Bangkok is often times it is the first place visitors come to in Asia and it can seem like a daunting task to navigate this megacity. How do you know what area to stay in? What can you expect for hostel prices? Is public transportation reliable?
While all of that is addressed in my articles explaining the top things to do in Bangkok and my Thailand travel guide, this Bangkok accommodation guide will help you first find where to stay in Bangkok, more specifically, the best hostels in Bangkok to rest your head after a most likely long trip.
Have no fear as public transportation is very reliable so long as you are close to the Skytrain or the MRT (subway) (all the hostels below are), you will be able to get where you are going for cheap and in air conditioning. Scattered across the city and in the top areas to stay in Bangkok, these are the best places to stay for your travel style and budget for your upcoming Bangkok trip.
Tips for Choosing the Best Bangkok Hostel
When it comes to picking a hostel is all comes down to what you want and need. Some key things to keep in mind that will help you have the best stay are the following:
How Much to Budget
Hostel prices in Bangkok vary and generally, it is a more expensive city than others in SE Asia because it’s a major city. You can still find cheap hostels in Bangkok and any hostel accommodation here won’t break your budget. Hostels on average range from $7-$15.
Atmosphere
When picking a hostel atmosphere is huge. Do you want a party hostel, somewhere you can chill out or somewhere that is super social? Bangkok has all of these options and you can find a hostel that is social without the crazy parties.
Reviews
Always read the most recent reviews. These are the best way to find out if a hostel is really for you. Hostelworld has reviews for every hostel and I highly encourage you to check them out.
Must-Read Hostel Tips
- Hostel Tips You Need to Know Before Booking
- 8 Things You Need to Pack for Hostel Travel
- 32 Tips for Backpacking Thailand
Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a massive city so deciding which area to stay in can be difficult. However transit in Bangkok is quite good so you won’t have issues getting around the city. Backpackers in Bangkok have so many choices that my best advice is to decide what you’d like to be closest to: shopping, partying, major cultural sites or the airport. You’re going to have to travel regardless so just pick where is most important for you to be close to. Below I’ve detailed where to stay in Bangkok based on your travel preferences.
Sukhumvit
Best for: Nightlife, food, and shopping
This is the main street in Bangkok and the area of Sukhumvit usually refers to the area between the Nana and Thong Lo Sky Train stops. This area is centrally located and never far from public transport making it easy to get anywhere in the city. It’s popular for western expats and is one of Bangkok’s most modern areas. It lacks traditional Bangkok attractions such as temples but makes up for it with the amount of international food and clubbing scene.
Khao San
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and nightlife
This area is famous because of Khao San Road, known as the top backpacker destination in Thailand. It is a busy area with parties every night, plenty of street food and market shopping. The area is also home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok such as The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Silom
Best for: Green space and shopping
This area is another popular spot for tourists. The main attractions here are Lumpini Park where locals and tourists alike love to hangout for a bit of greenery among the skyscrapers. Patpong night market is also a place to check out for some cheap shopping. It’s also where the Sky Train and MRT cross so public transportation is widely available to get to other areas of the city.
Siam
Best for: Shopping and western-style sightseeing
Siam is the place to be if you want to do some Bangkok shopping. Even the locals go to Siam to shop their hearts out. It is also a popular area for more tourist activities that aren’t traditional Thai sights such as ice skating, Madame Tussauds and movies. Thai boxing is also here!
Ari
Best for: Authentic living, quiet
Ari is a more up and coming area in Bangkok known for its mixture of hipsters and upscale residential areas. It is off the beaten path for Bangkok and offers a quieter option to the hustle and bustle. Ari is filled with local boutique shops, fabulous Thai food and plenty of cafes. It is also only 2 stops away from the famous Chatuchak market which you can not miss while in Bangkok.
Chinatown
Best for: Foodies
Chinatown in Bangkok is like none you’ve ever seen. It is the biggest Chinatown in the world and is famous for its street food. It is also where the Bangkok Railway Station is located if you’re heading out of Bangkok!
