
Udon Thani's BEST Backpacker Beds & Cafe: Unmissable UdonBackpackers!
Udon Thani's Unmissable UdonBackpackers: A Backpacking Soap Opera
Okay, here’s the deal: Udon Thani. Not exactly top of your bucket list, right? Right. BUT, if you're actually backpacking, maybe on a budget, and you have to go through this city, you NEED to know about Backpacker Beds & Cafe: Unmissable UdonBackpackers! (Seriously, the name alone is a bold statement.) I'm going to tell you about my stay, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. More like a series of experiences, strung together with weak WiFi and the constant hum of the air conditioning.
SEO & Metadata Schmancy:
- Title: Backpacker Beds & Cafe Udon Thani Review: The Good, The Bad & The Bunches of Backpackers!
- Keywords: Udon Thani accommodation, backpacker hostel, budget travel Thailand, UdonBackpackers review, Thailand hostels, Udon Thani cafe, accessible accommodation Udon Thani, free wifi hostel, pool Udon Thani, spa Udon Thani, Udon Thani nightlife, Udon Thani food, digital nomad Udon Thani
- Meta Description: Honest review of Backpacker Beds & Cafe in Udon Thani – accessibility, facilities, food, and the unique backpacker vibe! Is it truly ‘unmissable’? Find out in this chaotic tale of my stay.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Bless Their Hearts
Alright, let's get the serious stuff out of the way first. Accessibility. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. But, and this is a big but: the devil is in the details. I didn’t need full-on wheelchair access, thank god (phew), but my friend, well, they had some mobility issues. The lobby was flat enough, and the staff were super helpful, but navigating the outside spaces… let's just say it wasn't exactly a cakewalk. Some pathways were uneven, and the pool area? Yeah, a bit of a challenge. (Accessibility rating: 3/5 for intention but questionable execution.)
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Again, theoretically yes, but practically… more research is needed.
Internet Access: Thank God for the Free Wi-Fi! (But…)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Look, when you're a digital nomad (or just a desperate backpacker trying to avoid getting fleeced by roaming charges), decent Wi-Fi is a godsend. And the Wi-Fi was free. And it was in my room. Mostly. Sometimes it cut out. Sometimes I shouted at it. But hey, for the price, I wasn't going to complain too much, though I spent a lot of time in the common areas. (Wi-Fi Rating: 3.5/5 – for the price, it delivered.)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: There might have been a LAN option, but honestly, I couldn't find it amidst the chaos of other backpackers.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Solid. Especially good near the cafe.
Things to do, Ways to Relax & Feeling Fancy…ish
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Things to do? Udon Thani is… well, it’s Udon Thani. But the hostel itself tried. They offered tours, helped with transport… you know, the usual stuff.
Ways to Relax: Here’s where the "Unmissable" starts to show its cracks. They had a swimming pool. Cute. Mostly. Small, but refreshing after a day in the heat. (Pool rating: 2/5 – it’s there, and it’s wet, but it's not exactly a five-star resort.)
Spa, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: OKAY, here’s where it gets hilarious. They listed a spa, sauna, steamroom and fitness center. I asked the staff. I looked. I asked again. Turns out, "Spa" meant a massage room where the masseuse looked like she'd seen a ghost. "Gym" was a collection of rusty weights stacked in a humid corner. And the sauna/steamroom situation? Possibly mythical. I’m convinced those entries were a typo. They're probably using the steam from the rice-cooker at breakfast. (Spa/Fitness rating: 0.5/5 for ambition.)
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: The massage was available. It was good. It was… cheap. Worth every penny to try and relax after a long day.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Hostel Chaos
This is where UdonBackpackers absolutely shines. The food. My god, the food.
A la carte restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: They had it all. Seriously. The breakfast buffet was legendary. I mean, for the price, it was a feast. Eggs, toast, fresh fruit, the works. And the coffee? Surprisingly good. (Breakfast rating: 5/5 – genuinely fantastic. Don't skip it!) The bar was a hub of activity in the evenings, and the happy hours were… dangerous. You've been warned.
