Big John?s is a not so small (80 beds) and Bangkok's only true blue Australian run Guesthouse Hostel and internet cafe which also offers Bangkok?s best Aussie pies and burgers! True budget accommodation in the up market part of town!
Bangkok's only true blue Australian run Backpacker Hostel, don't be fooled by wannabe copycats. No other hostel tries harder to understand and meet your needs or give you more for your money. It might be easier if we charged more, so please, tell us if you feel we should.
Free beer coupon on arrival between now and July 31st.
Massage, manicure, pedicure and waxing discount coupon is available upon check-in.
Don't let our inexpensiveness fool you either. This may well be the best value for money hostel in Southeast Asia. The first hostel in Bangkok to offer dorm beds on HostelBookers.com we offer some of the newest and best dorms, with some of the biggest/widest beds, in some of the most spacious and modern dorm rooms in Asia. We try to put your needs ahead of our own.
No extra or hidden charges here as there are no service charges or additional charges for air-conditioning, for security lockers, for fluffy towels or for clean linen (we give you not just sheets but comforters) and all bathrooms/showers, cleaned regularly, hot water is available 24 hours, like everything else here.
If you're arriving in the wee hours of the morning or staying out late, partying with friends, you don't have to worry about being locked out, the doors and reception are open 24 hours a day. We try to keep the do's and don?ts to a minimum, trusting you will be considerate to others. Big John's is a fun and friendly hostel and a home away from home, not a prison.
You don't need to be a member/discount/VIP card holder here as our prices are discounted for everyone.
Rooms
We have plenty of single and double rooms where the cost of beds are about the same price or less than many other hostels charge for beds in 4 - 10 bed dorms. Some of the private rooms aren't big, but you won't find better value for money. Many of the single and double rooms, including the 6 person mixed and female dorms have mattresses placed on raised wooden floors, a feature which helps add a distinctively oriental feel. With over 80 beds and frequently fully booked you have every chance of meeting like minded travelers.
All the triple rooms have bunk beds that are double on the bottom and single on top (see picture). Triple rooms may also be used for double/twin use and you'll only be charged for a double/twin when you check in. All the double rooms may also be used as singles where we also offer a substantial discount at check-in.
Dorms
The 6 person mixed and female dorms have mattresses placed on raised wooden floors, a feature which helps add a distinctively oriental feel. The 12 person dorm rooms feature a power socket/outlet next to each bed along with a dimmer switch for control of your own light.
For the next several months a limited number of rooms and dorm beds have been specially discounted for early bookings made here, on-line.
It's a great place for getting over jet lag as, no matter what time your body clock is on, all of the quality, generously portioned, home style food on our menu is available 24 hours a day.
The reception desk, restaurant kitchen, internet cafe and front door are open 24 hours a day for those wanting to eat, drink, watch TV and play pool after the clubs and bars close. You can relax, chat with and make new friends all day and night in the restaurant cafe area which has been decorated with long, hanging Thai silks and teak wood carvings (see photos.)
With friendly, professional, mainly English literate staff (at least most of them try, including the Aussie), Big John's, the original - run by Big John himself, family and staff (who will try to make your stay more of a home stay) - has developed a reputation, amongst backpackers and budget travelers - who want to get away from over trafficked, seedy, sleazy, scam artist infested, tourist areas (like Khaosan, Silom, Nana and Asoke) - as the number one place to stay in Bangkok.
Centrally located
Just 30 minutes from the new Suvarnabhumi International and Domestic Airport.
Don't be fooled by hostels previously rated as having a good location, the opening of the new airport has changed things dramatically.
Big John's is a safe and friendly, real home away from home - Centrally located, especially with the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport and closure of Don Muang Airport, to all but charter and a few domestic flights. (Bangkok is a very big and sprawling city with an official population of 8,500,000 people but a more realistic population of 20,000,000 people).
