8 Unique Places to Stay in Bangkok

Because of the low prices and endless attractions, Bangkok is a go-to place for travellers with all sorts of budget ranges. Maybe it’s your first time in Bangkok, or you’ve been here a couple of times and want to do something new (READ: 3 Things to Do in Bangkok Other Than Shopping and Eating). Since there’s little more wiggle room in your wallet in a city like Bangkok, make the most of your trip by staying in any of these one-of-a-kind hostels. They’ll be sure to add a pop of colour to your Instagram feed!

1. The House of Phraya Jasaen

Most first-time travellers like to play safe and stay along Sukhumvit Road, but if you’d really like to explore authentic Bangkok, book a place like The House of Phraya Jasaen that sits right by BTS Saphan Taksin. The historic area has changed very little since the 1960s and maintains its quaint character and energy.

The House of Phraya Jasaen may be a new addition to the area, it was built by combining seven antique shophouses. Interior designer and co-owner Jatya Wongpaiboon paid particular care to ensure that the authenticity and integrity of the shophouses would remain intact, but would still be in-keeping with modern Thai tastes.

The result? A vibrant mix of modern and retro within a four-story building that houses 32 guest rooms.

Bedroom (image via phrayajasaen)

The hotel has around 14 unique different room styles, that swing from cool, modern, and hipster, to warm, rustic, and homey. Much of the furniture and decor was collected from families who once occupied and ran the shophouses.

(image via phrayajasaen.com)
Dorm room (image via phrayajasaen.com)

Apart from the bedrooms, The House of Phraya Jaesen is also houses its own massage parlor. Guests have the option of staying in the barber shop chairs or the massage beds by the huge elephant. Local belief holds that passing through the elephant’s legs will bring you good luck!

Massage parlour chairs (image via timeinthai.com)
Pass through the elephant legs for good luck! (image via timeinthai.com)

2. POD Hostel Cafe Designshop

While the idea pod-style bunking can seem claustrophobic to some people, others think it gives them the most affordable option for some much needed privacy. POD Hostel Cafe Designshop’s pods are cozy and comfortable and not at all suffocating, but also comes equipped with full bedrooms for couples and families.

Pod-style bunking (image via ph.hostels.com)
Full bedroom (image via pod-designhotel.com)

The entire hostel exudes and young and energetic vibe, with its cool and innovative designs. As the name suggests, POD Hostel Cafe Designshop also houses a great cafe decorated with fixed gear bikes hanging on the walls. They also have computer stations if you need to catch up on work and bunch of soft couches for chilling and lazing around.

(image via pod-designhostel.com)
(image via pod-designhostel.com)

3. J No. 14 Hotel

Science nerds and nature geeks will love the J No. 14 Hotel, which looks like it came straight out of a National Geographic documentary. The hotel, which was originally an old warehouse, is littered with exotic plants and science experiments in every nook and cranny.

(image via Piamphon Champian)

One of the main attractions of the hostel is the botanical garden.

Botanical Garden (image via Piamphon Chanpiam)

Apart from the science experiments, J No. 14 Hotel also houses a wide array of antiques such as a wooden piano, typewriters, and Britanica Encyclopedia’s—which is probably where the owner got his inspiration.

(image via Piamphon Chanpiam)
(image via Piamphon Chanpiam)

4. Chao Hostel

Millennial restlessness is a real thing, which means even your lodging can’t be drab and boring. Chao Hostel knows this and has tailored its rooms and common areas to fan the wanderlust inside of you.

Common seating area (via chaohostel.com)
Bedroom (image via chaohostel.com)

The hostel is designed for groups to meet and converse. Perfect if you’re travelling not just to see interesting places, but to meet interesting people! Even introverts will feel like striking up a conversation with the other guests.

Common room (via chaoshostel.com)
Kitchen and Pantry (image via chaoshostel.com)

5. Room @ Bangkok

If you want to go for something on the more toned down and elegant without breaking bank, Room @ Bangkok offers minimalist but distinctive themed-rooms. Room @ Bangkok sits right by some of the trendiest neighborhoods and has easy access to the city and shopping centres.