The food in the restaurant was pretty good, a nice mix of Thai and Western dishes. They even had a veggie burger that actually tasted like a veggie burger, which is a rare find in Southeast Asia. I ate salad, soup, international and asian cuisines there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Looking out for Your Sanity
Cleanliness and Safety: This feels important now, doesn't it?
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They took it seriously, which was a huge relief. They were doing the best they could with the limited resources of a hostel in a city that's trying to get everyone vaccinated. There were hand sanitizers everywhere.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes. They were also friendly even when it was busy
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: The place felt secure, even with the constant party atmosphere.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (And Some Annoying Ones)
Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Ironing service, Safety deposit boxes, Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Ironing service, Invoice provided, Meeting/banquet facilities, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center, Bike parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service: The basics were there. The air conditioning in the common areas was a lifesaver. The luggage storage was essential. The 24-hour front desk was helpful when I inevitably locked myself out of my room at 3 am.
Cash withdrawal: I took cash out of the machine. Nothing to complain about.
Meeting/banquet facilities: Didn't see those. Maybe behind that mythical sauna door.
Rooms: Yes. (Comfort rating: 3/5, adequate) Room Decorations: Minimal. Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
For the Kids: Bring the Toddlers?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This is a backpacker hostel. No kids. Unless you're travelling with a small child, you probably don't want to come. It's a party.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer: Available, and a lifesaver. Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site], Taxi service: They helped arrange everything.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty Gritty
**Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed
Denver Tech Center's BEST Hotel? La Quinta Inn & Suites Review!
Udon Thani: My Backpacking Baptism (Or, How I Almost Lost My Passport to a Gecko)
Okay, so here's the deal. Udon Thani. Honestly? I’d never heard of it before. It was just a dot on the map, a random cheap flight from Bangkok, and a name that sounded…well, like a bad pun. But hey, “UdonBackpackers Beds and Cafe” sounded charming enough, right? Famous last words, people. Famous last words.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Awkward Gecko Encounter
- 14:00: Arrive in Udon Thani. Airport? Small. Efficient. Smells faintly of jasmine incense and the lingering scent of someone's spicy lunch. I’m immediately lost in the sea of red-and-white tuk-tuks, all looking like angry, motorized ladybugs. Negotiating a fare is a feat of linguistic agility I clearly don’t possess. I ended up paying way too much. Lesson learned: Learn basic Thai phrases. Now.
- 14:30: UdonBackpackers Beds and Cafe. Finally! This place is…okay. Sort of. The description online was a little too rosy. It’s less "rustic charm" and more "slightly dilapidated, but with a friendly cat". Check-in is swift, I collapse on my bed, a questionable mattress with a sheet that may or may not have been washed recently, and breathe a sigh of relief. The AC is blasting, a godsend after the airport.
- 15:00: The Gecko! Now, I'm not normally afraid of geckos. But this one…this one was enormous. And it was inside my room. Perched, menacingly, above the door. I swear it was judging me. Whispering, “Are you sure you belong here, Westerner?” I spent the next hour alternating between hyperventilating and frantically Googling "Are geckos dangerous?". Turns out, mostly harmless. Still freaked me out.
- 16:00: Forced myself to leave the room. Headed to the cafe for a coffee, needing a serious injection of caffeine and courage. The coffee was…meh. But I befriended the aforementioned cat (who clearly knew about the gecko situation and found it HIGHLY amusing, the little fur ball). Stroking a cat is the best therapy there is.
- 17:00: Wandered aimlessly around the neighborhood. Found a street food cart selling something that looked vaguely like spring rolls. Took a leap of faith, ended up with a deep-fried explosion of deliciousness. Followed by a spicy chili burn that left me sweating and happy. This is what backpacking is all about, right? Risk, reward, and wiping your brow?
