The Best Hostels in Thailand – Paradise on a budget

By
55Secrets

March 10, 2016

Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia in many senses, which is just one of the many reasons we recommend you to start your trip in Southeast Asia in Thailand. After spending between two and three days in Bangkok, head north to the magical city of Chiang Mai, where you can explore fantastical temples, get face-to-face with cuddly tigers and enjoy some of the most delicious food in the world. You can also spend some time is the small town of Pai or visit the amazing temples in Chiang Rai.

No visit to Thailand is complete without some beach time and for that you got to head South.

Aside from Phuket, popular Thai islands include Koh Samui, Koh Chang and Koh Phagnan, where the famous “Full Moon” parties are held each month. If you are looking for more idyllic and less crowded beaches you can head to the Trat islands, a few hours southeast of Bangkok, or Koh Kradan, located a couple hours south of Phuket in the warm, tropical Andaman Sea off Trang province. Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe are also good destinations if you want something more quiet and specially good for some „couply” time.

Bangkok

NapPark Hostel
Info: 5 Tani, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, MAP, Rating: 93%, Price: 10 to 20 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking , Hostelworld

This hostel is a little piece of paradise in the historical district that never sleeps. Located in a quiet area on a stones throw of Khao San Road, this hostel provides excellent lodging, a great place to meet other people and serves as a perfect start for your night out in one of Bangkok’s clubbing districts (for example RCA, Sukhumvit, Khao San etc.)

Closeby you can enjoy many fun & chic places at Khao san road and Rambuttri Road at night. Moreover, you can enjoy shopping at Banglumpoo market all day long in front of the hostel too.

Bed Station Hostel

Info: Soi Phetchaburi 16 ,Ratchathewi , MAP, Rating: 93%, Price: from 10 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking, Hostelworld

In the heart of Bangkok in the Siam District. It’s near Ratchthewi BTS Station. This hostel has bed curtains for privacy and strong wifi. It’s easy to get to and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The complimentary breakfast is also great. Simple touches of comfort and style and an atmosphere a world away from overcrowded, dirty Khao San Road makes Bed Station Hostel Bangkok one of the best hostels in Bangkok.

Lub D

Info: 4 Decho Road, Suriyawong, MAP, Rating: 90%, Price: 15 to 20 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking , Hostelworld

Lub D is the perfect suit if you want a hostel-plus-hangout experience. One of the coolest of its kind Lub D is a friendly meeting place. Apart from the dorms (either mixed or ladies only), it also offers twins and doubles. The facilities include wi-fi, a café/bar, a cinema, laundry and free luggage store. Lub D, which means “sleep well” in Thai, is surrounded by restaurants, shops and nightclubs. 10 minutes away on foot is Chong Nonsi Station. Besides Lub D in Silom, there´s also a unit at Siam Square, so no matter which part of the city you want to stay in, you can sleep well and quite more at Lub Ds.

Chiang Mai

Spicythai Backpackers

Info: 14 Hassadisewi Road T., Sriphum A. Muang, MAP, Rating: 86%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Budget hostel Spicythai opened doors in 2006 when a group of young locals decided that it was just what the city was missing. And they were right. In 2007 it was rated 2^nd best in Asia. The next year it was appointed the number one in the country. Now it´s your time to give it a try. They are special because you feel home there thanks to their super chill and kind staff. Spicythai presents the well-known essential items and AC in all dorms, large screen and home theatre system for movies projection, high speed internet and free storage.

Banilah

Info: 11 Sotesueksa Road, Changphuek, MAP, Rating: 90%, Price: 7 to 10 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Renovated building, modern design, a courtyard garden… Banilah has it all. Near Nimmanahaeminda, the trendy area in town, and less than 5 minutes away from Kad Suan Keaw shopping center and Tanin Fresh Market, Banilah is a finding. The atmosphere is chilled as guests are invited to seat back and relax. All the rooms offer fully equipped, private bathrooms with hot showers. Free wi-fi ranges the whole building, there is no curfew and payment must be made in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

If you are visiting Chiang Mai check out this travel Guide for the best places in town!

Koh Phangan

Vagabond Hostel

Info: 91/17 Moo 1, Thongsala , MAP, Rating: 91%, Price: 3 to 5 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Party hostel Vagabond has recently open in 2014. By beach and next to paddleboarding and kiteboarding schools, it provides lots of fun. This hostel is pround to be loud, fast paced and entretaining. During the day, guests are welcome to suggest activities and the crew will happily assist. Bike is the top transportation. Expeditions to waterfalls and beaches are organized. Every week they hold a bonfire party and night outs. As the sun goes down, the bike is put aside, the drinking games are on and the night gets started.

