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10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai: Budget-Friendly Comforts in Northern Thailand

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Thailand was my first destination as a solo traveler, and it’s a place I keep coming back to. I frequently spent time in hostels for months at a time, spanning over ten visits to my favorite city in the world.

Chiang Mai is teeming with budget-friendly accommodation and has thousands of hostels ready to welcome you with open arms. They range from quiet oases in the middle of the Old City to electric party hostels with travelers from all walks of life. These hostels are where I’ve met some of my best friends in the world and made unforgettable memories. They’re also where you should stay on your next visit to this haven in Northern Thailand!

Whether you’re looking for a social atmosphere or a chilled-out stay, you can find it in Chiang Mai. Keep reading to discover the ten best hostels in Chiang Mai with local tips from yours truly. 

Coming up in this guide:

  • Budget-friendly accommodation in the Old City and beyond
  • Modern dorms and private rooms
  • Sparkling facilities, pools, and local insight

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Chiang Mai?

Best LocationKhunluang Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo TravelersMonkey Toe Guesthouse
Best Hostel for CouplesEco Resort Chiang Mai
Best Hostel for GroupsBrick House Hostel Chiang Mai

Budget-Friendly Hostels in Chiang Mai

Eco Resort Chiang Mai

Eco Resort Chiang Mai
Source: Eco Resort Chiang Mai
Address:109 ถนน บำรุงราษฎร์ Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 89 895 0429
Location score:7.3/10
Booking.com rating:7.4/10
Google rating:4.0/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿1,305/night
Private room starting price:฿1,890/night

Best for: Relaxed budget stay set in lush gardens with a quiet atmosphere.

On my first visit to Thailand in 2014, I spent a month living at one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai: the Eco Resort. It has a quieter location on a lush, sprawling property northeast of the city walls.

The Eco Resort is on the upscale side, with a mix of spacious dorms and private rooms. The main dorm, the Octagon Room, has twelve wooden beds, lockers, high ceilings, and direct access to the outside. If you prefer smaller dorms, there are also two and four-bed options. The bathroom is spa-like, set in a spacious yurt. If you need a bit more privacy, there are also private rooms with ensuites.

Aside from the comfortable rooms, the Eco Resort has all sorts of perks. There are laundry and leisure areas with foosball and ping-pong, an outdoor gym zone, and a massive pool. To really lean into the resort-like atmosphere of this hostel, be sure to book a bed with breakfast. The food is well worth it. 

Overall, Eco Resort is a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling town.

Local’s Insider Tip

Since this neighborhood is way more local than the touristy areas of Chiang Mai, you’ll find lots of hidden treasures. My favorite is the restaurant right at the entrance of the Eco Resort on Bumruang Rajd Road, which serves up Thai delicacies. Whenever I’m in Chiang Mai, even when I’m not staying at the Eco Resort, I always head over here for the best food in the city. 

Other noteworthy places to visit nearby are the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Warorot Market, and Wat Ket Karam on the banks of the Ping River.

The August Hostel

The August Hostel
Source: The August Hostel
Address:2, 2 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 85 035 4933
Location score:9.5/10
Booking.com rating:8.8/10
Google rating:4.6/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿380/night
Private room starting price:฿1,300/night

Best for: Central location with a social vibe.

If you want to be in the center of all the action, August is one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai. Right in the middle of the old city, it’s an incredible location for exploring and nightlife. 

The hostel is very clean and super budget-friendly, with a single bed for under $10 USD a night (at the time of writing). There are different dorm rooms, ranging from a quiet four-bed to a bustling eight-bed, plus a triple, quad, and family room, which is useful if traveling with a group. The small private rooms are great for couples, though the dorms have plenty of privacy, a curtain on each bunk, a reading light, and a personal outlet. 

Common areas are super spacious, and guests can access a shared kitchen and laundry. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Since this hostel is on the west side of the Old City, there’s a lot to see around, like Wat Pra Singh Woramahawihan, the Three Kings Monument, and Wat Chedi Luang. 

