Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret: Banana Hostel (Don Muang)!
Banana Hostel: Don Muang's "Secret" That DESERVES All The Hype (And Maybe a Few Tweaks) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, let's cut the crap. You’re looking for a place near Don Muang Airport in Bangkok, and the name “Banana Hostel” keeps popping up. You're probably thinking… Is it legit? Is it actually a good deal? Is it full of backpackers? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to lay down the real dirt on this place. And trust me, it's not all sunshine and bananas (though there are plenty of bananas involved, just you wait).
First Impressions & Getting There (The Slightly Chaotic Beginning):
Finding Banana Hostel? Easy peasy. Getting to Banana Hostel? Okay, that's where the adventure begins. The airport transfer (a godsend after a red-eye!) was supposed to be seamless, but… let’s just say my driver seemed to have a slightly creative understanding of the word "route." We definitely saw more of Bangkok's back alleys than I'd anticipated. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? (I'm trying to convince myself… with the help of a strong coffee, that I'll get to later).
Accessibility: (A Mix-and-Match Situation)
Okay, so… this is where things get a little tricky. "Accessible" it is, in the sense that there were elevators and ramps, making it possible for someone with mobility issues to navigate the main areas. BUT, and it's a big but… the website doesn't go into crazy detail. Better contact the hostel specifically for details. (Don't rely on me, I'm just some dude who drinks too much coffee and types a lot.)
Cleanliness and Safety: (They Try REALLY Hard!)
This is where Banana Hostel actually shines. Seriously, I was impressed. The whole place, from the lobby to the… well, even the public bathrooms (and trust me, I checked them out, because… well, travel), felt CLEAN. Like, sparkling clean. They're clearly taking COVID seriously: hand sanitizer everywhere (like, seriously, everywhere), and the staff was constantly wiping down surfaces. They were even doing daily disinfection of the common areas. I felt safe, which, after a long flight, is a HUGE win. They had a doctor on call too, which is a reassuring thing to know, even if you end up not needing it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (A Tasty Balancing Act)
Okay, the food part! The Banana Hostel has a restaurant (or is it a lounge? Is it a restaurant-lounge-hybrid? I'm not even sure anymore!), and it's… good. They've got a decent breakfast buffet (Asian and Western options – score!), and an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The Asian cuisine was surprisingly authentic, but the pizza? Okay, maybe they should stick to what they know best. But, they also have a bar! Which is open after dark, and that's pretty amazing. I mean if you want to relax, grab a beer, and tell the people in the hostel about your day, you can! They made a great effort with alternative meal arrangements.
Services and Conveniences: (The Good, The Meh, and The Surprisingly Awesome)
- Wi-Fi? Yeah, it's free, and it works, mostly! It's great to have constant Wi-Fi.
- Laundry service? Absolutely! And it was fast and affordable. A lifesaver after a backpacking trip.
- The Elevator? Yes! I used it every day.
- The Gift Shop? Okay, it was small, but it had the bare essentials. Postcards? Check. Snacks? Check. Random souvenirs you'll probably never use? Double-check!
- The Concierge? Awesome. Really helpful with planning my day trips to visit the temples.
- The Daily Housekeeping? Yeah, absolutely.
- Luggage Storage? Yep. Saved my life when I got there early.
For the Kids: (Not Really Their Forte)
This place is NOT really for kids. Yes, they say it’s family-friendly, but I'm not buying it. Babysitting service? Nah. Kids facilities? Nonexistent. It's more of a chill, backpacker-ish vibe, and if you're traveling with little ones, you might want to look elsewhere.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Sort Of Missed Opportunity)
Okay, so the "wellness" offerings are… limited. There's no gym, no spa, nada. They do have a swimming pool (outdoor), which is actually pretty nice – perfect for a refreshing dip after a hot day. They really missed the mark if they had massage or a sauna though. But hey, they don't claim to be a resort!
Available in All Rooms: (The Essentials & Some Extras)
- Air Conditioning? Thank GOD, yes. Welcome to Bangkok.
- Free Bottled Water? Another godsend.
- Coffee/Tea Maker? Yep! And complimentary tea!
- Wi-Fi? Free and (mostly) reliable.
