Sawasdee khap, and welcome to Bangkok!

The name of the city is enough for any veteran backpacker to take a big trip down memory lane. Its gilded temples and shrines, floating markets, vibrant shopping streets, and booming nightlife are like magnets for the nearly 20 million visitors a year who flock to the city every year. No wonder Forbes recently named Bangkok the world’s most-travelled-to city, edging out London, Paris, and Singapore!

With that sort of insane tourism volume, the amount of accommodation options in Bangkok is nothing short of staggering, and choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry, this is where I come in to help you! I’ve spent way too much time travelling Thailand and have made this list of the best hostels in Bangkok to find the best hostel for YOU.

BKK has everything you can dream of – want a swimming pool? Check. How about some boutique hostels with epic private rooms? Check. Or maybe you just want the cheapest hostel near Khao San Road? We’ve got that covered too!

I’ve broken down the Bangkok hostels into different categories so you can confidently pick out the one that suits you best and get to what matters – experiencing the craziness of Bangkok!

Let’s not waste any more time and dive into the 5 best hostels in Bangkok.

Best Hostel in Bangkok
Find God (and yourself!) in Bangkok.

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Bangkok

Asiatique Bangkok

What to Expect when Staying in a Bangkok Hostel

Travelling to Thailand is every backpacker’s dream, and thankfully, the destination is not a very expensive one, with plenty of hostels dotting the country. Hostels are generally known to be one of the cheapest forms of accommodation on the market. That doesn’t just go for Thailand, but pretty much every place in the world. However, that’s not the only good reason for staying at a hostel. The unique vibe and social aspect are what make hostels TRULY special. Head down to the common room, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers from all over the world – you won’t get that opportunity in any other accommodation.

I have spent plenty of time backpacking around Bangkok and so have a pretty good idea of what the best hostels are and what to look for in a hostel in the city. You will find quiet, modern hostels to bustling, social, party hostels, choose one that suits your vibe. You can choose between dorms or private rooms, depending on what you prefer. The general rule is: the bigger the dorm, the lower the price. If you go for a private hostel room, you’ll end up paying a bit more, but it’s still cheaper than staying in a hotel. According to my research, here are the average prices you can expect for Bangkok hostels:

  • Private Rooms: $10–60
  • Dorms (mixed or female-only): $3–21

There are loads of backpacker places to stay in Bangkok, so how to sort the wheat from the chaff? Obviously, the “best” anything is 100% up for debate, but when I travel in hostels, there are a few things I keep in mind. I always look for hostels on HOSTELWORLD, you’ll find the best options there. This platform offers you a super-safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.

bangkok - The Grand Palace
Take in the majestic vibe of the Grand Palace, Bangkok.

Let’s talk a bit more about locations, though. Yes, Bangkok is massive, and staying close to the attractions that you want to visit is a no-brainer. That actually doesn’t make it any easier when it comes to deciding on where to stay in Bangkok. To help you out, I’ve listed my favourite areas below:

  • Sukhumvit – This neighbourhood boasts a number of historic and cultural attractions as well as great bars, restaurants, and shopping, making it the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors.
  • Banglamphu – Centrally located, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find an excellent mix of historic and beautiful temples and a vibrant and lively party scene.
  • Khao San Road – Bangkok’s nightlife is nothing short of epic, and the city’s dedicated nightlife area is Khao San Road, a haven for backpackers looking to dance the night away and enjoy a non-stop party. However, if you want a quiet night, maybe avoid the Khao San Road hostels!

So without letting you wait any longer, let’s look at the best hostels in Bangkok!

The 5 Best Hostels in Bangkok

Finding a hostel in Thailand isn’t that tough since it is virtually a backpacker haven – the challenge is finding a GOOD one as so many of them are substandard. So, here is a list of some of the best hostels in Bangkok, Thailand, based on what they offer, so you find at least one that suits you and makes your travel planning easy!

1. Diff Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Bangkok

Diff Hostel best hostel in Bangkok
Great vibes and gorgeous design at a decent price – Diff Hostel is our top hostel in Bangkok.

