Bangkok’s best design hostels

Look, of course, we’d choose rocking up at The Sukhothai (or another luxury hotel in Bangkok) over sharing a room with eight strangers. But we understand that not everyone travels with this kind of budget (or the travel writing perks, in our case), or feels the need to splurge on a place to sleep. Luckily, Bangkok offers plenty of boutique hostel options for design-minded travellers. These nine design hostels prove that cutting back on your hotel budget doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on style.

Kanvela House

1 Housed in a former medicinal oil refinery along a canal in the east of Bangkok’s old town district, Kanvela House is a great choice for those looking to stay away from the crowds, but within reasonable distance from Bangkok’s top sights. The interior mixes old English charm with Thai heritage and industrial touches, and the wooden home structure adds heaps of character. The dorm rooms sleep a maximum of six, and there are double rooms available if you require a bit more privacy. Even if you’re not spending the night, the place is worth a visit: rustic-chic cafe Buddha & Pals occupies the lobby, and is a great addition to the rapidly-expanding cafe scene around Lan Luang.

What does Kanvela House cost？
Dorm beds from 500 THB per night, private rooms start at 1500 THB. Book your stay ➞

Hostel Urby

2 This smart riverside retreat on up-and-coming Songwat Road on the fringe of Chinatown checks plenty of boxes. A large, beanbag-littered balcony overlooking the Chao Phraya is its main selling point, but the comfy beds, sleek design (polished concrete and teak – very en vogue) deserve praise, too. There is a great on-site coffee shop (called Woodbrook), for a quick caffeine fix. At night, drink parlour Barbon flicks on its neon signage and mixes up classic cocktails alongside local craft and Italian wines.

What does Hostel Urby cost?
Dorm beds from 350 THB per night, private rooms start at 1300 THB. Book your stay ➞

LITA Bangkok

3 LITA, short for ‘life in the alley’, offers exactly what it says on the tin. Located in a quiet soi near MRT Rama 9 station, this “co-living space” gives guests the chance to experience life like a Bangkok local – albeit a very stylish one. The minimalist (and impeccably clean) white interior is complemented by warm woods and plenty of house plants, and houses a yoga space and small cafe on the ground floor.

What does Lita Bangkok cost？
Dorm beds from 400 THB per night, private rooms start at 1500 THB. Book your stay ➞

Kloem Hostel

4 Kloem Hostel gives its old Thai dwelling a second lease on life. Together with Integrated Field (the Bangkok-based design studio behind Ba Hao), they have transformed a traditional Thai wooden house into a sleek all-black hideout. From the hand-carved wooden ornaments to the typically Thai accessories littering the lounge areas, the team has made a real effort to stay true to its roots. There are six-bed, four-bed and three-bed dorms, as well as private rooms to choose from. Thanks to its location within walking distance from the Phaya Thai BTS station, the rest of the city is within easy reach.

What does Kloem Hostel cost?
Dorm beds from 300 THB per night, private rooms start at 1100 THB. Book your stay ➞

Once Again Hostel

5 Another great spot if you want Khao San Road within walking distance, but wish to stay out of earshot from the rowdy crowds. Clad in concrete and steel, Once Again’s modern facade stands in stark contrast with the typically Thai neighbourhood it’s located in, but typically Thai touches (and plenty of teakwood) give it a strong sense of place. Dorms are smart and clean, with snug bunks that can be closed off with a curtain. The kitchen of Cafe Velodrome on the ground floor dishes up breakfast, lunch, and dinner – but is also a great spot for coffee and a snack.

What does Once Again Hostel cost？
Dorm beds from 400 THB per night Book your stay ➞

TALES Khaosan

6 We can’t recommend it, but if you really, really want to stay next to Khao San Road – this railroad themed cafe-slash-hostel is the place to book. Occupying five stories of a refurbished shophouse, Tales operates a cafe (affordable coffees and brunch-y dishes), a co-working space, several dorms and one private room. The dorms (which sleep up to 12 travellers) are designed to look like train cabins, and the individual bunks can be curtained off for maximum privacy.

What does TALES Khao San cost？
Dorm beds from 400 THB per night, private rooms start at 1200 THB. Book your stay ➞

Luk Hostel

7 With Yaowarat’s street food sanctuary on its doorstep, Luk Hostel is a great place for those planning to eat their way through Chinatown. The design is sleek (straight lines, loads of sunlight), the staff is friendly, and the common areas are great spots to meet likeminded travellers and savvy locals. There’s a glass-floored rooftop bar-slash-restaurant, which is one of the best places for a sundowner in this part of town.

What does Luk Hostel cost?
Dorm beds from 300 THB per night, private rooms start at 1000 THB. Book your stay ➞

Ama Hostel Bangkok

8 Located in a quiet street just off Chinatown’s main drag, this new hostel gets raving reviews for its friendly service and comfortable beds. As a frequent traveller, its owner has a keen eye for the little details that manage to take a hostel stay from ‘good’ to ‘great’ (clean bathrooms, individual electrical sockets, free breakfast, etc.). The place proudly shows its heritage, with a funky Chinese interior that combines Peranakan patterns with technicolour touches. There’s a little wading pool on the top floor to cool off after a day in the Bangkok heat.

What does Ama Hostel cost?
Dorm beds from 250 THB per night, private rooms start at 800 THB. Book your stay ➞

The Tent Hostel

9 TENT hostel offers a camping experience without having to rough it (sort of…). Every bunk bed is covered by a tent and comes with individual lights and electricity sockets. There is a fully-equipped gym, yoga studio and lounge area – all done up in a riot of colours. Up on the roof, the cosy BBQ area offers great views over the Bangkok skyline. While its location is a little offbeat (next to Khlong Toey market), the MRT is within walking distance, connecting guests to both Sukhumvit and Chinatown in less than 15 minutes.

What does The Tent Hostel cost？
Dorm beds from 450 THB per night Book your stay ➞

Not on such a tight budget? Check out our Bangkok boutique hotel recommendations, and the best areas to stay in Bangkok