backpacking: where to stay in Bangkok

sazaccount

Hi all :hello:

I didn't want the hijack the other Asia thread so I thought I would start my own,

I have decided to go backpacking again but this time doing Thailand and cambodia before going to oz and the nz (working hol visa). Last time I went to china KL and Singapore but I was with a couple of other girls so wasnt too fussed on where we were staying as we were together, this time I'm travelling on my own :T

I've been looking at a few different hostels and have an idea of where to stay in Changi Mai and Seim Reap however Bangkok has confused me...

I'm quite a shy person when people first meet me, I like wondering around places and getting lost and quite happy with my own company, but I like a chilled out atmostphere where I can chat and relax with other backpackers. I don't want a party hostel or somewhere really loud like KoSan Road. I'll go and see it but don't really want to stay there. can anyone suggest the best area to stay in??

Oh PS I have mobility issues with my hip so would ideally like somewhere near transport but I know tuk tuks and taxis are widely available

Thanks in advance :rotfl:

Doshwaster

If you have mobility problems then anyone on the Sky Train network would be ideal. The main areas would be Sukhumvit Rd, Siam Square and Silom Road.

The Riverside is fine during the day as you can use the river boats (which are ridiculously cheap) to get around but they stop running at around 7pm.

The area around Khao San Rd is called Banglamphu and there are lots of cheap places to stop but transport options are very limited. Actually, KSR isn't that bad as long as you aren't stopping on the road itself.

Do you have any idea of a budget? In Bangkok you can easily spend less than £10 a night or more than £200. For £30-40 you can get somewhere very decent in a 3-4 star hotel rather than a grubby hostel.

Regular taxis are cheaper than the tuk tuks which are just a tourist rip-off.

Doshwaster

Edit: also have a look at this recent thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4938435

sazaccount

Thanks Doshwaster,

I knew I had read something just couldn't find it lol.

I'm properly looking at £10-15 a night, I would like to stay in hostels as even though I can be shy I do like the atmosphere of both being about to chill out with other people or if I want to just to wonder around lol.

Thanks on the above, I've been reading online however theres only so much you can get from the travel agents/tourist websites lol
xx

Doshwaster

Have a look at
http://www.asiarooms.com/en/thailand/bangkok.html

Loads of places there between £10-20 a night. Just double check the reviews. Personally, I would say that air conditioning is essential in Thailand so it's worth paying a few pound more for.

sazaccount

thanks for the link i have just been looking on hostelworld/bookers so far i didn't realised asia rooms had hostels on it

littlereddevil

There is a good Bangkok forum on TA

vintner55

Have you tried airbnb? I used them for Malaysia last year & had no problems & good stays. They do a lot of homestays as well as B and B and small guesthouses, quite an emphasis on the hosting aspect and full guest reviews. Just a quick look brought up this one that looks nice and has good transport links
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/274758?checkin=15-08-2014&checkout=16-08-2014&s=zdEE

agrinnall

When I was last in Bangkok 5 years ago I stayed at Suk11 Hostel, it's just off Sukhamvit Road and is very close to a Skytrain stop. I found the people that ran the place to be very friendly, and you could mix with the people staying there as much or as little as you liked. Looks like a single room is 500 or 650 Baht, depending on facilities.

http://www.suk11.com/suk11hostel/room-rate/

PompeyPete

I'm a fan of airbnb (reply #8) too, and that one looks like a little gem!

We stayed at an excellent homestay in Kathmandu in March. Far better value than anywhere else we could have got at the same price. There are no restrictions with airbnb, come and go as you want, and whether you interact with the property owners is up to you. The reviews are all genuine too.

Booked our first week in Bali in September with them, and really looking forward to it.

Doshwaster

vintner55 wrote: »

Have you tried airbnb? I used them for Malaysia last year & had no problems & good stays. They do a lot of homestays as well as B and B and small guesthouses, quite an emphasis on the hosting aspect and full guest reviews. Just a quick look brought up this one that looks nice and has good transport links
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/274758?checkin=15-08-2014&checkout=16-08-2014&s=zdEE

The beer fridge looks great! :beer: