The Overstay At Bangkok, Thailand

The best “worst” hostel in Bangkok

The Overstay is most definitely not a “Flashpacking” style of accommodation, far from it. Tripadvisor reviews tend towards describing it as either travellers best experience in Bangkok, or some of the worst accommodation in Bangkok. This is a place for travellers, not for package tourists.

The Overstay can be booked on all major hostel and accommodation type websites. Remember that with this place you are getting what you pay for - this is not a 1000 THB a night hotel, or even a 500 THB a night guesthouse. It’s budget accommodation for those who would rather spend their money travelling, eating, drinking and enjoying activities. Make sure you talk to owner and operator, Yuval (look for the Israeli guy with Dreadlocks) who has lived in the area for years, and knows every single secret there is to Bangkok. Or, if you are looking to learn the Thai language, ask for a copy of long term resident “Mozz” self published book “Thai for Lovers” where you’ll learn some useful, and naughty phrases in Thai.

Communal vegetarian cooking welcome

Once a week, long-term guests will often cook a shared vegetarian meal, which other guests can contribute by way of a donation towards expenses. When living nearby, we would often make our way down to the overstay just to sample the amazing vegetarian cooking and meals created from guests from all over the world.

If you are looking for something more carnivorous, then simply step outside and walk down the street to sample the food from local street vendors. Pad Thai, fried rice and other cheap street eats are available for anywhere from 30-50 baht, or the local Pizza shop will deliver direct to you. A slightly longer walk or quick ride on the motorcycle taxis waiting outside will take you to the local mall, full of western style fast food joints such as McDonalds, KFC & The Pizza Company.

The first floor bar serves the full range of local, as well as a few imported beers, along with the standard Thai spirits and mixers, often well into the night.

Nightlife at your doorstep

The bar can operate all night, especially when there is a party, so bring earplugs if you want a good night sleep. There are excellent parties hosted by local DJs and Bands, making the overstay the true home of underground music in the area. You’ll hear everything from Punk, Reggae, UK Garage, Dubstep, Hip Hop right through to Drum & Bass.

Make sure you check out the art, which covers almost every single wall in the building. Street artists are encouraged to decorate The Overstay with their works, and if you are in the market for something custom, ask the owners - they can put you in touch with an expat “Matt” who knows virtually everyone in the underground art scene in Bangkok.

Pinklao & the surrounding area

The Overstay is located on Charansanitwong in the Pinklao area. It’s roughly a 30 minute walk via the Rama 8 bridge to Khao San Road or a 100-200 THB taxi ride to the rest of the city. The skytrain can be accessed by walking to the Chao Phraya River near the Rama 8 Bridge, taking the ferry across the river to Thewes for 3 THB, then the the express boat (with the orange flag) for 15 THB to the Saphan Taksin BTS terminal. In the next 12-18 months a new BTS line will be constructed that should result in a station a walking distance away, which will eventually make the area even more accessible to other parts of Bangkok than the Khao San Road area.