Chiang Mai is a must-visit city in Thailand and even all of Southeast Asia. It has so much to offer from beautiful temples to some of the best food in the country and nature is just outside the city limits.
This is a big city though and there are plenty of places to stay in Chiang Mai which can make things a little overwhelming and difficult to choose where to stay in Chiang Mai. To help you decide which backpacker hostels are worth your time or even looking at I’m sharing the top 10 hostels in Chiang Mai and have included highlights to help you do a quick search.
Tips for Choosing the Best Chiang Mai Hostel
When it comes to picking a hostel is all comes down to what you want and need. Some key things to keep in mind that will help you have the best stay are the following:
How Much to Budget
Hostel prices in Chiang Mai vary and generally it is a more expensive city that others in SE Asia but you can still find a number of cheap hostels in Chiang Mai for under $5 but most will be around $10.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is quite large so it’s best to find out what attractions you want to be closest to or opt to have public transit close to you. I personally liked being within walking distance of the Night Bazaar and was there every night for food!
Atmosphere
When picking a hostel atmosphere is huge. Do you want a party hostel, somewhere you can chill out or somewhere that is super social? Chiang Mai has all of these options and you can find a hostel that is social without the crazy parties.
Reviews
Always read the most recent reviews on Chiang Mai hostels. These are the best way to find out if a hostel is really for you. Hostelworld has reviews for every hostel and I highly encourage you to check them out.
Must-Read Hostel Tips
- Hostel Tips You Need to Know Before Booking Chiang Mai Hostels
- 8 Things You Need to Pack for Hostel Travel
- 32 Tips for Backpacking Thailand
Top 10 Hostels in Chiang Mai
Green Sleep Hostel
Green Sleep Hostel competes for the best hostel in Chiang Mai as it’s ideally located in downtown Chiang Mai and is within walking distance of Chang Puak Market, the Chiang Mai Gate, Three Kings Momument and more. A mix of dorm rooms and private rooms are available, both of which include a continental breakfast, with room service available!
D-Well Hostel
This hostel in Chiang Mai is in the perfect spot that is close to all of the action from the biggest market in the city (Warorot Market), the night market, and the Sunday market. All are within less than a 10-minute walk. Dorms are available from 4 to 6 beds with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout. Private rooms are available.
The Entaneer Poshtel
One of the most highly rated backpacker hostels in Chiang Mai, The Entaneer Poshtel is a modern hostel with style and comfort. The location is fabulous, just 300m from the Saturday Walking Street, and within minutes walking you’ll be in the Chiang Mai Old Town. Male and female dorms are available as well as private rooms with common spaces to socialize and meet other solo travellers.
Suneta Hostel
One of the best selling hostels in Chiang Mai, Suneta Hostel is a top pick for its location and amenities. Yes, in this hostel you can get room service, continental breakfast is available, and you’re within walking distance to the must-visit night bazaar. You have the option to book a dorm or a private room.
Sherloft Home & Hostel
Right in the heart of Chiang Mai, in the Old City, Sherloft Home & Hostel is a bit of a heavenly oasis with its clean, modern accommodation with both dorm and private rooms. Stay here and you’ll be within walking distance to some of the top Chiang Mai attractions. Amenities on-site include a garden (where small gatherings can be organized), safety deposit boxes for each bed, hot rain head showers, free parking, a shared kitchen, and more.
Hostel One Art and Gallery
This trendy hostel is a bit of a break from the regular party hostels in Chiang Mai. Here you can expect ease, comfort and quiet. While there are common areas to socialize and meet people, it’s not a rowdy place. Chill out in the garden or in the seating area in each room for both private and dorm rooms.
The Park Society
A highly rated hostel with quite a few fun luxuries, The Park Society is a great place to stay. There is a nightclub on-site as well as a shared kitchen, garden and seating areas in all rooms. Breakfast is available every morning and the rooms and the location is ideal, just 600m from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Haus Hostel
I think the best part of Haus Hostel is how cozy it is and with all the natural light coming in you can’t help but feel at home. The next best thing is the multiple lounge/common areas that include reading nooks, a rooftop lounge and a greenhouse lounge. This hostel is situated in a historic building and the staff is known for being very helpful and friendly.
Mad Monkey Hostel Chiang Mai
Mad Monkey Hostel Chiang Mai is pricer but that’s because it’s the first 5-star party hostel in Chiang Mai, making it a top contender for best hostel in Chiang Mai. You can’t go wrong here with fabulous rooms and access to a pool. Plus the location is outstanding, it’s close to Warorot Market, Thapae Gate, Sunday Walking Street and Flower Market. Restaurants and temples are only a couple of minutes away and the Night Bazaar is a 5-minute walk away. Each private room had a queen-sized bed and dorms range from 4 to 12 beds.
The Common Hostel
Last but certainly not least, The Common Hostel is a definite contender as one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai. As one of the best selling hostels in Chiang Mai and located in the Old Town, this chic hostel have a few perks that include free bottled water, unlimited coffee and tea, and even a safety deposit box. In dorm rooms, beds have their own reading light and privacy curtains, with private room available too. Plus, the Sunday Walking Street is only 500m away.
Enjoy your stay in Chiang Mai!
Continue planning your trip to Thailand!
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