- Safe Box: Yup.
- Refrigerator?: Oh yeah.
The Room: (My Sanctuary… mostly!)
My room? It was… decent. Clean, functional, but nothing to write home about. The bed was comfy enough, the air conditioning worked, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The bathroom was clean and it's pretty essential. However, the decor was a bit… bland. But hey, I wasn’t there to judge interior design, I was there to sleep, and it did its job. The room sanitization opt-out was a good piece of information.
My Absolute Favorite Moment: (The Pool with a View)
Okay, I'm going to gush for a second. That outdoor pool? At sunset? With a cocktail from the poolside bar? Pure. Bliss. Seriously, after a day of dodging tuk-tuks and bargaining at the markets, sinking into that cool water was like hitting the reset button. The view wasn't stunning, necessarily, but it was peaceful. And that feeling of pure relaxation justified the whole stay. I ended up just wandering around the poolside bar for hours.
The "Secret" Sauce: (Why I'd Recommend It… with a Few Caveats)
Banana Hostel isn't perfect. It's not a luxury resort. It's not particularly romantic (unless you really love a good, slightly-worn-around-the-edges vibe). But it is clean, safe, surprisingly well-equipped for its price point, and the staff are generally friendly/helpful.
Here’s the deal: If you're looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly option near Don Muang Airport to crash for a night or two, especially if you’re a solo traveler or a couple who values cleanliness and a chill atmosphere, Banana Hostel is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a slightly… adventurous journey to get there, and lower your expectations for the spa-like experience. And if you love a good pool and a cold drink, then you will love this hostel!
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 Bananas (with a recommendation to stock up on more fun cocktails)
Shanghai's Ji Hotel: Gucun Park's BEST Hidden Gem? (Near Metro!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip is never as smooth as it sounds, especially when you're starting from a slightly… let's say, "rustic" hostel in Don Muang. This is going to be less "polished travel brochure" and more "scribbled-on napkin after three Changs."
Bangkok – Survival (and Maybe Some Sightseeing) Mode Activated!
Day 1: Banana Hostel – A Case Study in Charm (and Mild Anxiety)
Morning (8:00 AM - ish): Arrived at Don Muang Airport. The good news? I landed. The bad news? The queue for immigration was longer than my last existential crisis. Seriously, felt like I aged a decade standing there. Cue the glorious Thai humidity. Sweating like a sinner in church before I even left the airport.
Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM -ish): Found the Banana Hostel. "Charming" is one way to describe it. "Slightly crumbling with a distinct aroma of… well, let's just say "tropical essence" is another." The staff were friendly, though, which is essential. The bed? Let's just say the mattress had seen better days, probably around the time the Beatles were still touring. But hey, it's cheap, and it's a place to crash.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Food hunt. Found a ridiculously delicious street food stall a few steps from the hostel. Pad Thai that was so good, it almost made me forget about the bed situation. Almost. Ate it while simultaneously dodging motorbikes and trying to understand the complex currency. Successfully navigated both! Victory!
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempt at settling in. Failed. Loud snoring emanating from the dorm, a persistent mosquito that seemed to specifically target me, and the constant drone of traffic outside. My first instinct? Run. My second? Grin and bear it. This is Bangkok. Embrace the chaos, right? Right?!
Evening (6:00 PM): Wandered the area around the hostel. Took in the sights, sounds, and smells (some better than others). The street food markets – absolute sensory overload in the best possible way. So many delicious smells, the best one was the sweet mango sticky rice. Got a questionable massage. It was cheap. And… memorable. Let's leave it at that.
Evening (8:00 PM): Back at the hostel, trying to write a journal. The hostel's wifi is, shall we say, "intermittent." Spent more time staring at the loading circle than actually writing. Eventually gave up and resolved to get a proper data plan tomorrow.
Night (10:00 PM -ish): Sleep? Praying for it. The snoring from the dorm is a symphony of nasal passages. And the mosquito. Still there. Send help (and bug spray).
Day 2: Temples, Taxis, and Total Tourist Confusion
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Woke up to the sound of… construction? Bangkok is never quiet, is it? Managed to actually get a decent night's sleep despite the symphony of snores. Fuelled by caffeine and sheer determination, I'm ready to hit some temples.