Big John's is a small ( from 1st January, 2006 - some what larger with over 80 beds ) Aussie run guesthouse and youth hostel that also includes an internet cafe, a bar and restaurant, open 24 hours, both making and serving the number one Australian style pies and burgers in Thailand - pies and beef stew also sold in local VILLA supermarkets, along with several other bars and restaurants along Sukhumvit Road and shipped as far north and Udon Thani and South as Krabi - Not forgetting delicious western style vegetarian meals, international favorites including Big John's unique herb bread, thin crust Pizza, Canadian style Poutine, American style Meatloaf and Thai/Fusion and classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum (Spicy Soup) and Pad Thai (Noodles).
Did I forget to mention our fabulous home made pork sausages - also sold to many local restaurants - veggie/tofu burgers and vegetarian breakfast?
Breakfast
No other hostel serves a better value for money ?full breakfast!?
Vegemite is free with breakfast. We also have cornflakes, Coco Pops, Frostiest, jam, honey and peanut butter.
Laundry
We have numerous washing machines and driers and our staff will do your laundry for you at just 20 Baht per kg. We are so cheap that locals in the know bring their laundry here.
We have numerous satellite dishes so you can watch ?live? cricket, American football, baseball and the European football and the FA cup, no matter what time of the day or night it's on. During live EPL matches, on Saturday and Sunday nights, there's ?free? local draft beer for 2 minutes after every goal for anyone with an empty glass (meaning you've already bought one!)
During the F1 Grand Prix season there's free draft beer for 2 minutes after every crash, resulting in the driver retiring from the race, to anyone with an empty glass (see above.)
We also offer free sausage rolls to all drinkers during all AFL and NRL games (to the uneducated, that's Australian Football and Rugby League). During all AFL games broadcast on the Australian network if you are drinking beer from a glass you have 1 minute after every goal kicked from more than 50 meters to get to the bar for a free glass of Chang Draft. And there's ?free? Chang Draft until the first score in all AFL, NRL, and live International Rugby matches.
We can help with information on how to get around Bangkok, to the temples and other sites without paying through the nose and without wasting most of your time sitting in a car or van in Bangkok traffic.
We offer tours to Kanchanaburi, including the floating market, war cemetery, and bridge over the River Kwai and the Tiger Temple. River and road tours to Ayutthaya are also available.
Two day tours including Erawan Falls, Hot Springs, Hell Fire Pass, Elephant rides and bamboo rafting can also be booked here along with three day tours to Kanchanaburi and Sanghlaburi, including the above and Three Pagoda Pass, Viwagaram Temple, underwater temple, orphanage and long wooden bridge. Optional extras are cycling, kayaking and trekking.
We also offer bookings on daily VIP buses to Cambodia - Siam Reap, Ankor Wat and Phnom Phen - the Eastern - Koh Chang, Koh Kut, Koh Wai, Koh Mak -and Southern Islands- Koh Tao (turtle island - diving), Koh Phangan (Full moon party), Koh Samui - South - Phi Phi, Krabi, Phuket, Had Yai, Koh Lak and Northeastern Thailand - Nong Khai and Laos - Vientien.
We have a free book swapping service and a library with a large selection of travel books on Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Traditional Thai massage, Oil Massage and Reflexology (foot massage) is available from Praiphana in the original building - only 50 Baht for a 15 minute neck and shoulder massage, 1 hour massage from 200 Baht, 2 hours from 400 Baht. Other services include manicure, pedicure and hot waxing.
Free maps of Bangkok, showing BTS (Skytrain), MRT (Subway) and canal routes are usually available at the reception desk. We also have more detailed maps by Nancy Chandler, which include Sukhumvit, China Town, Banglampoo, Chatuchak (JJ- the weekend market) and greater Bangkok for sale.
We were the first hostel in Thailand to offer free high speed, ADSL, internet access and free WI - FI. We also have printers, CD burners and card readers to help you copy save and upload your photos. We also have headphones with microphone and web cams to help you keep in touch with friends and family.
We also offer free bag / luggage / baggage storage to returning guests, and to store your bags should you be taking a later flight, train or bus, all of which makes us the big one for others to follow.
There is also no charge for locker use while you are staying with us.
Upcoming special events:
You need not stay with us to join in.
Fri. 1st July Canada Day - Free Poutine for all Canadian drinkers and their friends.
Mon. 4th July - American Independence Day - all you can eat BBQ of ribs, Buffalo wings, sausages, mashed potato, potato salad, salad, apple pie and ice-cream and more just 199 Baht with all you can drink draft beer just 550 Baht starts at 6pm.
