Fellow backpackers rejoice! I have rounded up all the best hostels in Chiang Mai worth staying. Having compared each one’s prices, facilities, and amenities on offer, as well as the location to determine the best of the best. Let’s check out the top choices for everyone in this epic guide!
When traveling it is important to find a good place to rest your head. I mean no one wants a hostel where the toilets are always blocked or that is notorious for hosting bed bugs!
That’s why it’s important to do your research so you can stay at one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai.
Throughout the years I have visited Chiang Mai multiple times and stayed in numerous hostels. From the cheapest online (regrets) to some of the more luxurious options. I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert when it comes to the best stays here.
Whether you are a solo female traveler or a budget backpacker you will find a great option on this list. I have separated the ultimate party spots from those more homely vibes so you can find your perfect stay.
So read on for all the top hostels in Chiang Mai allowing you to confidently book, for a decent price and in a good location among the action.
The 21+ Best Hostels In Chiang Mai: Find Your Perfect Stay
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In A Hurry?
If you perhaps don’t have time to read this entire guide on the best Chiang Mai hostels, no worries, here are the top picks:
- Overall Best Hostel: The Common Hostel, Chiang Mai
- Best Hostel For Solo Travelers: Big & O’s House 2, Chiang Mai
- Best Cheap Hostel: The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar
- Best Hostel For Female Travelers: About A Bed Hostel Chiang Mai
- Best Cheap Private Room: Baan Ploy In, Chiang Mai
Overall Best Hostel In Chiang Mai – The Common Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 8.9 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Singharat Rd, Chiang Mai Old Town
The clean and comfortable Common Hostel is the best hostel to stay in Chiang Mai. Located in the Old Town you will be at the heart of the city.
They have some awesome dorm rooms here that are pod-style with pullover curtains.
That means you will only pay affordable hostel prices for a bit of privacy. The shared bathrooms also have hairdryers and free toiletries, not something you find often in a hostel.
The Common Hostel in Chiang Mai exceeded my expectations. The vibrant atmosphere, clean facilities, and friendly staff created a welcoming environment. From the well-designed common spaces to the comfortable dorms, it’s an excellent choice for budget travelers seeking a social and comfortable stay in Chiang Mai.
– KAREN (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
There are laundry facilities for you to use and an excellent common area. You will also find a mixture of tables and chairs, as well as bean bags to relax on where you can meet some new friends.
- $$$
- 24-hour front desk
- Free breakfast
- Free coffee and water
- 550 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Honorable Mention – Hostel One & Art Gallery
⭐️ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Ratchamanka Rd, Chiang Mai Old Town |
For a cozy, comfortable, and creative stay in Chiang Mai, check out Hostel One & Art Gallery.
However this isn’t just a hostel, but somewhere you can check out local art. They have a variety of rooms to suit your needs and budget, from dorms to private rooms with balconies.
The hostel is beautiful and extremely well-managed. Amazing location, kind staff and the area is super safe with many cafes, restaurants, 7/11 and a yoga studio! I would 100% come back when I revisit Chiang Mai
– KIM (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Hostel One & Art Gallery also has a garden, lounge, and shared kitchen where you can relax and socialize. Its a really cool stay and somewhere more unique compared to your generic hostels commonly found.
- $
- Family Atmosphere
- Communal Kitchen
- 1000 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Best Hostel In Chiang Mai For Solo Travelers – Big & O’s House 2
⭐️ Rating: 9.5 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Tambon Hai Ya, Chiang Mai
The best hostel in Chiang Mai for solo travelers looking to make friends and discover Chiang Mai alongside others is Big&O’s House 2.
More than just a place to sleep, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know other travelers and learn about Thai culture.
The hostel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai, close to many restaurants and markets. You can easily walk to the lively Thapae Gate, the beautiful temples, or the famous Saturday walking market.
Best hostel I have ever stayed at!!! The family who run it are absolutely incredible and make it such a warm & fun atmosphere. I met people as soon as I walked through the door and didn’t want to leave. Max does an amazing job at getting involved and making the environment fun and social. It’s not a crazy party hostel as it’s quiet from about 10pm but still plenty of fun people to hang out and then go out with. If that’s not your vibe, you can go to bed early – I did a bit of both! Book it!!
– ALI (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The building is a Lanna-style house that has been renovated with modern facilities and amenities. The dorms are spacious and comfortable, with fans, individual sockets, and lockers, which are all musts.
