Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel: Your Thai Adventure Starts Here!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the UNBELIEVABLE Udon Thani Hostel! It's right there in the name, isn't it? And let me tell you, after spending a week navigating Udon Thani's bustling streets and sampling everything from street noodles to… well, more street noodles… I've got some thoughts. And not just generic hotel review thoughts, oh no. We're talking real talk.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle, Because Real Life Isn't Always Smooth Sailing)
Okay, so Udon Thani isn't exactly known for its meticulously planned accessibility. But hey, the hostel tries. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," which, let's be honest, is a great starting point. The elevator? Present and accounted for! This is a big win – seriously, after lugging my suitcase up three stories in a random Bangkok guesthouse, I nearly wept with joy. I saw no ramps, however, so bear that in mind if you're using a wheelchair or have mobility concerns. This is Thailand, and sometimes "accessible" translates to "we're trying our best."
The Tech Stuff (Because, Let's Face It, We All Need Our Fix)
So, internet. Crucial. And Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel gets it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and it's good Wi-Fi. I mean, I could actually stream cat videos without buffering. (Priorities, people!) They have Internet access – wireless in the rooms, but the Internet [LAN] is there too, if you're into that sort of thing. There were no issues; it was reliable, and I could easily stay connected to the world (and my crippling social media addiction). The Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent, which is a blessing when you're trying to plan your next adventure, or, y'know, just procrastinate.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because No One Wants to Catch a Tropical Something)
Safety is paramount. And with the anti-viral cleaning products, the professional-grade sanitizing services, and the fact that they do daily disinfection in common areas, I felt pretty at ease. The staff, bless their hearts, were trained in safety protocol. They even had hand sanitizer at every turn. There's a doctor/nurse on call (thank God!), and if you're REALLY worried, there is a room sanitization opt-out available. Whew! The rooms are sanitized between stays, and they use sterilizing equipment. This is good, friends. Very, very good. The cashless payment service is also super convenient.
The Food Scene (Because, Thai Food Is Life!)
Oh, the food! Let’s be honest, Thai food is the main reason any of us travel to Thailand. Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel has restaurants, multiple options. First off, the Asian breakfast was a real treat; I was a bit skeptical at first (I’m a Western breakfast kind of gal), but the noodles and rice dishes were both amazing. They also offer Western breakfast, which I occasionally indulged in (bacon!). They have Asian cuisine in restaurants – duh – and international cuisine in restaurants, for the days you’re feeling less adventurous. There’s a coffee shop, and they do breakfast service (which I highly recommend). There is a poolside bar for your cocktail needs, as well as a snack bar and, amazingly, a vegetarian restaurant! They offer an alternative meal arrangement, in case you’re fussy! I went with the A la carte in [one of the] restaurants, and I also was happy to see desserts in restaurant! They also have a breakfast [buffet] if you want to eat your own weight in Thai goodness. Room service [24-hour]! Talk about convenience! They have salad in restaurant, and also soup in restaurant.
Things to Do (and Ways to Chill, Because You Need It)
The swimming pool [outdoor] is pretty much paradise. Seriously. I practically lived there for a few afternoons. The pool with view is stunning; a definite highlight. Now, my trip wasn’t dedicated to pampering, but Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel does have a spa/sauna. They also have a steamroom, and a sauna separately. I didn’t get around to the body scrub or the body wrap, (maybe next time) but the thought of it… oh, the thought of it! They have a foot bath (YES!), a fitness center (if you're into suffering on holiday), and a gym/fitness to burn off all that delicious food. There is a massage to melt away all your worries. They don’t have a Spa to be honest, but the other options make up for it.
The Nitty Gritty: Rooms, Services & Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes or Breaks a Stay)
My room? Cozy. Not palatial, but perfectly adequate. Air conditioning (essential!), a comfy bed, a working desk, and a window that opens. The bed itself was an Extra long bed! The bathroom was functional, with a shower (no bathtub, but who has time for baths on holiday?). They’re Non-smoking rooms, so even if you enjoy a smoke, you'll have to go outside. Air conditioning in public area. They have Daily housekeeping. Daily housekeeping! (This is something I need in my life). Ironing service, and a luggage storage. They offer laundry service, (another win!) and if you need to get some work done, or if you have some business, they have business facilities. They accept Cash withdrawal. Elevator, and Facilities for disabled guests! They also have a convenience store, and a gift/souvenir shop, and even a concierge! They have safe dining setup! They do car park [free of charge]. Safety deposit boxes and Security [24-hour]. You can even enjoy room decorations and see a shrine in the premises.