Morning (8:00 AM): Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Did I take a boat across the river? Yes. Was it a romantic, idyllic experience? Debatable. More like a crowded, slightly damp experience with questionable boat etiquette. But the temple itself? Stunning. Just… breathtaking. Got some absolutely stunning photos.
Morning (9:30 AM): Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Oh. My. God. The size of that Buddha! Utterly awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of it left me speechless. Spent an hour just wandering around in a daze, feeling incredibly small. Beautiful.
Midday (12:00 PM): The Taxi Debacle. Attempted to get a taxi. It was a comedy of errors. The meter didn't work, the driver spoke zero English, I pointed, I flailed, I prayed. Eventually arrived somewhere vaguely near where I wanted to be, and felt utterly drained by the experience.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Food is fuel. Another street food stall, this time with a soup that made me sweat through my shirt. Delicious, though. Everything here tastes incredible.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Grand Palace (and the Crowds). Okay, so… the Grand Palace is magnificent. Truly. But the crowds! There were more tourists than pigeons. It's beautiful, though. Totally worth the jostling. The colours, the architecture, everything is just… overwhelming.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Back to the hostel. Exhausted. Dirty. And somehow, even more sunburnt than I was earlier. Need a shower. And a beer. Preferably a very cold beer.
Evening (6:00 PM): Showered, slightly less grimy, and about to head out for dinner. Found a little restaurant round the corner from the hostel, with fairy lights and a good atmosphere, and the food? Again, absolutely delicious. I think I could get addicted to these incredible flavours.
Evening (8:00 PM): Trying to relax. Failed. The dorm is starting to fill up with new arrivals, and the anticipation of potential snoring is giving me a headache.
Night (9:00 PM): I have decided that I'll sleep with earplugs and a face mask. It's the only way to survive.
Day 3: Markets, Memories, and Mayhem (Probably)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Thinking about floating markets. Am I organized enough for a floating market? Doubtful. Still, gotta embrace the adventure!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Train to floating market, it's a long ride, this is where it gets messy!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): I'd already been at the floating market for two hours, I'd bought all the stuff I could carry, and it was time to go. I felt pretty satisfied with my journey, so I went back to the hostel.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Naptime.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Heading out for a final dinner and to enjoy the Bangkok Nightlife!
- Evening (7:00 PM): It was the most fun I've had in a while, even though it was a bit messy, with a few bad experiences.
- Night (10:00 PM): Sleep? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea):
Bangkok is intense. It's chaotic. It's overwhelming. It's also… captivating. The food is incredible. The temples are breathtaking. The people are generally friendly. The Banana Hostel? Well, it's an experience. Am I loving every second? Nope. Am I getting a bit grumpy and sunburnt? You bet. But am I also having an adventure I'll never forget? Absolutely. I'm leaving tomorrow, to Chiang Mai. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And send me some earplugs. And maybe a new mattress. And please, someone, find that mosquito.
P.S. I'm starting to understand why travel blogs often gloss over the messy bits. But honestly, the messy bits? They're the best bits. Because they're real. They're human. And they're what you'll remember. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hunt for a decent coffee and plot my escape from the snoring symphony of the dorm. Bangkok, you glorious, chaotic beast.
Escape to Paradise: Canggu's Cat Cow Villa Awaits!
Okay, spill it. What's *actually* the deal with Banana Hostel? Don't feed me the brochure crap.
Right, so forget the gleaming Instagram filters. Banana Hostel, specifically the one near Don Muang Airport? It’s... an experience. It's like, imagine a slightly-too-enthusiastic, but ultimately lovable, golden retriever trying to organize a marathon. Chaotic. Charming. And you *will* end up covered in something you didn't expect.
Seriously though, it’s not a five-star resort. This is a crash pad for people who are either: a) incredibly budget-conscious, b) ridiculously early for their flight and too lazy to trek to some sterile hotel, or c) are just plain cool with embracing the delightfully messy side of travel. I'm leaning heavily towards the last one. I landed there at 3 AM, utterly wrecked after a flight and a delay...and it was perfect.
Is Banana Hostel REALLY close to the airport? Like, REALLY close? Because my flight is at O'Dark Thirty.
