14 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai for backpackers and budget Travellers

Looking to explore Chiang Mai on a budget? Finding the perfect backpackers hostel can completely change your experience. Nestled in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern life, making it a hotspot for backpackers and digital nomads alike.

This guide to the best hostels in Chiang Mai offers a complete overview of the trendy hubs, the nightlife party hostels, and some of the most budget-friendly options.

These hostels are not just places to sleep; they are vibrant communities where travellers spend nights out, share stories about unexpected adventures and maybe make friends for life.

Whether you’re looking forward to exploring ancient temples, partying hard in the old town, or simply indulging in local food at the Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai’s hostels are the perfect starting point for your adventures.

Essential Guide to Hostels in Chiang Mai

There is a wide offering of hostels in Chiang Mai. From traditional style hostels, to trendy, chaotic and party ones. It is also cheap, and easy to find a hostel that suits your needs.

Our guide considers many factors and tailors specifics for every traveller. It’s not a secret that we love Northern Thailand specifically Chiang Mai, and return every time we can. You will get more details by reading our guide about why Chiang Mai is worth visiting for us.

We have been staying in Chiang Mai several times, hopping from one accommodation to another. Our expertise spans from the best hostels to guesthouses and even luxury hotels. This is one of the most comprehensive accommodation guides to Chiang Mai you can find.

Before booking your hostel in Chang Mai, make sure you check out the following:

Budget: Overall Chiang Mai is affordable, in fact is one of the top favourite cities for backpackers. Dorm beds start at just $3 per night. If you are travelling as a couple, most hostels offers private rooms with ensuite bathroom too.

Area to stay: We love to recommend three areas of Chiang Mai. One is Nimmanhemin, the trendiest one. The second is, of course, the old town, where the Sunday night market happens. The third is a new hostel-vibe area near the south gate.

Atmosphere: We select the hostels based on two factors: price and location. Stamps Backpackers, Hidden Garden Hostel, and Big&O’s attract a young/mature audience keen to meet other travellers. If you are up for an adventure with other people, stay at one of these fun hostels in Chiang Mai.

Cleanliness: When booking a hostel in Chiang Mai, check the box regarding the cleaning. It is an essential part of researching the perfect bed for the night, as you will not stay a few days in a smelly place regardless of the small price.

Co-Livings in Chiang Mai: If you are visiting Chiang Mai to experience the Digital nomad community, you are in the right place. There are many events, and staying in a Co-living is the best way to make friends, go on adventures together, and work in the meantime.

Best Hostels in Chiang Mai | Brief Solutions

Best area to stay in Chiang Mai

If you’re a backpacker looking for the best place to stay in Chiang Mai, look no further than Stamps Hostel, situated in the heart of the Old City!

To give you a more clear idea of where to look for the perfect hostel in Chiang Mai as a backpacker, here are a few top spots:

Old City: It’s a walkable area with plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. It’s close to all the landmarks of Chiang Mai centre and the W8 Café, a favourite co-working space.

Nimmanhaemin (Nimman): Known for its trendy, hipster vibe with plenty of cafes, bars, and boutique shops. It’s close to Maya Mall, One Nimman, and many restaurants and local street food.

Chang Phueak: A bit more residential but still close to the city centre. It’s great if you are looking for a quieter stay with easy access to markets and the local scene.

Santitham: A less touristy area that offers a more authentic local experience. It’s a bit further from the main tourist spots but provides a taste of everyday life in Chiang Mai.

Where backpackers stay in Chiang Mai

The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

We have listed the best hostels in Chiang Mai, considering every aspect. The guide below provides information regarding distances from the centre, rooms, views, and landscape, which is essential for planning a Chiang Mai itinerary.

The Ghee House | The highest-rated

The Ghee House is one of the highest-rated hostels in Chiang Mai. Recently renovated, this cosy haven offers modern facilities that make every stay comfortable and convenient.

The hostel features relaxing rooms with A/C, an LED TV, and free, fast WiFi. As many reviews have reported, the bathrooms are very clean and have complimentary toiletries.

The Ghee House offers a variety of room options:

• 3 Single Bedrooms and 5 Double Bedrooms: Perfect for solo travellers and couples.
• 2 Standard Twin Rooms and 6 Standard Double Rooms with Private Ensuites: For those seeking extra privacy.

You’ll love how easy it was to explore Chiang Mai’s attractions from here. Whether you’re planning to visit waterfalls, the Tiger Kingdom, or the Sunday Night Market, the staff is always ready to help set up your adventures.

Here’s why The Ghee House stands out:

• Superb Rating of 9.9 from 344 Reviews
• Prices Starting at 860.14 THB
• Friendly Staff and a Welcoming Atmosphere

Amaka Bed and Breakfast | The cheapest

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for one of the cheapest hostels in Chiang Mai, Amaka Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic choice.

