Bangkok's BEST Backpacker Haven: Backpack Station Awaits!
Backpack Station Awaits: My Bangkok Backpacker Odyssey (and Honest Breakdown!)
Okay, so you're in Bangkok, heart pounding, the air thick with adventure (and exhaust fumes, let's be real). You need a crash pad, a base camp, a place to recharge before diving into the glorious chaos. And you’ve heard the whispers… the legends… of Backpack Station Awaits. Well, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash a review as wild and diverse as a Bangkok street food cart! Forget those robotic travel blogs, this is the real deal.
First Impressions (and a Tiny Freak-Out)
Landing in a new city is ALWAYS a sensory overload. The tuk-tuks whizzing by, the scent of pad thai, the sheer heat… it's glorious and terrifying all at once. Finding Backpack Station Awaits was surprisingly easy (phew! My navigational skills are… questionable). Accessibility: Score one for them. The entrance wasn't some treacherous staircase of death, which is a HUGE win for someone lugging a backpack the size of a small car. Sadly, I didn't see a ramp, but I'll circle back to that later.
Checking In (Smooth-ish Sailing, If You're Organized)
They offer Contactless check-in/out, which is fantastic because, honestly, after a 20-hour flight I’m about as social as a cactus. The staff, bless their hearts, are genuinely friendly. They seem to genuinely care. Which is rare and refreshing. The check-in process was efficient, not the mind-numbing bureaucratic nightmare some places inflict. 24-hour Front Desk is also a lifesaver. Because let’s be honest again, when you’re backpacking, your internal clock is about as reliable as a Thai taxi driver on a Sunday.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
I booked the slightly fancier room (hey, I’m on holiday, dammit!) – Non-smoking (big plus!), with Air conditioning, a Private bathroom, and the holy grail: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Let's be brutally honest: the Wi-Fi was a lifesaver for video calls with back home.
The room itself was… compact. Cozy, let's call it. Think of it as a well-organized shoebox. But hey, it was clean! (Important asterisk here: Rooms sanitized between stays and they actually smell clean, thanks to the Anti-viral cleaning products). The Bed was surprisingly comfortable, with Extra long bed, though I'm not sure how much extra. I'm not the tallest, so honestly, it could have been a child's bed and I wouldn't have noticed. I appreciated all the Safety/security feature which included a In-room safe box.
The Bathroom Chronicles (Or: My Personal Soap Opera)
The Shower was decent, with Hot water (thank the heavens!). The Toiletries were basic, but hey, at least there were some! Not exactly spa-level pampering, but again, it’s a hostel, not the Ritz. The only real issue? The water pressure. Let’s just say I’ve had more invigorating showers in a rainstorm.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Belly Rumble)
Okay, the food situation is where Backpack Station Awaits really shines.
- Restaurants: The hotel houses a restaurant, and the vibe is definitely geared towards the international traveler, with Alternative meal arrangement available for dietary restrictions. I'm pretty sure I saw a vegan eating something!
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] situation is a glorious mess of options. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, fruits galore, and enough coffee to power a small city. I mean, who doesn’t love Coffee/tea in restaurant, right?
- Snack bar: This is great for a quick bite if you’re like me and get hungry every 5 minutes!
- Poolside bar: The best thing about this is you can relax in the Swimming pool [outdoor] by yourself or with friends and have a drink.
The Real Deal About the "Extras" (Or, Where Things Got Interesting)
- Swimming pool: The view from the poolside is pretty fantastic. Although, be warned: It's a popular spot, so expect some company.
- Spa: I splurged on a Massage. I'm not going to lie, it was AMAZING. Seriously, my back had been screaming from lugging my backpack around, and the masseuse worked miracles. Worth every single penny. I didn’t go to a Sauna or Steamroom, but both were on the premises.
- Gym/fitness: I walked past the Fitness center once. Yeah. Let's just say my idea of "fitness" usually involves walking to the nearest street food cart.
- Lounge: They had a comfy lounge area.
- Internet: Wi-Fi worked like a charm.
- Things to do: The concierge was helpful with ideas.
