Published: 2/20/24 | February 20, 2024
Chiang Mai is the most popular destination in the north Thailand. This is a center for tourists who want to trek or visit in the jungle nearby elephant sanctuaries. I like it here. I went there recently and was happy to see that, even after COVID-19, the vibe of the city has remained the same (it’s one of the best food spots in the country).
As a popular tourist center, the city is filled with hotels. There is an option for every travel type and budget.
To help you choose from the hundreds of options available, here is my list of the best hostels in Chiang Mai.
If you don’t want to read a longer list, here are the best in each category:
Best hostels for budget travelers:
Best hostels for solo female travelers:
Best hostels for digital nomads:
Best hotel for parties:
Want specifics? Here’s my detailed analysis of the best hostels in Chiang Mai and why I love them:
Price legend (per night):
- $: Below 350 baht
- $$: 350-500 baht
- $$$: over 500 baht
1. Stamps Backpackers Hostel
Just on the outskirts of the old town, this is a super social hotel. They organize events every night and there is a bar on site open to the public so you can mingle with locals and travelers (they have a great happy hour). They also have a tour desk and organize day trips from the city. What I found particularly helpful was their blackboard where travelers can post their plans.
While the dorm beds in the larger rooms are basic (simple bunk beds with no curtains), the mattresses are thick and comfortable. The smaller dorms also only have single beds, so no bunk beds. You also have your own little alcove, so it feels more private than a standard dorm room. (Note: The smaller dorms have air conditioning, while the larger eight-person dorms only have fans (but personal fans).)
This is the best hotel in the city. If you can find a room, stay here!
Stamps at a glance:
- $$
- super easy to meet people
- Share Activity Board
- On-site tour desk
Beds start from 450 baht.
2. Hidden Garden Youth Hostel
The inn is very charming, with beautiful architecture and a minimalist design with lots of exposed wood. It has a boutique feel and the dorms are large and spacious without feeling crowded. The dorm beds are very comfortable and come with individual lights, sockets and curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep. It’s a social hotel, but not party-centric.
There’s also a swimming pool if you want to hang out and relax, as well as a rooftop terrace with views. While breakfast is not included, they offer free snacks throughout the day. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained and the showers had good pressure. Located on the southern outskirts of the old city, it is very convenient to explore the city from here.
Hidden Garden Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Beautifully designed space
- Female dormitory only
- Swimming pool and terrace for relaxing and meeting friends
Beds start from 515 baht, private rooms start from 1,250 baht.
3. Crazy Monkey Hotel Chiang Mai
Stay here if you want to party. It’s a lively place with lots of events every night, from pub crawls to drinking games. You get a free drink on arrival which really sets the tone for the hotel. It’s very easy to make friends here. There is a saltwater swimming pool, bar and restaurant, as well as many public spaces including a gym and yoga space.
Like most party hotels, the dorm beds are basic (but still comfortable). There are lockers in every room and most beds also have privacy curtains (rare in party hotels). It’s also one of the cheapest hotels in the city, making it a great choice for budget travelers who want to party.
Crazy Monkey at a Glance:
- $
- lively social atmosphere
- On-site gym, swimming pool and yoga room
- Free welcome drink on arrival
Beds start from 315 baht, private rooms start from 1,591 baht.
4. Lullaby Hostel
This award-winning hotel offers a host of free perks, including free breakfast, free bike rentals and free daily classes like Muay Thai or yoga. It’s a laid-back hotel, but not very social (definitely not a party place). There are plenty of public spaces to hang out, both indoors and out. It is located in the center of the old town, so it is very easy to get everywhere from here.
The hotel itself is very modest. The dormitory is not very big, but the bed is really comfortable. Each bed also comes with individual reading lights, lockers and privacy curtains. It’s a relaxing place with lots of free perks, providing plenty of value for travelers on a budget.
Lullaby Hotel Overview:
- $$$
- Female-only dormitory
- free breakfast
- Free daily classes (Muay Thai, yoga)
Beds start from 510 baht.
5. Lazy House
This is a cozy, comfortable hostel in the old town (feeling them here?) with a super friendly owner who is always happy to help you make your stay a pleasant one. There are colorful murals and artwork on the walls, and there are plenty of casual common areas to hang out. It’s not a super social place, but more like a quiet and low-key hotel, perfect for travelers on a budget. This is one of the cheapest hotels in the city.
The dormitory is not big, but it has sockets, lockers and air conditioning. The beds in the dormitory are very simple, with only thin mattresses and no curtains. However, the private rooms here are actually very comfortable and have thick mattresses. This is a great hotel for budget travelers who want to splurge on a cheap private room.
Dozy House at a glance:
- $
- super affordable
- Comfortable and spacious private room
- Great location in the old town
Beds start from 220 baht, private rooms start from 880 baht.
6. Chiang Mai Revolution
This party hotel is located just outside the old town, close to the Saturday market. There are plenty of public spaces to hang out, drink, and play beer pong. This hotel has an age restriction, so you know only younger travelers can stay here. They also offer free dinner so you can easily socialize and meet new people. There is no kitchen to cook in but there are many bars and restaurants within walking distance.
The dorms here aren’t huge, but unlike most party hostels, the beds are actually very comfortable. They don’t have privacy curtains, but they do have individual lights and sockets (and thick mattresses). Each bed also has a small lockbox where you can lock your wallet, phone, and other small valuables.
Chiang Mai Revolution Overview:
- $
- happy party atmosphere
- Age limit 18-35 years old
- free dinner
Beds start from 299 baht.
7. About the bed
This stylish, minimalist hostel has a boutique feel, with stylish dormitories equipped with comfy mattresses, curtains for pod-style beds, individual lights and sockets, and lockers. The hotel has a friendly, calm atmosphere and the rooms have lots of natural light and light, natural colours. It’s more like a hotel for quiet travelers or digital nomads who want to get work done. Free coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and there’s a kitchenette and pantry if you want to prepare some basic meals.
It’s also located near the Chang Phuak Night Market, where you can find some of the best street food in the city, and the centuries-old Wat Lok Moli temple.
About the bed at a glance:
- $$
- pod bed
- Free coffee and tea
- Calm, quiet atmosphere
Beds start from 370 baht.
8. Silvis Hostel Chiang Mai
Located across the street from Stamps, this hotel has a great cocktail bar specializing in Thai drinks made with local ingredients. This is another lively hostel where it’s easy to make friends as they organize lots of activities and there are plenty of common areas for you to hang out. They can also help you book tours and excursions.
They also enforce a midnight quiet time so you can still get a good night’s sleep. The beds in the dorms are very comfortable with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, individual lights and sockets. Their beds are also pod style so you have more privacy. The shared bathroom is large, well maintained, spacious and has great water pressure.
Silves Hostel Chiang Mai at a glance:
- $$
- Comfortable pod style dorm bed
- Amazing cocktail bar
- Female dormitory only
Beds start from 350 baht, private rooms start from 1,000 baht.
A lively hub for backpackers, expats, foodies and digital nomads, Chiang Mai A must stop on any trip Thailand. Stay at one of the inns above for a fun, affordable, and wonderful place to stay!
Get your in-depth budget guide to Thailand!
My 350+ page detailed travel guide is designed for budget travelers like you! It cuts through the nonsense found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need for traveling in Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, off-the-beaten-path attractions and activities, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and more! Click here to learn more and get your copy now.
Booking a trip to Thailand: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I never travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resource page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to know more about Thailand?
Be sure to visit our Powerful Thailand Destination Guide Learn more planning tips!
