The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai: Where to Stay in this Northern Thai City

Hotel prices can be Thai (sky) high in Chiang Mai, making staying at a hostel a must for some budget travelers. With that being said, there are so many great hostels in Chiang Mai to choose from, and even the nicer and newer accommodation options won’t break your bank. Whether you are looking for a party, a good night’s rest, or a great space to socialize, Chiang Mai’s hostel scene has got you covered. Here, the best hostels in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
 
 

New Hostel in Chiang Mai: ALEXA Hostel

ALEXA hostel is one of the newer establishments in Chiang Mai. Amenities include luggage storage, air-conditioning in every room, 24-hour reception, and free Wi-Fi. They offer six different room types, with everything from mixed dormitories to double rooms to choose from, so feel free to make a selection based on your budget. The large garden is perfect for socializing as well as the main common area, which is equipped with both a bar and coffee shop. Bunk beds start at ฿360 (about $11.20) per night. If you stay three or more nights, however, you get a slight discount (฿324 per night).
 

Cozy Hostel in Chiang Mai: Baan Heart Thai

Clean, comfortable, cozy: Baan Heart Thai encompasses all of these things and will impress all who pass through the Thai-style doors. Baan means home, which definitely explains why this hostel has such an intimate feel to it. Baan Heart Thai is a modern yet homely hostel found near Old City. It is but 50 meters from the main square that surrounds the heart of Chiang Mai. The hostel has pod-style bunk beds as well as queen-sized beds in mixed dormitories. Amenities include air-conditioning and Wi-Fi throughout the entire accommodation option. Each bed is equipped with a Thai-style curtain to provide you with some privacy while you catch some z’s, as well. Beds start at ฿360 (about $11.20) during the week and ฿365 (about $11.40) on the weekends during the low season (with direct bookings).
 

Quiet Hostel in Chiang Mai: Fun Wahn

Fun Wahn is a friendly hostel and coffee shop duo that is perfect for travelers in need of some privacy. The pod-style dorms here are cozy and equipped with visitors’ very own personal shelf, plug-in, and huge lockers. It is but a stone’s throw away from The North Gate Jazz Co-Op, which is one of the best places to be in the city on a night out. Comfortable rooms are accompanied by super clean and shared bathrooms, and the staff is incredibly friendly, as well. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have about the city, whether it be recommendations on where to get a massage or where to eat on a budget, they have definitely got you covered. Rooms start at ฿300 (about $9.40) a night.
 

Tech-Savvy Hostel in Chiang Mai: The Pause Hostel

Found in the cool area of Nimman and one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai is The Pause Hostel. The shared lounge and television area is super conducive for meeting your fellow travelers. Challenge them to a game of pool or pull up a chair at the ample amount of seating arrangements this hostel is equipped with. Amenities at The Pause Hostel include free and speedy fast Wi-Fi, air-conditioning in all of the rooms, luggage storage, lockers, and more. There is even a tour desk, should you want to book some memorable day trips during your stay. The Pause Hostel has four, six, and eight mixed dormitories as well as private rooms. In low season, rooms start at ฿330 (about $10.30) per person and a private room is ฿750 (about $23.40).
 

Affordable Hostel in Chiang Mai: Hug Hostel Rooftop

If you are looking for a great time, friendly staff, and a common area room with Netflix (you read that right), then Hug Hostel is the accommodation option for you. Hug Hostel is near the 800-year-old moat and famous Chang Phueak Gate, as well as one of the tastiest street food markets in the city. Some of the most stunning of temples are within walking distance, as well. The hostel is equipped with a tour desk that offers everything from exhilarating whitewater rafting tours to ethical elephant sanctuary day trips: whatever it is you are keen on doing, Hug Hostel is likely to have the best tour for you. Be sure to check out their on-site restaurant and grab a drink at their rooftop bar!
 

One of the Best Hostels in Chiang Mai: S*Trips The Poshtel

Oftentimes, hostels get a certain reputation for being watering holes for broke backpackers trying to save as much baht as possible during their travels in Thailand. While some hostels do offer incredibly low prices with average aesthetic and amenities to boot, this is certainly not the case at S*Trips The Poshtel. As its name suggests, this is no ordinary hostel. Situated in downtown Chiang Mai, guests at this high-end hostel are only a short walking distance from some of the coolest attractions in town, including Pantip Plaza and the renowned Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. In addition to its incredible location, S*Trips The Poshtel has a number of different room types to choose from, including ensuite rooms, dormitory rooms, all-female rooms, and more. All are air-conditioned, clean, and the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration in Chiang Mai. There is not one but multiple common areas that are perfect for hanging out and relaxing in, all the while socializing with your fellow backpackers, making it one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai.
 

Best Party Hostel in Chiang Mai: Bodega

If you are looking for a party, look no further than Bodega in Chiang Mai. The hostel is equipped with a large common area, beer pong table, and a fully-stocked bar, so you can mingle while getting your buzz on. It is definitely one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai for partiers. The lowest priced bed is ฿280 (about $8.70) during the low season and ฿320 (about $10) in high season. You can even stay for free thanks to their creator program. Bloggers, vloggers, photographers, videographers, even models: if you have a skill that Bodega is able to utilize to promote their hostel, then you get a free stay. It is a win-win for everyone!
 

