Top 5 Hostels in South East Asia

Hello wonderful people!

Your choice of hostel while travelling is always an important decision. You might need something cheap to save the pennies, luxurious after a week of roughing it, or sociable to meet fellow backpackers. While I was travelling South East Asia my main priority when choosing a hostel was usually the social scene. While I didn't want to be sleeping in a cockroach infested room, I also didn't mind sacrificing home comforts for a buzzing atmosphere. After all, I met some amazing people in some pretty grubby hostels; but backpacking isn't about luxury, it's about the people and the experience. So, in no particular order (and in my humble opinion) here are my top hostels in South East Asia!


Hanoi Backpackers: Hanoi, Vietnam

I can't exactly pinpoint what it is I loved about this hostel, because it has a lot of things going for it! The dorms were large and clean with a nice en-suite and the communal areas were open and fresh. There was a cracking free brekkie every morning and free water, which is a complete life saver as drinking tap water is a complete no-no, meaning you constantly have to buy water. There was an organised event on every night, ranging from bar crawls to pub quizzes which was a great way to get involved and meet people in the hostel. The location wasn't the best or the worst, it was situated down a little side street in central Hanoi and was in walking distance off all the main attractions.
In 3 words: fresh friendly vibe.

Nappark: Bangkok, Thailand

This was the first hostel I've ever stayed in and it definitely set my future expectations unreasonably high! The whole place just had a really relaxed, chilled vibe and was beautifully designed. The reception area was covered in huge mats and cushions for people to chill, watch tv, read, use the computers or socialise. I stayed in the largest dorm (22 bed, I think) and the layout was great as you didn't feel like you were crammed in with 21 other backpackers! The shower rooms were also nice, clean and modern, however they could have done with a few extra showers as there were only 2 on my floor. The location of the hostel couldn't have been much better, it was less than a 5 minute walk from the backpacker Mecca Khao San Road! Even though Nappark was slightly pricier than the majority of hostels in South East Asia, it's still a bargain compared to English prices and is definitely worth it for what you get!
In 3 words: relaxed social hub.

Backpackers House: Nha Trang, Vietnam

Oh my Lordy, if you're searching for a cracking social scene then look no further! This hostel had an on site bar that was constantly rammed and rocking every night. There was also an on site restaurant that did a free breakfast every morning and a free alcohol bucket with every main meal, cracking! Everyone at this hostel, including the staff, were up for a laugh! Mix this with ridiculously cheap alcohol and you've got a messy night ahead of you! I would tell you a story involving a boy and his broken leg, who insisted on going to a water park and lost his cast, but it's too long and inappropriate for this review I feel! But he was just one of the characters I met at this hostel! I stayed in the all female dorm and it wasn't the best or cleanest I've stayed in, but it was a pretty cheap hostel so I can't complain! All in all, I had a pretty amazing time at this hostel and Nha Trang is one of the best places I visited in Vietnam!
In 3 words: complete crazy madness.

The Sunflower: Hoi An, Vietnam

This hostel wasn't even really a hostel, it was a hybrid hostel-hotel with a pool and restaurant bar! Swanky, I know! I stayed in a 6 bed dorm, which was pretty standard and what you'd expect for the price (from memory about £2.50 ish a night). However, I also had some friends who decided to splash the cash (£6 at a guess) and stay in one of the double hotel rooms complete with en-suite and tv, what more could you want? There was a really nice out door area, with a reasonable size pool, which I was thrown in curtosy of some rowdy Kiwis! This area was ideal for meeting other backpackers, as it was always rammed, making it ideal for pre drinks! There was also (apparently) an amazing buffet breakfast, but I was far too hungover to crawl out of bed and feed myself.
In 3 words: varied sociable fun.

Greenpeace Bungalows: Koh Phangan, Thailand

I was obviously visiting Koh Phangan for the infamous Full Moon Party and thought these cute beachside bungalows were the perfect place to escape the madness of Haad Rin. Situated on their own private beach and only a 10 minute drive from the full moon beach, meant this accommodation provided the perfect balance between island paradise and party mayhem! The bungalows are basic, a double bed with small en-suite, but they are clean and tidy which is all you need. There is a common area/ restaurant that opens directly onto the beach and you can also purchase local alcohol from reception. The bungalows are owned and run by a lovely local family, who couldn't be friendlier or do more for you. And at just under £4 a night, you can't complain! If you're looking for a place to escape to after the madness of full moon, then this is it fo' sho!
In 3 words: chilled island paradise.

So there you have it, stay at one of these places while on your travels in South East Asia and you're bound to have a cracking (and slightly alcohol fuelled) time! If you fancy checking out my opinions on other hostels I've stayed in, check out my Tripadvisor profile, it's totally thrilling and filled with amazing reviews (maybe, ha)!

Bizzle people!