The Yard Hostel Bangkok

Style and Character

The Yard is more of a garden than a yard, set back from a 1980s-style family home that has three rooms and eight containers with dorms, bathrooms and rooms. The containers, painted white, are stacked in twos, and together with the house, create a horseshoe shape around the green space. It’s a relaxing place, not nearly as industrial as it may sound, and the young, open and ecologically-conscious look and ambience work well for visitors to Bangkok who want to meet like-minded souls.

Service and Facilities

Service is friendly and manager Khun Som, who lives on the premises, is an excellent host who is keen to make guests feel welcome and at ease. Her efforts are paying off – there’s a real community vibe between staff and guests. A common area in one of the upper containers serves as a great air-conditioned retreat when it’s too hot outside and offers computers, a PlayStation 4 and a large TV, games and books.

Khun Som tries to make The Yard as ecologically friendly as possible. Rubbish is separated, glass is recycled and each guest receives a glass bottle and free drinking water to reduce the plastic. A handy map of both Ari and Bangkok with lots of food, drink and sightseeing tips is available.

There are weekly free trips to Chinatown, as well as yoga and introductory Muay Thai boxing sessions. Guests can do their own laundry.

Rooms

The private rooms in the main house are large and comfortable and feel like bedrooms in a family home. Only one room (with three beds and a large balcony) has its own clean but worn bathroom. The double rooms in the containers are spotless and tiny (without an attached bathroom) with smaller-still balconies. The bathrooms in the containers are constructed in smooth concrete and are in equally good condition as the compact dorms. Rooms and dorms – some female only – are accessed with electronic key cards.

Food and Drink

In front of the Yard’s main house, the small Lilou Café serves cakes and some vegetarian dishes. The Paper Butter & Burger eatery serves pretty good burgers. The best place for a pre-dinner drink is the garden, which has a small bar that’s open until midnight. There’s a small kitchen with a fridge and a microwave.

Guests can enjoy a light breakfast of toast, cereals, yoghurt and fruit with tea or coffee in the garden.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 1200 Baht (£27) year round, including breakfast. Dorm beds from 550 Baht (£12.25) year round, including breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.

Family-Friendly?

Under 18s stay in the house to avoid health and safety issues with the metal stairs and walkways to the containers. The three-bed room in the main house is well suited for families.