Posted: February 20, 2024 | February 20, 2024
Chiang Mai is the most popular travel destination in Northern Thailand. This is a hub for travelers looking to go jungle trekking or visit the nearby elephant sanctuary. It's so nice here. I went there recently and was delighted to see that the city's vibe has remained the same post-COVID (it's one of the best food places in the country).
A popular travel hub, the city is filled with hostels. There is something to suit every travel type and budget.
To help you choose from hundreds of options, below is a list of the best hostels in Chiang Mai.
If you don't want to read a longer list, here are the best for each category:
Best hostels for budget travelers:
The best hostel for female solo travelers:
Best hostels for digital nomads:
Best hostel for parties:
Do you want specific details? Here's a breakdown of the best hostels in Chiang Mai and why I love them.
Price legend (per night):
- $: Less than 350THB
- $$: 350-500THB
- $$$: 500THB and above
1. Stamp Backpackers
This is a super social hostel located on the outskirts of the Old City. They organize events every night and have a bar on site that is open to the public so you can mingle with locals and travelers alike (the happy hour is great). There is also a tour desk that can organize day trips within the city. What was especially helpful was the blackboard where travelers could post their plans.
While the dorm beds in the larger rooms are basic (simple beds without curtains), the mattresses are thick and quite comfortable. Small dormitories only have single beds, so there are no bunk beds. They also have their own little alcoves, making them feel much more private than a typical dorm. (Note: The smaller dormitories have air conditioning, but the larger 8-person rooms only have fans (personal fans).
This is the best hostel in the city. If you can find a room, stay here!
Stamp overview:
- $$
- It's very easy to meet people.
- Shared Activity Board
- On-site tour desk
Bed prices start from 450THB.
2. Hidden Garden Hostel
This hostel is very charming with its beautiful architecture and minimalist design with lots of exposed wood. It has a boutique feel with large, spacious dorms that aren't crowded. Dormitory beds are very comfortable and have individual lighting, outlets and curtains to ensure a good night's sleep. It's a social hostel, but not party-centric.
The hostel also has a swimming pool if you want to spend some time relaxing, as well as a rooftop terrace with views. Breakfast is not included, but complimentary snacks are provided throughout the day. The bathrooms are all clean and well maintained and the shower pressure is adequate. Located just on the southern outskirts of the Old City, it's very easy to explore the city from here.
Hidden Garden Hostel Overview:
- $$
- Beautifully designed space
- Female-only dormitory
- Swimming pool and terrace where you can relax and meet people
Beds start from 515THB, private rooms start from 1,250THB.
3. Mad Monkey Chiang Mai
If you want to party, stay here. It's very lively with a lot going on every night, from bar crawls to drinking games. Complimentary drinks are provided upon arrival, adding to the hostel atmosphere. It's very easy to meet people here. There are a variety of communal spaces on site, including a saltwater swimming pool, bar and restaurant, as well as a gym and yoga area.
As with most party hostels, the dorm beds are very basic but still comfortable. Each room has lockers and most beds also have privacy curtains (a rarity in party hostels). It's one of the cheapest hostels in the city, making it a great choice for budget travelers looking to party.
Mad Monkey Overview:
- $
- Lively and sociable atmosphere
- A gym, swimming pool and yoga studio are on site.
- Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival
Beds start at 315THB, private rooms start at 1,591THB.
4. Hostel Lullabye
This award-winning hostel offers a number of complimentary benefits, including free breakfast, free bike rentals and free daily classes such as Thai boxing or yoga. It's a laid-back hostel, but not overly sociable (definitely not a party place). There are plenty of common spaces to socialize both indoors and outdoors. It is located in the center of the Old City, making it very convenient to get around.
The hostel itself is really average. The dorm rooms are not big but the beds are really comfortable. Each bed is equipped with a personal reading light, locker and privacy curtain. It's a comfortable spot with a variety of free perks, making it great value for budget travelers.
Hotel Lullaby Overview:
- $$$
- Female-only dormitory
- free breakfast
- Free daily classes (Thai boxing, yoga)
Bed prices start from 510THB.
5. Dodge House
Located in the old town, this hostel is a home away from home and the very friendly owners are always happy to make your stay enjoyable. Colorful murals and artwork hang on the walls, and there are plenty of laid-back common areas to hang out. It's not very sociable, but it's more of a quiet, rustic hostel suitable for budget travellers. One of the cheapest hostels in the city.
The dorms are not large, but they have outlets, lockers, and air conditioning. Dormitory beds are very basic, with only thin mattresses and no curtains. But the private rooms here are actually very comfortable and boast thick mattresses. This hostel is perfect for budget travelers who want a cheap private room.
Dozy House Overview:
- $
- very affordable
- Comfortable and spacious private room
- Great location in Old Town
Beds start from 220THB, private rooms start from 880THB.
6. Revolution Chiang Mai
This party hostel is located just outside the Old Town near the Saturday Market. There are plenty of common areas to hang out, drink, and play beer pong. The hostel has an age restriction so you know there will only be young travelers staying here. They also offer free nightly dinners to make it easy to socialize and meet people. There is no kitchen to cook in, but there are many bars and restaurants within walking distance.
The dorms here are not big, but unlike most party hostels the beds are actually really comfortable. There are no privacy curtains, but there are individual lights and outlets (even thick mattresses). Each bed also has a small lock box to lock your wallet, cell phone, and other small valuables.
About Revolution Chiang Mai:
- $
- fun party atmosphere
- Age limit: 18-35 years
- Free nightly dinner
Bed prices start from 299THB.
7. About the bed
This stylish, minimalist hostel has a boutique feel, with stylish dorms featuring comfortable mattresses, pod-style curtains for the beds, individual lights and outlets, and lockers. It has a friendly and calm atmosphere, and the rooms feature bright, natural tones with abundant natural light. It's more of a hostel for quiet travelers or digital nomads looking to get some work done. Not only is free coffee and tea available all day, but there's also a small kitchen and pantry if you want to do some basic food preparation.
It's also located right near Chang Puak Night Market, home to some of the city's best street food, and the centuries-old Wat Lok Mori Temple.
Bed Overview:
- $$
- pod style bed
- Free coffee and tea
- Calm and quiet atmosphere
Bed prices start from 370THB.
8. Silvis Hostel Chiang Mai
Located just across the street from Stamps, this hostel has a really great cocktail bar specializing in Thai drinks made with local ingredients. This is another vibrant hostel where it's easy to meet people as they host many events and have lots of common areas to socialize. We can also help you book tours and travel.
They also enforce a quiet hour at midnight to ensure you can still get adequate sleep. Dormitory beds are very comfortable, with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, and individual lights and outlets. The beds are also pod-style, providing extra privacy. The shared bathrooms are large and well maintained, spacious and have good water pressure.
Silvis Hostel Chiang Mai Overview:
- $$
- Cozy pod style dorm bed
- amazing cocktail bar
- Female-only dormitory
Beds start from 350THB and private rooms start from 1,000THB.
A vibrant hub for backpackers, expats, foodies and digital nomads, Chiang Mai is a must-visit on your trip to Thailand. Stay in one of the hostels above and enjoy fun, affordable, and great accommodations!
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Booking a Trip to Thailand: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
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Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels.
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