The Dark Underbelly (Because Not Everything's Perfect)
Okay, so I’m not going to tell you it's all roses. No hotel is perfect. The walls were a tiny bit thin (I could hear the guy in the next room snoring… loud. Like, REALLY loud). And the room decorations feel a bit… meh. Like, a bit more personality would be nice.
For the Kids (Because Traveling with Little Humans is a Different Ballgame)
The hostel is family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service. However, there aren’t any Kids facilities, sadly. They do offer kids meal, which is quite convenient.
The Extras (The Little Things That Make a Difference)
The staff were amazing. Seriously, the friendliest, most helpful people. They knew just enough English; helped me with everything from finding the best Pad Thai in town to deciphering the local bus routes. They offered a taxi service and a airport transfer! They have a car park [on-site], complete with a car power charging station. There were complimentary tea and even a bottle of water. They offer an invoice provided, and essential condiments. They also have a hot water linen and laundry washing to keep things tidy.
Accessibility, and More Accessibility!
There is a front desk [24-hour], and an exterior corridor. There is a non-smoking, and the staff is trained in safety protocol. Also, the security [24-hour] helps with your peace of mind. They also have a smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher, so that you are safe and sound. They have check-in/out [express] (and check-in/out [private]) to help you ease the trip. They removed Shared stationery removed, so you don’t have to worry about diseases! They even have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and smoke detectors, as well as soundproof rooms, so you can rest and relax.
The Verdict: Should You Book It?
Absolutely, yes! Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel is a fantastic base for exploring this underrated city. It’s clean, safe, and well-equipped. The staff are lovely, the food is tasty, and the pool is… well, you get the picture. While it may not be the most luxurious place you've ever stayed, it has a real charm and is an amazing value. Plus, the location is perfect.
The Unbelievable Offer (Because Who Doesn't Love a Bargain?)
Book your stay at Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel NOW, and receive a FREE welcome drink at the poolside bar! PLUS, we'll throw in a complimentary day trip to the stunning Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) for all stays of 3 nights or more! (Seriously, the Red Lotus Sea is breathtaking. You
Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 90627 Hotel Mutiara Ponorogo!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover account of my Udon Thani adventure, based, as the gods intended, at Top Hostel. Buckle up because I'm not guaranteeing chronological order OR sanity.
The Top Hostel Tango (and Other Miscellaneous Mayhem)
Pre-Trip Freakout (and Packing, Obviously)
- Day 0: Right, so Thailand. Fantastic! I've seen the pictures. Beaches, temples, street food that'll make your taste buds sing. But the packing? Never my strong suit. Panic set in. Did I pack enough mosquito repellent? (I’m a mosquito magnet, a tragic truth.) Did I remember my anti-diarrheal medication? (An even more tragic truth, learned the hard way in India). Then I spent a solid hour trying to fold a t-shirt the "KonMari" way. Let's just say Marie Kondo would not be impressed. My suitcase looked like a chaotic explosion.
Arrival & Hostel Introspection
Day 1, Morning (or What's Left of It): Flight’s delayed, which gave me more time to mentally prepare for the onslaught of Southeast Asian humidity. It's already thick as pea soup here in Udon Thani, and I'm already sweating. Hooray.
- The Hostel: Top Hostel. It's…fine. Clean enough. Wi-Fi is a mixed bag, mostly bag. The dorm setup gives me slight flashbacks to my college dorm room (minus the questionable pizza crusts and the existential dread) but hey, it's a bed and the AC is a lifesaver. The common area is pretty chill, filled with a mix of backpackers, some of whom definitely think they know EVERYTHING about travel. (Spoiler alert: they don't).
- The First Impression: Okay, everyone rave about the food here, but I am craving a pizza like you wouldn't believe.
