Cozy corner with a framed world map on the wall, an ironing board, wooden bench with spray bottles, and a stack of cushions beside a light wood panel accent wall.

Panpan Hostel Review: Affordable Private Rooms in Bangkok

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I don’t know about you, but I’m not a sharer. I wouldn’t share my chocolate cake, and the same goes for a room in a hostel.

Having my own space is a priority, especially since I travel and work at the same time. I need somewhere quiet, safe and comfortable so I can sleep like a queen and get things done.

But as a solo traveller, finding a private room in a hostel that doesn’t cost more than a hotel can feel impossible.

This year, I returned to Bangkok several times and spent ages testing different hostels. Eventually, I found one that ticks all the boxes and only costs around $20 per night!

It’s called Panpan Hostel! Here I got my own private room and it’s completely safe for female solo travellers.

What I liked the most? It’s quiet, I have my privacy and I get free laundry for 3 items a day, which is a pretty sweet if you consider you can literally just wash your underwear, shorts and t-shirt you wore during that day.

Before we jump in and get to the details, I just want to say that this blog post is not sponsored, I’m just sharing my experience and I paid for my stay fully 🙂 

Where Is Panpan Hostel in Bangkok? (And Why I Booked It Just for This One Café)

It’s conveniently located in Silom but if you really want to know why I booked it (I feel embarrassed to say that), it’s 2 minutes walk away from Luka which is my favourite breakfast place in Bangkok (it also made it to my comprehensive list of things to do in Bangkok alone). 

From here I also reach Lumphini park in about 20ish minutes as well as Sathorn Harbour. There are cafes, restaurants, you name it. It’s pretty central but not overwhelming like Chinatown or other popular parts of Bangkok.

Need an easy way to get to the hostel? ➡️I booked this affordable private driver from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Super reliable and safe for solo travellers.

How Was My Private Room (And My Neighbours’!)

A cosy bedroom corner with a wooden bed frame and crisp white bedding next to a simple wooden bedside table. On the table are a white desk lamp, a light wood thermos, a small orange spray bottle, and a notebook with a purple and gold cover, softly lit by daylight through sheer, check-patterned curtains.
My room had a single bed. It was simple and practical

I got a room with a single bed. I have to say it was really spacious. There was a cupboard, a clothes rack and a comfortable table so I was able to get some work done too. 

The bed is simple but really comfortable. I loved how they changed my sheets every 2 nights, that was a nice touch!

I also got a little bedside table with a lamp, aircon and dehumidifier. 

Did I get a sneak peek into other rooms? I surely did ahaha. Between checkouts and check-ins, they normally leave the door open, so I went with my wandering eyes. 

Bright bedroom with a wooden bed frame, white bedding, and soft gray curtains, featuring warm-toned laminate flooring and a desk setup by the window.
Double Room at Panpan Hostel

The other rooms were bigger than mine and had a double bed but they are obviously more expensive and more suitable for couples. 

➡️ Look at current prices for a room at Panpan Hostel here!

Shared Bathroom And Showers

Well-lit bathroom with dual sinks and mirrors, a long wooden vanity with curtain skirting, and a tall window with sheer gray curtains letting in natural light.
Shared bathroom on the third floor

Each floor has around 3 rooms and there are 3 bathrooms, so it’s kind of like each room has its own bathroom. There were also 2 sinks on my floor and 3 showers (of which 2 are in the same room as the toilet). 

Everything was really clean. They provide handsoap, shower gel and shampoo. I was fresh from my hostel experience in Japan where I got tons of free stuff (even face masks!!) but it wasn’t the case here.

So don’t expect free toothbrush, cotton buds and so on. But I have to say that hostels in Japan are also more expensive, so it makes sense!

➡️ Check room’s availability here!

Shared Spaces And Facilities At This Bangkok Hostel

Ok this is my favourite section because I love free stuff and services. Who doesn’t?

So let me start from my floor, which was the third. There was an iron board with an iron and different props. This was really appreciated and used a ton! 

Compact kitchen setup with hanging pans, tiled backsplash, and a cheerful rug that says “I HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY” with cartoon dog faces, adding a playful touch.
Beautiful kitchen for quick meals and hot drinks

Then on the 5th floor, there is a beautiful and very well-equipped kitchen. I went there a few times only to make a cup of tea or top up my water bottle. There is free water there, so I didn’t need to buy it. 

If you need cool water, you can purchase a small water bottle next to reception for 30 cents!

A woman in a green tank top takes a selfie at sunset, flashing a peace sign in front of a city skyline with tall buildings and a glowing orange-pink sky. The scene is framed by black metal bars and string lights, suggesting a rooftop or balcony setting.
Me working on the rooftop during sunset time!

On the same floor there is also a small rooftop, which in theory should be a smoking area. I’ve never seen anyone so I used it as my evening office and I really enjoyed it! 

Here is also where the laundry will be hung. You can either give your 3 items and get them washed for free or you can use the coin laundry. 

In the entrance, there is also free tea and coffee, as well as a cosy sitting area. I’ve used it a few times to consume some snacks or work. It’s very quiet down there, you can even find some travel books to read. 