- 18:00: Back to the hostel. Gecko update: still there. Still judging. Contemplating throwing a shoe at it. Decided against it. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 2: Temples, Taxis, and a Terrifying Karaoke Revelation
- 09:00: Breakfast at the hostel: toast and instant coffee. Fueling up for a big day of…something. Found a map and, after some serious internal debating (mostly with the gecko), decided to visit Wat Phra That Nong Bua, the iconic white temple.
- 10:00: Taxi ride to the temple. Taxi driver was a sweet old man who spoke zero English. We communicated through a combination of hand gestures and me pointing at a map. It was chaotic, beautiful, and I felt a tiny, warm spot of community. Even if he did try to convince me to buy Buddha amulets. They were beautiful, but I had to stay strong.
- 11:00: Wat Phra That Nong Bua. Absolutely stunning. The sheer scale of the white temple is unreal, sparkling in the morning sun. It was so pristine and serene, a stark contrast to the slightly dusty, chaotic beauty of the city itself. Spent an hour just wandering around, taking photos, and trying to absorb the atmosphere. Felt a sense of, dare I say it, peace.
- 12:00: Back to the city. Found a little open-air restaurant for lunch, I ordered a plate of Pad Thai. It arrived piled high with peanuts, fresh lime a hint of chili. I swear, every dish in Thailand is a symphony of flavours!
- 16:00: Karaoke. This is where things got…interesting. The hostel had a karaoke night. I’d always been told I had a “decent” voice. (Spoiler alert: I don’t.) Encouraged by copious amounts of Singha beer (thanks, gecko!), I volunteered. I chose "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. It was glorious. It was terrible. It was a complete train wreck. But the other backpackers, bless their souls, clapped and cheered. I feel like I bonded with everyone, especially the person sitting next to me who, I swear, was trying to sing along.
- 17:00: Feeling slightly mortified but strangely liberated. Headed back to my room.
- 18:00: Gecko update: still there. Still judging. But I’m not as scared. I’ve faced the karaoke gods and lived to tell the tale. He is just a lizard.
Day 3: Markets, Massages, and a Moment of Profound Gratitude
- 10:00: Spent the morning exploring Udon Thani Night Market. Buzzing, buzzing, buzzing with life! The smells, the sounds, the sheer energy of the place were overwhelming. Street food vendors cooking everything from mango sticky rice (heavenly) to grilled skewers. The stalls were overflowing with clothes, souvenirs, and… well, everything. I almost bought a fake Rolex. Almost.
- 12:00: Found a local massage parlor. A proper Thai massage, not one of those tourist fads. The woman was tiny but strong. The knots in my shoulders from over-backpacking melted away. I closed my eyes, let the gentle pressure release all the tension. It was bliss, absolute bliss.
- 13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant. Ordered something I couldn’t even pronounce. Was a spicy, creamy curry, and I devoured the lot.
- 15:00: Back at the hostel, packing my bag. It’s time to go.
- 16:00: Stand in front of my room, and, just…I am very very happy. I felt a kinship with the city, the people, even the judging gecko, and I could not recommend this more.
Final Thoughts:
Udon Thani. It wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t perfect. It was hot, chaotic, and sometimes a little overwhelming. The gecko nearly gave me a heart attack. But it was also beautiful, and it was real. It was a true backpacking experience. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Especially not a fancy hotel room. Or, you know, not being judged by a lizard.
Escape to Cambria's Coastal Paradise: Pelican Inn & Suites Awaits!
Udon Thani's BEST Backpacker Beds & Cafe: Unmissable UdonBackpackers! - FAQ (with a healthy dose of chaos)
Okay, spill. Is this place *actually* good? I've heard... things.
What's the deal with the "Unmissable" part? Is that, like, marketing hype?
Let's talk rooms. Dorms or private? And how... clean are we talking here?
The Cafe! Is it worth the hype? Or just another hostel cliche?
What about the location? Is it convenient for getting around?
Any downsides? Anything REALLY annoying?
Tell me that Cockroach story
Final Verdict? Should I stay there?


Post a Comment for "Udon Thani's BEST Backpacker Beds & Cafe: Unmissable UdonBackpackers!"