Cafe and Lobby (image via thailand.tripcanvas.co)
Bedroom (image via Booking.com)

The hostel is just 5 minutes away from Asoke BTS station and close to the famous Terminal 21 shopping mall. Come back here to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Bedroom (image via Booking.com)

6. Beat Hotel by Hi-Residence

Bangkok is an urban hotbed of up-and-coming creatives and artists, and Beat Hotel by Hi-Residence wants to celebrate this by splattering your walls with their best works.

Double Trouble Bedroom (image via beathotel.com)

They regularly play host to art events and competitions, and features profiles by prominent artists such as Lolay and Tomyork. The hotel has its own art gallery and artist space that will inspire even the most uncreative to paint something.

Hoff Art Space (image via beathotelbangkok.com)
Hof Art Residency

The hotel is located near the Phra Khanong BTS station, in the bustling and creative W District where you’re sure to find a circle of young artists just like yourself.

The Melting Pot (image via beathotelbangkok.com)

7. Playhaus Thonglor Hotel

Theater fans too will get a real kick out of staying at this hotel. Thailand may be a longway from Sunset Boulevard and Broadway Street, but guests will still feel star-studded. Each floor has a different-themed room: The Romeo and Juliet Room, the Aladdin Room, and the Mary Poppins Room.

Romeo and Juliet Room (image via playhaushotel.com)
The Aladdin Room (image via playhaushotel.com)

Sip your scotch in style with backstage mirrors outlined with light bulbs. The Backstage Cocktails Bar has seasoned bartenders showcase special seasonal cocktails and mocktails, or pick a wine from their diverse and superb menu.

Backstage Cocktails Bar (image via playhaushotel.com)
Backstage Cocktails Bar (image via playhaushotel.com)
Hotel Interior (image via playhaushotel.com)

8. Oneday Hostel

Maybe you don’t need much for your hostel, and just want something that offers a little more than the bare minimum. Oneday Hostel offers many options for single travellers looking for privacy, or groups of backpackers looking for a good dorm to bunk.

Oneday Hostel Bedroom
Oneday Hostel Bedroom
Oneday Hostel Beroom (image via hostelworld.com)

With their excellent housekeeping and customer service, those sketchy health-hazard hostels that backpackers are all too familliar with a thing of the past.

Communal bathroom (image via hostelworld.com)
Common Room (image via hotel-r.net)
Common and working space (image via hostelworld.com)

One Day’s spartan but comfortable amenities and close proximity to the different airports, train stations, and bus terminals have also made it a quick getaway for city-dwellers. Or for professionals just looking for a change of scene, the hostel comes fully equipped with a functional working space.

The hostel also offers many opportunities for travellers to meet new people with group classes and activities such as storytelling and yoga.

Book your stay at Oneday Hostel: here.

Yoga Class (image via onedaypauseandforward)

Escape from the urban grind and squeeze in an adventure right from the comforts of your own bed. These hostels will make a staycation fun and exciting!

Looking for other things to do in Thailand? Check these out:

>> 6 Thrilling Activities To Do In Bangkok For The Adrenaline Junkies
>> Top 7 Street Food You Must Eat in Bangkok Or You Haven’t Been There!
>> 8 Night Markets You Must Visit in Bangkok

Browse more travel experiences in Bangkok: here.

8 Bali Villas under S$150 for Your Weekend Getaway

Deciding whether or not to tap into your work vacation leaves can be agonizing. On one hand, you need to get away from the daily grind. On the other hand, you’re saving those precious days for a longer trip, or maybe you just can’t afford to take the time off. We guess that leaves you with a quick weekend getaway!

Luckily, we at KKday are here to help you out. We’ve rounded up some of the best Bali villas under that will give you way more bang for your buck than you initially bargained for. Now you can take that well deserved weekend off!

1. Paradise Loft Villas

Looking for something in the Jimbaran area? Hit this place up. Paradise Loft Villas sits perched on top of a hill with an incredible view of Tanjung, Benoa. Its modern, Mediterranean design emphasizes open space, drowning the entire villa in natural sunlight to give it a cozy, holiday home feel.

