The Associated Press has just posted an article on how to do Bangkok on the cheap. They even mention my favorite spot to stay on Sukhumvit Road, Suk11.

From 15-cent train rides to excellent, one-dollar meals, Thailand’s tropical capital is teeming with budget options for the penny-pinching traveler. Where else in the world can you get a free vasectomy? It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars a day in Bangkok, home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. But following some guidelines, you can enjoy the city at a fraction of the price.

In Bangkok’s prime residential area of Sukhumvit Road, one budget option is Suk 11, a quirky guesthouse legendary among backpackers, where the halls have been remade with creaking wooden planks and hanging lanterns to look like old Bangkok alleyways. A bed in a clean, air-conditioned dorm room starts at $7.50.

Another great place to stay that I recommend highly is Shanti’s Lodge next to Thevet market. Key advantage, it’s right by a water taxi stop. Stay away from taxis an tuk tuks if you can. The Skytrain and water taxis will take you just about any place you want to go without you getting scammed while choking on exhaust fumes.

I prefer places like this over hotels for so many reasons. The main attraction for me is the cool people you meet at a hostel. That just doesn’t happen in the same way at hotels. You also always feel like a mark when you are exiting a hotel in most of Southeast Asia.

Being at a hostel gives you the sense of being part of the neighborhood. Shanti’s Lodge is totally like that. You can watch Thai people come and go to work and back from school. The place is really calming with it’s own mellow beat of action. You’ve also got fish tanks in some of the rooms. BTW, Shanti’s has a great restaurant. Order some Tom Yum and my favorite, Som Tam,

If you like chillies just say ‘pet pet’ after everything you order.

• Angkor Wat, Holiday in Cambodia
• Langkawi, nice for a few days