Weekly Specials
Every Friday night is ladies night with free gin, vodka, rum, whisky, mixers and local draft beer from 5pm - 7pm for ladies, 20 Baht per drink for ladies from 7-9pm and 40 Baht per drink for ladies from 9-11pm. R&B music all night.
Saturday Nights - Free 12 inch pizza with every 3 liter tower of Chang Draft Beer. Playing Hip Hop music all night.
Every Sunday Breakfast - all you can eat pancakes and maple syrup. Every Sunday night you can enjoy Roast/Smoked/BBQ - with hickory and mesquite wood chips - Beef and/or Ham and/or Pork with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy from just 190 Baht - the second Sunday of each month includes Roast lamb, the last Sunday of each month includes Roast Turkey. Rock Music Hits all night.
Every Monday night is pizza and beer night with a free 1 liter Jug of Chang Draft with every 12 inch pizza. 60's Music Hits.
Every Tuesday night is 2 for 1 night with buy 1 get 1 free meat pie and 2 for 1 Chang Draft Beer (buy one get one free*) 5 - 11pm*. 70's Music Hits.
Every Wednesday night is High Card Wins free drinks - cut the deck against the bar and win and your drink is free* 5pm - midnight. Bangers, mash and beer only 170 Baht. 80's Music and Disco Hits.
Thursday Nights - All you can eat BBQ Buffet Just 150 Baht. All you can drink Chang Draft 350 Baht. Reggae Night.
We have a DVD player to check and watch your latest purchases and a lounge area on the 4th floor for those who just want to chill for a while.
We don't have a swimming pool, but there are swimming pools nearby available for casual use. There is also an Olympic size swimming pool in Sukhumvit Soi 40 that can be used for 50 Baht per day.
We don't have a self kitchen, but the BBQ's are available for anyone who wants to use them.
Barter vegemite and large blocks of cheddar cheese (Australian preferred) are always welcome and can be bartered here, as can Kosher Hard Salami, beef hotdogs, hot English mustard, maple syrup, Bundaberg Rum, and good, preferably South Australian Wine. If you have any other delicacies you wish to barter please email us in advance. We're also interested in sports memorabilia and Australian which can also be bartered for food and drinks and maybe rooms, but not your booking deposit.
Being the first western run hostel in Bangkok, we are continually looking to improve our services, upgrading our facilities and coming up with new and innovative ideas which are frequently copied. Don't be fooled by falsely manipulated ratings, read the comments and take them with a grain of salt.
A great hostel is much more than a room or a bed. Here at Big John's we strive to bring both travelers and locals together in a safe and friendly environment conducive to the exchange of cultures and ideas. A warm and friendly, home away from home, offering opportunities and experiences you will remember for a lifetime and an environment you won't be in a hurry to leave.
See you soon!
Big John
See below for what I know so far on Suvarnabhumi Airport - The new airport isn't proving to be any less of a potential rip-off than Don Muang was.
Warning:
There were some real sharks at Don Muang Airport (which has just ceased being the international Airport) wanting to take advantage of tired and unaware travelers who just want to get to their room. It looks like they've moved to the new airport. I've been hearing of people getting charged 650-800 Baht by supposed taxi services in the airport. And, not allowing them to call here for any help or advice.
Taxi:
From Suvarnabhumi International Airport take an authorized airport taxi, from the stand just outside the arrival hall doors, it's 170 Baht ON THE METER plus 50 Baht airport service fee. The should bring you via Rama 9 Road "Palam Gow" There's no need to get on a tollway. Tell the taxi driver " pai Tonglor soi gow, pai palam gow, pai ekamai " If you want to be sure they bring you the right way, not up Bangna Trad and down Sukhumvit Road, the slow way, say "Mai pai Bangna Trad, mai pai Sukhumvit, mai pai tollway".
At Donmuang Domestic Airport, if you went up stairs to the departure area you could get a taxi dropping someone off to take you on the meter to get here for less than 200 Baht. The current record from the new airport on the meter is 155 Baht plus the 50 baht airport fee. The worst has been 500 Baht, including unnecessary tollway fees.