Just a 3-minute walk from the old city, this cosy B&B is nestled in a safe and quiet neighbourhood brimming with street food delights. Renovated in 2015 and expanded in 2019, Amaka offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for backpackers.

Their range of accommodations includes:

• Four Deluxe King Rooms
• Two two-bedroom suites
• One Family Suite
• 10-bed Mixed Dorm
• Private rooms come with their own bathrooms, ensuring comfort and privacy

Attached to the hostel is a small but cosy cafe serving a delicious breakfast daily from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Amaka’s location is unbeatable. Surrounded by affordable restaurants and bars, it allows you to stretch your budget while enjoying local flavours and nightlife.

Here’s why Amaka Bed and Breakfast stands out:

• Superb Rating of 9.7 from 189 Reviews
• Prices Starting at 300 THB
• Friendly Staff and Homely Atmosphere

The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar | Party Hostel

Nights out and making friends? No problem. The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar is the most amazing party hostel in Chiang Mai. Here, you will find the ultimate blend of fun, adventure, and comfort. Just minutes from the famous Thapae Gate, it’s an excellent base to explore the city’s vibrant day and night markets, temples, food stalls, and bars.

What makes The Cabin special? The social vibes are unbeatable. The common area and bar are chilled social hubs where making new friends is a breeze. After a day of tours and exploring, it’s the perfect place to unwind, share stories, and plan your next adventure together. We loved the atmosphere—it’s lively, engaging, and always welcoming.

The accommodations are top-notch for a budget hostel. Dorm rooms come with quality mattresses, personal fans, power sockets, and lights. Each room is spacious, with plenty of storage and privacy curtains for a comfortable stay. Last but not least, the staff at The Cabin are a huge part of what makes this place so great.

Here’s why The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar stands out:

• Superb Rating of 9.5 from 530 Reviews
• Prices Starting at 300 THB
• Fun, Social, and Activity-Based Environment

Hostel Lullaby

The Hostel Lullaby is our absolute favourite in Chiang Mai! Nestled in the heart of the old town, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back stay. We love that it’s just steps away from Coconut Shell Thai Food, our go-to place for delicious khao soi. The garden at Lullaby is a gem—ideal for chilling out and making new friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

This award-winning hostel, named Best Hostel in Thailand 2020, truly lives up to its reputation. While it’s not a party hostel, it offers a cosy and friendly vibe, perfect for solo travellers and anyone looking to unwind. The staff are incredibly welcoming and always ready with great activity suggestions, whether it’s the daily free yoga class, free bike rentals, or cooking classes.

The rooms are super clean and comfortable, with options ranging from mixed dorms to female-only dorms. We especially appreciate thoughtful amenities like great security, though we recommend bringing your own lock for the lockers.

Despite the lack of a pool, which we admittedly missed during the hot season, the overall experience at Hostel Lullaby is fantastic. From its unbeatable location to the social and tranquil environment, it’s an excellent choice for backpackers exploring Chiang Mai.

Here’s why Hostel Lullaby stands out:

• Superb Rating of 9.5 from 1624 Reviews
• Prices Start at 450 THB
• Daily Free Activities and a Great Social Atmosphere

Stamps Backpackers

The Stamps Backpackers Hostel is hands-down the trendiest spot in Chiang Mai! It’s what will easily define the hostel created and managed by backpackers for backpackers.

Located just on the border of the city walls, it’s within walking distance of all the sights in the old town. This hostel is always buzzing with activity and is incredibly popular among backpackers. The best part? You can join in on their fun activities even if you’re not staying there!

Stamps are all about fostering a social and adventurous vibe. We love the communal bar downstairs, where travellers gather to share stories and plan their next adventure.

The hostel offers daily and nightly activities, perfect for making new friends and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re into pub quizzes, karaoke nights, or exploring the city, Stamps has something for everyone.

The accommodations at Stamps are top-notch. The 8-bed dorms come with individual fans for each bed, while the 6-bed dorms offer semi-private AC pods. Each bed is equipped with personal power outlets, a locker, and a bedside light, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Highlights of Stamps Backpackers Hostel:

• Perfect Location: On the border of the city walls, walkable to old town sights
• Social Atmosphere: Daily and nightly activities to meet new friends
• Comfortable and Clean: Private sleeping pods, great amenities, and clean facilities

Family Home Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for family vibes, a local atmosphere, and an intimate setting, Family Home Chiang Mai Hostel is perfect for you. As one of the cheapest hostels in Chiang Mai, it’s a short walk from the bustling Saturday Night Market and Chiang Mai’s South Gate.

