Niece hostel (SHA Plus+)

The owner and hostel staff were welcoming and kind, and the beds were comfortable, with curtains for privacy. There’s a local market right out front. The location works well too, just a five-minute motorcycle ride to Bang Tao Beach. I’d come back anytime :)

Check-in was done by texting the number at the Level 2 entrance to get a code and collect the access card. They also asked for a passport photo showing my valid stay in Thailand. I stayed in a six-person dorm, where lockers had cage doors and a key lock was provided. You could choose any available bed. The shower and toilet stalls were separate, and shampoo and shower gel were supplied. The pantry had a water dispenser, microwave, and fridge. Dry laundry racks were outside the rooms, and wet laundry could go on the rooftop. There’s a 7-Eleven across the road. McDonald’s, KFC, and Lotus Supermarket are about a ten-minute walk away, with Bang Tao night market another five minutes farther. A few things could be better: the stairs are awkward with large suitcases, the dorm stays dark even with the lights on, and there’s an occasional sewage smell, probably from a pipe leak. The Grab pin was off, so it’s easier to search for Niece Hostel and walk a little. Still, a decent value at just over 300 baht a night.

Ama is a clean hostel with a great rooftop lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, and self-service laundry. It’s about a five-minute bike ride from BangTao beach and probably 30 minutes by taxi from the airport. Everything about it is great.

Found this place just in time for EDC weekend, and it was a dream. The festival was a 20-minute walk away, and Bangtao beach was ten minutes by bike. Right across the road were a 7-11, a local market, and two nice breakfast shops. There’s also a saloon within walking distance and a vegetarian lunch place nearby. I was in the cloud room facing the main road, which was the only issue. Light sleepers might want earplugs or another place. All the best!