Bus -
From the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport you can take the AE3 Airport bus to Thonglor Station from 5 am - 12 midnight, but at a cost of 150 baht we suggest you take a taxi (as above) as you'll still have a 800m walk from Thonglor Station or pay 35 baht in a taxi (minimum fare/flag fall).
From Donmuang Domestic/Charter Airport. Outside the arrival hall is the bus stand for the A3 DOWNTOWN airport bus to THONGLOR, http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/ airport/ bus_routes.php, it costs 100 Baht per person and should drop you at our door. Depending on the time of day/night it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to get here, but most of the time will be less than one hour. Taxis may not be any faster.
If for some reason it doesn't/won't turn up Thonglor, your best bet is to get off at the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) just around the corner, in Thonglor, by 7eleven (not the 2 under the BTS, skytrain station) you can get the little red bus for 6 Baht, a motorcycle taxi for 10 Baht, a minivan/tuktuk for 20 Baht or walk 10 minutes to us.
We are 50m inside Thonglor Soi 9, look for the red and white "Big John's Home baked PIES" sign. We look forward to seeing you.
Original Shop which is now Praiphana Massage is at 159/12 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between THONGLOR soi 7 & 9) the new Hostel, Reception & Restaurant is 50m down Thonglor Soi 9
PS. Tell the bus/taxi driver " pai Tonglor soi gow pai palam gow " or show him the attached map and address. Don't let them drop you off at Sukhumvit Soi 9. If you are still under the Skytrain stay in the Bus/taxi
PPS. Other options from Airports , Bus & Train Stations
Slow Public bus from Don Muang Airport : Local Air-conditioned bus 513 directly takes you to Sukhumvit Soi 55 bus stop (known as Thong Lo)
- See details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9
OR - also slow - take bus 29, 59 or air-con bus 510 to the BTS (sky train) MO Chit Station. Take BTS to Thong Lo station ( E6) - see details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9
Train : Don Muang Railway Station is about 500 meters across the highway from the airport . Take a train to Hua Lum Pong Station (see From Hua Lum Pong Station below) . Trains from Don Muang Railway Station run from 6:06 am to 8:07pm.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport take Public Bus 552 to Onut BTS Station and Skytrain to Thong Lo BTS Station (E6) - see details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9
From the Northern Bus Terminal (MOChit2)
Public bus : Air-con bus 77 or 145 drives you to BTS (sky train) Mo Chit Station. Take Sky train to Thong Lo Station ( E6) - see details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9 - A Taxi will cost around 150 Baht ON THE METER
From the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
Public bus : Air-con bus 511 drives you to Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lo ) bus stop - A taxi will be about 200 Baht ON THE METER
From Khaosan Road
Public bus : Air-con bus 511 drives you to Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lo ) bus stop - A taxi will be about 100 - 150 Baht ON THE METER
From Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) : 20 mins walk to Big John's on Thonglor Soi 9 - 50 Baht in taxi ON THE METER
From Hua Lum Pong Railway Station
Public bus : Bus 25, 40 or air-con bus 501 directly takes you to Sukhumvit Soi 55- see details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9
MRT and BTS: Take the MRT (subway) to Sukhumvit Station then cross over to the BTS (sky train) toward On Nut. Get off at Thong Lo station ( E6 ) - see details above for walking or red bus up Soi 55 to Thonglor Soi 9
AVOID TUK TUKS, you will never get a cheaper fare haggling with a taxi or tuk tuk driver than you will get in a taxi ON THE METER.
Thonglor
(Sukhumvit Road Soi 55) - 'The Berverly Hills of Southeast Asia', quoting the Sunday New York Times, is a wide 2km stretch of road on the edge of the CBD, and the sois (streets) that lead off of it are for Thais and Expatriates the desired location to live, shop and party.
From the new airport a taxi, even in peak hour traffic it should only cost 170 Baht + a 50 Baht airport service fee and will only take about 30 minutes. Don't be fooled, in a bus or taxi, Khaosan Road will take 1-4 hours to get to/from the new Airport and may cost as much as 700 Baht. Although, during the day, without a large backpack KS Road and Banglampoo are only 15-20 minutes and 16 Baht away from us. |
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