A big plus is bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, which might not seem like a major, however, if you have ever stayed in a dirty hostel you will know!
In terms of common spaces, the hostel also has a relaxing outdoor seating area, where you can chill out with other travelers, and enjoy a BBQ party.
- $
- Daily Activities
- Friendly Staff
- 1200 meters from Night Market
Hostel Lullaby
⭐️ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
Welcome to Hostel Lullaby, one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai for solo travelers.
With plenty of events on it provides the perfect opportunities to mingle with new people. Don’t miss partaking in yoga and complimentary cooking classes!
Be aware this isn’t a crazy party hostel. So if that’s your scene this is not the stay for you.
Such a nice hostel! Lovely staff, comfy beds and overall very friendly and welcoming. I loved the chilled and cosy vibe and the free classes were great too!
– KATARINA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
They put on a free delicious buffet breakfast for hungry travelers which makes this choice extra value for money. The team here are also super friendly and will be more than willing to answer any questions.
Just be aware that some of the dorm rooms can be on the smaller side. However, you will have a privacy curtain, power socket, and personal reading light. It’s one of those you win some you loose some cases.
- $$$
- Breakfast Included
- Garden To Relax In
- 600 meters from Night Market
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Best Cheap Hostel In Chiang Mai – The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar
⭐️ Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Phra Sing, Chiang Mai
The Cabin Backpackers Hostel is a great choice if you want to enjoy the best of Chiang Mai on a budget. It is in a great location, near the Thapae Gate, making the cities highlights extremely accessible.
You can have a good night’s sleep as dorm beds are cozy and spacious, with fans, lights, and power sockets.
The location is very good, close to the historic center and the river as well. I was in the 6-bed room and it was very comfortable, super spacious, and the toilet and shower were very comfortable and always clean. The guys at the reception were very friendly and willing to help you with everything. It is not a party hostel, but it is still a good place to socialize.
– AUGUSTIN (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
For the perfect place to socialise and relax make sure to check out the common area/bar. They have games, movies, drinks, and live music every night.
Cabin Backpackers Hostel also offers events and activities for guests, such as pub crawls, cooking classes, yoga sessions, and bike tours. This is a great option if you are looking for somewhere affordable but also social.
- $
- Onsite Bar
- Affordable & Social
- 1200 meters from the Sunday Night Market
CHECK BEST PRICES
The August Hostel Chiang Mai
⭐️ Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai
The August Hostel in Chiang Mai is one of the best places to stay if you are looking for stylish, comfortable, and convenient accommodation in the heart of the old town.
The hostel is fully air-conditioned and equipped with free WiFi. They offer a variety of room types, from dorms to privates, perfect if you are a budget traveler who values privacy.
Probably one of the best hostels I have seen in my travels. The location is in the middle of the temple areas so it is peaceful at night, but a close walk to the excitement. The hostel is clean and comfy. The staff are genuinely nice and helpful. and there is an amazing restaurant just outside.
– CHRIS (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The rooms are spacious and have modern amenities which is great for an affordable option. The shared bathrooms are also clean, which for me is a big must when booking a good stay.
The common areas are super cute and decorated with colorful paintings and plants. A big plus is that there is a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Personally, I always find a communal kitchen a great place to interact with other travelers.
- $
- Communal Kitchen
- Privacy Curtains In Dorms
- 700 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Best Hostels For Females In Chiang Mai – About A Bed Hostel Chiang Mai
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
I usually stay at About A Bed Hostel and it is the perfect hostel in Chiang Mai for female travelers. You will never be far from a good restaurant, or a delicious cafe which is a must in my book.
Here you can enjoy the clean, modern, and spacious dorm rooms with plenty of room for everyone’s bags. Inside are pod-style beds with privacy curtains, light, power sockets, and a small shelf.
Perfect if your are looking for a clean and well located place in Chiang Mai. The beds have dark curtains, cosy warm lights, a locker for your valuables and a shelf for a few items you want to keep next to your bed. The kitchen area and facilities were always spotless. Soap and shampoo are provided. There is a cute chill area with bean bags.
– KIARA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You will get an electronic key at check in which will be used to access the dorm rooms. However, I really appreciate that you can use it as a safe and secure way to access the building if you come back quite late rather than having to bother the staff by ringing a doorbell.
Just be aware it isn’t a big party place and instead provides a more chill atmosphere.