Hard Road Jungle Hostel

Info: 98/3 Moo 3, Madua wan, Bantai, MAP, Rating: 85%, Price: 5 to 10 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Far from most attractions in the island, this hostel is a great place for relaxing. Its pool is the core around which everything else happens. Hard Jungle is a synonym for tranquillity with its dorm and shared outdoors lounge. Bathroom is shared and laundry is available. There´s no AC, only fans. Smoking policy applies

Phuket

Balcony Hostel

Info: 34/23 Prachanukroh Rd., Patong , MAP, Rating: 88%, Price: 10 to 15 dollars (dorms)

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Cleanliness, great staff and a promised quirky backpacking time. Those are the major factors for the success formula of the family business Balcony Hostel. A good structure that gives the guests comfort and a central location make it a top favourite. The downstairs area counts with a bar, a pool table, music and TV. Karon & Kata beach are just 5 minutes away. Also within walking distance there is a night market where the best food can be found. For a nice party, (the place to be) Bangla Road is nearby.

Baan Suay Backpackers Hostel

Info: 383 Patak Road T.Karon , MAP, Rating: 89%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Travelers staying at Baan Suay Backpackers will enjoy rooms and common areas with fresh décor, a generous swimming pool, cable TV and AC. Plus, Karon beach is just within reach. It´s possible to choose standard rooms, deluxe ones or bungalows. Self called Resort, it also offers large beds, hot showers and daily cleaning services. A bar/restaurant runs by the pool all week long until 10pm. In any case, a supermarket stands 100m away. The very helpful personnel wait for you.

If you are visiting Phuket check out this travel Guide for the best places in town!

Koh Samui

Let’s Go Backpackers Hostel

Info: 33/4 Moo 1,Koh Samui, MAP, Rating: 84%, Price: 6 to10 dollars (dorms)

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A 2minute walk links this hostel with Bophut Beach Pier and Fisherman´s village. The Samui Airport is only 4km away. Big Buddha is a 10minute drive. It´s easy to notice that Let´s Go Backpackers location is beyond privileged. Not only, restaurants are all around the property. Breakfast is included, however. If you are lucky enough, you may just get a room with a view, as some of them have a balcony. The reception is known for its concierge services, different kinds of booking, trips and tickets can be arranged.

Chill Inn Beach Café and Hostel

Info: 438/118 Moo 1, Maret , MAP, Rating: 93%, Price: 12 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Close to waterfalls and the Lamai Beach, Chill Inn is a new hostel with an outside deck on the sand, which is a bar and café terrace as well. Nothing less than perfect to lean on in the orange seats and have a cup or a drink on the countertop. Still on the beach you will find a water sports centre. Elephant trekking is also within short reach. The dorms are actually bungalow-style, in addition they have a double private en suite room – with sea view. Another highlight goes to the plentiful communal areas that benefit interaction. It can´t get better any than this.

Krabi – Ao Nang

Slumber Party Hostel

Info: 376/41 Moo 2 Aonang, Krabi , MAP, Rating: 91%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking , Hostelworld

As its name advertises in advance, this hostel is proud to be, in their own words, “the loudest and craziest” in the land. Its reputation goes a long way indeed. Besides partying hard, the hostel keeps a welcoming atmosphere where it´s going to be easy to interact and spend a good time. Slumber Party identity is so strong that they reserve the right to deliberately and publicly refuse some bookings from the ones who do not comprise its spirit (essentially the ones 35+ years old according to their disclaimer). Female guests are offered amenities such as drinks and special discounts. Apart from that, they are committed to high levels of hygiene and safety. The capacity is over 50 people/night either in mixed dorms or private rooms.

Glur Hostel

Info: 591 Mu.2, Soi.Aonang 11/1, Aonang, Mueng, MAP, Rating: 91%, Price: 11 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking , Hostelworld
This small hostel provides quietness and peacefulness for a chilled stay. Normally referred for its not-so-central-location, it is actually only a 10-minutes walk from all the attractions. The facilities are highly pleasing and the staff makes it even better. The whole area is beautiful, clean and refreshing. The outside space features a decent pool, grass yard, a deck and a common kitchen (with fridge and microwave). The dorms are modern and simple-styled. Coffee and tea are complimentary.

