Budget accommodation in Bangkok

Before Danny Boyle’s The Beach became a roaring success, Khao San Road was a relatively quiet area, with a few reasonably priced guest houses. Post the film’s release—which described this street as ‘the centre of the backpacking universe’—this has become a pit-stop on every traveller’s list (especially twenty-somethings looking for a good bargain). Although Bangkok offers upscale accommodation at relatively reasonable prices, Khao San Road is the obvious choice for budget travellers looking for a good base while exploring the city. The upside to anchoring here, is the countless number of hotels (both budget and midrange), bars, restaurants, clubs, shops and massage parlours that dot this km-long street on either side—bringing all the action to your doorstep (it doesn’t really matter that there’s no skytrain or subway at walking distance, attractions like The Grand Palace, National Museum and the popular Emerald Buddha are a short jaunt away). Keeping pace with its growing popularity, the budget guesthouses too, have upped their game—offering backpackers more than just a spot to rest their heads—and offer better amenities and more comfort at unbeatable prices. You could also explore Soi Rambuttri just next door, which accommodates the spill-over from Khao San Road and is an equally good option for shoe-string travellers.