- $$$
- Free Breakfast
- 1200 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Green Sleep Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Center Chiang Mai Old Town
Green Sleep Hostel is another great choice for female travelers.
They have a cozy and stylish common area where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks. You can play ping pong, board games, or watch Netflix on the big screen.
Of course, there is also free WiFi so you can stay connected with your friends and family back home.
Green Sleep has female-only dorm rooms with bunk beds, lockers, curtains, reading lights, and power sockets. This means not having to deal with a bunch of men snoring the whole night!
The shared bathrooms are decently clean and even have hairdryers to use. Perfect if you want to look good for a night out (I highly recommend the Chiang Mai Carabet Show).
It was a nice location. Walking distance from the night market and elsewhere I walked by foot. The girls at the reception were very nice and helpful. Made me feel very welcome :) room was nice and spacious
– SARAH (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Green Sleep also offers free bicycles for you to explore the city. If you need any help with booking tours or transportation, the staff at the hostel are very friendly and helpful.
- $$
- Free Water
- Free Bicycles
- 200 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Best Cheap Private Room in Chiang Mai – Baan Ploy In
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
If you want a place in Chiang Mai, but perhaps maybe a hostel isn’t your thing then Baan Ploy In has some cheap private rooms that are modern, clean, and very spacious.
The staff was really helpful and accommodating ! Gave us great recommendations and helped us book trips!
– GHITA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
They are in a great location right in the heart of the Old Town. Nearby are some great street food spots as well as some yummy lowkey eateries featured on my cheap eats in Chiang Mai list.
- $
- Basic Breakfast Included
- Clean And Modern Design
- 850 meters from the Sunday Night Market
De Lanna Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
If you still want a private room that is affordable but a little bit more luxe then De Lanna Hotel is the one.
On-site, you can enjoy their amazing pool, ideal for cooling down after a day of exploring. There is also quite a beautiful garden that is well maintained by the staff and a lovely place to hang out.
I really enjoyed this hotel, in fact so much so that I found it easy to hang out there too much. Spacious and clean and comfortable room. Nice hotel environment. Good pool. Convenient restaurant. Friend and helpful staff. Location is good in old city
– TERRY (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The rooms themselves have quite a relaxed vibe with small ponds around. They are designed in the authentic Lanna style often seen in Thailand.
They also have their own restaurant which is perfect for those late night cravings or you can’t be bothered heading back out again after a busy day.
- $$$
- Pool
- Buffet Breakfast Included
- 300 Meters from the Sunday Night Market
I do a little room tour in this YouTube video at the beginning:
More Great Hostels For Your Stay In Chiang Mai
Didn’t find the ideal Chiang Mai hostel for you above? No worries, here are some more great options:
Sherloft Home & Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
Sherloft Home & Hostel has both dormitory and private rooms, with air-conditioning, key card access, and personal lockers. The beds are super comfy and each one has its own locker and reading light which are a must.
The shared bathrooms are clean and have wonderful hot rain-head showers. You can also relax in one of the many common areas, such as the living room, the kitchen, or the garden.
Absolutely wonderful hostel with the greatest, helpful staff. It has so many nice common areas you can use. Loved staying here and extended for two more nights.
– JOANA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The staff are friendly and helpful and can assist you with anything you need, such as booking tours, renting bikes, or arranging transportation. They also organize activities and events for guests, such as cooking classes, yoga sessions, or movie nights.
- $$$
- Large Common Areas
- Breakfast Included
- 500 Meters from the Sunday Night Market
The Entaneer Poshtel
⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
Next up, we have The Entaneer Poshtel which is a great choice for those wanting to explore this charming city. Whether you are looking for a private room, a dormitory bed, or a female-only dorm, you will find a comfortable and affordable option here.
In the perfect location, it is just 400 meters from the old town of Chiang Mai and 300 meters from the Saturday Walking Street where you can shop the night away.
Amazing hostel in a brilliant location Incredibly friendly staff, clean rooms with comfy beds and world class privacy More sociable than most party hostels. 10/10 I’ll be staying here when I come back to Thailand!
– GEORGE (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
They have a spacious and stylish common area where you can relax, socialize, and meet other travelers. Of course, there is also a bar where you can enjoy a drink or two and join the organized events.
One of the best parts is the free breakfast that they serve every morning, which us budget travelers love. They also have a shared kitchen with a microwave, a refrigerator, and an oven if you are keen to do your own cooking.
