Chiang Mai can be many different things to many different people. To some, it’s the centre of the Digital-Nomad universe.
To others, it’s just a pitstop stop on the way to an epic land trip to Laos or Myanmar, or just a part of the loop when backpacking Thailand.
Whatever your reason for visiting Chiang Mai, one thing is certain – it’s a fun city with tons to see, that comes at a very, very low price.
But with hundreds of hostels and hotels, it can be difficult to know where to stay, which is exactly why I made this list of the 12 best hostels in Chiang Mai.
I’ve broken down the best hostels in Chiang Mai by different travel-categories, so you can easily identify which hostel best suits your needs, so you can book with ease and get back to eating Pad Thai and drinking a few Chang beers!
Let’s dive in Amigo.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai
- Best Overall Hostel in Chiang Mai – About a bed Hostel Chiang Mai
- Best Hostel in Chiang Mai for Solo Travelers – Stamps backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Chiang Mai – 84 Gallery
- Best Party Hostel in Chiang Mai – Revolution Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chiang Mai – Socialer Coworking Hostel
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The 5 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai
If you need help deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai, here are my picks. These are the best of the best of the hostels in Chiang Mai.
Though not as off-the-charts as exploring Bangkok’s madness, Chiang Mai is an epic destination in itself and is noticeably cheaper than its big brother to the south. Chiang Mai has developed rapidly over the past few decades and is really unique in its ability to bring Western amenities, at a high quality, while still being at a bargain price.
1. About a bed Hostel Chiang Mai – Best Overall Hostel in Chiang Mai
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Address: 248/53 Manee Nopparat Road Sriphoom Mueng, Si Phum, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand
About A Bed Hostel, Chiang Mai gets an A+ for its location, a short stroll from the vibrant Night Bazaar and historic Chiang Mai Old Town. If you’re looking for a place to recharge, and get a good night’s sleep, away from the party hostels of Chiang Mai, this is the place for you.
You’re welcomed by the friendly, warm vibe of this hostel with the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers and budget backpackers. They have put time and effort into creating inviting communal spaces to meet, connect and share travel stories with fellow globetrotters.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Amazing location near hot spots of Chiang Mai
- FREE Coffee
- Friendly and helpful staff
Mixed and Female-only dorm beds are available in room sizes from 6 up to 10 people and they all offer air conditioning, a privacy curtain and a personal locker, just bring your own padlock. The staff are super friendly and always happy to help with some personal recommendations for your Chiang Mai Itinerary.
This modern Chiang Mai hostel is perfect for travellers looking for a place to relax, slow down and forge new friendships. On top of that, you’re in an ideal location in the heart of the city and less than a five-minute walk from the Chiang Mai night bazaar making this an incredible spot for exploring for a bargain of a price.
2. Stamps backpackers – Best Hostel in Chiang Mai for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Address: 1/11 Chaiyapoom Road Soi 1, Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you’re feeling burnt out from meeting new people I would strongly recommend giving Stamps a miss. Stamps have embodied the true essence of a social hostel, they have a passion for adventure, friendship and creating new memories with people you’ve just met that will last a lifetime.
This super social hostel has activities running every day, a bustling bar downstairs and plenty of common spaces to meet fellow travellers. Just because it’s social doesn’t mean it’s a party hostel. This hostel organises activities to some of the best places to visit in Chiang Mia from day trips to cooking classes, you can always find something going on, plus they know how to have a wild night out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly and social atmosphere ideal for solo travellers
- Organised activities and events
- Delicious breakfast option
The larger dorms have simple bunk beds which are surprisingly comfy. The smaller dorms have single beds with no bunks but they do have air conditioning whereas the bigger rooms only have a fan. Each bed comes with power outlets, a large locker, personal light and FREE wifi throughout.
You’ll love the location of this hostel too. Just on the edge of Chiang Mai’s Old Town walls meaning pretty much all the sights inside the city are within walking distance. It’s also close to heaps of great places to eat and drink whilst being in a peaceful location.
If you’re backpacking Thailand staying here is a no-brainer but the rooms sell out FAST, especially in the peak season. If you book in advance, you’ll get yourself a good deal.
3. 84 Gallery – Best Cheap Hostel in Chiang Mai
- Dorm (mixed): From $5
- Address: 120/4 Nantaram rd., Hayya, Mueang, Chiang Mai,, Hai ya, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Budget backpackers buckle up, this one is for you. 84 Gallery is not only one of the best budget hostels in Chiang Mai, but one of the best hostels in Thailand. For less than $5, you’ll get yourself a comfy bed in a peaceful hostel close, what more could you want?
This hostel is located just outside the centre but an easy walk and you’ll be in the thick of the action. You’re near the Saturday night street market, with lots of restaurants, cafes and of course 7-Elevens closeby. They’ve nailed the chill vibe, imagine you’ve stepped into a traditional Thai gallery combined with the energy of a vibrant hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Beds for less than $5
- Relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.
