Phuket in Thailand is just one of those places that has been sucking backpackers in like a magnet for decades.

Sure, it’s touristy now, but who cares? The beaches are still postcard-perfect, the parties are wild enough to make Vegas look tame, and the Buddhist temples offer a serene escape when you need a breather from all the chaos. And let’s be real, if you’re hitting Phuket for its legendary nightlife, you’ll need a crash pad to recover.

Now let’s be clear: Phuket’s got more hostels than you’ve had questionable street food meals, and not all of them are created equal.

That’s exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Phuket!

With the help of this guide, you can sort out all of your Phuket accommodation in no time,  so you can focus on the fun stuff – like deciding if you’re more of a Karon Beach party animal or a laid-back lounger.

Whether you are trying to party hard on Karon beach, unwind in style, sleep cheap, or find a comfy spot to call your office, this list will sort you out.

So grab your backpack, stuff it with essentials, and let’s dive into the hostel hunt.

Girl smiling on a boat in  phuket,Thailand
Next stop, Phuket!
Photo: @taya.travels

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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Phuket

a girl buying fruit from a local fruit stand in phuket, thailand
Mango smoothies all day every day pls
Photo: @amandaadraper

The 5 Best Hostels in Phuket

Here it is – the crème de la crème of Phuket’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring the island ASAP.

1. Lub d Phuket Patong – Best Overall Hostel in Phuket

Lub d Phuket Patong - Phuket best hostels in Thailand
When I visit Phuket, I ALWAYS stay at Lub d Phuket Patong
  • Dorm (mixed): From $17
  • Private Room: From $73
  • Address: 5/5 Sawatdirak Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83150 Patong Beach, Thailand

Lud B Phuket was the first hostel I stayed in when I got to Asia and boy, oh boy, did it set the bar high. This place is ultra-modern, super Instagrammable and with a banging location in Patong. I have to say not only is it the best hostel in Phuket, but it’s definitely one of my favourites in all of Thailand.

The ultra-modern part isn’t just about the decor – each bunk comes with various well-thought-out shelves and plug sockets, ideal for all your gizmos and notepads and earplugs and all that shiz we carry around!

Why you’ll love this place:

  • Close to Patong Beach
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool
  • Great Location

The hostel is just a 3-minute walk to Patong Beach, so it’s in a sick central location for having the best time in Phuket, because it’s all about the beach right? Not only is Bangla Road is within walking distance (so heaps of places for a top night out) but it’s also in one of the best areas in Phuket. The dorm rooms are awesome here too and they also offer hotel standard privates with a private bathroom too.

I mean, there’s also a Muay Thai Boxing training area in the lobby too, so that’s great if you’re into punching and kicking other people for fun. There are some amazing social spaces including a huge bar and swimming pool. It’s clean, comfortable and has some super cool staff, all in all just a 10/10 hostel.

2. The Neighbors Hostel – Best Hostel in Phuket for Solo Travellers

The Neighbors Hostel Phuket Thailand
The Neighbors Hostel is one of the TOP hostels for solo travellers in Phuket
  • Dorm (mixed): From $7
  • Private Room: From $15
  • Address: 93 Phangnga Road Tambol Talad-Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket Town, Thailand

This hostel is a great choice for you when travelling solo. You’ll be close to all of the hot spots of Phuket Old Town – everything is within walking distance, even the main Bus Terminal. The hostel gives you the option to socialise all day long in the super comfy common area that also has a cafe (free coffee and cookies in the morning) or seek some privacy in your bed, which can be closed with curtains.

Why you’ll love this place:

  • Great Location in Phuket city
  • Herritage Building
  • Laundry Facilities

The bedrooms are all equipped with air conditioning, plus lockers to keep your valuable items safe. Plus, the busy streets with bars and restaurants are only a couple of minutes from your doorstep. The area offers a great balance between local vibes but with great facilities. Staying in Phuket Town rather than down on Patong beach is a completely different and quite a refreshing mix up to your Phuket itinerary if you feel a bit jaded with the island.

If there’s one thing I love about Southeast Asia it’s the Chinese shophouses that spring up all over the place, and this top hostel in Phuket is IN one of them. The decor, the tiles, the way it’s been kept in its traditional style but with modern renovations, the sleek stylish furniture mixing with antique stuff, the general romantic air of it – DEFFO another contender for the coolest hostel in Phuket, but in a different way to the industrial-chic style places.

