AREA81 HIDEOUT Hostel Khaosan

I stayed at the hostel for two nights. The rooms and bathrooms are very clean, as well as the common areas. The mattress is a bit firm, but overall the place is comfortable and well maintained. The real highlight of my stay was the yoga classes with Ayse. I was lucky enough to attend two sessions, and they were truly special. Ayse teaches with her whole heart. She guides the practice with kindness, gentleness, and deep presence. I’ve practiced yoga for many years, but I have never met a teacher who gives so much of herself during a class. Her teaching beautifully blends movement, breath, meditation, and self-connection. Taking a class with Ayse feels like an invitation to reconnect with yourself and your emotions. I highly recommend both the hostel and, especially, Ayse’s yoga classes.

Area 81 was a great hostel, highlight was yoga with Ayse. As a beginner to Yoga she was understanding and created a safe space that catered to everyone needs. I was a little nervous because I get the giggles in situations like yoga and I was delighted that laughing or smiling was allowed and she does it too. Knowledgeable teacher that leads with compassion even if you have really smelly feet from a day of running round Bangkok. Hostel staff as well were very friendly, comfy beds great facilities and cool events etc. run regularly. They also have free water and random hot drinks which I loved!

Good price for the location (if you want to be near Khao San Road). Free cold bottles of water is a very nice touch. I booked the 20-bed mixed dorm. Everything was kept clean, but the bathroom smelled pretty bad. There were not many people in the dorm when I was there, so I can imagine it being less desirable when it is packed, but I never had to wait for the two bathroom stalls, two urinals or two shower rooms, and it was reasonably quiet. Note that urinals are in a shared unisex bathroom, for anyone with problems with that. Warm water was consistent but did not get really hot. This is not a super-social hostel; there is a small patio bar with ping pong and beer pong, a co-working area and an upstairs bar that no one seemed to use - it's just a bit too out of the way and they don't do a good job of hosting events, and the happy hour special isn't even as good as some on Khao San Road, so they need to work on that. If you're in a small group, the patio area could be a cool chill spot to take over.