The villa sits atop a hill in the Jimbaran area and faces Tanjung, Benoa
Paradise Loft Villas is perched on top of a hill and faces Tanjung, Benoa (image via Booking.com)
Hear the ocean breeze right from your window (image via Booking.com)

You can hear the beach call you from your bedroom window, since Jimbaran Beach is just a 10 minute drive away. A little further away is the Bali Colelction Shopping Centre. Unwind at the end of the day by your private pool and enjoy the view.

Estimated Cost:
S$130 for two nights
Location: Jl. Kori East Nuance, Nuance Jimbaran, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali
Contact: +62 85 100 841 281

2. Pande Villas Spa & Restaurant

If you and your significant other are long overdue for some quality alone time, you’ll want something both private and romantic. Pande Villas Spa & Restaurant gives you the opportunity to explore the village in the day and then later unwind to a paradise atmosphere with their in-villa spa and restaurant services. Catch the sunset on the horizon over a candle-lit dinner and enjoy the rest of your night together.

Paradise atmosphere (image via Booking.com)
Dinner for Two (image via Booking.com)
Spend the night in (image via booking)

Pressed for time and energy but still want to make the most of your weekend? Mengening Beach is just a five-minute walk away. And if you want to go for something more cultural and historical, you can take a quick trip down to the Legendary Sea Temple, Tanah Lot Temple.

Estimated Cost: S$130 for two nights
Location: Pantai Mengening Cemagi, Mengwi Badung, Bali
Contact: 
+62 361 848 3288

3. Noah Villa and Chapel

Maybe you and your significant other have started having the marriage talk. Or maybe you’re an old couple looking to reignite some of that newly-wed spark. Either way, you may want something more than your run-of-the-mill weekend getaway. Noah Villa and Chapel is a uniquely designed villa complex inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark. Its bright and spacious ark-shaped villas each house their own private terrace, and the sprawling landscapes are filled with glittering ponds and trim gardens. 

Bright and spacious villas fitted with their own private terraces (image via Booking.com)

The centerpiece of the villa complex is an architectural ark building that houses an intimate chapel. It’s not surprising that this place has played host to many wedding ceremonies and honeymoons. The ark seeks to symbolize hope, particularly for couples about to embark on the spiritual journey of marriage and they move towards eternal happiness.

The chapel is inspired by the story of Noah’s ark and seeks to symbolize hope (image via Booking.com)

Even if you’re not planning get married right then and there, there’s still an abundance of in-villa activities and attractions in the surrounding area. A 15-minute drive can take you to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and the Benoa Square Shopping Centre.

Estimated Cost: S$140 for two nights
Location: Jalan Indraprasta Br. Giri Dharma Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali
Contact: +62 361 3565 777 / +62 852 6464 7702

4. Segening Private Villa

If you fancy yourself a nature buff but are hesitant to leave the comforts of the great indoors, this villa will hit you you right in that sweet spot. Segening Villa‘s Balinese-inspired architecture and lush greenery have been described to make it feel like living in the jungle—with all modern-day conveniences. Phew!

Modern-day Tree Houses (image via Booking.com)
Enjoy a weekend away from chores and errands with available laundry and baby-sitting services (image via Booking.com)

Apart from free shuttle rides to central Ubud and spa services, Segening Villa also offers laundry and baby-sitting services for added convenience. This gives you a lot of time to go hike the nearby trails, cycling, or exploring the cultural hotspots. Within a three-kilometer distance are the Neka Art Museum, Botanic Garden Ubud, Naughty Nuri’s Warung & Grill, and the Mozaic Restaurant.

You can imagine your private swimming pool as an elephant watering hole (image via Booking.com)


Estimated Cost: S$150 for two nights
Location: Jl. Raya Sebali , Desa Sebali, Ubud, Bali

5. Karana Villa

Maybe you don’t want to spend your weekend just staying in and would rather use the time to get out and explore. This is probably the case for first-timers in Bali. Karana Villa is a spacious and modern villa just a kilometer from the city center.