While the hostel often has small events of its own, it’s also less than a fifteen-minute walk to Zoe in Yellow, where most people head for Chiang Mai nightlife. Additionally, the Nimmanhaemin area, home to the Maya Shopping Center, isn’t far – a thirty-minute walk or a five-minute drive. 

Monkey Toe Guesthouse

Monkey Toe Guesthouse
Source: Monkey Toe Guesthouse
Address:248, 21-22 Manee Nopparat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 94 414 4346
Location score:9.3/10
Booking.com rating:9.0/10
Google rating:4.6/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿200/night
Private room starting price:฿990/night

Best for: Single-bed dorms and a rooftop lounge.

When my friends were teaching English in Bangkok, this was the hostel they would stay in when they visited me in Chiang Mai. It offers unbeatable value, with dorm beds plus breakfast for under $10 in an extra clean environment. The dorms are on the larger side, ranging from eight to ten beds per room. However, there’s also a dorm with twin beds with individual curtains that wrap around each bed, which is the top option if you want budget accommodation without the bunks. 

If you’re traveling as a couple, the private rooms are bright and spacious with ensuite bathrooms. For a splurge, opt for the suite with a huge bathtub, balcony, and mountain views.

Monkey Toe is among the best hostels in Chiang Mai if you’re looking for a social stay. The common areas are great for meeting other travelers (be sure to check out the roof!), and the location is unmatched. The very friendly reception team can also help book excursions or travel. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Monkey Toe sits just outside the northern gate to the old city, making it a convenient location for enjoying your time in Chiang Mai. It’s a particularly great spot for street food, with the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market right next door. 

The Common Hostel

The Common Hostel
Source: The Common Hostel
Address:54/2-4 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 62 672 1234
Location score:9.3/10
Booking.com rating:8.9/10
Google rating:4.6/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿560/night
Private room starting price:฿1,500/night

Best for: Pod-style dorms, hotel-quality private rooms, and free refreshments. 

This upscale accommodation is one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai for pristine rooms, top-tier facilities, and an excellent location. Featuring a mix of dorms and private rooms, you have a huge range of options suitable for different budgets and preferences (including a female-only dorm). 

Something that makes the dorms unique is that some of them have queen bunk beds, unlike the classic single bunks. This means way more space to roll around, and since the dorms are designed in a “pod” style, each bed also comes with a privacy curtain, locker, reading light, and towel. 

When you’re not catching some z’s, lounge around in a bean bag or hammock, cook a meal in the kitchen, or hang around the garden. There’s also complimentary coffee, tea, and bottled water, plus a super yummy breakfast included in the room’s price. 

While this Chiang Mai hostel is on the quieter side, they do have the occasional event like the weekly acoustic music night.

Local’s Insider Tip

The Common Hostel is an awesome location if you want to split your time between the Old City and the Nimman area. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk to noteworthy points of interest like the Sunday Night Market (don’t miss this!), Zoe in Yellow, and the Three Kings Monument.

Brick House Hostel Chiang Mai

Brick House Hostel Chiang Mai
Source: Brick House Hostel Chiang Mai
Address:7, 2 ซอย 2 Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 95 674 2015
Location score:8.9/10
Hostelworld rating:8.7/10
Google rating:4.2/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿250/night
Private room starting price:฿1,100/night

Best for: Pool hostel with rooms for groups in a more local area.

If you’re traveling around Thailand with a group of friends, Brick House Hostel is a great option in Chiang Mai. Offering four, six, eight, and twelve-bed dorms, it can accommodate any size group – if you’re traveling with four or more people, you’ll end up with your own group room.

However, the Brick House Hostel is stellar for solo travelers and couples with mixed and female dorms and ensuite private rooms.

I’ve spent a lot of time hanging out at this hostel (it’s a favorite of many of my friends) and can vouch for how awesome it is. Not only is there a pool and plenty of lounge chairs, but there’s also a restaurant that’s open all day, a bar on the property, and a fitness center for the mornings when you’re not viciously hungover.

If you want to book a tour or travel, the front desk is excellent. There’s even a sister Brick House Hostel in Pai!

