Siam / National Stadium

Lub d Bangkok Siam

★★★★★

Lub d Bangkok Siam is the budget pick for travellers who want comfort, a social atmosphere and an unbeatable location without spending much. Lub d is a Thai hostel and hotel brand, and its Siam property sits right next to National Stadium BTS station, on the Silom Line, at the edge of Bangkok's main shopping district. From the door you can walk to MBK Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and the Jim Thompson House is a few minutes away down a quiet lane. The Skytrain takes you to the river at Saphan Taksin for the boats to the old town, and to Sukhumvit for nightlife, without changing lines for many trips. The property has been newly renovated, and it offers a range of rooms: modern dormitories with privacy curtains, personal lights and lockers, and private rooms for couples, friends and solo travellers who want their own space, some with private bathrooms. The renovation focused on the shared spaces, with a larger lounge and social areas placed between the rooms, so it is easy to meet other travellers, work on a laptop or simply relax in the air-conditioning. Breakfast is available, and the staff organise activities and share local tips. The atmosphere is friendly and lively without the all-night party feel of some Khao San hostels, which makes it popular with solo travellers, students, young couples and budget-minded travellers of all ages. Lub d's former Silom property no longer appears to operate under the brand, so Siam is the brand's central Bangkok address.

Why choose Lub d over a cheap hotel? The location and the social spaces. Budget hotels in this part of the city are often dated or poorly connected, while Lub d is clean, modern, secure and right on the Skytrain. Solo travellers in particular get a ready-made community: shared tables, organised activities and staff who know the city well. If you want quiet, book a private room; if you want company and the lowest price, the dorms are comfortable and well designed.

Practical points: dorm beds have curtains, reading lights, power sockets and lockers, so bring a padlock if you prefer your own. Towels and linen are provided. The neighbourhood is busy with shoppers by day and quieter at night, with plenty of street food around the National Stadium area and the food courts in the malls for cheap air-conditioned meals. MBK, a huge, inexpensive mall for electronics, phone accessories and souvenirs, is across the road.

Who it suits: solo travellers, backpackers, students and young couples on a budget, and anyone who wants a central base on the Skytrain. The trade-offs are the shared nature of the dorms, the lack of a pool, and compact private rooms; families and travellers who want hotel facilities will be happier in a mid-range hotel. But for the price, few places in Bangkok offer this combination of comfort, convenience and company.