Thailand wouldn’t be one of the most popular backpacker destinations in the world if it didn’t have masses of fun, affordable hostels to stay at. With the new friends you meet, you can party under the full moon on Koh Phangan, tour the ancient Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai, explore the legendary beaches of Koh Phi Phi and Krabi province or step out on the Khao San Road in Bangkok, the choice is yours.
Tropical Summer Hostel is a spotless, eco-friendly abode in Bangkok’s swanky Sathorn district. Bunk rooms are spacious, breakfast is included and you can enjoy tea while kicking back in the rooftop lounge. Nearby Sathorn Road is an outstanding spot for fried, savoury street eats, hawked by vendors working out of food carts and kiosks.
The Yard Hostel in Bangkok has quick access to the BTS Skytrain, is close to the gigantic Chatuchak Weekend Market — which has more than 10,000 vendors — and has heaps of amenities. You can opt for air-conditioned single rooms or dormitories. Grab a coffee with the hostel’s simple yoghurt-plus-toast breakfast, then hop on a free loan bike and pedal around town to explore.
A posh hostel? Yes, you heard right. Every kind of room can be found at the Posh Phayathai, from dorms – mixed or women-only – to single and family rooms. The roof salon is open day and night and you can soak in the jacuzzi, grab some nibbles to satiate your mid-afternoon hunger — convenient if you forgot to fill up on the mini-buffet breakfast — or play a game of billiards on the rooftop. The hostel is close to Phaya Thai station, with an express Airport Rail Link, so coming and going is a breeze.
In Bangkok’s Silom financial district, full of skyscrapers and white-collar workers, you’ll find the Warm Window Silom. Clean, open and airy, this guest house – with mixed and female-only dorms, four-bed dorms, private rooms and more – is a smart locale. There’s CCTV security, a continental breakfast and laundry facilities. The in-house workshops teach useful skills such as how to whip up Thai juices, desserts and meals.
Issara by d Hostel is a prime hub for exploring Bangkok’s cultural offerings. Backpacker-friendly Khao San Road is only a 15-minute walk away and Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is also an easy stroll in a different direction. Well-maintained double rooms and dorm rooms — with four, six or eight beds — plus an appetising breakfast, make this spot a tourist draw.
Bunk Boutique Hostel offers loft-style lodging close to Chiang Mai‘s popular restaurants and attractions. There are private rooms with double and twin beds, as well as six four-bed dorms and three six-bed. All rooms include air-conditioning plus a bedside plug and light, and a privacy curtain in the dorms. Shower gel and shampoo are a welcome bonus in the bathrooms.
NapPark Hostel @ Khao San offers a party atmosphere at a low price. Budget travellers flock to this hostel as a base for a great night out. In addition to Khao San Road, this area is also home to some of the best sights and attractions in Bangkok, such as Wat Phra Kaw, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho. There are mixed dorms and female-only dorms, are on offer. There’s a library and free magazines and games to enjoy and the helpful staff will help make your stay a memorable one.
A good host and friendly staff can make a hostel and so it is with the Hangover Hostel, where the manager really cares about the enjoyment of his guests, encouraging them to socialise where possible and also providing excellent advice on what to see and do on the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. You’re just 10 minutes from the ferry and a stone’s throw from the beach.
Situated in Ao Nang, Krabi province’s premier beach destination, Slumber Party is a hostel for those who wish to enjoy some revelry on the beach. The hostel has its own bar and staff organise island tours and bar crawls. It’s not all partying, though – Slumber Party has long organised a weekend beach clean-up in Ao Nang, helping those who pass through to become responsible travellers, and rewarding them with a beer for their efforts.
Heading to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan? Look no further for a place to stay than the Lazy House Shenanigans in Haad Rin. You’ll find an awesome pool, barbecue facilities and communal areas, plus music legend-inspired dorms and private rooms and a restaurant and bar. A free warm-up bucket is offered on Full Moon Party nights, and the ideal hangover breakfast will be waiting for you the next morning.
Carl Pettit contributed additional reporting to this article.
These recommendations were updated on February 4, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK"
