Shambara Boutique Hostel
One of our favourites
What we say: 
Long one of our favourite places in the Khao San area, set down a narrow alley north of Khao San, Shambara Boutique hostel is a refreshing breeze of friendly hospitality and pleasant surrounds. The location is reasonably quiet and although some of the rooms are on the small side, they are spotlessly clean and tasteful. On our last visit in 2011 the floors were a bit creaky, but that is a minor detail on what remains one of the standout properties in the area. Out the front there is a pleasant terrace restaurant with reasonably priced food and drink. This isn't the cheapest in the area and you are paying a premium for something that is a bit different to other offerings in the area. The rooms are small! Reservations recommended.
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Shambara Boutique Hostel from US$13.44 per person with HostelWorld
Contact details:
138 Khao San Rd, Bangkok. T: (02) 282 7968Visit website
What we were quoted
| Type of room | Low season | High season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sgl fan share b'room | 300 THB | 300 THB | |
| Dbl fan share b'room | 500 THB | 500 THB | |
| Sgl air-con share b'room | 390 THB | 390 THB | |
| Dbl air-con share b'room | 600 THB | 600 THB |
Added to Travelfish on: 15th June, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 30th November, 2011
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Read Shambara Boutique Hostel reviews
Rated 4.5 out of 5
Based on 31 ratings and 31 reviews
Great staff but not as nice as it used to be
I first visited Shambara in 2005, at which time it was definitely one of the best options near Khao San. While it is still a good choice, especially for a cheap room that can be booked ahead for late arrivals in Bangkok, it is not quite as pleasant as it used to be. The restaurant is now closed, which was disappointing since they used to offer some great meals, but there is complimentary tea/coffee an toast in the mornings. Beds are comfortable enough and rooms are clean and bright, but furnishings are basic - bed, towel rack, side table and enough room in the corner for your pack. A low table and axe pillows make a small common space in the entrance hall upstairs, and the downstairs terrace is nice when the weather is good. The smells from the alley pervade the hallway upstairs which is a little off putting, but not into the rooms. Cats meowing and fighting outside could be frequently heard at night. The shared bathroom is decent, with two toilets and two showers (one hot water), but the single sink can get crowded in the morning. I stayed there twice in the last month. First time was an AC single but the remote was broken so staff simply let it blast on low temp, making for a couple very chilly nights. Second time was a fan single that they gave me at a discount without even having to ask. I left my train ticket in the room and they kindly saved it for me, which I very much appreciated. Check out is 12pm, they allow left luggage for free until 3 pm, and staff are very welcoming and helpful. I was worried when I first booked it about losing my reservation, but upon arrival realized that is not a concern here, where the staff do such an excellent job.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by frasmc (Total reviews: 3) on
Call it a hostel but not boutique
I stayed here for two nights and the staff was very friendly and helpful - especially considering proximity to Khao San. Arriving about seven hours before check-in they let me keep my bag in the front room until my spot was available and use the shared shower to wash off my 10 hour bus ride. The location is great for getting away from Khao San but also being right in it - since I was alone in Bangkok for two nights with nothing to do it was nice to be able to go out and whirl around the chaos for a few hours and then step back into seclusion for a break. The garden with coy pond was a very nice touch. All that said - my room was more like an unfinished closet in a cabin up north (by which I mean Northern Michigan woods). Just enough room to put my bag next to the bed, I almost felt thankful they supplied a little end-table and wastebasket. Plain white walls, one seemingly unfinished showing boards and a semi-transparent window that only let light in. The bathrooms were clean, though hot water was only available in one shower. I think this place is ideal for a lone traveler who wants to check out Khao San in comfort - but if you've already been to the area probably look further out for a better quality room to explore more of Bangkok from. A note on the vibe - other travelers here really didn't seem open to meeting and hanging out, so if your a lone traveler looking to meet and converse, there may be more social places to stay as well . . . and though the garden is nice, the overall feel is just not as romantic as other boutique places further afield.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by caseyprich (Total reviews: 13) on
Shambara: pleasant and comfortable surprise
It was quiet, clean, and great location. Rooms were modestly sized but it was perfect for what we needed. The shared bathrooms and showers were also kept very clean. Shower had great water pressure! It's location was great being very close to koh San, wat pho and grand palace (15-20 min walk) without having the crazyness. Breakfast was included consisting of some toast and coffee. Wifi also very reasonable for 50 baht per day. Would definitely stay here again!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by rmonai (Total reviews: 1) on
SO Zen
This place is a little gem. Totally zen feeling. Great location. Quiet.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by denisemsparrow (Total reviews: 2) on
NO great value
Shambara isn't worth that much praise. We stayed here for two nights and although it's quite peaceful there's too many things that bother us: VERY small rooms, shared bath for 9! rooms, NO windows that you can open in the room, ''breakfast included'' means you get 2 sloppy slices of toast, when you check out and want to leave your bags, you'll have to pay extra, for the wi-fi password you have to pay extra, even for towels you have to pay a deposit. come on shambara, change something, i've heard of other guesthouses that offer more for LESS money!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by gogulan (Total reviews: 3) on
NO good value
