Thyme Xeriscape Hostel

That was a horrible stay. I was exhausted and had booked a single room for two nights just to rest. The room smelled humid, and I couldn’t sleep that night. I stayed until morning to check out and didn’t even ask for a refund for the first night, only the unused second one. At check-in I paid 850 baht with 1,000, and the receptionist said she’d return my change the next day. She then switched on the air con in the room, which I first thought was kind, but it seemed to be to cover the humidity smell. When I came to check out, I waited a long time for someone to show up. No one spoke English, so we had to use Google Translate. The woman refused to refund me and said my allergies were my problem and I should take medication. Later she agreed to return the second night’s payment. But when I asked about the 150 baht change, she said she’d already given it to me the day before. I asked her to check the camera and had to wait a long time again. I guess they found nothing. After blaming me and talking badly about me while I waited, tired, they finally gave me the money and I could get away from the place. Horrible.

As a solo traveller, I paid less than 400 baht a night for a single room with its own bathroom. It was private, very clean and nice, with good WiFi. There’s a fridge in the common area and a microwave to heat food. In the three weeks I spent in Thailand, this was one of the cheapest and best-conditioned rooms I stayed in. Highly recommended!

The food and people within walking distance were all excellent, and the big fridge was handy for chilling our water bottles between adventures. We stayed three nights in a room with two beds and three lockers, a block or two from the train station. The whole hostel was as clean as a ritzy five-star hotel in the USA. I’m a germaphobe and felt fine showering without shower shoes. The front desk manager spoke very good English and was accommodating, while the maintenance lady was helpful and persistent about cleaning. The mattresses were on the firm side, as is typical at most hostels in Thailand, and the kitchen snacks were delicious. There were lots of conveniently placed outlets for charging devices. My combination lock didn’t fit the locker hole, so bring one with a smaller latch if you’re concerned. I left American $$ on the locker and the delightful staff didn’t move it at all. Bedding came with a pillowcase, fitted sheet and comforter, but no flat sheet. I always travel with my own full sheet set, in case you’re picky like me. Stay here and, if you’re from the USA, you’ll feel 100% at home.

I didn’t speak Thai and she didn’t speak English, so we had fun using Google Translate to handle the transaction. The building felt open and spacious, with good security, and everything looked new and very clean. The simple futon beds were comfortable enough. There were three beds including the trundle, perfect for us. The room wasn’t large, but it was big enough for what we needed.