Oh honey, if you can smell plane fuel, you're probably in the right vicinity. Seriously, it's practically *on* the airport's doorstep. You can probably hear the luggage carousel whirring from your bunk. I mean, don't quote me on that noise, but it's absurdly close. And that's the whole point. Imagine that: you can stumble out of the hostel, and *boom*, you're basically at check-in. It’s a lifesaver for those ungodly early flights. I was worried about missing my flight, and I got there in like, three minutes. Pure. Bliss. The best bliss you can find at 5 AM.
What's a typical room/dorm like? Is it clean? (Be honest).
Okay, honesty time. "Clean" is a relative term here. It's not a health hazard, but it also isn't sterile. Think "lived-in" with a side of "probably seen a few backpackers come and go." The dorms are basic - bunk beds, maybe a locker, a questionable fan that might or might not work. Sometimes, you get that waft of… something. Maybe the cleaning lady was having a bad day? Maybe it was the old man's socks? Who knows? But it’s *serviceable*.
My advice? Bring earplugs and an eye mask. Trust me on that. And don’t expect fluffy pillows or fancy showers. It's all about location, location, location. Oh, and maybe pack a small can of disinfectant, just in case. (Okay, I'm exaggerating a *little* bit...but hey, better safe than sorry, right?).
Is the staff nice? I've heard mixed things.
Okay, the staff...that's where things get interesting. Think of the staff as a rotating cast from a quirky sitcom. One day you'll get the super-friendly, helpful niece of the proprietress who practically bends over backwards to help you. Another day, you'll get the apathetic guy who looks like he’s been awake since last Tuesday. It's hit or miss. But hey, it adds to the charm, right?
Generally, they are trying their best. They are handling a constant influx of bleary-eyed travelers. Patience is key. Be nice, and you’ll likely get a smile and maybe even some insider tips on where to grab the best Pad Thai (which, by the way, is NOT at the hostel… more on that later).
What about the food? Is there food? I am always hungry.
Okay, the food situation. Let’s just say if you’re expecting a gourmet experience, you’re in for a rude awakening. They usually have some basic breakfast options. Toast. Maybe some instant coffee that tastes like vaguely brown water. Don't get your hopes up.
BUT! The *real* food magic happens just outside. There are street food stalls galore! Seriously. AMAZING food. Cheap, delicious, and everywhere. A steaming bowl of noodles for a few baht? Yes, please! That’s how I got through the first chaotic, early-morning days there, I was starving. But really, embrace the street food. It's part of the experience.
Is it noisy? I need my sleep. (Important question!)
Yes. Especially if your room faces the street, or the airport. Planes are constantly taking off and landing (duh!). People are coming and going at all hours. And, let’s be honest, there’s usually *someone* snoring like a freight train. Prepare yourself.
Earplugs and white noise are your best friends. If you *really* value your sleep, consider asking for a room away from the main road (if they even have one). But again, you're there for convenience, not serene peace. You’ve been warned. And even then, some of the noise is the hum of Bangkok. It's everywhere.
Okay...so, what’s the *best* thing about Banana Hostel?
Hands down, the location. The convenience is unmatched. That, and the fact that it is so wonderfully…unpretentious. It's a place where you can rock up looking like a train wreck after a long-haul flight, and no one bats an eye. You're all in the same boat, trying to survive a travel day. And it's CHEAP. I am a big fan of cheap, and this is *very* cheap.
It’s the perfect place to decompress, or to gear up before your next adventure. Be it a quick turnaround, and a place to let your hair down after a long adventure. It's the anti-hotel. It's Real. And honestly, it's kind of legendary in its own right. My vote? Go for it. Just lower your expectations, pack earplugs, and say goodbye to your sanity for a few hours. You might just love it.
What's the weirdest thing you experienced there? Spill the tea.
Oh boy, where do I even *begin*? Okay, once, I was trying to sleep at some ungodly hour. Literally, the sun barely up, and I hear a faint scratching. Then, *thump*. I opened my eyes, expecting a monster. Instead, what do I see? A small, fluffy, dog had somehow managed to sneak into the dorm and was trying to steal a sock. From a grown adult.Book Hotels Now