Shambara isn't worth that much praise. We stayed here for two nights and although it's quite peaceful there's too many things that bother us: VERY small rooms, shared bath for 9! rooms, NO windows that you can open in the room, ''breakfast included'' means you get 2 sloppy slices of toast, when you check out and want to leave your bags, you'll have to pay extra, for the wi-fi password you have to pay extra, even for towels you have to pay a deposit. come on shambara, change something, i've heard of other guesthouses that offer more for LESS money!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by gogulan (Total reviews: 3) on
Basic but cheap and friendly
Great location if you want to be near Khao San Road but not right in the middle of it. I had an air con room and it was small but fine for me on my own, but was really noisy most of the night from things going on in the alley behind. It sounds like the fan rooms are better. The staff are friendly though and having breakfast (included in the price) in the beautiful garden with fish pond is a lovely start to the day. Very clean rooms and bathrooms. Only disappointment was that because it was so small, I didn't bump into other people while I was there.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by mandy11059 (Total reviews: 5) on
just what we needed - highly recommended!
Depends on what you are looking for, but for us it was excellent. The rooms are a little on the small side but its warm, friendly and just like home. Its surprisingly quiet given its position just off the Khaosan, and the gardens are really peaceful. WiFi is 50b for 24hrs. Breakfast is also included - coffee and toast, and the staff could not help enough. Would return.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by pjandmichonthemove (Total reviews: 10) on
Cosy
Stayed here for 3 nights . It was a very nice place to stay. it is close to everything :) its quite at night , so you dont get disturbed of the crazy khao san road. book in advance :)
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by trineeugenia (Total reviews: 22) on
Quiet, clean and cheap!
My first couple of nights in Thailand were spent here. The room was clean and quiet,and it was a nice place to relax after the cacophony of Khao San. My only complaint was that the doors would be locked after a certain time.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by omnithought (Total reviews: 3) on
Good place
Nice communal garden, very quiet though just 100m from Khao San. Don't book the air-con room in the back because it's a bit smelly and cramped. Rooms at the front (with fan) are really nice. Friendly but sometimes bit clueless staff.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by snok (Total reviews: 3) on
More than enough
It's not easy to find it but it's worth the search. I made the Khao San Road walk twice until I discover where was it. Incredibly cosy. I met really nice people there. Price vs quality very good.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by tuta (Total reviews: 1) on
Quiet and friendly
Booked a double air-con room way in advance (through Travelfish) as had read so many good reviews of the Shambara. The room itself was quite small and poky, and had mosquitoes despite the air-con, but it was clean. The bathrooms were shared with no hot water but this wasn't a problem in Bangkok in December, and again they were clean. The hostael itself is very quiet despite its great location off Khao San Road. The staff were friendly although didn't have any knowledge about getting a direct bus to Chiang Khong. The food was very good and the communal areas and garden very relaxing after a day in Bangkok.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by GandN (Total reviews: 9) on
Great
Khao San is loud and crazy, and this place is right there, but back on a side soi, so it's actually pretty quiet, and the little garden out in front is a great place to plan your day (with free coffee/tea and toast with jam) every morning.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by chadmoone (Total reviews: 5) on
Rooms okay, but very noisy
Hard to believe that such a nice place can hide away only metres away from busy Khao San. However, be prepared for rooms at the smaller end, and most of them enjoy a loud humming noise all night long from some nearby air-con or generator. Staff were very friendly though, and food was good. Shared bathrooms and overall facilities were cleaned several times a day.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by stefanbehrens (Total reviews: 1) on
Great. A+++++++
Absolutely brilliant. Stayed here in May 2007, was my first time travelling, I would highly recommend Shambara to others that are travelling first time. Staff are so helpful and polite, they lent me their mobile phone! Bathroom is immaculate. Food in the restaurant is amazing, as are the gardens. You would not believe that this oasis is on Khao San Rd!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by lucy_lovin_it (Total reviews: 2) on
Awesome
I can't say enough good things about this hostel. It's probably one of the best hostels we've stayed in Southeast Asia. We stayed in a fan room for two days then upgraded to an air-con for about 500B for both kinds. The place is quiet, the courtyard charming, staff friendly, bathrooms are spotless though shared, and the decor is elegant. However, if there's a party in the courtyard, be prepared with earplugs and a sleep mask. Even though the rooms are windowless, they're very clean. Would definitely stay again.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by igetfuzzy (Total reviews: 4) on
Wonderful place
This place is really clean especially by Bangkok standards! The one downside is the noise of some random machine that appeared to be situated right outside our bedroom. However, you soon get used to it and we had a fab stay. Definitely the nicest place we've stayed in Bangkok.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by suntherapy (Total reviews: 2) on
Oasis
We loved it here. A real oasis in the belly of the city. Staff were friendly and helpful. The outside garden was charming. Price was right.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by comanchero (Total reviews: 6) on
Great environment...really gives you that away feeling
We spent our first night in Bangkok here and was so glad because nothing afterwards was anything to compare. If you want to avoid street food as well like so many of us do when first arriving I will assure you that they still have done the best pad-thai I've ever tasted. But yeah. Other than the ruthless stench of sewerage when walking up the stairs to the bedroom (which is the same stench you get all over Bangkok anyway) the place is 10 out of 10. I say this 10 because the value and service are just fantastic. Specially as my trip was on a heavy budget
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by corzor (Total reviews: 1) on
Great Place!
