NapPark Hostel @ Khao San

NapPark is a busy party hostel with a sociable vibe, and its public areas make meeting new friends easy. The narrow entrance is shrouded in shrubbery that adds a tropical feel; it’s set back just far enough from the sidewalk, is built around an old spirit tree, and has smoker-friendly outdoor seating. Inside, the moody and stylish but dark lobby has polished concrete floors and suspended light fittings made of bamboo twigs. The black wood-fronted reception desk is simple yet sleek, while brick accent walls sport arty souvenirs for sale and a collage of guests’ photos covers the back wall. Floor mattresses take up much of the space, where guests are encouraged to kick back, while the shoes-off rule adds to the homey feel. Simple hallways with brown walls and all-black stairs are brightened up with ornate golden murals, and there’s a cute but small non-smoking roof terrace.

Just two blocks from the infamous Khao San Road, NapPark is well located for party-eager travelers, while being just far enough removed from the action that a quiet night’s sleep isn’t out of the question. The property is hemmed in by other hotels, hostels, and local businesses on a side street that, while buzzing, generally sees only light traffic. It’s also within walking distance of a number of other Old Town tourist attractions, and there are plenty of street food vendors, restaurants, and traveler-friendly market stalls nearby. But this isn’t the place to stay if you want to be within easy reach of downtown -- it's a trek to the Skytrain and subway.

• Four-minute walk to Khao San Road
• Seven-minute walk to Phra Sumen fort and Santi Chai Prakan Park
• Nine-minute walk to Democracy Monument
• 10-minute walk to the Phra Athit river ferry pier
• Seven-minute drive to the Grand Palace and the Giant Swing
• Nine-minute drive to the Golden Mount
• 10-minute drive to Wat Pho temple
• 13-minute drive to Wat Arun temple and National Stadium Skytrain station
• 15-minute drive to Hualamphong mainline train and subway station
• 18-minute drive to Siam shopping malls
• 21-minute drive to Chatuchak weekend market
• 30- to 50-minute drive to Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang International Airports

NapPark is a dorm-only hostel with no private rooms. The cheapest Economy and Standard Dorms have 22 beds (Economy Dorms lack windows), while mixed-sex or ladies-only Superior Dorms have just six beds (and windows). All dorms are simple but thoughtfully designed, with generously sized white metal-framed bunks -- though mattresses get mixed reviews for comfort, and lower bunks are right at floor level. Each bed has a privacy curtain that pulls around to create an enclosed pod-type space, and all have individual reading lights, mirrors, and power sockets. Large windows (except in Economy Dorms) let in plenty of light, though some dorms overlook public spaces and lack privacy when the heavy curtains are open. Otherwise, there’s little in the rooms besides lockers big enough for backpacks (bring your own padlock); in pricier rooms, golden mural detailing adds interest to dividing walls. Some guests report that the centrally controlled air-conditioning is switched off in the daytime.

Smart, modern bathrooms are done up in polished concrete, with chic mosaic tiling in shower stalls that have fixed hot water showerheads and free pump toiletries. There are elegant copper countertop sinks, large mirrors, and hairdryers, but bathrooms are small given the size of the dorms, and there are some reports of them being in a poor state at times.

Security is strong: keycards are required to access the accommodation from the lobby, and again to get into dorms. The hostel retains guests’ passports as a deposit; this is potentially problematic, since Thai law requires foreigners to keep their passports with them at all times, but guests report that the hostel will accept a nominal cash deposit instead. NapPark also has a policy of not accepting reservations from Thai guests -- as well as being problematic for Thais, this ban can turn off other travelers.

NapPark offers limited facilities, to be expected of a hostel at this price point, but there are plenty of thoughtful freebies, like local snacks and soft drinks in the lobby, as well as bikes for hire. Breakfast costs extra and is available until mid-afternoon from the coffee bar-style Tamarind Tree Cafe at the entrance, where drinks and light meals are also served. It’s not open in the evenings, though a refrigerator has soft and alcoholic drinks for sale on a self-service basis around the clock. There are also regular themed game and live music nights. The hostel has an extensive collection of books, DVDs, and video games to borrow, and there’s a good number of computers for guests to use in the lobby. Reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There are also limited coin-operated laundry facilities available. There’s no curfew, and the 24-hour front desk can book tours and day trips.