BKK
Best for: Being close to the airport
BKK is Bangkok’s International Airport so if you have an early morning or late night flight it is possible to find accommodation cheaply around the airport.
Best Hostels in Bangkok By Area
Best Hostels in Sukhumvit
Bodega Bangkok
This little oasis is nestled in a corner with an outdoor terrace and plants growing around you while you enjoy breakfast. But at night it turns into a party scene with games. The location itself is quiet but there is plenty of action within walking distance. Public transportation is a 10-minute walk away. This Bangkok backpacker hostel is my favourite hostel in Bangkok.
Jellybean The Blocks Hostel
Weekly and monthly events are held here which is a great way to meet new people. The dorm rooms are small if you prefer to get a quiet night in but are still affordable. There is a rooftop terrace and bar on-site.
Best Hostels in Khao San
NapPark Hostel at Khao San
Khao San Road hostels are a dime a dozen, but this is one of the top hostels in Bangkok. This hostel is known for its chilled out vibe and was voted the best hostel in Asia in 2011. It’s just 2 blocks away from Khao San Road and is within walking distance of The Grand Palace and Wat Pho which are must-sees in Bangkok.
Here Hostel Bangkok
One of the best hostels in Bangkok, Here Hostel Bangkok provides comfortable accommodation in either private or dorm rooms. Just 700 metres from Khao San Road, close enough for the action but far enough from the noise, and only 200 metres to an abundance of food options, this highly-rated hostel is a top choice. Bangkok attractions such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are within 20-minutes by foot with on-site amenities that include a shared kitchen, pool, a bar and beds that have curtains and their own light and charging station.
Best Hostels in Silom
Silom Space Hostel
A very highly-rated hostel, Silom Space Hostel is ideal for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends as dorms and private rooms for up to 4 are available. Clean, sleek, and with an optimal location within walking distance to the Skytrain, Lumphini Park, and the night market and nightlife at Patpong, it’s hard to go wrong with this hostel in Bangkok.
HQ Hostel Silom
This hostel offers some of the best beds in Bangkok and high-speed internet in a central area of the city. Breakfast is included, the hostel is super clean and the staff is always there to help.
Best Hostels in Siam
Bed Station Hostel Ratchthewi
For those who love their modern amenities and comfort but still want to be close to the action, Bed Station Hostel is ideal. This hostel has free breakfast and Wi-Fi, a personal locker and is still only a short taxi away from the action on Khao San Road.
Lub d Bangkok Siam
A Sky Train station is literally outside the doors for easy exploration of Bangkok. It has amazing amenities such as a locker, power outlet and towel rack for each bed. There are areas to hangout and meet others both inside and outside plus a variety of drinks are served at the bar.
Best Hostels in Ari
The Yard Hostel
This hostel you consistently see as one of the best hotels in Bangkok. It’s a quiet oasis away from all of the noise but is still close enough to be able to see all of what Bangkok has to offer. Chill outside, meet travellers, swing in the hammocks and grab a beer because you’re going to want to stay a while.
Best Hostels in Chinatown
Luk Hostel
This stylish and chic hostel offers both private and dorm rooms and quite honestly, looks more like a hotel than a hostel! Popular with solo travellers, Luk Hostel is an ideal choice for those who like many comforts at the hostel. On-site amenities include a terrace, restaurant, a shared lounge, a tour desk, and evening entertainment.
Best Hostels Near BKK (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Best Bed Suvarnabhumi
Just 3km from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, an airport shuttle is provided from this simple hostel that provides beds in dorm rooms as well as private rooms. Single private rooms are available too.
Continue planning your trip to Bangkok!
- 10 Best Tours in Bangkok
- 34 Tips for Backpacking Thailand
- Best Things to do in Thailand
- Thailand Trip Planning Resources
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