Siamaze

Style and Character

The hostel is located in a modern but unassuming apartment-style concrete block. In the lobby, which opens out onto a broad patio with a hammock and seating areas, traditional rural art pieces such as fish traps, Phi Ta Khon ghost masks and farm tools grace the walls. The rest of the property is very plain and exudes a youth hostel vibe.

Service and Facilities

Staff are friendly if reticent. Apart from the big open area with tables and benches in the lobby and the outside patio, there’s a small common room on the first floor with a TV, DVD and PlayStation. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The Siamaze offers a good selection of one or two day trips around Bangkok and its surroundings – including the floating markets and the bridge of the river Kwai. On hot days, a small plunge pool in the back yard is popular with guests. There’s a washing machine guests may use.

Rooms

The private rooms are clean, simple and exceptionally spacious. All rooms have small balconies, air-conditioning, towels, a safe and a TV. The beds, either twin or double, are comfortable. The bathrooms are very plain, but in good condition. Dorms, both mixed and female-only, are equally clean and unassuming, with bunk beds, reading lights, lockers, and plug points.

The detached bathrooms are reminiscent of a youth hostel; long rows of wash basins and showers, but they are in fine condition.

Food and Drink

There’s no restaurant. All guests can help themselves to a very simple breakfast with items such as bread and jam, orange juice, tea and real, freshly-brewed coffee. Guests can also prepare eggs in their preferred style.

The Siamaze is happy to order street-style food to be delivered. Soft drinks, beer and ice-cream are for sale on the premises. On Mondays, guests can take part in a complimentary cooking class while on Fridays, there’s a free barbecue party on the patio.

The Huai Khwang night market (the nearest good eating option) is 15 minutes’ walk away. The downstairs patio is the best place for an early evening beer before heading out into the city.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 1000 Baht (£23) in low season; and from 1600 Baht (£36) in high, including breakfast. Dorm beds from 300 Baht (£.6.70) in low season; and from 350 Baht (£7.80) in high, including breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.

Family-Friendly?

A couple of the double rooms have bunk beds thrown in – perfect for families – and some private rooms interconnect.

Location

The Siamaze is located on a private residential road lined with apartments and massage parlours. It’s a leisurely 10-minute walk to Sutthisan MRT underground station and the hip and trendy Ratchada Train Night Market is just two underground stops away. The sprawling and famous Chatuchak weekend market (at Kamphaeng Phaet MRT) is also easily reached in 20 minutes.