Day 1, Afternoon: The Search for Pizza (and Sanity): Okay, so maybe my immediate pizza craving wasn't the best introduction to a new culture. But listen, a girl's gotta eat, right? Wandered around the immediate vicinity of the hostel, which surprisingly (or not) contained a few Western-style restaurant. Found a place with somewhat edible-looking pizza, which definitely wasn't the best, BUT it was a source of comfort after a long flight, so I didn't complain too much.
Venturing Out (and Possibly Embarrassing Myself)
- Day 2: The Local Market Adventure (And My Terrible Bartering Skills)
- Morning Mishap: Woke up late. The hostel's free breakfast (toast, jam, instant coffee) wasn't exactly a culinary revelation, but hey, free is free. Got a little side eye for making a mess with the jam and the toast crumbs.
- Market Mayhem: Determined to embrace the local flavour, I went to a market. It was a sensory explosion – vibrant colours of fruits and spices, the insistent buzz of the Thai language, the glorious smells of things I couldn't even identify. My mission? To buy some fruit. I attempted to barter for a bunch of mangoes but failed miserably. Turns out my negotiating skills are about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. Ended up paying a bit more than I should have, but hey, the mangoes were divine. The sweetest I've ever tasted and the experience made me laugh (at my ineptitude).
The Real Meat of the Journey (and the Stuff That Sticks)
- Day 3: Exploring the Buddha Park & a Spiritual Awakening (Maybe)
- The Journey: So, I did everything everyone told me to do: visit the Buddha Park. I rented a tuk-tuk, which was, like, a wild ride in the heat. It drove me into the countryside (a much-needed escape from the city).
- The Park: It was amazing. Huge, weird, and incredibly peaceful. Giant statues of gods and demons and Buddhas, all in this lush, green landscape. Some were slightly unnerving, others were just plain bizarre, but all of it, together made for a trip. I spent a solid hour wandering around, completely mesmerized. Felt a little something – a connection. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was the mangoes, maybe it was the sheer otherworldliness of it all, but something clicked. It was a truly transformative experience, and even made me have an existential crisis.
- The Aftermath: Went back and had a beer.
The Aftermath (aka Where Things Get Hazy)
- Day 4: Back in the hostel. Lots of chatting. Some people were annoying, some were really nice and funny. Met this guy who'd been backpacking for years. He had the most ridiculously sun-kissed skin, and a story for every country. He’d been to places I've only read about. He made me look up things I swore I would never do (like rock climbing). We had an incredible conversation, and he didn't even judge me when I admitted I still hadn't conquered my fear of street food.
Udon Thani's Unexpected Charm (and My Slightly Messy Conclusion)
- Day 5 (or Possibly Somewhere In Between, Time Is a Construct): Okay, the town itself isn't mind-blowing. But there's something about Udon Thani. It's got a certain laid-back energy. The people are incredibly friendly. The food is phenomenal. And even though I still can't bargain worth a damn, and my mosquito repellent is barely holding up, I'm having a fantastic time. I miss my family, but I think I'm doing pretty well here.
- Next steps: I'm not entirely sure. Maybe I'll make it to the other temples, try more food. Maybe I'll finally work up the courage to try that durian fruit (wish me luck, I'm terrified).
- Final Thoughts: Don't be afraid to be messy, lost, and a little bit ridiculous. That’s where the real adventure lies, and the memories you'll hold. Top Hostel? Recommended. Udon Thani? Underrated. My trip? Just beginning.
Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel: Your Thai Adventure Starts…Maybe…Here? FAQ (Let's Get Real)
Okay, spill the tea: Is this hostel actually *unbelievable*?
Look, "unbelievable" is a strong word, right? But honestly…it *could* be. Depends on your definition of "unbelievable". If you're expecting Michelin-star luxury? Honey, flee. If you dig a place with a strong personality (and maybe a few questionable cleaning choices), then maybe. It *is* cheap, that’s a good starting point. The aircon? Hit or miss like a drunken dart player. The shared bathroom? Well, let's just say you'll develop a profound respect for the power of industrial-strength bleach. But…I stayed an extra night. Go figure. I think the unbelievable part is the *vibe*. It’s… unforgettable.
