If you have backpacked through Europe, you may be looking for Khao San hostels. However, this is a form of accommodation not really common in Southeast Asian and that includes Bangkok. What you will be looking for is a cheap guesthouse or a cheap Khao San hotel, rather than a hostel. The word "hostel" is so ingrained in the backpacker vernacular, however that many will talk about one of the great "hostels" here in which they slept.
If you haven't heard of Khan San Road (or "Thanon Khao San" in Thai), it was cemented as the destination of choice for young backpackers in Bangkok in the book and movie of the same name, The Beach (movie starred Leonardo Di Caprio). Many use it as a base in their travels to other parts of Thailand whether it be for a jungle trek or time on the beach. It is a great place for a little traveler culture, to meet friends from around the world, and for those who live in Bangkok, a road and surrounding area that has some great restaurants.
Basically, you can get a cheap Khao San guesthouse with your own, personal room for as low as 100 baht. There may be a few dormitory style hostels but that's not necessary. For the price of a few dollars, why not get your own, private room? Usually you will have to share a shower and toilet with the rest of the hall but sleeping quarters with one bed and a lock on your door are the norm.
So, if you are a backpacker looking for cheap rooms in Bangkok, chances are you will be heading for one of the dirt cheap Khao San hotels. If you stay out of trouble (beware much trouble is to be had in the area) and when you get home you can tell others how you stayed at an amazingly thrifty Khao San guesthouse.
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