The hostel life is addictive, isn’t it? There’s nothing like the rush of arriving in a new town or city, settling into your temporary abode, and seeing friendly faces from all over the world. You may be far from home, but with new comrades beside you, you know you’re not lost and you’re not alone. Lucky for you, Luang Prabang is a haven for backpackers, offering a huge variety of hostels to choose from. To ensure you only have the best experience possible, here are the most trusted and highly rated hostels in the area.
Mad Monkey Luang Prabang
If you’ve never stayed at a Mad Monkey Hostel, it’s time to rectify that on your stay in Luang Prabang. With 13 successful hostels across Southeast Asia and Australia and a big, devoted following on social media, one thing seems clear: Mad Monkey is doing it right (though, yes, we may be a bit biased). If you’re up for a good time, stay at the new Mad Monkey Hostel in Luang Prabang, complete with a pool, swim-up bar, terrace views, a cafe, and a fire pit on-site. Mad Monkey has a reputation for being one of the best party hostels in South-East Asia, well-known for its fun parties and social events. Your stay will grant you access to travel-planning services and adventure-based tours in Laos. See what the fuss is all about and join the Mad Monkey club!
Book your epic stay here.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 30 28 50 567 | Website
Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2*
Excellent breakfast, an inviting atmosphere, hot showers, a spacious and attractive common area with a billiards table; these are some of the many features guests love about this hostel. Past guests claim this hostel is one of the best for socializing, thanks in part to its comfortable living spaces. It’s a short walk away from the main attractions, street food, markets, and the Mekong river. The friendly hostel staff are also more than willing to help organize tours and transportation for all guests. Experience the lively side of backpacking at the Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2, one of Luang Prabang’s most popular hostels.
* Please note that Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is a different establishment to Downtown Backpackers Hostel.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 99 593 721
Chill Riverside Hostel
If you’re looking for a laidback, riverside atmosphere that’s still in walking distance from the main attractions, this is the place for you. Many consider it a top choice for digital nomads since working spaces come with a gorgeous view. The Chill Riverside terrace is rivaled by very few hostels in the area, so why not stay and enjoy a few drinks while you watch over the Nam Khan river? Each dorm comes with an en suite bathroom and reading lights are attached to every bedside. Guests praise its free and tasty breakfast, a rarity for budget accommodation.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: Facebook
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel
The Smile Hostel opened its doors for the first time in November 2018, making it another new hostel on this list. If you’re looking for brand new furniture and fixings, without the wear and tear of most hostels, the Smile Hostel is one of the best choices. Guests praise its cleanliness, great breakfast, and helpful staff. Every bed comes with a reading light and privacy curtains. Guests are also welcome to do laundry, use the shared kitchen, or just enjoy the tranquil garden.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: Facebook
Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel
This Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel certainly lives up to the promises of its name. It conjures images of lazing in sunset light at a poolside, surrounded by great vibes and friendly faces. This reality is waiting for you here! Come and lounge in the outdoor pool, or have a drink on the hostel terraces blessed with a great view of the Nam Khan river. Hostel rooms are attached to an en suite bathroom and if you’re lucky, you may even get a room with your own private terrace. Dara Market is a short walk away, as well as a few other of Luang Prabang’s main attractions.
Location: VIEW MAP
City Backpackers Hostel
The City Backpackers Hostel is a stone’s throw away from Luang Prabang’s Royal Palace Museum and many popular restaurants, making it a top choice for travelers looking for prime location. All bedrooms come with an en suite bathroom, bedside reading lights, and guests can enjoy access to free coffee and tea all day. Unlike most other hostels, this establishment has many quiet areas throughout the premises where travelers can have a peaceful moment to themselves.
Location: Laos, Luang Prabang, 29 Ban Choumkhong 06000 — VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 95 914 820
Friendly Backpacker Hostel
Nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang, this hostel’s location is hard to beat. It’s in close proximity to many major attractions, including the Night Market, National Museum and Mount Phousi. Past guests praise the friendly staff who work hard to make everyone’s stay as pleasant as possible. They also claim the hostel is extremely clean – a rarity for local hostels! All rooms come with a shared bathroom, including a shower, and breakfast is included for all paying guests.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 98 932 045
Tony Central Hostel
If you’re all about easy access to cheap and wonderful food, stay right by the Night Market at the Tony Central Hostel. Every evening, Luang Prabang’s famous food market sets up on the street right outside the hostel’s doors. Aside from its unbeatable location, guests rave on about its perfectly hot showers, the ideal way to let off steam (literally!) after a day exploring.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 99 409 943
Y Not Laos Hostel
This hostel is lauded for many great features: its central location, easy access to Mount Phousi, and its many on-site recreational offerings. Y Not Laos is near many popular bars and restaurants, but this doesn’t interfere with the comfort of guests. In fact, past guests claim the beds here are far more comfortable than most other hostels. For a very low fee, you can also enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. Another favorite among travelers, Y Not Laos strikes that perfect balance of affordability and comfort.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 23 883 535
Sa Sa Lao
Nestled in a tropical garden by the river, Sa Sa Lao offers guests a peaceful escape from the rest of town. Despite being a little further of a walk from the main attractions, the charming setting more than makes up for it. All rooms come with a private bathroom and the majority have a private terrace. Shared common spaces come complete with hammocks, deck chairs, and unparalleled views. If you’re looking to unwind and commune with nature, this is the perfect place. The restaurant on-site also means guests don’t have to wander far to fill their bellies.
Location: VIEW MAP
Contact: +856 20 55 357 317
More information about Luang Prabang Hostels
Did you enjoy this article about the best Luang Prabang hostels? Are you looking for even more places to stay in Luang Prabang? Then check out these other articles we’ve rounded up about where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos:
- 12 Amazing Hostels in Luang Prabang from The Broke Backpacker
- The 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Luang Prabang, Laos by Regina Beach from The Culture Trip
- The Best Hostels in Luang Prabang For the Perfect Stay from Backpackers Wanderlust
- Best Places to Stay in Luang Prabang, Laos by Anna Faustino from Adventure in You
