The hostel was founded in 2008 in Bangkok : in a previously abandoned brothel. The Founder Yuval Schwok & friends built a place with alternative livestyle in mind. And it worked !
Over the years the Overstay has become home to many people around the world as a special place to stay, dance or create.
Concept :
The overstay is like a mix of longterm hostels in India and squat/ community houses in Europe. We tried to get the best of both world and create something new. Squats have amazing creativity but due to their ephemeral nature the art get destroyed too quickly : the pay very little concept of Indian guesthouses allow to keep working on the space.
The overstay is primarly a hostel hosting up to 60 people, rooms are very cheap and many resident stay for long time (hence the name). We are proud to be a place of cultural exchange, tolerance and welcoming each guest. People have met and married here and somehow their kids are the overstay’s as well.
The overstay is also a music venue for traveling musicians and local bands. We spent years saving money to buy full band equipment and dj gear. Capacity of 150 people when its full : most of our big events are on the weekends but small gigs or jam can happen any time
Common area in The Overstay
The Bar
Open 24 hours a day, every day, every week, every month and all year long. Dehydration is something we can’t accept. We provide every kind of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you could possibly need. If you want you can create your own cocktail and find out if your creations are what other travelers fancy as well.
The Overstay bar is famous for its parties and concerts, which take place every week end; when we burn down the house and party up non-stop with local and international bands and DJ’s. We have lots of Instruments; a full drum kit, E-Guitars, Bass, several acoustic guitars, turntables and tons of Vinyls. You cannot only use them any time you want; we want you to use them as much as possible. Even if you can’t play an instrument – in the Overstay you can learn it.
Additionally we have a free pool table, darts, skateboards, many books, exchange market, WIFI in the whole building, Mini GYM and a lot of space just to chill out and start conversations.
Community Kitchen
Thailand and Bangkok is famous worldwide for its incredible array of street food but after a few months or years on the road as a Backpacker you may want to eat something comforting from home or maybe just cook for yourself. We have a fully equipped kitchen where you can make magic happen. We also have a fridge for keeping your ingredients fresh. The only rule in our kitchen is = BE VEGGIE!!!
Open Art and Co working space
On the 4th floor we provide working space for artists, authors and painters. An area surrounded by inspired energies and motivation. For an efficient and creative working atmosphere we provide fans and high speed WIFI and LAN Internet connections.
To be original in The Overstay you don’t have to sit in our Art space, the whole building is your sketch book. Every wall can be the your next canvas or project so come to the Overstay and make yourself part of the family with your art.
The Rooftop
Our chill out area on top of Bangkok gives you a birds eye view and is a cool spot to just hang out and chat with other travelers while you feel the wind on your face. The perfect spot to see the sunrise over the Bangkok skyline.
Other little things which make your stay even better… We are there for you 24 hours a day; at least one of the family members is always behind the bar. We are happy to help and inspire you while you sojourn in Bangkok. If you want to see, taste and experience Bangkok like a real local, then we can point you to the coolest places and you can be assured they will not be the tips you find in the Lonely Planet.
We have coin-operated washing machines so no need to run around with dirty cloths. We do have a midday check out time but it’s ok easy if you need 1 or 2 more hours before you leave, we are not going to boot you out. Take it easy, after all, you are in The Overstay!
Remember when you do decide to check out but still want to discover Bangkok before you’re off to your next destination, you don’t have to carry your gear around with you. There is a nice storage area where you can leave you backpack and belongings.
The Animal Kingdom of The Overstay
We not only take care of our guests and long-term stayers. We also take care of 2 cats and 2 dogs. The Overstay is famous in the neighborhood for adopting stray kittens and they often get dumped on the door step. These fur babies are part of our family and we co-habit, with them in loving harmony and respect.
Outside of the Overstay Universe
We are situated in Bangkok’s Thonburi area, a real local neighborhood, on the main Charan Sanit Wong road near Soi 40. You can walk to the historical city center and old town in about 20 minutes. With a taxi or motorbike-taxi it will only take 5 to 10 minutes to get over the bridge and will cost you very little money. Besides, riding around Bangkok on the back of a motorbike taxi is defiantly something you shouldn’t miss. We are well connected to the Bangkok bus system so geting around is easy if you know how. And we know the ins and outs, so just ask us!!!
50 meters from The Overstay is a 7/11 shop that’s open 24/7 and we are surrounded by local street stalls and restaurants offering all kinds of delicious authentic Thai food. The night market accross the road also has amazing food and street art.
Want more? Some of us have been living in Bangkok for years and are happy to share some insider knowledge. We know secret spots and hidden venues, fascinating night markets and green hideaways amongst the hustle and bustle that will let you catch a glimpse of real Thai living and daily lives. Go exploring and you will have more fun than you ever expected in the city that never sleeps. So go ahead – what you waiting for? Its time to OVERSTAY.