Although Hostelling International is only a small hostel it would be hard to find anywhere else in Phuket that serves budget travellers better for Bt180 per person per night. Nithi and Jeeraporn wongprateep. A couple who searched in vain for cheap and decent accommodation decided the best thing to do was to build their own. So they constructed a three-storey building adjacent to their mother's home, that became first youth hostel in Phuket under the Hostelling International Thailand chain. The hostel started operating in February this year with the rate of Bt195 including breakfast for youth hostel members.

Even though this was a cheap compared to the pricey accommondation In Phuket. Jeeraporn said: "One traveller told me they only had Bt190, and said the rate a little high for them." She then decided to reduce the dormitory room to only Bt180 per night per person. Breakfast is still included.

The hostel is located 12 kilometres from busy Patong Beach in the tranquil centre of Chalong - just 200 metres from Wat Chalong. For those who picture a dormitory packed with beds, the reality is quite the oposite. The rooms are spacious and clean.

The hostel can accommodate as many as 90 travellers with a range of rooms: fan or air - conditioned dormitory or single rooms with attached bath rooms: Prices start at Bt180 for a dormitory with a fan, and go up to Bt350 for an air - conditioned single room with private brivate bathroom.

The kitchen, breakfast and reception area is the social hub of the hostel. Shoes must be taken off in traditional Thai style to enhance the homely atmosphere, and travellers and staff exchange travel tips, stories and jokes.

"The facilities in the hostel are first class. It's very clean, plus there's e-mail, telephone and a good breakfast. We will miss the special friends we have made there at the hostel,' said Rachel, a tourist from UK.

Apart from offering travellers a good deal for a night, Jeeraporn also aims to give the best service to young travellers with her close connections with the locals. She can arrange one-day trips to Phi Phi Island for only Bt200 to Bt300, while the regular rate is now as high as Bt650. Jeeraporn also knows a little place called Koh Maphrao or "coconut island" in Amphur Muang, where her guests can camp out.

Tria Moore, a 32 year-old psy-chologist from England, also loved the friendly atmosphere at the new hostel. Tria flew into Phuket and had arranged for someone from the hostel to pick her upwhich was helpful, as the airport is 45km from Chalong. Travelling to the hostel by taxi from the airport, tourists have to pay at least Bt400 or Bt500.

"But we charge Bt250 for our service. And if they arrive by bus in Amphur Muang, we offer a free transfer to the hostel" says Jeeraporn.

Although few Thai travellers have stayed at the hostel yet, Jeeraporn knows they would love it. Sumath Tachanantawanit, a 21 year-old university student from Bangkok stayed at the hostel two months ago.

"It's a big surprise. I had no idea know there was a place like this operating in Thailand. I felt like a millionaire during my three days in Phuket as the hostel is cheap and everything is perfect including the room, breakfast and staff.

Less than a year old, the hostel has become relatively well-know among budget travellers to Phuket, many of whom have praised the friendly hostel manager/cum tourist guide, Chatchai Suwanarat.

"I started at the hostel only three months ago, but with a job like this it changes everyday. I have so much fun working with people that come from all over the world. My English is poor but I do my best to communicate with them, sometimes using sign language or anything that can help me to understand what my guests need," said Chatchai, grinning.

.............The Nation