Koh Tao

Taco Shack Hostel

Info: 9/27 Moo 2, MAP, Rating: 83%, Price: 11 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Ideal for backpackers who want to be downtown, Taco Shack to drop your bags, meet new people, fresh up and have a warm-up drink in the happy hour. Located in Mae Haad, extremely close to the main pier, access is as easy as it can be. They specially prepare Mexican appetizers which reputation go a long way. Showers and toilets are rather rustic. All in all, this is the place for social interaction. (Important: credit cards are not accepted.)

Koh Tao Loft Hostel

Info: 8/7 Moo 2 Maehaad, Ban Ko Tao, MAP, Rating: 81%, Price: 10 dollars (dorms)

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Eco-friendly (the heat from AC fuels the hot water), multi-lingual, industrial design. In the meantime, the onsite bar Tongue & Groove runs up late and keeps the pace going. Right outside the front door, guests will find several shops and services, restaurants, rentals, diving operators, beaches… Policies on smoking and credit cards apply. On the roof, there is a terrace with sea views.

Koh Lanta

Peacock Hostel

Info: Sea side, Sala Dan, Ko Lanta, MAP, Rating: 89%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

Artistically decorated, Peacock Hostel in Ko Lanta island offer an open air terrace, a net hammock in the deck above the sea and profuse easygoingness. It´s all about relaxing there. Guests take advantage of great value for money, large beds, family treatment and near the services, in fact, just on the corner after stepping off the pier. So it makes simple to come and go. Attention to the age restriction they hold.

The Clayzy House

Info: 237 M.3 Baan Saladan, Long Beach , MAP, Rating: 75%, Price: 4 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

More than a hostel, Clayzy House is a real eco-friendly community that believes in total respect for the nature, preaches and practices sustainability by using local materials only. Mainly mud and bamboo in this case. The community trusts that this involvement makes the whole difference and contributes to connecting people, building bonds and bridging friendships. Close to shops, ATM, bars and services, they also provide free bike rentals, and a common kitchen plus BBQ are available.

Koh Chang

Pajamas Koh Chang

Info: 18/22 Moo 4, Klong Prao Beach , MAP, Rating: 92%, Price: 14 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Booking, Hostelworld

Although a bit more expensive for hostels standards (breakfast included), Pajamas Koh Chang is indeed an incredible accommodation. Near Klong Prao Beach (2 minutes), this beach house boutique hostel offers top class services and facilities that include a movie-like cloud shaped swimming pool, modern chic décor/architecture and outdoors terrace. Not to mention wifi, washing and dryer machines, a bar and a common kitchen. At the lobby runs a theatre room. Solo backpackers enjoy Pajamas Koh Chang particularly as the social-but-not-party atmosphere enhances friendly interaction.

Krabi

Pak-up Hostel

Info: 87 Utarakit Rd., Paknam Krabi, MAP, Rating: 90%, Price: 8 dollars (dorms)

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Originally a school, Pak-up is today a party hostel with budget prices. Fun is priority and their two on-site bars help a great deal in that. Not only, it ranks top 3 hostels in Asia. The school theme is still present in the design, in the signs and general décor. Among the facilities, there´s a laundry area, currency exchange, ATM and a bar. Comfortable, safe and clean, Pak-up is a solid go. (Age restriction applies).

Sukhothai

Sila Resort

Info: 3/49 Moo1 Wat Khooha Suwan Rd., T Pakkeaw A. Muang , MAP, Rating: 82%, Price: 6 dollars (dorms)

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Using family home style, Sila Resort gives a fine stay no matter your kind of trip. The tropical garden in the property is ideal for relaxing. The eating common area is suitable for meeting new people. Shuffle bus for transfer is available for free upon request. They also have free bike rental which facilitates the movement between the hostel and downtown (5 minutes ride).

Pai

The Circus hostel

Info: 323 M.1 T.Mae hee , MAP, Rating: 70%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

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This is truly unique: a circus school and a hostel at the same time. So even if you´ve got some sort of coulrophobia (fear of clowns), it´ll heal you. It´s a hotspot at the moment due to both the circus skills lessons and the infinity pool with gorgeous views. As far as the structure goes, it´s all very simple –and staying there during the rainy season might be tricky eventually. No kids under 15 allowed.

Common Grounds

Info: 116 Moo 3, T.Wiang Tai, Pai City Center, MAP, Rating: 85%, Price: 7 dollars (dorms)

Book here ⇨ Hostelworld

A lovely hostel in the center of Pai. Walknig distance to the Night market and central areas in Pai. Nice common area with a bar and super friendly staff and owner. Perfect location to explore the village and meet other travellers. The dorms are cozy and confortable. The family vibe in the place makes it easier to mingle and go out with fellow travellers in the evenigns for drinks (in case you actually leave their bar).