Don’t forget you can also order food online using the Grab app, I got some acai bowls every day delivered to the hostel. They are my snack while I write blog posts or edit my YouTube videos!

If you don’t know where to order them from, try searching on the app “Makai Acai & Superfood Bar”, this is my favourite, I’m legit obsessed with this place!

The WIFI is super fast and reliable on each floor, including the rooftop. You don’t even need to leave the hostel to get some work done. ➡️ Find out more about Panpan Hostel here!

My Check-In Experience

The check-in was super simple. I only gave my passport and got my key in return. The staff is lovely and welcoming. 

Their English is not perfect, so I recommend using Google Translate if there is anything complex to explain. 

They can also store your bags for less than $2 per day if you need to leave for a few days and come back.

➡️ Reserve your room on Hostelworld.com. I’ve used this site multiple times and managed to get a better deal than other booking systems.

There are only 2 women running the hostel, if they are not at the front desk, they will be upstairs cleaning or doing the laundry.

They are lovely and super efficient, I can’t believe they do everything by themselves!

Overall Prices You Can Expect

A single room with shared bathroom (like the one I picked) is around $20 per night, while a double bedroom is $29. 

You can also get a double room with your private bathroom and that would be about $39.

But honestly, I barely saw anyone in the shared spaces and the hostel was fully booked, so maybe you could save these $10!

➡️ Look at updated prices for a room at Panpan Hostel here! This is the most budget-friendly hostel in Bangkok, especially if you want your private room 🙂

Panpan Hostel at a Glance: Pros & Cons

✔️ Pros

• Private rooms from just $20 (around £16) a night, which is great value for Bangkok
• Exceptionally clean and well-maintained
• Quiet and secure, perfect for solo female travellers
• Free laundry for three items a day, which is surprisingly useful
• Desk and fast WiFi, ideal if you’re working while travelling
• Access to a shared kitchen, rooftop space and a cosy lounge for tea or snacks

❌ Cons

• No lift, so you’ll need to carry your bags upstairs
• Basic amenities with no complimentary toiletries or extras
• Staff speak limited English, though they are very kind
• Not a social hostel, more suited for quiet stays than meeting people

Ready to book? Panpan Hostel’s private rooms sell out fast. ➡️ Check availability and lock in your stay now on Hostelworld.

FAQs:

Is Panpan Hostel worth it compared to a budget hotel in Bangkok?

If you want a private room at a lower price, Panpan Hostel is often better value than budget hotels. You get privacy plus access to shared facilities like a kitchen, laundry, and quiet work areas.

Who is Panpan Hostel best suited for?

Panpan Hostel suits solo travellers who want privacy, a peaceful environment, and an affordable place to stay. It is not designed for social or party-focused trips.

What should female solo travellers look for when booking a hostel in Bangkok?

Key things to check include location, recent reviews from other women, room privacy, secure access, and the overall vibe of the hostel. Quiet, non-party hostels are usually a better fit for solo female travellers.

How to meet other solo travellers in Bangkok?

You can easily meet people at cafes, tours or classes. Honestly, last week, a girl sitting next to me in a cafe started talking to me and it’s been lovely! We met the day after for a walk in the evening market! If you are a bit shy, you should download “Nomad Table” or “Nomad Her” apps. They are great for meeting other solo travellers 🙂

My Final Verdict

I stayed at this hostel for a week and I really enjoyed my stay. It felt cosy and warm. By day 2 I already moved around like I’ve always lived there! 🙂

I have to say it’s not the fanciest hostel I’ve been in Bangkok, Tamni, for example, is stunning but expensive.

So, actually, for the price you pay here, you really get a lot and it’s sparkly clean. You should also keep in mind that there is no lift so unless you’re on the first or second floor, you will have a few steps to do! 

I booked my single room months in advance because this is the first to go away. ➡️ Check Hostelworld to reserve your room, I got a really good deal on that site!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts:

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2 Weeks in Thailand: Itinerary for Bangkok, Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Krabi

The Perfect Day Trip From Bangkok To Ayutthaya

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur Review After My 4-Night Stay

The Best Krabi Itinerary: What to See and Do in 3–5 Days

Where To Stay In Chiang Mai For Female Solo Travellers

21 Things To Do In Chiang Mai For Female Solo Travellers

Guide To Shower Facilities at BKK Airport

Ultimate Guide To DMK Airport Shower Facilities & Layover Tips

✍️ Solo Travel Planning Guide 🌴

Before you start your unforgettable adventures to a new country, here are the essential tips every solo traveller should know:

📱 Should I get an eSIM?

✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Check current plans here

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance when travelling alone?

✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit. I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!

🏩 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

My go-to for hotels or hostels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️

✈️ Where can I book my flight?

Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark into a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!

🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?

I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook.com. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car instead, use DiscoverCars, they have cars available to pick up right at the airport!

🐒 What’s the best way to book my activities?

Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!

🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?

Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Bookyogaretreats.com is my go-to for the best yoga retreats worldwide.

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The best debit card to use when travelling worldwide is Wise! It’s easy to apply for and you save lots of money when travelling alone.