Lub d Silom
Slick flashpacker hostel
More on Silom
Opened in 2008, Lub d Silom was one of the pioneers of Bangkok’s trendy hostel craze. While a select few of the city’s less hyped hostels offer an (at least) equal experience for less cash, Lub d’s social atmosphere, excellent common facilities and good security have helped it to remain one of the most popular dorm options in town. This is the hostel that so many hostels have copied.
Travelfish says:
Lub d’s original Silom branch is located on relatively quiet Decho Road, about 200 metres from Silom Road itself and a 10- to 15-minute stroll to Chong Nonsi or Sala Daeng BTS skytrain stations and Sam Yan or Si Lom MRT subway stations. From local-style street markets to debaucherous bars to slick cafes and a haunting Hindu temple, this is one of Bangkok’s most eclectic areas. The location makes Lub d an outstanding base for exploring the city, and the on-site tour desk offers some offbeat experiences. Seemingly well aware that this is one of Bangkok's most popular hostels, the staff can give off a snobby air and aren't always super helpful.
With trendy decor and an industrial edge, the spacious building includes mural size maps of Bangkok painted onto polished concrete walls, plywood coverings on doors, cat-walk style walkways and abundant wall-size windows. Lub d shines when it comes to common spaces. Grab one of many seats on the streetside terrace, grab a beer or coffee in the airy cafe/bar, grab breakfast at a spacious wooden table in the lobby, or watch a movie in the minimalist “theatre” with red bean bag seats and widescreen LCD TV.
Other facilities include a free computer station with six PCs (WiFi is also free), book exchange and laundry room. The only things missing are a billiards table, rooftop garden and lift. Security is excellent—you’ll need a key-card to access the stairway and another to get it into your room. Separated by gender on each floor, modern shared bathrooms are spacious and bright with more than enough shower rooms, sinks and toilets to go around. Aside from an inevitable smelly traveller or two, the whole air-conditioned building is immaculate.
Numerous dorm rooms in mixed and women-only varieties come with six or eight beds for a hefty 525 to 600 baht a night, although dorms in the mixed rooms occasionally drop to 350 baht. For the prices, you might expect extra features like personal safes, as in HQ Hostel, but Lub d’s dorms don’t offer anything too special. Though they’re smartly designed with fairly large lockers placed between beds, the relatively cramped confines feel even less spacious due to the fact that they’re often full.
Still, the thick mattresses with high quality linens and fuzzy blankets make the red or fluorescent green bunks perfectly comfortable, and they are equipped with private reading lamps and electrical outlets. You're also paying more for the excellent common facilities and, in particular, the liveliest social scene of any Bangkok hostel. Look no further if you're looking to meet and mix.
A reasonably spacious and bright private double room with bunk bed, small writing table and safe relies on the shared bathroom facilities. Another 600 baht bags you a top-floor corner “suite” with an inviting minimalist design to go with double bed, LCD TV and ensuite bathroom. The only strange bit is that basin sinks are located outside of the bathroom—handy if you’re keen on brushing your teeth in bed. Given the relatively steep rates for privates, we’d probably give them a pass in favour of nearby Silom Art Hostel.
Overall, this veteran stalwart of Bangkok’s burgeoning hostel scene remains a great place to lie down, kick back and meet other travellers. Lub d’s Siam Square location has slightly more stylish dorms to go with similarly solid common areas and a location right next to the skytrain.
Contact details for Lub d Silom
Address: 4 Decho Rd, Bangrak
T: (02) 634 7999; F: (02) 634 7510
Email: contact.silom@lubd.com
Web: http://www.lubd.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º31'29.82" E, 13º43'37.91" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: Under 600B
Room rates
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Dorm air-con Up to 600 for women-only rooms. | 525 baht | 525 baht |
| Dbl air-con share bathroom | 1,250 baht | 1,250 baht |
| Dbl air-con private bathroom | 1,850 baht | 1,850 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.