3. BearPacker Patong Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Phuket

BearPacker Patong Hostel Phuket Thailand
  • Dorm (mixed): From $8
  • Private Room: From $22
  • Address: 162/3 Thaweewong Road, Patong, Kathu, 83150 Patong Beach, Thailand

We all know that Thailand is preeeeetty cheap; it’s a haven for backpackers and their budgets. Well I’m gonna put it out there that if you think Thailand is cheap, BearPacker Patong Hostel is on another level of affordable.

What makes this place such good value for money is its amenities. I’m talking rooftop pool, jacuzzi, BBQ facilities… you’ll be thinking you’re living a boujey lifestyle on that backpacker budget in no time.

Why you’ll love this place:

  • Great Value for Money
  • Social Vibes
  • Close to Bangla Road

BearPacker Patong Hostel offers a range of dorm rooms and privates, ranging from four to eight comfy beds, so it never gets too rowdy. Plus, every guest gets free use of the towels. You can leave that travel towel that smells like regret in your bag and soak up the sun on the terrace or lounge by the pool like a true holidaymaker.

It’s got a great location right near Bangla Road so you can stumble home after one too many bottles of Chang but is still far enough that you can nurse that hangover in the morning in relative peace and quiet. There’s a super social atmosphere here so if is your first stop backpacking Thailand, you won’t struggle to make pals.

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4. Mad Monkey Phuket – Best Party Hostel in Phuket

Mad Monkey Phuket Thailand
  • Dorm (mixed): From $9
  • Private Room: From $57
  • Address: 15 Thanon Chaloemphrakiat, 83000 Patong Beach, Thailand

Aaaaaah Mad Monkey. I remember my first beer once. This hostel chain has earned itself quite the reputation by gravitating towards the usual LADS LADS LADS clientele on holiday.

Despite this, I have to say that Mad Monkey Phuket is actually a riot. If you’re here to experience the pilgrimage which is a Bangla Road night out, then you can’t go wrong with staying at Mad Monkey. They hold wicked pre-game parties every night to get the party started and the crowd here are diverse and varied so you’re certainly in for a good night here.

Why you’ll love this place:

  • Big Party Scene
  • Daily Events Held
  • On-Site Bar

Party aside, the facilities are really good here too. They have a pool, table football, pool table, spacious and comfortable common areas and a bar that, of course, comes alive at night. They even have a gym so you can sweat out those beers (and bad life decisions) the day after the night before.

They offer private rooms and six-bed dorms, so you’ll never feel like you’re stumbling over too many people to get to your bed. All rooms have air conditioning and the dorms have reading lights and plugs next to the beds, along with en-suite bathrooms and lockers for each person. All in all, if you’ve just rocked up to Phuket and you’re looking to party, you’ll be doing it in style at this Mad Monkey.

5. The Z Nite Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Phuket

The Z Nite Hostel Phuket Thailand
  • Dorm (mixed): From $8
  • Address: 48/10 Suthat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket Town, Thailand

Located in the heart of Old Town in Phuket city, this hostel has a super chill vibe which is perfect for digital nomads looking for a base to get some sh*t done for a while. The downstairs of the hostel is a cafe which is perfect for getting a couple of hours of work under your belt as they offer free wi-fi too.

All of the facilities are great, there’s even a washing machine for all you filthy animals that have been putting off doing your laundry for far too long (yeah I’m looking at you). Plus, they offer a pretty cheap bike hire so getting around the island is no stress.

Why you’ll love this place:

  • Free wi-fi
  • Helpful Staff
  • Laundry Facilities

The staff are super helpful and accommodating for any queries you might have, whether it be helping you sort your transport to the island or about day trips you want to make to beaches or to Phuket Aquarium. Pro tip: ask them about their favourite food spots and they can suggest some AMAZING hidden gems too.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and each dorm bed even has its own fan so there’s no stress about getting sweaty during the night! The shared bathrooms are modern and spotless – there were no complaints from me here.

You can never say no to free breakfast too – esp at a price this affordable per night. And hey, if you went too hard the night before and missed breakfast, the food they offer in the downstairs cafe is pretty damn decent too.

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More Epic Phuket Hostels

Not found the right spot for you in Phuket city, well never fear, because the island has an endless array of options and there’s something for everyone. I’ve not just finished the list at 5, nah, I’ve only gone and searched for a whole load more epic hostels to choose from too!

