The Best Backpacker Hostels in Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is one of the best places for backpackers, young travellers on a budget and digital nomads in the whole world and the capital, Bangkok, is where most Thailand backpacking trips start.

Also known as ‘The Land of Smiles’ Thailand is a fun, easy, safe and cheap country to travel around, it’s the best destination for first time backpackers, and there’s so many beautiful places to visit and things to see and do.

If you’re on a budget then staying at backpacker hostels in Bangkok is a great way to save money on accommodation while also having fun and meeting other backpackers.

Bangkok is a huge city and there are so many cheap places to stay and backpacker hostels in Bangkok that choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming. I’ve visited Bangkok many times so I’ve had the chance to check out different areas and accommodation options.

So I thought it would be useful to write about the best areas to stay in Bangkok for backpackers and budget travelers and my recommendations for the best backpacker hostels and cheap budget guesthouses to help you out, especially if it’s your first time visiting Bangkok.

The best place to find, read reviews and book backpacker hostels in Thailand are Hostelworld and Booking.com. As prices change depending on season and demand, I’ve included links to the properties so you can check the prices and reviews out for yourself.

My Guide to Backpacker Accommodation in Bangkok: Best Hostels And Cheap Hotels

Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok for Backpackers

Bangkok's Grand Palace
Bangkok’s Grand Palace

The backpacking scene in Bangkok centres around the infamous Khao San Road which is in the Banglamphu area and near historical attractions like the Grand Palace.

Most first time backpackers in Bangkok stay around Khao San Road as it has a fun and lively atmosphere with everything a backpacker could ever need but make sure you also venture away from Khao San to see the ‘real’ Bangkok.

Staying on Khao San Road can be great fun, although if you want a more culturally Thai experience then it may be better to stay in more central areas like Silom, Sukhumvit and Siam Square which also have cool backpacker hostels.

These areas can also be more convenient locations for getting around the rest of the city on the skytrain. I’ll go into more detail further on about the places to stay outside of KSR.

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The best backpacker hostels in Bangkok, Thailand
The best backpacker hostels in Bangkok, Thailand

Khao San Road and Banglamphu

Thailand is a bit like a backpacker’s mecca and the epicentre is Bangkok’s Khao San Road.  Khao San stretches far further than just one street – the whole Banglamphu area is a great place for backpackers.

If it’s your first time backpacking in Bangkok then Khao San Road is a great place to stay due to the ease of meeting other travelers and the plethora of services the area offers to backpackers.

KSR is not just popular with dread locked hippies staying in grungy guesthouses it attracts all kinds of travellers. Nowadays backpackers staying around Khao San Road can expect stylish, modern, clean and fun backpacker hostels, budget hotels complete with rooftop swimming pools.

As well as the many market stalls, clothes stalls, bucket bars and deep fried cricket and scorpion vendors you’ll also find international stores and fast food chains on Khao San Road as well.

Khao San Road, backpacker hostels in Bangkok
Khao San Road, Bangkok

Khao San Road itself only has a few backpacker hostels as traditionally most of the cheap backpacker accommodation was in budget guesthouses.

Being right in the heart of the action on KSR can get pretty noisy with the all the bars and clubs, so if you want a quiet night’s sleep then it’s better to head a couple of streets back from the action.

I actually prefer the streets just behind Khao San Road, like Soi Rambuttri, as they still have a lot of bars, restaurants, accommodation and things going on but with a more chilled out and not so noisy, over the top, vibe.

When Thailand was closed during the pandemic Khao San Road got spruced up, so there are less cheap guesthouses and backpacker hostels and more mid range boutique hotels.

So, if you want to be sure of a bed in some of the most popular hostels during peak season then it’s wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Backpacker Hostels on Khao San Road

Nap Park

One of the common areas at Nap Park Hostel
One of the common areas at Nap Park Hostel

Nap Park is one of the most popular hostels around Khao San Road and is a great place for solo backpackers to meet other travellers in the comfy and lively common areas.

The hostel is clean with comfy beds, hot showers and decent wifi and its only a 2 minute walk to Khao San Road so its easy to get home after a night out with new friends.

I’ve stayed here a few times when I’m in Bangkok alone and Nap Park is a great, sociable and affordable place to stay close to all the action. Nap Park is one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Bangkok so book ahead. Check rates, availability and book here.

Suneta 

Suneta Hostel
Suneta Hostel

If you’re looking for something with more Thai character check out super cute Suneta Hostel.

The wood filled interior gives the hostel and cosy vibe and the dorms are clean and comfy with the added bonus of having privacy curtains around each bed. They even have beds that are like little pods with a wall that makes it feel like you have your own little room.

Suneta is one of the best backpacker hostels in Bangkok as it’s within walking distance to KSR but situated in a quiet area so it’s great if you prefer to get a good nights sleep, while still being in a sociable environment, without being too far away from all the action. Check prices, reviews and book here.

Nitan Hostel Khaosan

This is a stylish boutique hostel that is located in the heart of Khao San Road but tucked away down an alley which means it’s in the middle of the action but quiet enough to sleep if you want an early night.

