When you think of traveling to Thailand, Bangkok will undoubtedly be on your list of places to explore. But why not stray away from the usual EDM, flashing lights and obliterated drunk traveller-infested Khao San Road that so many people are so quick to recommend?
If you’re looking for a very hectic and overwhelming stay where you will have to squeeze through a swarm of people to get something to eat from one of the stalls, let alone to get in and out of your hostel, then Khao San it is. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely worth a visit as it is one of those “must-see” places in Bangkok, but as it often happens, these “must-see” places become overpopulated, over-stimulating and overpriced tourist traps. But fear not! Below is a list of my three favorite districts with some of the best hostels Bangkok has to offer that will supply you with just as much classic Bangkok fun and excitement as Khao San promises, and will guarantee to deliver a more authentic and personalized stay for a well-rounded trip to the world’s most visited city. And don’t forget to check out my vegan guide to Bangkok!
Khao San Recommendation
Don’t get me wrong, there’s great stuff around Khao San Road! If you must stay in or around the Khao San Road (and many peopled do, often for commute reasons), there’s a brand new comer around that area called Pa Prank that I urge you to discover!
Pa Prank is a beautiful capsule hostel with great design and architecture. Khao San Road is 850m away, Wat Pho is 1km away, and China Town 2km away, making it actually super convenient for a quick stop over in Bangkok, perhaps even more so than my favorite neighborhoods listed below. Breakfast is included. A great new option if I say so myself!
Book your room at Pa Prank now
Sukhumvit
Housing the longest road in all of Thailand, Sukhumvit and its side streets, or Soi, showcase some of Bangkok’s most authentic spots, giving you an insight into the Bangkok music scene and supplying you with bars and restaurants that are bursting with life all night long. If you’re looking for a real taste of the Thai Bangkok, Sukhumvit is the place for you! By day, this area may not be a haven of top tourist attractions, but it does offer a re-energizing respite from Bangkok’s fast-paced lifestyle; Bencharisi Park and Benjakiti Park are two beautiful inner-city green landscapes that feature little lakes, interesting sculptures and some wonderfully winding walking paths; the abundance of luxury spas will also supply a well-needed relaxation after a long day of exploring the city; especially exciting are the long walks through the endless streets of markets – haggle your way through the famous Khlong Toei Market of cheap clothes, fresh fruit and typically Thai trinkets, and visit the must-see, 35-acre Chatuchak weekend market located by the Mochit BTS station. Get a taste of what living in Bangkok would be like and visit Sukhumvit! It is my fave.
The best hostels in Bangkok Sukhumvit
Barn & Bed
Located right by the Phromphong BTS station, this cute little guesthouse offers lovely clean and comfortable rooms, with a great big common area to meet some fellow travelers, and really forthcoming, helpful staff. Super clean too!
Book your room at Barn & Bed now
Analog Hostel
3/17-18 Sawadee Soi 1, Sukhumvit 30
This cosy, family-run hostel offers 7 dorm rooms and a beautifully rustic common area, just a short walk from restaurants, BTS and malls. Well-priced, modern and inviting stay with some really great guests.
Book your room at Analog Hostel now
The Blocks Hostel
Just outside Nana BTS station, this hostel offers cosy rooms, a spacious and sociable common area, as well as an amazing roof terrace for extra hangout space! Also, there is plenty of nighttime fun to be had in the Soi 11 party-scene just across the road.
Book your room at The Block Hostel now
Silom
This area features the tallest of all the tall buildings in Bangkok, renowned for its saturation of important banks and financial institutions, as well as a number of tourist attractions. Take a peek into Bangkok’s Go-Go Bar culture in the hedonistic Patpong red-light district, visit one of the many rooftop bars and take a stroll through Lalai Sap market. Silom is sure to give you a taste of the wild Bangkok you are expecting to see.
The best hostels in Bangkok Silom
Lub’d
For an extra comfortable stay with the most helpful staff, fun modern social area with café and bar, as well as a security safe in each room, Lub’d is the perfect spot. Just a short walk from Chong Nonsri BTS station, rest your head in a clean, neat room, or pop just around the corner for a number of restaurants and cafes.
Book your room at Lub’d now
Good’ uck Hostel at Silom Bangkok
A little tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, you will get a good night’s rest at this trendy little hostel. Just a short walk from Lumphini Park, the area is great for getting some respite from the craziness of Bangkok.
Book your room at Good’ uck now
S1 Hostel
35/1 Soi Ngamdoplee, Rama 4 Road
Enjoy a stay at this spacious yet tranquil hostel, offering great value for money. The rooms are clean, décor is comfortable and contemporary and there is both a nice big common area and a rooftop to relax in.
Book your room at S1 Hostel now
Siam
Siam: the shopping mall paradise on Earth. Here, you have the chance to walk through about seven different malls without ever having to see the light of day – just walk straight from one into the next and experience true mega-mall heaven. Siam also offers some amazing art and culture experiences, for example, the BACC on Rama I, which is Bangkok’s biggest art gallery, and Jim Thompson House on Soi Kasemsan, which is a luxuriant, dream-like garden and house complex-turned-museum that showcases some beautiful traditional Thai teak wood structures and has some very knowledgeable and dry-humored guides to show you around. Perched just on the edge of Bangkok’s historical core, Siam also offers an easy transfer to a bunch of awe-inspiring Buddhist temples, such as the enormous Wat Phra temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as the King of Thailand’s Grand Palace. This is a truly multi-faceted area with a lot to offer.
The best hostels in Bangkok Siam
Bed Station Hostel Ratchathewi
486/149-150 Siam, Soi Petchburi 16
Offering a range of rooms, from dorms to private, and located right next to the BTS station, you can’t go wrong with the Bed Station Hostel. Everything is brand new, the décor is modern and inviting and you will be sure to meet some fun people here during your stay.
Book your room at Bed Station Hostel now
Diff Hostel
236/41 Phayathai Road, Thung Phayathai
Great décor, plenty of different chill areas and all the privacy and security you could wish for – even in the shared dorms. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable and will make your stay go by with ease. The Ratchathewi BTS station is just a short walk away too.
Book your room at Diff Hostel now
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Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links which give me a small cut if you make a booking. This comes at no cost to you and allows me to continue running this blog!
Nice hotels you featured here! Now I guess if I’m gonna visit Bangkok then I’ll just check the prices.