Phuket’s liveliest district, Patong is a hotbed of beaches, bars and beauty that few other places on the island can match. Its mixture of nightlife and natural charm makes it a perfect destination for backpackers, and these are the places they love to stay.
Located on the road that runs parallel to the beach, the Bearpacker hostel is an uber-modern, stylish hostel that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and style to be close to the sea. Rooms are modern and clean, with curtains on the bunks for added privacy, and come with lockers for extra security. Communal rooms are bright, spacious and inviting, making them ideal spaces for socialising with friends or to make new ones, and the rooftop terrace and pool are great places to catch some rays and have a drink. Close to all the bars, it’s ideal for those coming for the nightlife but isn’t a party hostel by any means. Its chilled vibe, top-quality rooms and stylish decor make it one of the top hostels in Phuket for any kind of backpacker.
It might be a little further away from the action, but that isn’t always a bad thing. Dfeel Hostel’s cool, modern rooms more than make up for having to walk a few extra minutes to get to the beach or the bars, and more than guarantee a comfortable stay with little in the way of noise pollution. Both the private and the shared rooms are new and stylishly decorated, and the communal areas are extremely hip with their exposed brick walls and Chesterfield-style chairs. There are laundry facilities, lockers and air conditioning available, as well as help sorting out tours and tickets. It’s not in the heart of town, but its superior style and comfort make it a great hostel at a bargain price for the discerning traveller.
With a name like Patong Backpacker Hostel, you’d expect the definitive Patong experience — and you’d certainly get it. Steps away for bustling Patong beach and a stone’s throw from Bangla, this hostel is the only choice for those who wish to be right in the thick of the action. Rooms and washing facilities are basic, but this isn’t a hostel for a luxury stay; location is everything with the Patong Backpacker, and to many its location couldn’t be better. The owner is warm and helpful, making it feel like a home away from home, and its large communal area makes it a great place to meet fellow travellers and make friends. A top spot for social butterflies and party animals alike.
A modern and clean hostel with a mixture of private rooms and a dormitory, Maritime’s main draw is undoubtedly its scenic roof terrace. It’s rare that hostels can upstage hotels, but Maritime’s rooftop terrace and bar offers guests the chance to socialise and start the party in a great setting that few places in the area can match. Its dorm beds are a little on the small side, but at just over $4 a night they represent phenomenal value. The private rooms are more spacious, whilst the bathrooms are modern and bright – a welcome change from the usual hostel offerings. Just a short walk to the beach, bars and shopping areas, Maritime’s a great choice for those on a budget.
A cheap and cheerful hotel-cum-hostel, SeaHorse Hotel offers a mix of dormitory and private rooms at more than affordable prices. Its location in the heart of Patong makes it ideal for backpackers to check in, drop off their bags and set off in search of adventure. Rather than bunk beds, its dorm rooms are made up of single beds, removing that feeling of being in prison that some dorms offer and providing greater comfort, and its lockers ensure your belongings stay yours and not someone else’s. Rooms are dated but more than comfortable enough for the price, and are quiet at night despite being only five minutes from Bangla. Its large rooms and communal spaces make it a social hostel that’s great for meeting other travellers and getting the party started.
Ten minutes to the beach and five minutes to the infamous Bangla Walking Street, Hip Hostel is perfectly situated in that it’s close to the action but at enough of a distance to ensure you get a peaceful night’s rest. With private double rooms alongside four- and six-bed hostels, it’s perfect for both solo travellers and groups. There’s WiFi and air conditioning throughout, as well as assistance in booking tickets and tours to ensure you make the most of your stay. Cosy and comfortable, it’s a good-quality hostel at an extremely low price that won’t disappoint.
An adults-only hostel that guarantees your nights will be free from tears and tantrums (from children at least), Fun Hostel is a modern hostel in a good location in Patong, only a short walk from the beaches and the bars of Bangla Walking Street. Both its private and dorm rooms are basic but clean, and come with air conditioning that’s sure to be a welcome relief after days spent under Phuket’s hot sun. Dorm beds come with a private light, shelf and outlet, and there’s a luggage storage facility on-site. Whilst it’s not the most social hostel, it’s perfect for a quiet night of rest and its location means you won’t be missing out on any of the action.
Ever since it opened, Lub D hostel has set the standard for hostels not just in Phuket, but all over the country. Lub D isn’t your average hostel; it’s dorm and private rooms are extremely comfy, clean and modern, as are its shower areas, and it also boasts a restaurant, swimming pool and even a muay Thai ring – all housed inside a beautiful building. There’s a place to book tours on-site, as well as lockers, washing machines and computers available to use to make your stay that extra bit more comfortable. Located in the heart of Patong just 200m from the beach, it’s a top place to stay in an unbeatable location.