This one’s definitely a great find (though maybe on the higher end of your budget). Diff Hostel is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok and not far from Khao San Road and the Grand Palace. The staff are proper sound and the hostel itself is super cosy. What’s even better about this Bangkok hostel is that it comes with free breakfast, free towels, and free Wi-Fi. Diff Hostel gives you a lot of bang for your buck, it caters perfectly to any type of traveller, which is why we consider it the best overall hostel in Bangkok.

Yes, it might be a small hostel, but that just adds to its unique charm. It really feels like a home away from home as soon as you step through the door.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Outdoor terrace
  • Super-helpful staff
  • TVs in rooms

Diff Hostel is not just any old backpacker hostel! No matter what room you book yourself in, you can expect high quality! The dorms have cute bunk beds with plugs, light, and USB ports, so you can keep your electronics charged. If you want to spoil yourself, opt for a private room instead. Not only do you get an air-conditioned room and some private time to yourself, but you also have a flatscreen TV in your bedroom – perfect for those lazy days!

If you’re a sociable (or solo) traveller, even better! Head to the common area and get chatting with other backpackers. There are beanbags, a TV, two outside areas to mingle around, and even a little bar. Need to get some work done on your laptop? No problem, simply get started at one of the communal tables with super-high-speed Wi-Fi! As I said, Diff Hostel might not be the biggest hostel in Bangkok, but it surely offers some proper bang for your buck!

2. Mad Monkey Bangkok – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bangkok

Mad Monkey Bangkok - best hostels in Bangkok
Mad Monkey is one of the best hostels in Bangkok.

The first of the Khao San Road hostels on our list! Regardless of whether you are travelling solo, with a partner, with friends, as a digital nomad, or are just in search of the craziest nights in town, Mad Monkey Hostel is one of the best Bangkok hostels. Just a few minutes from Khao San Road, Mad Monkey is among the best party hostels in Bangkok – it’s cheap, it’s fun, and it has a great swimming pool! There are plenty of hostels near Khao San Road but this one is definitely amongst the best. It’s also close to the Grand Palace if you want to combine a bit of culture with all that partying!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Supports the local community
  • Great room options
  • Amazing atmosphere

Let’s dive more into the details of the Mad Monkey Hostel. Starting with the obvious: this place is loved by ALL travellers. If you don’t believe us, simply check the reviews and ratings. With over 3000 reviews and a super-strong 9.2/10 rating, you can be 100% that you’re in for a treat when booking this epic hostel. Previous travellers especially loved the friendly atmosphere and super-fun staff.

Mad Monkey is the ideal backpacker hostel for solo travellers in Thailand! Just grab one of the super-comfy dorm beds and get chatting with your roommates. Mad Monkey isn’t just a normal hostel, it’s a socially responsible business. Your stay helps to support community projects across Southeast Asia – we LOVE that!

Bar crawls, pool parties, great food, and epic people, there is always something going on at Mad Monkey. If things become overwhelming or you just want a bit of time to yourself, opt to stay in one of the comfy private rooms. They’re spacious, affordable and super-clean even for budget travellers. The air-conditioned rooms are the ideal spot to relax after a long day of exploring Bangkok.

3. Revolution Hostel Asoke – Best Cheap Hostel in Bangkok

Revolution Hostel Asoke best hostel in Bangkok
Brand-new and with two bars, Revolution is the best cheap hostel in Bangkok for the budget category.

Revolution Hostel Asoke is quite new but already counts among the best hostels in Bangkok, what with all the colourful beanbags scattered around the lounge area and the amazing dorm beds perfect for budget travellers looking for somewhere with great design at an affordable rate.

Like one cafe and bar isn’t enough already, Revolution has TWO, so grab all the Chang beers you want and eat all the raw papaya salad and pad thai you can get. Savour your ice-cold beer or cocktail while laying back in a beanbag. Meet other travellers, relax, admire the city from above and enjoy the sunset … Revolution is perfect for solo travellers headed for Bangkok, Thailand.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Super-cool design
  • Small but great atmosphere
  • Complimentary toiletries

Revolution Hostel is a 4-story building located in the heart of Bangkok (Asoke). The hostel is conveniently accessible through the underground SkyTrain which is within 8–10 minutes’ walking distance. The neighbourhood is a mix of traditional street stalls coupled with more modern buildings – an example is one of the most fashionable malls in the city, Terminal 21. And there are heaps of great restaurants, local vendors, outdoor and rooftop bars, pubs, massage parlours, clubs, and convenience stores (we all love 7/11 right!) just a few minutes away.

