Your stay — The Backpack Hostel
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The Property — The Backpack Hostel
The Backpack Hostel is a no-frills basecamp in the thick of Khao San Road’s backpacker circus. It’s loud, chaotic, and cheap – think bunk-bed dorms, a communal roof terrace, and free Wi-Fi that actually works. You’re here for location over luxury: stumble out the door into Bangkok’s most famous street market, and a 20-minute walk gets you to the Grand Palace. It suits solo travellers and young groups who want to meet people and don’t mind sleeping through the bar noise.
Chronicles of Bangkok
Bangkok was founded in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River to Rattanakosin Island, building the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The 19th and 20th centuries saw canals dug for transport – earning it ‘Venice of the East’ – then rapidly paved over for roads and skyscrapers. Today, Bangkok is a hyperkinetic blend of gold-spired temples, colossal malls, and street-food alleys. It’s Thailand’s political, economic, and cultural epicentre, with a population pushing 11 million in the metro area.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bangkok guide →Best months
November to February: cooler, dry air (25-30°C), low humidity, and clear skies – perfect for walking temples and street food. Crowds are manageable outside Christmas-New Year peak.
Peak / festival surge
April’s Songkran (Thai New Year, 13-15 April) is the busiest, with water fights citywide. Hotel prices double, and Khao San Road becomes a water-war zone. Also crowded: December holidays and Chinese New Year (late January/early February).
Budget shoulder season
March and October offer mild weather, lower prices, and far fewer tourists. You dodge both the heat of April-May and the rains of June-September.
Weather & packing
Bangkok’s July is the wet season: expect short, heavy downpours most afternoons. Pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry sandals – canvas trainers will stay wet for days.
Live City Briefing — Bangkok
- The MRT Orange Line extension is ongoing; check for station closures on the Blue Line near Sukhumvit until late 2026.
- Khao San Road now bans loud music and unauthorised street stalls after 10pm under a new noise ordinance – quieter nights ahead.
- July 2026 sits in the annual Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) period; many Thais abstain from alcohol, but bars and hostels remain open.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Backpack Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (6th floor and above) for a quieter stay. Given the hotel's location in Bangkok, the higher floors will provide some insulation from the city's constant noise. Additionally, avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as the constant traffic can be bothersome.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or the bar area, as these tend to attract more foot traffic and noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, but it's likely that rooms facing the street will have views of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 4th to 6th floors are generally quieter, given their distance from the service entrance and the elevator.
🔊 Noise notes
Bangkok is known for its traffic congestion, so expect some street noise even on higher floors. Additionally, the hotel's location in the city means that there may be some noise from the surrounding bars and restaurants.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a window that opens to get a breeze and some natural light. If you're arriving early, try to check-in during the morning rush hour (around 10am-12pm) when the lines are shorter.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Backpack Hostel
free in public areas, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, 1 staircase-only section in historic building
complimentary PressReader access, physical papers available upon request
14:00-01:00, 08:00 early bag-drop, late check-out until 12:00 with 200 THB fee
available 24/7, 20 THB per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, some rooms on higher floors have limited mobility access
on-site parking available, 200 THB per night, nearest public car park 500m away (100 THB per hour), no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 100 THB per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 500 THB advance deposit, 1,000 THB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: วัดม่วงแค (185 m · ~2 min walk)
- Mosque: มัสยิดฮารูณ (241 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: อาสนวิหารอัสสัมชัญ (467 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: มัสยิดกรุงเทพฯ (512 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Central: The Original Store — 252 m · ~3 min walk
สวนชุมชนโชฎึก — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
บ้านเขียวอันยุมัน — 220 m · ~3 min walk
A Katanyu Comedy Club — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 10 m · ~1 min walk
ห้างขายยา โอเรียลเต็ล — 347 m · ~4 min walk
7-Eleven — 213 m · ~3 min walk
ท่าเรือไอคอนสยาม 2 — 591 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange booths, or use ATMs at the airport, but be aware that rates may be poor, and fees higher than at local banks. Consider using a credit or debit card for better rates.