- $$$
- No Bunk Beds In Dorms
- Onsite Cooking Classes
- 1100 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Pakping Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
Pakping Hostel is located right in the center of the old town among the action.
They offer a variety of rooms from a double room with a private bathroom to a bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm room, or a bed in a 6-bed female dorm room.
The hostel also provides free breakfast, daily housekeeping, bicycle and motorbike rental, and a shared kitchen and lounge area.
Great Central location, and it’s a super easy check-in, even after hours. Comfortable bed, curtains provided, aircon just right. Bathroom is good. Everybody is super friendly and helped me with some personal issues. Great that there’s free breakfast and tea/coffee throughout the day. Would definitely stay again!
-ALLIE (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The rooms are clean and cozy, and the beds are super comfortable. They even have a terrace, which is the perfect place where you can relax and chat with other travelers.
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Pod Style Dorms
- 750 meters from the Sunday Night Market
Suneta Hostel Chiang Mai
⭐️ Rating: 8.2 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chang Moi Kao Rd, Chiang Mai
Suneta Hostel is another great hostel located in Chiang Mai. It has private or dorm air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, a shared kitchen and lounge, and a continental breakfast. No doubt you can have a luxe stay on a budget here!
The staff here are friendly and can speak both English and Thai, which is great when you are arriving somewhere new and unfamiliar.
The staff is super friendly. The bed was comfortable. AC always keep you cool. Showers and toilets were more or less clean (staff tried, it’s just that people is just…). Breakfast was nice. The location was just perfect.
– CAROLINA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
- $$
- Clean & Modern Rooms
- 800 meters from the Night Market
Chiangmai Midpoint Activity Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town
Our last choice of hostels is Chiangmai Midpoint Activity Hostel, where you can find clean and modern dorm rooms. The beds are pod-style and come with a privacy curtain, personal reading light, and power socket, all big ticks in my book.
Great location, the staff is extremely kind and helpful, the dorms are comfortable + there are curtains for each bed. Great value for money,
– INES (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
I have to mention the location as it is a big selling point, right in the middle of the Old Town. Outside of your door, you will find many operators, activities, and delicious restaurants.
- $$
- Clean & Modern Rooms
- 200 meters from the Night Market
How To Choose The Best Chiang Mai Hostels
Price
Location
Amenities
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand: 12Go Asia 🚗
FAQs About Staying In Chiang Mai
Which area should I stay in Chiang Mai?
The Old City is one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai! It’s merely 2.5 kilometers long, but this ancient area dates back well over 500 years. It’s completely walkable, and as a touristic destination, fairly safe. Everything that you could want; restaurants, bars and ample opportunities for shopping are right at your fingertips.
How many days in Chiang Mai is enough?
If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai, the number of days you should spend there depends on your interests and the activities you want to do. If you’re looking to explore the city and its surroundings, 3 days will be perfect.
Is Chiang Mai Old Town worth visiting?
Chiang Mai Old Town is worth visiting and is one of the best areas for travelers visiting the City. It is known for its charming lanes, ancient temples, cafes, and restaurants. If you are interested in exploring the local culture and history, as well as trying some delicious foodie options this is a great choice.
Where do expats stay in Chiang Mai?
Nimmanhaemin is a popular area in Chiang Mai among expats who prefer the “big city” life. It is a hipster district full of chic coffee shops, malls, bars, and retail stalls. The area spans over 1 kilometer of quiet backstreets, apartment buildings, and hidden treasures. Nimmanhaemin Road is often referred to as Chiang Mai’s ‘coffee street’ and is refreshingly free of chain coffee shops.
Is Chiang Mai more expensive than Bangkok?
Generally, the further North you travel in Thailand the cheaper it gets, and this is the same when comparing if Chiang Mai is more expensive than Bangkok. Even though the cost of living in Chiang Mai versus Bangkok depends heavily on an individual’s lifestyle, it is safe to say Chiang Mai is cheaper.
Wrap Up: The Ultimate Hostels In Chiang Mai
If you are traveling to Thailand heading north to Chiang Mai is a must. It’s a lot more relaxed than Bangkok and is quite different from anywhere else on the typical Thailand backpacking route.
In terms of where to stay here, you will be spoilt with options with many incredible budget options. No matter if you want to party or relax you will find that here and more.
So, hopefully, you can now breathe a sigh of relief and cross off booking a hostel in Chiang Mai off your list.
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.
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