The staff were really  friendly and helpful and the hostel is super clean and comfy. The dorm beds have nice privacy curtains around them and there is also decent wifi, good common rooms and a shared kitchen.Nitan is not a party hostel but it’s a good place to meet people, especially over breakfast. More info here.

Pillow Hostel

A modern, bright, clean and sophisticated hostel situated right on Khao San Road. They have dorms, single, twin, double and triple rooms to choose from. The beds are comfy and the staff are really friendly and willing to help you with whatever you need.

The location is right above a night club on KSR which means it can be noisy at night but it’s a perfect location for party animals as you are right in the middle of the all the action. More info here.

Khao San Road at night
Khao San Road at night

Best Budget Hotels near Khao San Road

When backpacking Thailand, and the rest of Southeast Asia, backpackers and budget travellers are not just limited to hostels.

If you’re looking for a bit more privacy and comfort than a shared dorm, many hostels do also have private rooms but it can be more cost effective to share a room in a cheap hotel or guesthouse if you are traveling as a pair or couple.

There are some great budget hotels around Khao San Road, some even have rooftop swimming pools! Here are my favourites :

D & D Inn

Another long standing flashpacker institution located right on Khao San Road. This budget hotel is clean, recently refurbished and good value for money with rooms featuring wooden and modern Thai styled décor.

The highlight is the rooftop swimming pool with views of Bangkok’s skyline. D & D Inn has become so popular over the years that the owners opened a, slightly more upmarket, sister hotel called Dang Derm in 2010 which is home to the best swimming pool on KSR. Check prices, reviews and book here.

The rooftop pool at D&D Inn.
The rooftop pool at D&D Inn.

The Mulberry Bangkok

This recently refurbished budget hotel is a step up from your typical cheap Khao San Road guesthouse and has a nice rooftop swimming pool and, most importantly, sound proofing!

There are a variety of modern, clean and comfy rooms to choose from that are all equipped with wifi, air con, comfy beds, mini fridges, TVs, safes etc. Rooms are decorated in a nice vintage Thai style and interesting, colourful Thai themed art work. Check rates, reviews and book here.

Buddy Lodge

A large, comfortable and eternally popular budget hotel on Khao San Road that’s been around for many years. The location, on the far eastern end of Khao San Road, is super central and the rooms and décor are surprisingly classy and comfortable.

The best part is the rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre which makes Buddy Lodge one of the best places to stay on Khao San Road. Check prices, availability and book here.

Where to Stay in Bangkok – Apart from Khao San Road

Bangkok skyline and traffic at night
Bangkok skyline and traffic at night

Khao San Road is a great place for people watching, nightlife and to meet other backpackers but sooner or later you’ll probably want to explore the real Bangkok!

Khao San Road is also not really very conveniently connected to the rest of Bangkok and the city’s traffic is pretty congested so staying near a skytrain station is a good idea as it makes it much easier to get around Bangkok.

The more modern areas like Silom, Sukhumvit and Siam Square are a world away from Khao San Road but offer an arguably more cultural and interesting taste of Bangkok. Here the skytrain glides over ultra modern skyscrapers and shopping malls which tower over an eclectic mix of old shophouses, street markets, temples and go go bars.

Silom, Sukhumvit, Siam Square and Chinatown are the areas I would recommend backpackers to stay in if they prefer to avoid KSR. These areas are centrally located, have some really cool backpacker hostels and plenty of action, (although some areas, especially around Sukhumvit near Nana BST, are quite on the seedy side)

Best Backpacker Hostels in Bangkok (away from Khao San Road)

Lub d Silom

Lub d Siam Square Hostel
Lub d Siam Square Hostel

This popular Bangkok hostel opened in 2008 and was one of the pioneers of Bangkok’s trendy backpacker hostel craze. Lub d’s excellent common facilities, trendy vibe, social atmosphere, central location and good security mean it is still one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Bangkok.

It’s located 200 meters from Silom Road, which is one of Bangkok’s most eclectic and interesting areas, and the BTS. Lub d Silom makes a great base for exploring the city and there is also an tour desk in the hostel which offers some more offbeat Bangkok experiences.

Lub d is a little more expensive that your average backpacker hostel but it’s worth it and is my top recommendation if you want to meet other travellers in a funky hostel atmosphere away from Khao San Road. Check rates, availability and book here.

There is also Lub d Siam Square which has a similar high standard of facilities, a great atmosphere and is situated in a great location for shopaholics near the malls.

The Yard Hostel, Ari

The Yard Hostel
The Yard Hostel

A great, sociable chilled out hostel located in Ari, a hipster area away from all the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and away from the tourist crowds of Khao San Road but still with many nice eateries, boutiques and within easy reach to all the major sights.

The Yard Hostel has a really lovely community atmosphere and there are lots of nice little spots to chill out and meet other travellers. The rooms are really clean and crisp and the hostel common spaces and bar have a very social atmosphere.

This is oe of the very best backpacker hostels in Bangkok if you want to be away from the crowds and noise but still be sociable. Check reviews, rates, availability and book here.

