Soi 1 Guesthouse (Bangkok, Thailand)

This is one of the best backpacker hostels in the Sukhumvit area. There are 4-bed and 8-bed mixed and female-only dorm rooms, as well as 3- or 4-bed private rooms with shared baths. All rooms have air-conditioning. The dorms have a very social atmosphere, so this is not just a place to sleep, but to meet and hang out with other travellers (and the owner, an American called David who has lived in Bangkok for 15 years). Don''t expect to sleep: people will turn on the light and ask you to come along with them to party. If that''s not for you, then you''re best off at another hotel. There is a 24-hour reception, common room, bar with food served, pool table, Internet (1 baht/minute). The Wi-Fi, lockers and long-term storage are free of charge. The owner arranges, on request, pub crawls and enjoys taking groups of guys out to Soi Cowboy. His advice is sage. Read his 4-page treatise on how to spot a ladyboy, which is pinned in the bar toilet. A downside is the price of the beer, which is three times the price paid at the 7-Eleven 10 m away, and bringing outside drinks in is forbidden.