6. Borbaboom Poshtel

Borbaboom Poshtel Phuket Thailand
Looking for a respite from the wild parties?
  • Dorm (mixed): From $12
  • Private Room: From $29
  • Address: 73/1-2 Ratsada Road Amphoe Muang Phuket Thailand

When you’re in a hostel that calls itself a poshtel, well, you know it’s gonna be posh. That’s pretty much guaranteed at this hip hostel. So, yeah, the private rooms here are pretty immense, super modern, super designer vibes, industrial-chic style but with more fun colour pops in the furniture and stuff. And I like it a lot. There’s a rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool, kitchen facilities, and the staff are really friendly.

7. Chillhub Hostel

Chillhub Hostel Phuket Thailand
Soak in the vibes at one of the best budget hostels in Phuket city: Chillhub Hostel.
  • Dorm (mixed): From $13
  • Address: 69/140-142, Moo3, Bangtao Beach Soi 2 Cherngtalay, Thalang, Thailand

Well, damn, they got the name right with this place. Chill is the right word here. It states itself that it isn’t a party hostel, and I can confirm that it’s true. It’s a 2 min walk to Bangtao Beach, making this – you guessed it – a beachside hostel. The beach itself is pretty chill but serves more as a base to visit all of the best that Phuket has to offer. Enough about chill: this hostel is beautiful. In a cool way, not an elegant way. Industrial cool. You know it – all brick columns and polished concrete and building-site-plywood sorta vibe going on. It’s deff a contender for the coolest hostel in Phuket city.

8. The Luna Hostel Phuket Airport

The Luna Hostel Phuket Airport Thailand
Need to catch an early morning flight? The Luna Hostel Phuket Airport should be your go-to choice in that regard.
  • Dorm (mixed): From $12
  • Private Room: From $26
  • Address: 19/9 Moo 1 Soi Naiyang 16 Tambon Sa Khu Aumper Thalang, 83110 Nai Yang Beach, Thailand

You might think that a hostel that’s near an airport, let alone advertising that fact in its name, wouldn’t be a great place to stay. That’s where you’d be thinking incorrectly: this budget hostel in Phuket city is actually amazing. The outdoors common area they have is an amazing place to chill and chat, they’ve got a really fun common room, the dorm rooms are clean and comfortable, the travel connections bus-wise are incredible – and, of course, you’re near Phuket airport, which is great if you’ve got an early/late flight. So there you go: don’t judge. It’s a solid hostel near an airport in Phuket city. Maybe the only one, but hey it’s close to Nai Yang beach too!

9. Eco Hostel Phuket

Eco Hostel Phuket Thailand
  • Private Room: From $25
  • Address: 156/44 Phang Nga Rd., T. Taladyai, A. muang, 83000 Phuket Town, Thailand

This is yet again, another effortlessly stylish and chic Phuket backpackers hostel. Seriously, how do they do it? Eco Hostel is just lovely. There’s a nice bit of space both inside and outside for a bit of work (or admin – you know how it goes on these backpacking adventures), meet fellow travellers, or just hang out doing nothing. It’s really, really clean and the showers are pretty amazing. This top hostel in Phuket city also has free wi-fi and an on-site cafe which is super cute and super tasty. It’s located in Phuket Town close to the bus station, so it’s easy to get to the most beautiful beaches in Phuket like Kata beach. Not entirely sure what’s eco about it but it’s cheap and lovely, so it’s fine!

10. Slumber Surf Phuket Kata

Slumber Surf Phuket Kata Thailand
  • Dorm (mixed): From $4
  • Private Room: From $37
  • Address: 100/12-13 Kata Road, Karon, Muang Phuket, Phuket 83100 Kata Beach, Thailand

As you may have guessed, this is a party hostel in Phuket city close to all of the island’s best nightlife. And a damn good one at that. A lovely bit of irony is here is that even though you’re probs not gonna be here to sleep, the beds are way, way comfortable. I guess going to sleep drunk has become a more luxurious pursuit than it used to be! Maybe? Dunno. Other than that, expect pub crawls, nightly partying, and being close to the party scene on Bangla Road is a plus. Great selection for a fun-loving Phuket backpackers hostel.