Family Home Hostel is all about creating a welcoming and friendly environment. The dorms are shared bunk-bed setups, available with either air conditioning or fans. Each bed has its own wall power outlets, a locker, and a personal bedside light.

We found beds comfy and private, and the bathrooms are clean and of Western standards. Plus, the WiFi is fast and reliable for checking emails and carrying on daily work.

While it’s not a party hostel, we focus on the social aspect of travel. Every night, they host group activities to foster a family-like vibe. There’s even a blackboard for connecting with new friends and organising outings together!

Highlights of Family Home Chiang Mai Hostel:

• Welcoming Atmosphere: Family-like vibe with nightly group activities.
• Affordable Comfort: Comfy beds, clean facilities, and fast WiFi starting from 250 THB.
• Perfect Location: Walking distance to the Saturday Night Market and Chiang Mai South Gate.

Hidden Garden Hostel

Hidden Garden Hostel is another gem near Chiang Mai’s South Gate, perfectly situated for easy access to the vibrant Saturday Night Market. This area is becoming a hub for trendy hostels, buzzing cafes, coworking spaces, and exciting activities. Just a 10-minute walk away is Artisan Cafe, an ideal spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

The architecture is stunning. The hostel is hosted in a refurbished and transformed commercial row house, keeping specs of its history in the walls. The central courtyard, complete with a pool, connects all areas of the hostel, creating a hub for travellers.

Located on Wualai Road, we’re at the heart of Chiang Mai’s historical arts and craftsmanship community. Enjoy the local night market every weekend right in front of the hostel, the popular morning fresh market just a minute’s walk away, and delectable street food across the road every night.

Also, there’s a 7/Eleven store just opposite the hostel. A short five-minute walk brings you to Chiang Mai Old Town, temples, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Highlights of Hidden Garden Hostel:

• Prime Location: Walking distance to night markets, old town, and top local spots.
• Unique Design: Beautiful courtyard with a pool, blending modern and traditional elements.
• Exceptional Reviews: Award-winning hostel with a superb 9.6 rating on Hostelworld.

Tangmo House | Central and affordable

Tangmo House is one of the most central hostels in our guide, perfectly positioned near the bustling Student Market held every night near Chiang Mai University.

Just hop on a songthaew, and for only 30 THB, you can easily reach the vibrant Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) area. It is perfect if you are staying in Chiang Mai during the low season.

Located just 1.78 km from the city centre and 5 km from the airport, Tangmo House attracts travellers year-round thanks to its convenient location and easy access to Chiang Mai’s must-see destinations.

The rooms are designed for comfort, featuring thoughtful amenities to make your stay exceptional.

Highlights of Tangmo House:

• Local Area: Close to the Student Market and a short songthaew ride to Nimman.
• Comfort and Cleanliness: Comfy beds, clean bathrooms with hot water, and free tea and coffee.
• Friendly Hosts

Pakping Hostel | Perfect for solo female travellers

We couldn’t miss suggestions for Solo Female travellers. Even if we travel as a couple, we always reflect on the fact whether a place is safe if Ale is travelling alone.

If you’re a solo female traveller on the lookout for a safe, central, and affordable spot in Chiang Mai, Pakping Hostel is your go-to choice. Nestled just 0.6km from the heart of the city, this hostel places you right in the action, with Walking Street only a short stroll away.

Pakping Hostel’s boutique design offers a cosy, clean, and comfortable atmosphere where you can unwind after a day of exploring.

The hostel’s mixed dorms and dedicated female dorms are perfect for those seeking both privacy and community. You’ll enjoy personal reading lights, keycard access, and secure lockers, along with a soft breakfast included in your stay. The 24-hour CCTV ensures peace of mind, and the common area is a great place to relax or meet fellow travellers.

While it’s not a party hostel, Pakping offers a welcoming vibe where you can enjoy a calm and social environment. The owners are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make your stay memorable.

Here’s what makes Pakping Hostel stand out:

• Prime Location: Located centrally, it’s incredibly convenient for reaching all the must-see attractions. Plus, it’s close to many popular eateries and shops.
• Affordable Comfort: A bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm costs just 300 THB, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in town.
• Boutique Vibes: The hostel features a boutique design with clean and comfy beds. Each bed comes with a personal reading light and locker, ensuring both comfort and security.
• Prime location near the Sunday night market and Zoe in Yellow for nights out.

Monkey Toe Guesthouse

To balance this guide, we scouted the most affordable hostels in Chiang Mai. If you are a broke traveller, the Monkey Toe Guest House is where you can stay comfy and cosy in a local charm.