Bodega, Sukhumvit

Bodega Hostel
Bodega Hostel

A chic, trendy and lively party hostel located in the center of Sukhumvit and in the heart of Bangkok with easy access to everything Bangkok has to offer. Sukhumvit has great nightlife, the hostel is only a few mins from infamous Soi Cowboy and the bars on Soi 11 and the staff will come out and party with you.

There is a cool onsite bar at Bodega which has a very social atmosphere and also does good food. The hostel is colourfully and artistically decorated and has 30 rooms all with comfy beds with individual reading lights, power and shelves.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and there also a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and fun, friendly staff making Bodega a great party hostel option in the vibrant area of Sukhumvit and one of the trendiest backpacker hostels in Bangkok. Check reviews, prices and book here. 

Smile Society, Silom

is a cosy, clean and friendly hostel with a peaceful and relaxed  atmosphere. The hostel is located down a quiet side street but just a minute away from Silom Road giving you the best of both worlds, so you can have a good nights sleep whilst enjoying the central and convenient location.

The staff and the owner, Bee, are really friendly and happy to help with recommendations for things to do in Bangkok. The rooms are comfy and cool and there is also a nice common room with plenty of areas for travellers to chat.

There is also good security and a nice breakfast included and with easy access to public transport Smile Society is one of the best backpacker hostels in Silom. More info here

Adventure Hostel

Conveniently situated just north of the center of Bangkok, directly next to the Saphan Kwai BTS stop making it easy to connect to the rest of city by skytrain and road.

Adventure Hostel is conveniently situated next to Saphan Kwai BTS station and is within short walking distance to Bangkok’s famous outdoor weekend shopping mecca called Chatuchak Market. The northern location makes it handy if you are flying

Inside, Adventure Hostel is uniquely decorated and spotlessly clean. Each bed has its own power outlet and reading light, and every dorm room is equipped with ice cold air conditioning. The staff are all welcoming, friendly, and genuinely helpful in assisting to plan your stay.  When it comes to location, staff, cleanliness, and overall awesome atmosphere, Adventure Hostel is by far my favorite hostel in Bangkok. More info here

Adventure Hostel was recommended by Craig O’Brien from www.VagabondDisposition.com

Siamaze

A bright and cheerful backpacker hostel that offers lots of free extras like free self service breakfast, free luggage storage, free cooking classes on Mondays and free BBQ parties on Fridays.

The hostel is located in Ratchadapisek Road, a business/ residential area of Bangkok, and is less than 10 minutes walk to the Suthisan MRT station that will connect you with the rest of Bangkok.

The clean and bright dorms include comfy beds with privacy curtains, personal reading lights and a private locker complete with power socket.

There’s also lots of common areas including an air conditioned TV lounge, outside terrace with hammock and small shared kitchen. More info here

Refill Now

If you prefer a peaceful place near Suvarnabhumi Airport check out Refill Now. I loved this stylish, chilled out place with a cute mini swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants in a typical Bangkok neighbourhood.

The dorms are clean, bright and modern and the staff are lovely. I also liked the trendy restaurant and bar area. It’s a bit far from the center of Bangkok but a nice place to chill and the closest cheap option to the airport. More info here

I hope this blog has helped you to decide where to stay and to find the best hotel or hostel in Bangkok. If you’re looking for tips and inspiration for where to travel to next check out my complete Thailand backpacking route. 

If you find this blog helpful and want to book I can earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me to keep me travelling and this blog running so thank you! 🙂

For more tips on traveling in Thailand check out my comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide.

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6 comments

FLAMINGO TRAVELS May 26, 2017 at 9:50 am

Hi

A very good work you have done. We always use to read your content and suggestion. They are always useful. Keep on doing good work. Good luck for future and keep n doing.

Cheers
Krishan Kargwal

Reply
Katie Harrison July 10, 2017 at 8:26 pm

Thanks for this. I’m trying to find a new place to go, as Suk 11 has closed. I am devastated. Is there anyplace in Bangkok that offers the magic Suk did? I can’t seem to find anything. It felt like there was something special there.

Reply
Mojomatt October 25, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Hey Katie, what do you mean “Suk 11 has closed” ? It has changed a lot in the last years but it is still well alive and have new bars and restaurants opening in the next months it’s far from dead 😉

Reply
Katie Harrison October 3, 2021 at 8:41 am

hey mojomatt,

I’m just reading this now after all these years – haha. I meant the hostel suk 11. It was a big wooden Thai-style building with all these winding passageways and writing all over the walls. It was in soi 11 but its been torn down I think. Unless you know of it and I missed it some how!

PS – just leaving a time capsule message here. Just two weeks after I wrote that message in 2017 I went to India for the first time. It was a life-changing trip for me, the highlight of my life so far. Seeing this now and remembering my time in Thailand before that trip to India is bringing tears to my eyes.

Reply
Chris Tweten November 9, 2018 at 5:56 am

Hey Anna, just wanted to say thanks for featuring Bodega – it’s an honor! ✌️

Reply
Anna November 10, 2018 at 9:55 pm

Thanks Chris for providing an awesome stay 🙂

Reply

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