- Good location for exploring
Just because you’re paying less than $5 doesn’t mean you’re going to be sacrificing quality and sleeping on a wooden plank. There are mixed dorm beds of 8 available, with comfy bunks, privacy curtains, a personal locker and all dorm rooms have air conditioning and free wifi throughout. They also have the option of a dorm of three with a large queen-sized bed, giving you space and privacy. Who says luxury can’t come cheap?
It’s not the most social hostel in the world, so don’t expect crazy pub crawls but they have some great spots to chill out and connect with fellow travellers. So if you’re wondering Is Thailand expensive? 84 Gallery is an incredibly cheap Chaing Mai hostel and you can’t go wrong for less than $5.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Revolution Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Chiang Mai
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: 4 MoonMuang Road Lane 2, Phra Sing, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you’re looking to consume far too much alcohol and have some wild nights in Chiang Mai, this party hostel is perfect for you. You won’t find it hard to meet fellow travellers with nightly activities like pub crawls, bucket Olympics, and tipsy bingo but be warned, things can get a little crazy.
Located outside the old city near the Saturday market, you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars and cafes within walking distance making it easy to explore the city’s temples, markets, and nightlife. They also offer a FREE family dinner to all guests at 7pm, us budget backpackers love a FREE dinner.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE family dinner
- Loads of nightly activities
- Wild pub crawl
Don’t expect luxury from the rooms, they are simple with a fairly comfy bed for a party hostel. There are mixed and female-only dorm beds which come with a privacy curtain and under-bed storage for your bags. There are plenty of communal areas to chill out and meet other globetrotters.
This is one of the best party hostels in Chaing Mai and it sells out FAST. So, I’d recommend securing your place by booking in advance.
5. Socialer Coworking Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chiang Mai
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $19
- Address: 37/9 Taeparak Road, Chang Phueak, 50300 Chiang Mai, Thailand
After spending two weeks at this hostel, bringing you the best travel content on the interweb, I can safely say that the Socialer is the best hostel for digital nomads In Chiang Mai, a bold claim I know. Let me back it up for you.
First, downstairs is a digital nomad’s dream, a peaceful coworking space with desks, monitors and fairly comfy chairs. They have fast free wifi throughout the property and air conditioning to keep you cool whilst you type away.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great working spaces
- Fast free Wifi
- Clean and comfortable rooms
They have shared dorms with comfy beds, your own privacy curtain and space to store your bags. They also have two swanky private rooms, the one I stayed in had a desk and monitor which was perfect for getting some work done or taking calls in a more private setting.
Despite the name, it’s not the most social hostel. There aren’t any social events and lacks a common space to hang out in apart from the kitchen, however, if you want to get some shit done it’s the ideal place. There’s a shared kitchen which is perfect for making a pot noodle or reheating your 7-Eleven meal. There are free water refills, a microwave and a fridge but no cooker.
I loved the location of Socialer, submersed in local life with heaps of restaurants nearby, my favourite cafe, Magic Brew and a gym less than five minutes walk away. Just outside the centre of Nimanad, it’s in a peaceful setting but within a 15-minute walk, you’ll be in the heart of the action. They also have FREE private parking out front if you have a car or motorbike.
This Accommodation here sells out QUICK, especially in the peak season. So get your place locked in early so you don’t miss out. You’ll also bag yourself a good deal if you book in advance.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Chiang Mai Hostels
In case you didn’t quite find what you’re looking for, here are some more great Chiang Mai hostels.
6. Family Home 2 Chiang Mai
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Address: 4/5 Nantaram Rd., Haiya, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Your home away from home in Chiang Mai. The family home hostel is located in a chilled neighbourhood a short walk from the buzzing Nimman Road. This hostel has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere making it one of the best Chiang Mai hostels for solo travellers to relax and explore this city.
The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable Hostel life. The dorm beds are comfy and have a privacy curtain, a locker, and bedside lights. They have a cheap private room with a cosy double or single bed and an ensuite bathroom.
7. Bodega Chiang Mai Party Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $5
- Private Room: From $23
- Address: 23 Ratchamanka Soi 3, Lane 3/1, Phra Sing, Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you are in the mood to get freaky, it can’t get better than at Bodega Chiang Mai Party Hostel. The name speaks for itself, but just so you know, it is one of the best backpacker hostels in Chiang Mai and definitely the centre of all party events. You can choose between a mixed or female-only dorm with a comfy mattress and air conditioning.
Bodega Chiang Mai Party Hostel is the place to be for a raging party. Down a few shots at the in-house bar and then set the pace for a night of shotgun challenges and beer pong tournaments. They also have a Hostel in Bangkok if you’re looking for a party hostel there as well.
8. Green Sleep Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Address: 5/10 Soi 7,Old City, Rachadumnuen Road, Sri Poom, Muang, Chiangmai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The helpful staff at the Green Sleep Hostel are fun and friendly, they will make your stay one to remember and are always happy to help. Making friends as a solo traveller in Thailand can be intimidating but it is made easy at Green Sleep with inviting and relaxed communal spaces.