We love to identify this guest house as one of the hidden gems in Chiang Mai when compared to budget travellers, and we can’t find it in many guides. With beds starting at an unbeatable 145 THB, Monkey Toe blends affordability with a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

The guesthouse is a labour of love from the owners, who handcrafted everything from the décor to the beds. Each of the six rooms features capsule-style bunks, complete with personal lights, USB plugs, and secure lockers.

The spacious reception doubles as a hangout spot, complete with a free pool table and a kitchenette stocked with essentials and chilled drinks.

Chill out on the split balcony or mingle with fellow travellers. Despite its budget price, Monkey Toe offers a high level of comfort and cleanliness. It’s not a party hostel, but its laid-back vibe makes it a great spot to relax and recharge.

What makes the Monkey Toe Guesthouse stand out?

• Lowest bunk bed prices in Chiang Mai with high comfort
• Handmade, cosy décor and well-maintained facilities
• Central location with easy access to street food markets and local attractions

Cozy Owls Chiang Mai

Little higher in price compared to the Monkey Toe, the Cozy Owls Chiang Mai Hostel is our top pick! This new gem in town boasts a sleek, minimal design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

Staying here, you can reach the thriving Maya Mall within a 5-minute distance and spend the night roaming around the Nimmanhaemin area. The Cozy Owls are new, but they know what they do as it is located in the heart of one of our favourite parts of Chiang Mai.

At Cozy Owls, each accommodation features a private balcony with charming views, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. From dorm beds to private rooms, you’ll enjoy modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and air conditioning, ensuring a comfy stay.

Still, all that at friendly hostel prices; after all, Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest cities to travel to in Southeast Asia as backpackers.

Standout Features:

• Pristine, modern design with stylish, curated minimalism
• Great location near Maya Mall and Nimmanhaemin
• Comfortable and affordable with private balconies and essential amenities

Socialer Coliving & Coworking Space

For digital nomads, slow travellers, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in Northern Thailand, Socialer Coliving & Coworking Space is an absolute ideal. Located in the serene Chang Phueak district, this spot combines the best of work and relaxation.

The coworking area is top-notch, with high-speed WiFi and plenty of natural light (this is essential for us!), making it easy to stay focused and motivated. The shared kitchen and lounge areas are inviting, encouraging social interaction and collaboration with other people.

The rooms at Socialer are clean and comfortable, with some offering city views or private balconies. It’s a great setup if you’re balancing work with exploration, with Maya Mall and One Nimman just a short distance away.

Standout Features:

• Excellent coworking facilities with fast WiFi and bright workspaces
• Friendly and helpful staff, including the ever-accommodating Apple
• Convenient location near food, gyms, and cultural spots

Big&O’s House 2 | Party hostel

For those diving headfirst into the vibrant backpacker scene of Chiang Mai, Big&O’s House 2 is a fantastic choice. With its unbeatable party atmosphere and social vibe, it’s perfect for young travellers and first-timers in Southeast Asia who are looking for an unforgettable experience.

The second house boasts a lively outdoor area where we can chill and swap travel stories while enjoying epic BBQ parties. It’s a great spot to meet new friends and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Plus, the location is spot-on—just a short stroll from the Saturday market and right next to a local market known for some of the best street food in town.

The dorms are clean and equipped with fans and individual mosquito nets, ensuring a comfortable stay despite the lively atmosphere. The traditional Lanna-style house features beautiful wooden balconies, adding to the charm. Soon, they’ll even have their own coffee shop—talk about a cosy addition!

Standout Features:

• Social atmosphere with lively BBQ parties and communal hangout spaces
• Prime location near the Saturday market and local street food
• Clean and cosy dorms with individual mosquito nets and fans

Thai Thai Hostel | Perfect for solo female backpackers

For solo female backpackers seeking a safe, comfortable, and vibrant spot in Chiang Mai, Thai Thai Hostel is the ideal. Right in the heart of the city, it’s just a short walk away from the bustling Night Bazaar and the charming W8 Café, our go-to spot for coffee and coworking.

At Thai Thai Hostel, you’ll find clean and spacious dorms with privacy curtains and individual lockers, making it a perfect retreat. The rooftop views of the mountains are a soothing backdrop for unwinding after a day of exploring.

The friendly and welcoming atmosphere here makes it easy to feel right at home. Plus, the hostel’s affordable rates mean you get excellent value without compromising on comfort.

We love the cosy living room with Netflix and a comfy couch—ideal for relaxing or meeting fellow travellers. The added bonus of a resident kitten named R-Thai adds a touch of charm to the stay.

Standout Features:

• Prime location: Walking distance to the Night Bazaar and W8 Café.
• Comfortable dorms with privacy curtains and individual lockers.
• Friendly atmosphere with a welcoming vibe and resident kitten.

FAQ Best Hostels in Chiang Mai