Social Hostel in Chiang Mai: Stamps Backpackers

At Stamps Backpackers, you can look forward to a laid-back atmosphere and cheery staff at the ready to help you plan an epic trip in Chiang Mai. There are both air-conditioned and fan rooms available (if you are on a super tight budget). The air-conditioned private pod concept beds are ฿350 (about $10.90), while the fan dorm beds are ฿290 (about $9). The hostel has everything from single bed to shared bunk bed dormitories available. You can look forward to speedy Wi-Fi, a large common area equipped with a bar, and a restaurant serving up delicious Western dishes. The hostel also has group activities every evening and is great for socializing, making it the perfect spot for backpackers taking on the city alone. Its prime location will make for a very good happy hour, with bars just steps from this hostel’s entrance. Spicy, Chiang Mai’s premier after-hours club, is located but a short walk from this hostel, as well, so you do not have to worry about getting a tuk-tuk home later in the evening.
 

Hostel for Solo Backpackers in Chiang Mai: Thailand Wow 2 Hostel

Located almost right across the street from Stamps Backers is Thailand Wow 2 Hostel. It is equipped with one of the largest hangout spots of all the hostels on our list, with everything from couches to hammocks and more to chill out on. It encompasses an open-air design concept, with the entirety of the front of the hostel opening out into the city. Play pool with strangers, grab some delicious spring rolls from their on-site restaurant, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. It is one of the cheapest hostels on our list. What this hostel lacks in modern amenities, however, it makes up for with affordable prices, a friendly and local staff, as well as an incredible location. For example, it is but a five-minute walk from the Sunday Night Walking Street. Long story short, this hostel will certainly wow you ;).
 

Affordable Hostel in Chiang Mai: Sunday Backpackers

Found right outside of the gated walls of the Old City is Sunday Backpackers. The staff here is overtly friendly and kind, and they are at the ready to help you make your trip in Chiang Mai a memorable one. The rooms are basic but you get what you pay for, as this accommodation option is certainly easy on the wallet. Dorms start at ฿200 (about $6.20) a night. There is a quaint hangout spot on the rooftop terrace and a small communal area on the first floor, as well.
 

Great Location in Chiang Mai: Thai Time Hostel

Thai Time is a simple hostel found near the Old City. This hostel is super centrally located in the hustle and bustle of this incredible city. Every Saturday, you can walk out the front doors of this hostel and be greeted by the Saturday Night Market Walking Street. It is also within walking distance of Wat Sri Suphan, otherwise known as the Silver Temple. After exploring these, unwind at the nearby Lila Thai Massage, a massage parlor and social enterprise duo that employs female ex-inmates. The options of cool and nearby attractions are endless! After exploring all of these incredible finds, feel free to lounge in the cool common area at Thai Time Hostel or instead get some sleep in one of their comfortable beds. Rooms start at ฿300 (about $9.40) a person for a dormitory and ฿800 (about $25) a room for a double private room.
 

Best Hostel in Chiang Mai for Solo Travelers: Oxotel Hostel Chiang Mai

Oxotel Hostel Chiang Mai is located right behind Artisan, one of the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai. This hostel is one of the most modern of them all (it even uses electric keycards) and is equipped with an abundance of communal areas, making it a top choice for solo travelers. These areas are complemented by a large garden and the cool artwork found throughout the hip accommodation option. There is also a kitchen should you need it, though we are sure you will not because of the many street food options found nearby. Be sure to take advantage of all of the freebies, including a personal locker, luggage storage, speedy Wi-Fi, towels, a hairdryer, and a city map of Chiang Mai. There is even a CCTV system installed, so you can feel super safe during your stay. What else could a traveler want from a hostel? We are certainly drawing a blank!
 

Best Hostel in Chiang Mai with a Pool: Mad Monkey Hostel Chiang Mai

Mad Monkey is so excited to announce that they will be opening up yet another location in Thailand in 2020. Mad Monkey Hostel Chiang Mai has 207 beds, a pool, on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and the laid-back yet ready to party atmosphere Mad Monkey is renowned for. This affordable accommodation option will surely feel like your home away from home, all the while giving you plenty of opportunities to meet your fellow travelers, interact with the local staff, and maybe have a drink or two all the while. There are both mixed and all female dormitories available as well as private rooms with ensuites. If you do decide to stay in a dorm, you will have a large locker at your disposal (big enough for even the largest of backpacks), and each one is equipped with a power outlet so that you can safely charge your electronics overnight or during the day while you explore this incredible city. If you want to party while being socially responsible, this is one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai to stay in.
 

More Information About the Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

Did you love this article? Do you want even more information about the best hostels in Chiang Mai? Then check out these articles that we have rounded up for your convenience! Enjoy.

• 20 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai (For a Kick Ass Time! 2018) for The Broke Backpacker
• 10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai For Backpackers in 2018 by Luka Trcek for Traveling Lifestyle
• The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai 2018 for Go Backpacking Thailand
• The 10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai (For Every Budget) for Taylor’s Tracks

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