Local’s Insider Tip

Brick House Hostel sits just outside the Tha Phae Gate in the east of the Old City. It’s an easy walk to the super local Warorot Market, the Night Bazaar, and the famous Sunday Walking Street. When you get hungry, Alice’s Restaurant, just next to Brick House, is absolutely delicious.

Pakping Hostel

Pakping Hostel
Source: Pakping Hostel
Address:138, 6 ซอย บุษราคัม, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 99 369 0022
Location score:9.6/10
Booking.com rating:9.5/10
Google rating:4.7/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿400/night
Private room starting price:฿1,100/night

Best for: Central location with modern design and on-site cafe.

Located right in the center of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, this hostel has one of the best locations in the city. It’s light and bright, with modern dorms and private rooms catering to all kinds of budget travelers. Choose from a ten-bed mixed dorm, a six-bed female dorm, or an ensuite double room ideal for couples or two travelers. In the dorms, each bed is pod-style with a privacy curtain, personal outlet, reading light, and large lockers. 

Downstairs, you’ll find a cafe, a loft with workspaces, and a small TV area. Onsite staff are eager to help with recommendations or tour bookings, making this an epic home base for exploring Northern Thailand. 

Local’s Insider Tip

From Pakping Hostel, you can reach all sorts of Chiang Mai attractions on foot, like the Wua Lai Walking Street, the Chiang Mai Gate Market, tons of temples, and the Sunday night market. It’s also well located for reaching the airport.

Khunluang Hostel

Khunluang Hostel
Source: Khunluang Hostel
Address:139, 141 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, เมือง, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 53 114 513
Location score:9.7/10
Booking.com rating:8.9/10
Google rating:4.8/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿580/night
Private room starting price:฿4,900/night

Best for: Best location for nightlife and market, with a super chic design.

Hostel prices with hotel-style accommodation? Yes, please. While there are still dorms with bunk beds, this is the best hostel in Chiang Mai if you’re looking for a tranquil stay. The dorms have eight people at max (with a six-bed female dorm), and there’s a family room with eight beds ideal for a group of friends. My favorite part about this stay is the queen bed options in the dorms, giving you a bit more room while maintaining the communal aspect of the hostel. 

While the common areas are a bit small, there is a large banquet table for group meals, work sessions, or game nights and a well-maintained garden perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.

Outfitted with posh decor and thoughtful details like hair dryers in the bathrooms, this upscale hostel is the best place to stay in Chaing Mai if you’re looking for a bit of luxury without breaking the bank. 

Local’s Insider Tip

This Chiang Mai hostel is as central as it gets, right in the middle of the Old City. It’s directly next to the Three Kings Monument and a ten-minute walk from the Tha Phae Gate, which is the start of the Sunday Night Market. The hostel is surrounded by many museums, such as the Chiang Mai House of Photography and the Lanna Folklife Museum. If you need a quick snack, the closet 7-Eleven is three minutes away.

Bed Addict Hostel

Ben Addict Hostel
Source: Ben Addict Hostel
Address:6/11 Nimmanhemin Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 63 235 1995
Location score:9.5/10
Booking.com rating:9.1/10
Google rating:4.4/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿450/night
Private room starting price:N/A

Best for: Digital nomads who want to stay in the Nimmanhaemin area.

I lived right across the street from Ben Addict Hostel and spent a lot of time working in the on-site cafe. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai in the Nimman area. 

Unlike most hostels in Chiang Mai, Bed Addict offers only mixed dorms. It has a hip industrial style, combining wood and metal to form the bunks. The beds have sparkling clean sheets, a privacy curtain, a reading light, and large lockers.

Lots of people have called this the “nicest hostel” they’ve ever stayed in, with friendly staff, an excellent location, and top-notch facilities. There’s a shared kitchen, a little lounge, and great coffee downstairs.

Local’s Insider Tip

Since Bed Addict is set outside of the Old City, it has more of a local feel to it. That said, the Nimman area has a sizable digital nomad community, with tons of expats who call this spot home. While it’s convenient to have a scooter if you’re staying outside of the Old City, you can easily hire a taxi or a red truck to get around.

