Alighting from my plane in BKK airport I walked with confidence. NapPark Hostel had provided me with perfect instructions on how to get there and how much it would cost. The hostel had even kindly included directions for taxi drivers in Thai to ensure there was no confusion as to where they needed to drop me off. With this pre-information on my side, I arrived at NapPark scam free and very quickly.
My flight had arrived over an hour late into BKK, resulting in arriving at the hostel an hour later than I had told them. Entering with a giant smile on my face to finally be there and eyeing off the comfortable common area and Kung Fu Panda on the television, I had found my home to rest for an hour or so before tackling the city. To my surprise I was quickly told to go away. This was a shock. I stood there gob-smacked as I attempted to string a sentence together, and the receptionist began again. “Check in is two o’clock only so you have to leave and come back then.” She then sat back down and started fiddling on her computer. Grabbing her attention again, she received me with cold annoyance as I asked if I could store my luggage somewhere and take a shower. She pointed to the luggage store and sat back down. I guessed that’s all I was getting until two. Exhausted, I dumped my bags and found a comfy spot to rest after my long flight. Essentially this space was so inviting, many struggle to leave its comforts especially since air con is switched off in the dorms during the day.
After two o’clock I was promptly checked into my room (after they tried me to move into a room which I would then have to change the next day into another room etc etc). Not happy and now extremely tired, moving rooms did not seem an option. With a few huffs from the receptionist, I was moved back into the room I had booked for three nights and received the pointed instructions again. Clearly I was now completely checked into the hostel. The room itself was absolutely stunning. It was large, airy, on the top floor with large bunks separated with curtains, mini TVs, personal electrical sockets, large lockers and a steady good stream of WIFI … hostel bliss.
A steady and strong shower and a change into fresh clothes and I felt refreshed and headed back downstairs to receive a very friendly welcome from another reception staff member beginning her shift. Every encounter after this with the staff of NapPark was excellent and all were very helpful. Even the first girl I met on reception when I arrived changed tune the next day (maybe she stayed up too late on Khao San Rd). The common area immediately transformed for me from foreign-and-full-of-strangers to full of lifelong friends to explore Bangkok and beyond with, which is great for solo travellers.
The location of NapPark Hostel is perfect. Although it is not close to the Skyrail there are many tuk tuks and metered taxis available. But generally you can walk to where you are go. Two streets north of Khao San Rd you are close enough to everything but still far enough for some peace and tranquillity. It is an easy walk to all three main temples: Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew. There is also great street food within a stone’s throw from the hostel for those keeping to a low budget or those who are more adventurous.
NapPark hostel has its own travel agency with all reception staff equipped to provide you with information on furthering your Thai or SE Asia exploration. I used the hostel to book my bus and ferry to Koh Tao at the standard price of 1100THB for the whole journey there. Others used the hostel to book their buses or flights to Chang Mai and Siem Reap. With a whole folder of information and pricing, you can book securely at the hostel knowing you will make it to your end destination. I also used the hostel to get my visa for Myanmar. After returning to Bangkok and requiring a visa in 24 hours, I dropped off my passport at reception and picked it up the next evening for 2200THB. This allowed me the whole day to explore the sites of Bangkok I missed on my first visit before flying to Myanmar.
The price of the hostel does seem extortionate compared to prices throughout the rest of Asia with dorms ranging 450-500THB per night. However as Bangkok is generally a start or end destination for SE Asia travels it is a great place to acclimatise or to begin your re-acclimatisation for your return journey. With all its comfort and facilities, it is a great way to enjoy hostel luxury as there aren’t many hostels like it around the world.
All opinions are subjective to the writers personal travel experience. The writer travelled at her own expense.