Accessibility - A Serious Caveat (My Heart Breaks)
Okay, time for some tough love. I mentioned the entrance. If you have mobility issues, parts of this hotel could be challenging. While they offer Facilities for disabled guests, this is an area that really needs improvement. I hope it improves, because everyone deserves to experience Bangkok.
Cleanliness and Safety - Peace of Mind, Finally!
This is HUGE. Seriously. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially in the wake of… you know. Backpack Station Awaits gets it. The emphasis on Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff's commitment to Staff trained in safety protocol gave me serious peace of mind. They even had Individually-wrapped food options at the buffet (a small detail, but it makes a difference!). CCTV in common areas and Safety/security feature made me feel safe.
My Verdict: Backpack Station Awaits – The Good, the Bad, and the Pad Thai
The Good: Location (perfect for backpackers), cleanliness (a HUGE deal), amazing staff, great food, and that killer massage!
The Not-So-Good: Room size. While the location is fantastic, there's definitely room for improvement. More accessibility features are needed.
The Verdict: I'd absolutely recommend Backpack Station Awaits. It’s a solid choice for backpackers, couples, and travelers looking for a clean, friendly, and well-located basecamp. It's not perfect, but it's got heart, and that's what matters. Just be prepared for compact rooms and bring your own water pressure.
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- Title: Backpack Station Awaits: My Hilariously Honest Bangkok Hostel Review! (2024)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and probably sweaty heart of Backpack Station in Bangkok. This isn't your polished "Lonely Planet" itinerary – this is raw, unfiltered Bangkok, baby. Prepare for the unexpected, the slightly questionable street food, and a whole lotta "What the heck just happened?"
Backpack Station Bangkok: The Almost Official, Kinda Structured Mayhem
(Pre-emptive Note: I'm calling it "Backpack Station" because you bet I'm probably coming back here, at least once a day.)
Day 1: Arrival, Sensory Overload & Questionable Street Meat
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Oh, the sweet, hot, humid kiss of Thailand! Honestly, the airport is a palace compared to the rest of Bangkok, but I'm already sweating. Grab a taxi (tell the driver you want the meter on, because otherwise, you are getting ripped off), and feel the city hit you like a brick wall. Rush hour is already in full swing - the traffic is a monster. Aiming for Backpack Station. Pray to the travel gods the taxi driver speaks a little English.
- Impression: Overwhelmed but exhilarated. The sheer scale of Bangkok is… intense. So many people, so many smells, so many motorbikes. I swear they're all going to eat me alive.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check into Backpack Station. Finally, freedom! My room is small, but clean enough. Discover my AC unit sounds like a dying robot, but hey, free air conditioning! Ditch the enormous backpack (relieved, it feels like I've lost 20 pounds.) Head out to get a bite to eat.
- Ancillary Tasks: Deal with the inevitable wifi problems. Figure out how to use my phone in Thailand.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Okay, time to eat. I'd heard the street food was good, so here we go. Found a stall with a long line, and that's always a good sign, right? Ordered something that looked like a grilled sausage. Turns out it kind of tasted like a grilled sausage. But there's something else in there… The flavor is… an experience. The texture is fascinating. Oh, and the chili sauce? Fire in my throat! Walk down the roads, just absorbing the atmosphere. And the heat. It's relentless.
- Quirky Observation: The tuk-tuks! They're like angry, colorful insects buzzing through the city. And the traffic is something else. Seriously, am I going to die in Bangkok traffic? Probably…
- Night (9:00 PM - Until I can’t keep my eyes open): Find a rooftop bar (because everyone says you have to). The view is amazing. Bangkok at night… wow. The city is alive with color and light.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, I was anxious. This city is a lot. But after I sat down with a drink and the view, all the exhaustion and anxieties melts away. I think I'm going to like it here.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, and Questionable Transportation Choices
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Attempt to be a tourist. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) is on the list. Took the boat. Loved it! The colors and architecture are stunning. Then Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha). It's gigantic! And I suddenly feel very small. Wow.