11. L’atelier Poshtel Phuket

L'atelier Poshtel Phuket best hostels in Phuket
If you are in the market for a classy, somewhat fancy spot check out L’atelier Poshtel Phuket.

It’s another poshtel! L’atelier must be French for super posh or something, I don’t know (I actually do – it means workshop) because every place that calls itself l’atelier is ultra-chic. So you combine poshtel and l’atelier and you got yourself a very decent posh stay in Phuket city. Hardly a budget hostel in Phuket, but much closer to a luxury boutique sorta place, it’s not the cheapest but relatively still I’d say it’s quite a bargain in the grand scheme of things. The staff are amazing, it’s SO so clean, the style and architecture are V nice. Extremely acceptable (and recommended) hostel in Phuket.

12. Vitamin Sea Hostel Phuket

Vitamin Sea Hostel Phuket best hostels in Phuket

Wow well here’s a hostel set up for meeting, mingling and conversation. The communal areas win it for solo travellers in Phuket as it’s pretty buzzing. But! But, there’s always a but, it wouldn’t be possible for this place to get that accolade without its amazing owner, Pro. She is quite literally a pro. She is helpful, friendly, kind, and generally lights this place up like it’s the warmest welcome every time you step through the door. Like, 5-star friendliness. I’m down with that.

It’s got some proper nice dorm rooms too with free wi-fi and curtains and all! Oh, and a small word of warning: the name is funny, sure, but this Phuket hostel is NOT near the sea – it’s (very well situated) in town.

13. BGW Phuket

BGW Phuket

Wow, gosh, seriously, for the price and for just how flippin’ NICE this place is, I cannot say anything other than this is a really good cheap hostel in Phuket. Sure, I know cheaper hostels do exist (marginally so) but as I said this place is just laid out so well, the tiles, the comfy beds, the bunks, the private room – all of it!

One of the best things about this hostel is despite it being super cheap, it’s not actually super shit! Ok, you’re not gunna get luxury at this price point, but you get curtains on the beds, mega lockers, great common spaces, free wi-fi and nice clean bathrooms. What more could you want when you’re backpacking tbh!?

14. Loma Hostel @ Phuket Town

Loma Hostel @ Phuket Town best hostels in Phuket

Cheap(ish), modern, clean, this is a solid choice for exploring Phuket town’s attractions. Well, it’s more than solid – it’s a top hostel in Phuket! The decor is warm but minimalist, and that’s just the sort of environment I love to chill in. More importantly, sleep in! Location-wise you’ll love this place too since it’s right next to a bus stop that goes to Patong beach, Kata beach and Karon beach so that all your beachy needs are catered for. There’s not a lot on the doorstep but a 10 min walk will take you to the delights of Thalang Road and the rest of the beautiful old Phuket city.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Phuket

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.

FAQ about Hostels in Phuket

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Phuket:

What to Pack for your Phuket 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.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 in Phuket cost?

A dorm bed (mixed or female only) in Phuket costs anything between $8-$20. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $15-$55.

Can I find a hostel where I can get some actual sleep?

Chillhub Hostel is your sanctuary. It’s so quiet, you’ll wonder if you’re in a hostel or an ASMR video. You might actually get a good night’s sleep, which will make you the envy of every other bleary-eyed backpacker.

Where is best to stay in Phuket near the airport?

Aside from being a solid hostel near the airport, The Luna Hostel Phuket Airport is also close to Nai Yang Beach!

Final Thoughts on Phuket’s Hostels

Known for its stunning blue waters, awe-inspiring temples and epic parties, Phuket really does pack a punch. Whether you’re here to soak up the culture or just down a few Changs, Phuket’s got something for every kind of traveller.

Phuket has some solid hostel options, and no matter which one you go with from this list, you’re sure to have an unreal time. Thailand and its islands are a mecca for backpackers, and Phuket is no exception. With so many hostel options now in Phuket, sifting through them can feel like navigating a maze.

That is until now… Don’t say I don’t do anything for ya.

Don’t settle for the meh when you can have the magnificent. The top hostels in Phuket are truly next-level, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out. Lub d Phuket Patong is my fave, you can never go wrong here.

And hey, if you stumble upon any hidden gems or must-see spots, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot on the island. Happy travels!

A woman cooking Pad Thai on the street in Thailand
Because no night out in Phuket is complete without a greasy plate of Pad Thai at 3 AM.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Looking for more info on travelling to Phuket and Thailand?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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