10 Best Budget Hotels in the Khao San Road Area

While it certainly is no palace, the Khao San Palace Inn does have some nice amenities and is smack dab in the middle of the action. The rooftop swimming pool is probably the biggest drawing card, as not too many hotels on Khao San have them, and is a nice way to beat the mid day heat. Rooms are fairly basic but the air conditioning is up to snuff and everything is in working order. You probably want to be a party animal here though, especially with rooms facing the street, as it does get pretty loud on Khao San Road late at night. There have been a few reports of theft here, so make sure your valuables are locked up tight.

You don't find too many places to stay around Khao San Road with rooftop swimming pools and sun decks, so the Rambuttri Village Inn is already ahead of the crowd. A large hotel by Khao San standards, the rooms here come in a range of prices from standard to deluxe, and all have windows and private bathrooms, another rarity on Khao San. Located in a quiet alley just off Soi Rambutri, the Rambuttri Inn offers a peaceful escape and haven away from Khao San Road while only being steps from all the nonstop action. Excellent web promotions also are a big feature of this hotel, and having so many rooms means that even in high season this is a good bet.

While most hostels tend to be drab and dingy affairs, not to mention often dirty, 3HOWw Hostel bucks the trend, offering one of the best priced hostels in the area. Located on a small side street just minutes away from Khao San Road, you get a good night's sleep here and a feel for traditional Thai life near the river. There are a choice of rooms here, ranging from dormitory beds to private doubles with bathrooms, all well taken care of by the obliging staff. The doubles come with comfy beds and desks and chairs, and the location of 3HOWw is perfect for both river access, Khao San action, and everything in the heart of old Banglamphu.

Another stylish newcomer to the Khao San area, Tara Place features spacious rooms that sport 32" LCD TV's with lots of cable channels to choose from, refrigerators, minibars, and safes, plus free wifi everywhere.Located at the start of Samsen Road, just off the end of Khao San, one is in the perfect location here for access to dining, nightlife, the market of Banglamphu, and just a short stroll to the river ferry on the Chao Phraya. With air conditioning that really works and super helpful staff, Tara Place gives boutique service and quality at an extremely budget price and has become a mainstay on the upper tier of Khao San lodgings.

D & D Inn is a sister property of the flashier Dang Derm hotel across the street. There is a nice rooftop pool, although it isn't as lovely as the Dang Derm's, but will certainly do the trick on a hot afternoon, plus it has a view of the Grand Palace. and boasts a lively communal atmosphere. Rooms here are a bit older than across the street as well, but they are decent enough, with large beds and televisions, and use key cards for security. For the boutique look, stick with the sister hotel Dang Derm, but for saving your baht, stay on this side with D & D.

Mad Monkey is a popular hostel chain in Southeast Asia noted for its support of community projects throughout the region. In addition to be socially responsible, their hostels are noted for being clean, well managed, and super friendly, and the Bangkok hostel just off of Khao San is no exception. In addition to the louder and more crowded dorm rooms, couples can opt for the private rooms, which rival any budget offerings in this area. There is a swimming pool, a slightly hidden canal-side location, an all day restaurant and bar, and they even put on an array of local tours and events for those who want to be led around or want to find something unique to Bangkok to do.

This spiffy new budget hotel has a panorama view swimming pool and state of the art bar up on its rooftop, which is a real plus in this neighbourhood. Rooms are decent enough, with dark wood floors, contemporary Thai decor, and flat screen televisions and mini-fridges, although they are on the small side, and the noise from outside at night can go until pretty late. However, the pool more than makes up for any inconveniences, as it really is the best on Khao San, and the hotel is popular amongst young partiers who want to chill out.

Sleep Withinn is one of the new generation hotels that now grace the Khao San area, far more stylish than its backpacker predecessors, with a focus on touches of luxury for a budget price. There is a choice of superior or deluxe rooms here, all somewhat small yet clean and stylish. There is a nice small swimming pool which is a rarity around these parts, and there are plenty of other nice touches such as free wifi internet access. Located just off of Khao San on Rambutri Road, which means you are a few minutes for all the madness without having to sleep next to it. Sleep Withinn is very popular though, and advance booking is essential.

Located near the Chao Phraya River in a small lane, this homey little place is a boutique lodging that gives full access to Khao San Road without any of the noise and chaos. Built in a renovated 100 year old house, a stay here gives a feel of traditional life in Bangkok and the location is perfect. There is a lovely garden cafe on the premise and tasty breakfasts are included in the room rate. Everything is sparkling clean, which is a rarity around Khao San, and if you stay more than three nights you get a discount, making the Samsen Sam an excellent choice.

While Khao San certainly is known for budget it isn't always known for quality, and Rikka Inn sets out to change all that. Another one of the new boutique generation meets budget on Khao San, Rikka is right in the middle of all the action, located in the heart of Khao San itself. The rooms are a tad small but come with a unique design in each one, sporting a Thai retro vibe and immaculately clean. The big draw here is the rooftop swimming pool and sunbathing area, something that is a real rarity on Khao San. Throw in a convenience store located just outside the front door, and you are all set.