Modern and spartan bedrooms (image via Booking.com)

The staff can easily arrange for bicycle rentals and day trips that will allow you to visit all the major cultural sights nearby. These sights include the Jagatnatha Temple, Puputan Badung Square, and the Taksu Gallery.

And after a long day of wandering through the city, enjoy a late night dip under the stars with your private outdoor swimming pool.

Enjoy a swim by your private outdoor pool right beside your bedroom (image via Booking.com)

Estimated Cost: S$140 for two nights
Location: Jl. Mahendradata, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 80361
Contact: +62361 488276

6. Benoa Beach Front Villas & Spas

The more Indonesia rapidly urbanizes, the easier it becomes to forget that it’s still a tropical island. A trip to Benoa Beach Front Villas & Spas gives you that fresh reminder, with its breathtaking ocean view amidst lush green tropical forests.

Stick around for the beach festivities (image via Booking.com)

Despite the festive beach recreational activities and the body beauty treatment center, the real joy can be found in listening to the birds sing as they fly into the glorious sunset.

See if you can spot the birds among the lush greenery (image via true-beachfront.com)

Estimated Cost: S$93 for two nights
Location: Jl. Pratama 15B, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Bali
Contact: 0361-771 634

7. Villa Selina Eco Resort

It’s sad that the environment often takes a big hit when people decide to turn something into a travel destination. For tropical spots like the ones in Bali, it’s the ocean reefs and the fish that suffer the most. The Villa Selina Eco Resort wants to change that, and actively promotes environmental conservation into their business and travel model.

Villa Selina drops you right where the forest meets the coast (image via villa-selina-bali.com)
Unwind inside your hut! (image via villa-selina-bali.com)

It’s located within the small village of Bondalem and is completely surrounded by coastline and jungle.  Some of their conservation initiatives include ending aquarium poaching and village bird shooting.  If you want to see the work they’ve done for the coral reefs, you can join their scuba diving class!

Sink your feet in the sand before diving in after the fish (image via villa-selina-bali.com)

With its waterfalls, hot springs, forest and ocean, the Villa Selina Eco Resort is bursting with all forms of life. Here, the exotic energy of Bali is truly intoxicating and will leave you aching for a another visit the moment you check out.

The majestic waterfalls will make you feel one with nature (image via villa-selina-bali.com)

Estimated Cost: S$42 for two nights
Location: Jalan Jero Kuta
, Bondalem, Bali
Contact: +62 (0)818-0548-2938

8.  Pondok Pitaya

No trip to Bali is really complete without attempting to surf the incredible beach waves. Pondok Pitaya, uniquely located on the edge of a natural volcanic black sand beach and cliff, offers the ideal atmosphere for anyone looking to get their adrenaline pumping and catch some waves.

Pondok Pitaya is perched on top of a cliff and overlooks some of the best surfing waves year-round (image via tripadvisor.com)

Each bungalow is reconstructed from teak wood and boat wood from indigenous houses imported from Java that date back all the way from the 1930s. No two bungalows look the same. Apart from the usual rooms, Pondok Pitaya Hotel also includes Surfer Suites and large houses that can sleep up to 8 people—perfect for you and the whole gang!

For the whole gang (image via pondokpitaya.com)

Apart from surfing, its prime location right by Balian Beach has also made Pondok Pitaya a thriving training spot for yoga practitioners. You can probably catch both surfers and yogis (or surfing yogis!) by the sandy beach just as the sun rises and as the sun sets.

Estimated Cost: S$150 for two nights
Location: Jl. Pantai Balian, Br Pengasahan – Desa Lalanglinggah, kec. Selemadeg Barat, Tabanan-Bali
Contact: +62 0819 99849054

Whether your looking to just stay in your bedroom or head out to the beach, we’ve got you covered. Now go pack your bags and head out. You’ll come back to the office feeling much better and ready to take on the rest of the week.

For travel activities in Bali:

>> Dolphin Watching Day Cruise
>> 3 Islands Cruise with Rafting and Snorkeling
>> Telaga Waja Rafting Day Tour

For more exciting travel guides in Bali:

>> What To Do in Bali For An Exciting Weekend Getaway
>> 7 Sedap Food You Can Only Find in Bali