- Imperfection: Okay, so I might have accidentally worn shorts that were a little too short to one of the temples. Oops! Made a quick sarong purchase, which has now become a fashion statement.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch! Tried Pad Thai from a street vendor – delicious! And cheap! Got slightly lost. Wandered into some back alleys.
- Messy Structure: Here's the thing about Bangkok. You think you have a plan, but the plan often goes out the window. Which is kinda fun, honestly. I'm just going with the flow… which might lead me into trouble later.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Okay, Transportation Adventure Time! Decided to take a tuk-tuk. The driver was… enthusiastic. It felt exhilarating, and dangerous, all at the same time. We wound up in the middle of a massive traffic jam. He tried to scam me for like three times the price. I eventually bargained with him.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The tuk-tuk ride was a mix of thrill and terror. I was simultaneously screaming with laughter and silently praying to every god I could think of that I wouldn't get mangled in a pile-up.
- Night (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Back to Backpack Station to recharge the batteries. Maybe find a massage place. I'm already aching.
Day 3: Markets, Bargaining, and a Deep Dive into Mango Sticky Rice
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Chatuchak Weekend Market! (Went a bit early to beat the crowds. Or so I thought; the crowds were epic.) Seriously, it's a city within a city, a sensory overload of vendors, and merchandise, a sea of people. Bought way too many souvenirs. And a new pair of elephant pants (because, Thailand).
- Doubling Down: Bargaining is a skill. And I, my friends, am learning. Low-ball them. Be friendly. Walk away. They'll probably come back. This is a competition! A game! A test of wills! I'm getting better. I think.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at the market. Tried a weird-looking fruit. It was… interesting. Followed by a plate of the legendary mango sticky rice. Oh. My. God. It was the best thing I've eaten in my life. Seriously. Go to the market. Get mango sticky rice. Do it now.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Mango sticky rice… the creamy rice, the sweet mango, the coconut milk… I could eat it every single day. I’m going to be dreaming of it. I need another one…
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Took the BTS (Skytrain) and the MRT (subway) to escape the traffic. Efficient, easy, and air-conditioned. A welcome respite. Considered seeing a movie.
- Opinionated Language: The public transport in Bangkok are a masterpiece. Clean, cheap, and a beautiful way to get out of the heat. I have no idea how anyone gets around without it.
- Night (9:00 PM - Eventually Pass Out): Back to Backpack Station. Journaling. Planning the next few days. Trying to decide if I'm brave enough to try that durian fruit everyone warned me about…
Day 4: Floating Markets, Boats, and a Few Regrets
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Organized tour to a floating market. Damnoen Saduak, specifically. It was… crowded. The boats were packed. The vendors were trying to get my attention. It was a bit overwhelming, but also fascinating. Tried a coconut drink straight from the source.
- Ancillary tasks: Took way too many photos of the boats and the vendors.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More boats. Apparently, tourism is big here. Lots of boats. Lunch by the river. The food was good. The experience was… all right. Maybe next time, I'd go to a less touristy market.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to Bangkok.
- More Rambles: The whole day felt… slightly manufactured, maybe. All the same, getting back in the city, I felt like I already learned how to survive in Bangkok.
- Night (9:00 PM - Eventually): Packing my bags, because I'm leaving tomorrow.
Day 5: Departure (Or at least, the beginning of the end)
- Morning (Early): One last frantic trip to 7-Eleven for snacks and souvenirs. Seriously, Thai 7-Elevens are amazing. One last Pad Thai.
- Morning (Later): Taxi to the airport. Fighting back the jet
So, what *is* this thing anyway? (And why are we bothering?)
Do you actually know what you're talking about?
What are you even *interested* in?
What makes you... *you*? Like, the core of the matter?
What's the ONE THING you are REALLY good at?
Have you ever failed epically? Spill the beans!
Okay, so, what are you *avoiding*?
And the *worst* part about the dentist? The small talk! "So, how's the weather?" Like I'm not already terrified! I try to book appointments in the late afternoon, that way I can get home and have a drink.
Final Thoughts? What's the takeaway here?
And don't worry about the "proper" way to do anything. Just be you, and let the good times and the weird ones roll.