Shambara was just as I had imagined it. Clean, crisp and lovely, right of Khao San. Close enough to the action but far enough so you'd never know you were in the middle of Bangkok! I thought it was great! The online reservations made it even nicer ... that's one thing that sucks, arriving in Bangkok without a room!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by copiper (Total reviews: 2) on
Best place in Khao San
Tucked in a alley off Khao San Road, Shambara is near the action minus the noise. The rooms are beautiful and though not large, there's sufficient room to move around. The bathroom and the toilet are very clean. If you want to stay in Khao San, stay at Shambara.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by neeners (Total reviews: 4) on
10 stars
Excellent guesthouse, very friendly staff. Super clean 'design' room. The food in a superb small garden is superb. Very difficult to find, even by the taxidriver with the address in his hand. Maybe this is an advantage!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by paulsuzanne (Total reviews: 15) on
Excellent
This is a terrific place to stay. The location is outstanding -- just off the craziness of Khao San Rd but in a side soi that is quiet and peaceful -- and the rooms are lovely and clean. Plus the restaurant has great food, there is a common area for hanging with fellow travellers. Great guesthouse!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by elb3 (Total reviews: 4) on
Great atmosphere
This place is really hard to find considering it's so close to Khao San but worth it. It's pretty small so many of taxi drivers and locals have never heard of it. It's like a house in style -- a few slightly small rooms with character. Very helpful people and good restaurant -- coffee and toast is free at breakfast time. They keep a number of feedback books about Thailand, Bangkok, Cambodia and others in which you can add your comment and get some tips. Nice place and good value in very centre of Bangkok's backpacker land.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by mattyvlem (Total reviews: 10) on
Great!
Perfect location for Khao San Road, great character, Clean, friendly, great!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by clairec12 (Total reviews: 2) on
Cosy in Madness
If you want to stay at Khao San road but not, this is the place! It's located on a side alley to the busy and noisy backpacker street. It's really cosy and has a friendly atmosphere, nice staff and good food! Great place to sit and relax. The whole place has real character!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by nicenic (Total reviews: 1) on
Rooms are ok - not great
We were disappointed that despite our reservation for a double bed, we were placed in the BUA room ... which was pretty dirty, had two single beds and no access to daylight. On the flip side, the people were great and I had the best phat thai here. But be very clear on your reservations if booking.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by rubygates (Total reviews: 4) on
Gorgeous - go there!
Nothing more to say!
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by laura82 (Total reviews: 7) on
Thoroughly recommended
I was one of the first few to stay here and I loved it. Amazingly friendly staff, very clean and affordable and quiet even though it's right in the heart of the action. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone! Rob Gallie
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by rgallie (Total reviews: 1) on
Highly recommended!
Nicki who owns the place and her wonderful staff are a great bunch of people. They are obliging, friendly and make you feel so at home. I enjoyed my stay there and I was very impressed with the tasteful decor and spotless bathrooms. For me -- Shambara is the best on Khao San. There were mosquitoes during my stay but I guess it's because of the rainy reason. Bonus for non-smoker: they don't allow smoking on the second floor (where the rooms are) and if you need to smoke, they are okay if you do it at the terrace or by the staircase.
Shambara Boutique Hostel reviewed by mandy (Total reviews: 1) on