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but Amex may have limited acceptance at some local shops and markets. Mobile payments like GrabPay and Alipay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 THB for good service is appreciated. For taxis, it's customary to round up to the nearest 10 THB. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but a small gesture of gratitude is always appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local street vendor for around 30-50 THB (approximately $1-$1.50 USD)
A street food stall serving pad thai or other local dishes can cost around 100-150 THB ($3-$4.50 USD) for a meal.
A budget-friendly restaurant serving a main course can cost around 150-250 THB ($4.50-$7.50 USD) per person.
Street food areas like Sukhumvit Soi 33, Khao San Road, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market offer a variety of affordable options.
Local 7-Eleven and Family Mart convenience stores are common, while bigger supermarkets like Big C and Tesco Lotus are also available.
Affordable shopping can be found at Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK Center, or at local markets like Rot Fai Night Market.
A day pass for the BTS Skytrain costs around 140 THB ($4 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station, which costs around 35 THB ($1 USD).
Use public transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances.Eat at street food stalls or markets for a more affordable meal option.Avoid exchanging money at the airport, and instead use ATMs or local banks for better rates.
Good to know — Bangkok
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.34 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bangkok, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Backpack Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 10 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · ห้างขายยา โอเรียลเต็ล — 347 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) → Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (Saphan Taksin BTS)
💡 Most economical option. Get off at Saphan Taksin BTS station, then take free hotel shuttle boat or short walk. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
City Center / Anywhere on BTS network → Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (Saphan Taksin Station)
💡 Essential for daily exploration. Get BTS Rabbit Card for convenience. Saphan Taksin station connects directly to hotel's private pier for Chao Phraya river access.
Suvarnabhumi / Don Mueang Airport → Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
💡 Cheapest option but slowest. Route S1 (BKK) connects to city center. Combine with BTS for direct hotel access. Not recommended for heavy luggage.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) / Don Mueang Airport (DMK) → Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
💡 Use official taxi stands outside baggage claim to avoid scams. Insist on meter usage. Consider Grab app for fixed pricing and safety.
About Bangkok
Wikipedia ↗
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 9.1 million people as of...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Backpack Hostel?
Request rooms on the higher floors (6th floor and above) for a quieter stay. Given the hotel's location in Bangkok, the higher floors will provide some insulation from the city's constant noise. Additionally, avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as the constant traffic can be bothersome.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Backpack Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or the bar area, as these tend to attract more foot traffic and noise.
Is The Backpack Hostel noisy?
Bangkok is known for its traffic congestion, so expect some street noise even on higher floors. Additionally, the hotel's location in the city means that there may be some noise from the surrounding bars and restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at The Backpack Hostel?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, but it's likely that rooms facing the street will have views of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at The Backpack Hostel?
Consider requesting a room with a window that opens to get a breeze and some natural light. If you're arriving early, try to check-in during the morning rush hour (around 10am-12pm) when the lines are shorter.
What time is check-in at The Backpack Hostel?
Check-in at The Backpack Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Backpack Hostel have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Backpack Hostel?
100 THB per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near The Backpack Hostel?
A street food stall serving pad thai or other local dishes can cost around 100-150 THB ($3-$4.50 USD) for a meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Backpack Hostel?
A day pass for the BTS Skytrain costs around 140 THB ($4 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station, which costs around 35 THB ($1 USD).
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February: cooler, dry air (25-30°C), low humidity, and clear skies – perfect for walking temples and street food. Crowds are manageable outside Christmas-New Year peak.
Top Attractions in Bangkok
💡 Come after 7pm when it comes alive. Avoid the overpriced smoothie stands on the main strip; walk one block to Soi Rambuttri for the same quality at half the price.
💡 Rent a paddleboat on the lake for 40 baht per 30 minutes. The lizards are harmless but keep kids away — they can grow over 2 metres long.
💡 Arrive by 9am to avoid the midday crush. Bring cash — most stalls don't take cards. Section 2 has the best cheap eats under 50 baht.
💡 The massage school is in the southern zone; no appointment needed, just queue. Entry is 300 baht, but the massage is a separate cost.
💡 Go at 8.30am when gates open to dodge the tour groups and heat. Dress covering shoulders and knees or you'll be refused entry — rental sarongs are available near the entrance.