Otherwise, the Nimman area has lots to offer. There’s a huge shopping center, cute shops, and quick access to Santitham, the best area to eat local food in Chiang Mai. It’s also a quick ride to Doi Suthep if you want to stretch your legs in the mountains surrounding the city.

Baan Lung Poshtel

Baan Lung Poshtel
Source: Baan Lung Poshtel
Address:21/3 Singharat 4 Alley, Si Phum Sub-district, เมือง, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 62 949 4564
Location score:9.4/10
Booking.com rating:9.3/10
Google rating:4.5/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿360/night
Private room starting price:฿800/night

Best for: Nice private rooms next to the North City Gate.

This Chiang Mai hostel lives up to its Poshtel name with a high-end atmosphere, welcoming staff, and stylish design. Offering mixed and female dorms, plus private double rooms, expect sparkling clean, contemporary accommodation.

The dorms are simple but have everything you need for a comfortable night’s rest. The bunks have wooden walls instead of curtains, which offers a different level of privacy than at most other hostels in Chiang Mai.

There are plenty of shared bathrooms, so you won’t have to wait in line for a shower. But if you’d rather have your own, the private rooms feature ensuites, a balcony, and a work desk.

If you get hungry, take advantage of the simple shared kitchen or have a snack at the cafe downstairs. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Baan Lung Poshtel is tucked away right under the northern gate (Chang Pueak) of the Old City. Its prime location offers access to the Chang Phuak Night Market for street food. Instead of heading to Zoe in Yellow, spend a night at the North Gate Jazz Co-Op to listen to live music and rub elbows with hip Chiang Mai locals. 

Green Sleep Hostel

Green Sleep Hostel
Source: Green Sleep Hostel
Address:5 10 Rachadamnoen Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Get Directions)
Phone:+66 61 464 0919
Location score:9.6/10
Booking.com rating:9.3/10
Google rating:4.7/5
Shared dorm starting price:฿380/night
Private room starting price:฿1,600/night

Best for: Central location in the Old City, close to Sunday Night Market.

For your fair pick of cheap accommodation, this Chiang Mai hostel has tons of dorms and budget private rooms for travelers from all walks of life. Ranging from four to ten beds, the dorms are simple but cozy, with pod-style bunks, roomy lockers, and modern shared bathrooms.

For couples, the private rooms are small but mighty. They don’t have windows, though this is made up for with a private TV with streaming services (talk about luxury in a hostel) and a work desk. 

The spacious common areas are wonderful for socializing with fellow travelers, and the staff is always eager to help if you need anything during your stay.

Local’s Insider Tip

This location is extremely central in the Old City, putting you close to pretty much everything. Surrounded by temples and markets, spend your days wandering around the town’s narrow streets. 

At night, you’re only a ten-minute walk from the most lively bars in Chiang Mai. But if you’re looking for a more chilled-out evening, have a cocktail at Drink Rooftop Bar, which overlooks the lively Sunday Night Market. 

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known for its rich cultural tapestry, affordability, and diverse experiences.

The city is home to tons of street markets, festivals, and a mouthwatering food scene. Neighborhoods like the Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and the Night Bazaar add depth to its cultural allure.

Guided tours are a convenient way to get insights from local experts and have curated itineraries. To make the most of your visit to Chiang Mai, consider platforms like GetYourGuide.

Explore their selection of Chiang Mai experiences below:

FAQs about Hostels in Chiang Mai

What is the average price for a hostel in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is known for its affordable accommodation, but the cost of a hostel in Chiang Mai still varies based on when you go and the room type you choose. Hostel prices tend to increase during Christmas and Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated in April, with insane water fights throughout Thailand’s streets.

Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Chiang Mai as follows:

  • ฿200-฿400 ($5-$10 USD) per night for a bed in a shared dorm room.
  • ฿1000-฿1500 ($30-$45 USD) per night for a private dorm room

Where can I book Chiang Mai Hostels?

Our favorite places to book Chiang Mai hostels are Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.

Further Reading

Looking for more hostels? Read our articles below:

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