Once you’re done visiting all the best places in Bangkok, head back to the hostel and chill in your super-comfy dorm bed. All rooms are air-conditioned so you won’t have to worry about getting too hot (or too cold). Each bed is equipped with a plug socket and a USB port – ideal if you want to watch Netflix in bed and charge your phone at the same time!

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Aether Backpack

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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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4. Lub d Bangkok Siam – Best Party Hostel in Bangkok

Lub d Bangkok Siam
The boutique-style Lub d Bangkok Siam is the best party hostel in Bangkok!

Lub d Bangkok Siam is a hugely popular and vibrant boutique-style hostel located in the heart of the city, in Siam Square, near the Jim Thompson House. The best thing about this award-winning hostel is its incredible location – you can shop till you drop in the nearby shopping areas or use the BTS SkyTrain station next door to easily get to other parts of the city, making it super easy to knock things off your Bangkok itinerary!

Lub d Bangkok Siam has a great social vibe. Meet up with fellow backpackers on the hostel’s outdoor terrace and make plans to party the night away! You can chill in the hostel’s common areas or take a 10-minute taxi ride to Khao San Road, for a taste of the ultimate Bangkok nightlife. The helpful staff can also plan many activities and nights out for you on request.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • BTS SkyTrain station is next door
  • 10 minutes to Khao San Road, party central
  • Great shopping options nearby

Recover from your hangover the next day with some downtime – sip on a cold beer and enjoy on some yummy snacks while you catch up on your reading at the on-site bar, or recline on beanbags and catch the latest episode of your favourite show on Netflix in the common lounge area.

You can choose between the several different types of rooms on offer – mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and three kinds of private rooms for those who really want some privacy. Each comfy bed comes with its own reading light, charging socket, and towel rack. And if that’s not enough, there’s fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and several 7/11s nearby so you can run out and stock up on some essentials or munchies if you need to!

5. Once Again Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bangkok

best hostels in Bangkok
Once Again is one of the best hostels in Bangkok.

Are you in need of a workspace to get some work done? Once Again Hostel is our pick for the best hostel for digital nomads in Bangkok. With a well-reviewed restaurant on-site and TONS of working spaces – this is a dream hostel for digital nomads! On top of it all, Once Again prides itself on the experience it gives its guests including free tailored tours around Bangkok. Who doesn’t want that!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Endless freebies
  • Rooftop
  • Ideal location

If you’re seeking an incredible experience, learning more about Bangkok, enjoying authentic Thai food and meeting fellow travellers, then Once Again is the perfect hostel for you. It offers more than just a place to stay – it’s a little home away from home. You will be ideally located near the main Bangkok attractions such as the Grand Palace, the Golden Mount, and Khao San Road – so regardless of whether you have a weekend in Bangkok, or longer, there will be plenty to see nearby.

The wide and comfy beds in the dorms are a traveller’s dream. They’re not just your standard tiny dorm bed! Oh no! On top of that, each bed has a plug socket so you can charge your electronics, and blackout curtains in case you need a bit more privacy.

When it comes to freebies, there’s no other hostel in Bangkok that does it quite like Once Again Hostel. Free walking tours, a rooftop with a stunning view (a fantastic place to have a beer!), free Thai lessons, free cooking classes, bicycle rental (with specific maps), and so much more. If that doesn’t convince you on Once Again, we don’t know what will …

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Active Roots Security Belt

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More Epic Hostels in Bangkok

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, we’ve listed more epic hostels in Bangkok below.

6. The Yard Hostel Bangkok

The Yard Hostel best hostel in Bangkok
The Yard Hostel is pricey but worth it if you are looking for something different.

