity) to give some idea of the size. There are separate, female-only rooms as well as divided bathrooms for both men and women on each floor. Personal lockers are also included in the service.

The 2nd to 4th levels of Matchbox have wooden ‘sleep-boxes’, each with its own 24-inch TV and private safe box, ensuring that customers feel like they have their own private space.

There is also a 65 square-metre space on the roof known as The Chamber, which serves as a meeting place or just somewhere to sit and relax.

Address: 12/17 Soi Sukhumvit33 Klongtan-NuaWattana Bangkok 10110

BTS: Phromphong