"Slum" House In Thailand Costing RM2.50 A Night Becomes Popular Among Foreign Tourists
A "shabby chic" accommodation.
By Celine Low — 05 Nov 2024, 03:32 PM
What makes a good Airbnb? The view? Affordability and comfort?
One slum house in Thailand may look like the last place a tourist would choose, but it's actually gaining quite a bit of traction among foreign travellers.
Located in the heart of Bangkok near the MRT Bang Khun Non station, this unique accommodation has been listed on vacation rental site Airbnb as "Boss Room" since 2017.
The building is an old, Thai-style wooden home that looks like it might be haunted. One might even look at this house and think, "Who would want to spend a night here?"
Apparently, a lot of people. This place is booked solid, with some rooms reserved well into 2026.
The secret to its popularity? A ridiculously low price of 19 to 360 baht (approximately RM2.50 to RM47) per night and a quirky charm that attracts both tourists and YouTubers alike.
The owner, a young man named Supoj, inherited the house from his uncle.
He admits to being a bit spooked by the creaky floorboards and shadowy corners.
To ease his nerves, he decided to rent out the rooms at a bargain price, hoping for some live-in company.
The house has seven rooms, one of which is occupied by the owner himself. There are basic amenities available, including private rooms, basic daily necessities, Wi-Fi, and shared bathrooms.
Don't expect air conditioning or plush mattresses; most rooms have fans and beds placed directly on the floor, complete with mosquito nets for that authentic "roughing it" experience.
Despite the not-so-chic living conditions, the owner is serious about looking after his guests, resulting in glowing five-star reviews
According to Vision Thailand, there are about eight to 10 residents currently renting this quirky Airbnb home, with most opting for long-term stays.
Guests who stay here have even formed a close-knit community, welcoming new arrivals at the airport and communicating through paper-thin walls. (We're guessing privacy isn't a top priority here.)
While the low price is undoubtedly a major draw, Supoj insists that profit isn't his motive. He simply wants to connect with people and create a unique experience. "Although this house looks shabby," he says, "the people who live here are very cool."
With over 180 reviews and a 4.84-star rating on Airbnb, it seems that the guests who have stayed here also think Supoj is very cool.
