Best Youth Hostels in Bangkok

Baan Boran means ancient home in Thai, and this hostel is one of the most unique budget options in Bangkok. Located in the historical area of Phra Nakhorn, you wont find 7-11's or the skytrain around here, but you will find a quiet and quaint neighborhood, with plenty of great food. The hostel is housed in the newer wings surrounding several original Thai teak homes which are architectural gems. One has good access from here to the Grand Palace and attractions towards the river, but it is a long way to the nightlife and shopping of the Sukhumvit, Silom, and Pratunam areas.

This funky and creative place far from the tourist crowds was built from scratch and is thoroughly unique, a great minimalist lover's choice, and actually the winner of several hosteling awards. There are a choice of dorms, loft suites, and private rooms, all of which have enormous windows, letting in plenty of natural light. The hostel goes for a minimalist vibe, letting the pleasant surroundings do the talking. There is even a tiny swimming pool here, a rarity amongst hostels in Bangkok. While it's a bit far off the tourist trail, the friendly staff and great stay make up for it.

Want to stay in an 1869 Sino European architectural masterpiece? The Niras Bankco Cultural Hostel is the place for travellers who appreciate old teak homes, along with staying in the old cultural and historical part of Bangkok away from the crowds. You can opt for a six bedroom dormitory, or else shell out a bit more for some privacy with a double ensuite or deluxe room. There is free WiFi, a nice common room, and even a gourmet cafe in the lobby, not to mention feeling like you are in a living museum. The hostel is well away from the tourist masses and the glitzy shopping malls.

A relatively new addition on the Bangkok hostel scene, situated just minutes from the Ploenchit BTS Skytrain station and a short walk to the Nana nightlife area. Bed Bangkok provides 24 hour security, free coffee and tea, wifi in all the rooms, and a choice of double decker bunks, dorms, and other sleeping possibilities. Easy access to food courts, convenience stores, and transport make this a good option in this part of town. The hostel is hidden down quiet Soi 1, a real haven away from noisy and crowded Sukhumvit, yet with easy access to all the drinking, dining, and nightlife in the area.

Billed for its convenience, cleanliness, and comfort, HQ Hostel is a boutique backpacker lodging nestled just near to the energetic Silom Road BTS Skytrain and MRT subway stations. Amenities like a book lounge, computer room, free internet, and shower facilities on par with private hotels add to the pleasant vibe that HQ gives off, and an overly friendly English speaking staff ensure a warm welcome at this excellent find. The dorm rooms here even feature private safes for each bunk, which has to be a Bangkok first, and you will be sharing all the high end neighbourhood space with the swanky adjoining hotels while paying only a fraction of the price.

Just like their sister hostel over in Silom, the Siam Square Lub d also delivers on all fronts. Immaculately clean, English speaking staff, and just below the BTS Skytrain for easy public transport access. The hostel is not as big as the Silom Lub d location, but the atmosphere is just as fun and the vibe just as happening. Other features include lockers in the dormitory rooms, soap and shampoo provided in the common bathrooms (a rarity for youth hostels), trips and pub crawls organized, and private rooms for those who wish. If only all hostels could be like this!

Saphaipae has some of the biggest selection of rooms of any hostel in Bangkok. From male and female dorms with ultra comfortable bunk beds on up to deluxe private ensuite rooms, there is a lot of space here both for travellers and their belongings. Saphaipae has some nice promotions, such as discounts on stays of more than five days, and a free weekly cooking class. It is conveniently located near the Surasak BTS Skytrain Station, which also isn't far from the river ferry on the Chao Phraya River, if one wants to head up to Chinatown, The Grand Palace, or Khao San Road.

A unique hostel made from converted shipping containers, The Yard is set in boutique and away from the tourist crowds Ari neighborhood, and is a very social place, with its green lawn (for which the hostel is named) home to all sorts of parties and events. They do face painting parties, puppet shows, yoga, and all types of get together here, and it is very communal, with travellers having an easy time meeting others. The Yard has a small village feel to it and is a great escape from the city, although the rooms are pretty small and cramped and not of the greatest value, but for those who want to chill and relax, it is one of the best in town.

Lub D Silom is the winner of several awards for its cleanliness, service, and all out effort to be the top hostel in Bangkok. Perfectly located in the center of the busy Silom District, one has easy access to Bangkok's Central Business District, shopping, Patpong nightlife, and public transportation. The Lub D staff are renowned for their friendliness and helpfulness, and this is one of these rare hostels where everything is safe, secure, efficient, and in working order. A variety of rooms are available, including mixed and ladies dormitories, as well as individual private rooms. This is a great spot in a perfect location.

Bed Station is one of Bangkok's newest and most happening places, both a stylish and eclectic place in a superb location. Located just steps from the Ratchathewi BTS station, it offers easy access to both the skytrain as well as to canal boats heading towards Khao San Road and other tourist areas. Decor here is industrial, with plenty of brick and nice room touches like private bed curtains. Free breakfasts are included and the coffee shop and bar downstairs is a great spot to watch the world go by and make new friends. A lot of partying goes on here though, so those who want early starts might find it a bit loud. It's also a step up from the norm price-wise.