A tad pricey (considering expenses in Bangkok) but totally worth it, the Yard Hostel Bangkok is all about eco-living! Imagine staying in hostel rooms made of old ship containers and recycled materials! Sounds weird and wacky! If you’re looking for a unique hostel in Bangkok, this is it! Oh and feel free to store your luggage at this amazing youth hostel in Bangkok for free while you hop around Thailand.

7. Here Hostel

Here Hostel
Here Hostel could be the best hostel in ALL of Bangkok, with its great private rooms.

Here Hostel is gorgeous and could be one of the best hostels in Bangkok – period! No matter what you are looking for, whether it is a chill night in a private room, or a social evening in a dorm – Here Hostel has got you covered. There’s also a garden bar, tons of social areas, and a well-reviewed cafe that serves free breakfast every morning. Oh, and there’s a pool too …

If you are looking for a great private room in a hostel that doesn’t sacrifice on good vibes/amenities, it doesn’t get any better than Here!

8. Bed to Bangkok

Bed To Bangkok best hostel in Bangkok
Bed to Bangkok is a great Bangkok hostel near the airport.

Perhaps one of the coolest hostels in Bangkok, Bed to Bangkok is just a few steps away from the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Mo Chit SkyTrain station. It’s also among the few Bangkok hostels that are located near the airport which don’t charge through the roof. Bed to Bangkok also has a 24-hour restaurant so don’t worry about returning from that late-night party and going to bed hungry! If you’re on an overnight transit and looking for the perfect hostel in Bangkok to spend the evening, then this hostel is a great spot.

9. Bed Station Hostel

Bed Station Hostel best hostel in Bangkok
Bed Station is a great hostel in Bangkok for solo travellers and digital nomads.

Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017), Bed Station Hostel is definitely on its way to being rated the best hostel in Bangkok as well. Great for solo backpackers (if you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, that is) and digital nomads, Bed Station Hostel is only a tuk-tuk ride away from the party streets of Khao San Road.

10. Barn & Bed Bangkok

Barn & Bed Breakfast best hostel in Bangkok
Barn and Bed gives a European feel in an Asian metropolis.

Wattana is one of the most happening districts in Bangkok, and Barn & Bed Bangkok is right in the middle of it. It’s fancy, almost European in vibe, and gives you all the things you need for a great stay. Plus, the staff at the travel desk are your go-to-guys for travel recommendations and any Bangkok safety tips. What’s not to love?!

11. Pho (RALPH) Hostel

Pho best hostels in Bangkok
Great views and a great location, Pho (RALPH) is highly rated.

Perfect for sunset lovers and backpacking yogis, Pho (Ralph) Hostel gives you the best rooftop view of Bangkok from its terrace garden that overlooks the Chao Phraya River. Also included – free toiletries and free city maps!

What to Pack for your Bangkok Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

FAQs on Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bangkok.

How much does a hostel cost in Bangkok??

The average price of rooms in Bangkok ranges from $3–21 for dorms (mixed or female-only) and $10–60 for private rooms.

What are the best hostels in Bangkok for couples?

Lub d Bangkok Siam is an ideal hostel for couples in Bangkok. It’s an award-winning hostel in an incredible location close to the Siam BTS Skytrain Station.

What are the best hostels in Bangkok near the airport?

Bed to Bangkok, one of the coolest hostels in Bangkok, is 14km from Don Mueang International Airport

Travel Safety Tips for Bangkok

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If want to learn more about staying safe in Bangkok, check out our separate safety guide for insider tips and stories.

More Epic Hostels in Thailand and Southeast Asia

Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Bangkok. If not, then maybe consider a Bangkok Airbnb

Planning an epic trip all across Thailand or even Southeast Asia itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! For more cool hostel guides, check out:

Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Bangkok

This brings us to the end of our epic guide to the best hostels in Bangkok. I hope we have helped you choose the perfect hostel for your BKK adventure!

If you’re still undecided about all the fantastic hostel options we’ve given you, just go for our pick for the overall best hostel in Bangkok: Diff Hostel! It has everything you need for the most perfect and budget-friendly stay.

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Bangkok and start exploring!

Stroll around Bangkok's Chinatown
Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Bangkok!

Updated May 2023

Looking for more info on travelling to Bangkok and Thailand?

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