What kind of people stay there? Is it a backpacker free-for-all?
Oh, yeah, it's a backpacker buffet. But a *good* buffet. You get the young and restless, the seasoned travelers with more stories than airline miles, and the confused tourist fresh off the plane. I met a guy who'd been "traveling" since the early 80s. His backpack looked like it was older than me. He smelled a bit like patchouli and regret but had the best stories (and the best weed, but I digress...). There’s a solid mix though, not just twenty-somethings. I felt… welcome. Which, considering I’d just survived a 24-hour travel ordeal, was a godsend. Everyone’s got their own flavour, you know?
The rooms – what are they *really* like? Be honest.
Okay, here's the brutal truth. “Rooms” is a generous term. Think… basic. *Very* basic. My "private" room felt more like an oversized closet. The bed was... well, let's just say you won't be entering any mattress comfort contests. But it had a fan! And mosquito netting (thank heavens - I'm tasty). And, surprisingly, a decent wifi signal. Look, it's not the Four Seasons. But it's clean-ish. They have towels, albeit thin and seen better days. Don’t expect much in the way of luxury. But it’s a roof over your head. And, frankly, after a day of battling temples and tuk-tuks, all you really *need* is a place to crash.
What about the location? Is it centrally located for exploring Udon Thani?
Sort of. It's near the main train station, which is *fantastic*. Super convenient. But it’s not *right* in the heart of the action. You’ll be walking a bit, or more likely, jumping in a tuk-tuk. The upside? The neighborhood's a little…real. More authentic, less touristy. I found a killer street food stall two blocks away that made the best Pad Thai I've *ever* had. Seriously. I dream about it. And that’s a huge win in my book. It's about a 10-15-minute walk to the main shopping district. So, plan your routes.
The facilities – what’s included? Is there even hot water?
Okay, let's tackle this one. Hot water? Sometimes. It’s a coin flip. The showers are… err… a shared experience. The water pressure is…let's be kind and call it "dainty." The hostel *does* have a common area – a slightly grubby, but functional, space to socialize. Wi-fi is generally okay. There's a laundry service (needed. Very needed). There's a basic kitchen, which I didn’t touch because even looking at it gave me the heebie-jeebies. You'll manage. It's not fancy. Think of it as… an endurance test in basic living. You'll survive.
Is it noisy? Like, can you actually sleep?
Oh, the noise. It's a symphony! You've got the general hum of a bustling city: tuk-tuks blasting horns, dogs barking, the distant chanting… and… the aircon units, which whine and groan like dying dinosaurs. *And* the other guests. Some of them are considerate, others are… not. I'm a light sleeper, so I packed earplugs (essential!) and a sleep mask. That got me through. There's a courtyard, occasionally things can get loud. You're sharing space with people. Come prepared.
How about the staff? Are they helpful?
This is where the Unbelievable Udon Thani Hostel *really* shines. The staff… they're fantastic. Seriously. They’re not always fluent in English (Thai is their first language, surprise!), but they're genuinely, genuinely helpful. They'll go out of their way to help you with anything – directions, booking tours, even just a sympathetic ear after a bad day of travel. I had the worst case of food poisoning (street food, lesson learned. Always). The staff were absolute angels. They got me water, helped me flag down a taxi to the hospital, and even checked in on me for a couple of days. They deserve a medal. Or at least a massive tip. Which I gave them.
Is it easy to find food nearby? And what about the cost?
Food? Abundant. Cheap as chips. Literally. And figuratively. There are street food stalls everywhere, serving up delicious (and mostly stomach-friendly) goodies. I mentioned that Pad Thai stall, right? *Heaven*. There are convenience stores, restaurants, and markets all within walking distance. And the cost? Dirt cheap. You're talking about a place where you can eat an entire meal for a couple of dollars. It's a budget traveler's dream. Just…be cautious about where you eat!
What's the single biggest thing that surprised you about the hostel?
Okay, here's the real, raw, unfiltered moment. The biggest surprise? The *sense of community*. I know, I know… cliché. But it's true. I arrived feeling utterly exhausted, overwhelmed, and slightly terrified ofLocal Hotel Tips