You’re in a perfect location within Chiang Mai Old Town with tasty restaurants, buzzing bars and cafes on your doorstep. You’re next to the Sunday night market, making it the perfect location for exploring Chiang Mai.
9. Hostel Lullaby
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $37
- Address: 24 Soi 7 Prapokklao Road Phrasingh Muang Chiangmai 50200, Phra Sing, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nothing excites us budget backpackers more than the word FREE and at Hostel Lullaby you’re in for a treat. They have heaps of in-house activities for FREE including, Thai boxing classes, cooking classes, yoga, FREE bicycles FREE breakfast and FREE Coffee, now that’s a lot of stuff for FREE.
Hostel Lullaby is a peaceful Chiang Mai hostel located in the Heart of the Old City. If you’re looking for a party hostel this isn’t the place for you. It is, however, an ideal hostel to chill, explore Chiang Mai and meet some fellow travellers with a similar vibe. You can choose from mixed and female-only dorms that come with air conditioning, Free Wifi, an under-bed locker, a Personal plug socket and personal light.
You’re close to some of the best places to visit in Thailand including Way Phra Singh and Way Chedi Luang temple the famous Buddhist monasteries all within walking distance.
This place books out FAST so, I’d recommend locking in your place early so you don’t miss out.
10. Hidden Garden Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: 11 Wua Lai Road Haiya, Hai ya, 50100 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hidden Garden Hostel is on the edge of the Old City near the local night market, delicious restaurants and cafes. They have mixed and female-only dorms available which are clean with good air conditioning, comfy beds and a decent-sized locker. If you fancy splashing out they also have a swanky private room with a double bed and shared bathroom.
The hostel has a pool and a rooftop terrace with incredible views over the city. The hostel has spacious chillout spots to meet other travellers and hang out during the day. It has a social vibe without being a crazy party hostel.
11. Bunk Boutique Hostel Chiang Mai
- Private Room: From $13
- Address: 8 Soi Ratchaphuek, Chang Phueak, 50300 Chiang Mai, Thailand
At Bunk Boutique Hostel Chiang Mai, you are always near the super popular attractions of Chiang Mai, yet you can feel peace and quiet when you need it. The helpful staff are friendly and ready to assist you with renting motorbikes, bicycles, and cars and give you some insider golden Thailand travel tips.
For less than $10, you can get yourself a comfy bunk in an AC mixed or female-only dorm and for less than $20, you get yourself a huge private room with AC, hot shower, cable TV, work desk, and maybe a little balcony.
12. August Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $23
- Address: 2-2 Singharat Road Amphoe Mueang, Si Phum, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Augus Hostel is a snazzy hostel offering solo travellers a comfortable place to relax and meet like-minded globetrotters in Chaing Mai’s Old City. You’re surrounded by Chiang Mai’s famous attractions like. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chedi Luang Temple, Phra Singh Temple, Sunday Market Walking Street and loads of local restaurants
The dorm beds at the August Hostel are perfect for a good night’s rest after exploring the city, with the option of cheap private rooms available. There is free wifi throughout, a shared kitchen and welcoming common areas.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Chiang Mai
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Chiang Mai.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Chiang Mai
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Chiang Mai.
What to Pack for your Chiang Mai Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Chiang Mai??
The cost of Chiang Mai hostels varies on the type of room. The average price of a dorm room (mixed or female-only dorms) ranges from $4-20 USD/night, while a private room costs $20-40 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Chiang Mai for couples?
Hidden Garden Hostel is an excellent hostel for couples in Chiang Mai. It has a social vibe without being a crazy party hostel and you can get yourself a cheap private room.
What are the best hostels in Chiang Mai near the airport?
Green Sleep Hostel, one of the best in Chiang Mai hostels, is only 3km from Chiang Mai Airport.
Final Thoughts on Chiang Mai’s Hostels
Voilà! There you have it, the absolute best hostels in Chiang Mai. Whether you’re a digital nomad in Thailand or a budget backpacker, this vibrant city offers so much for every kind of traveller.
The overall hostel scene in Chiang Mai is some of the best in Asia, and for the price, it’s a budget backpacker dreamland. If you’re still unsure where to perch up, I’ve done you a solid and recapped my top picks.
If you’re solo travelling this magical land, my top pick is Stamps Backpackers. Guaranteed to meet some characters and have a wicked night out. Great value and amazing amenities, what more could you want?
For my OG budget backpackers hunting for the cheapest Hostel in Chiang Mai, 84 Gallery is my go-to. You can bag yourself a decent bed for less than $5, need I say more?
So, now you’re armed with the best hostels in Chiang Mai it’s time for us to depart fellow globe trotter. I wish you well, have a few cold Changs for me.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Thailand for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Chiang Mai covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Chiang Mai if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Chiang Mai before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Thailand to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with this Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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