M
Sociable & central
Mad Monkey Chiang Mai Hostel
Chiang Mai
A sociable hostel with a pool, bar, and nightly activities, steps from the night bazaar.
Hostels · Chiang Mai Province · Thailand
We reviewed the full range of hostels in Chiang Mai and selected the best for every type of traveller, from social hubs to serene adults-only retreats.
M
Sociable & central
Chiang Mai
A sociable hostel with a pool, bar, and nightly activities, steps from the night bazaar.
L
Airport shuttle
Chiang Mai
A panda-themed hostel with a free airport shuttle, free parking, and Wi-Fi in every room.
H
Adults-only
Chiang Mai
A beautifully designed, adults-only hostel with a garden, pool, and free snacks, just outside Chiang Mai's old city.
S
Social & Clean
Chiang Mai
A top-rated social hostel with private pods, nightly activities, and spotless dorms — perfect for solo travelers.
S
Central & Calm
Chiang Mai
A calm, stylish hostel with made-to-order breakfast and a central location near the old city gate.
R
Social & Relaxed
Chiang Mai
Poolside hostel-like atmosphere, hearty food, and staff who treat you like family — all a short stroll from the Night Bazaar.
S
Budget Stay
Chiang Mai
A practical hostel in the Huay Kaew district with on-site parking and garden views, from £12 per night.
T
Adults-only hostel
Chiang Mai
A highly rated adults-only hostel in Chiang Mai's Old Town with free breakfast, social common areas, and helpful staff.
P
Budget-friendly
Chiang Mai
Friendly staff, free parking, and a location near Tha Pae Gate make this a solid budget choice.
O
Old-town haven
A calm, cafe-linked hostel with free parking and a short walk to old-town landmarks.
M
Social & Modern
Chiang Mai
A sociable, adults-only hostel with private dorm pods, free breakfast, and a rooftop terrace in Chiang Mai's old town.
Y
Social & comfortable
Chiang Mai
High comfort rating and a lively social scene—dorms and a budget double in Chiang Mai.
T
Adults-only pool
A peaceful adults-only hostel with a saltwater pool and high comfort ratings, a short walk from adventure sports centers.
T
Poshtel
Chiang Mai
A stylish, sociable poshtel where the owner's hospitality and made-to-order breakfast earn near-perfect guest reviews.
M
Budget stay
Chiang Mai
A 2-star hostel with free Wi-Fi, 500 m from Vieng-Joom-On Tea House and a 25-minute stroll to Wat Lok Moli.
H
Adults-only calm
A calm, adults-only hostel in the Old City with free breakfast, daily activities, and a garden that guests keep calling home.
S
Social & clean
Chiang Mai
A social, spotless hostel with a lively bar, helpful staff, and a prime location near Chiang Mai's night markets.
G
Old Town favorite
Chiang Mai
Popular for its central Old Town location, friendly staff, and free breakfast, this hostel earns a 9.0 guest rating.
C
Old Town base
Chiang Mai
A friendly Old Town hostel near the night markets with free Wi-Fi, private room options, and staff who organise yoga and pub crawls.
T
Budget Stay
Chiang Mai
A practical, well-rated budget base in Chiang Mai with pet-friendly rooms and flexible check-in.
S
Garden hostel
Chiang Mai
A garden-filled hostel in Chiang Mai's old town with free bikes and a generous breakfast – guests rate the staff highly.
S
Old-city calm
Chiang Mai
A quiet, well-run hostel in the old city with spotless rooms, friendly owners, and free coffee, tea, and bananas.
N
Budget-friendly
Chiang Mai
Simple, clean rooms with balconies near the old moat and night market – great value for exploring Chiang Mai.
S
Central & Quiet
Chiang Mai
A calm, well-run hostel near the Saturday Night Market with soundproofed rooms and free parking.
R
Social & Central
Chiang Mai
A social Old Town hostel with a pool, bar, and a family dinner guests rave about, near Elephant Rescue Park.
C
Budget-friendly
Chiang Mai
Central location a short walk from Saen Pung Gate, with rooms and dorms that include garden views and air conditioning.
P
Old Town value
Chiang Mai
Clean, modern hostel moments from the night market, with highly rated staff and comfy bunks.
G
Great value
Chiang Mai
Right by the City Arts and Cultural Centre, with free in-room Wi-Fi and a 9.1 guest rating.
2
Rooftop pool
Chiang Mai
Rooftop pool, free parking, and a walk-to-old-town location at budget prices.
S
Old Town Party Hostel
Chiang Mai
A lively, adults-only hostel with a party vibe, pub crawls, and a prime Old Town location steps from the Saturday Night Market.
T
Old City Stay
Chiang Mai
A highly rated hostel near Chedi Luang, with a garden, shared kitchen, and a mix of dorms and private rooms.
D
Guest favourite
Chiang Mai
A calm, well-rated hostel near the old town with private and dorm rooms, a shared kitchen, and helpful staff.
B
Great value
Chiang Mai
A high-rated hostel with clean dorms, friendly staff, and a great location near Chiang Mai Zoo.
E
Great value
Chiang Mai
A budget-friendly stay with standout service and high guest ratings in Chiang Mai.
T
Central & Simple
Chiang Mai
A compact, well-rated hostel near Terra Cotta Arts, with simple dorms and private rooms.
I
Budget-friendly
Chiang Mai
Unpretentious budget stay with free Wi-Fi and a handy location near Tha Phae Gate.
H
Adults-only dorms
Chiang Mai
Adults-only hostel in Chiang Mai Old Town with dorms featuring privacy curtains and a social lobby.
B
Top-rated staff
Chiang Mai
Rated 9.7 for staff and service, this Nimman hostel offers free parking, a shared kitchen, and a 5-minute walk to MAYA mall.
P
Sociable & central
Chiang Mai
A sociable hostel with a rooftop bar, hammocks, and breakfast included – right by the Old City's nightlife.
N
Budget-friendly
Chiang Mai
A no-fuss Chiang Mai hostel with a saltwater pool, shared kitchen, and free in-room Wi-Fi.
E
Guest Favorite
Chiang Mai
A calm, well-rated hostel in Chiang Mai's Old Town, close to temples and the night market.
P
Top Rated
Chiang Mai
A spotless, adults-only hostel in Chiang Mai's Old Town with free breakfast, friendly owners, and a social lounge.
S
Adults-only
Chiang Mai
Adults-only hostel near the night market with comfy beds, clean bathrooms, and a social vibe.
H
Guest favorite
Chiang Mai
A top-rated hostel with spotless rooms and standout staff, plus parking and family-friendly private rooms.
W
Poolside & central
Chiang Mai
A sociable poolside hostel with a saltwater pool, free parking, and spotless dorms in central Chiang Mai – the pick for easy-going travellers.
K
Old Town Favorite
Chiang Mai
A highly rated adults-only hostel in Chiang Mai's Old Town, just steps from the Sunday Night Market.
T
Adults-only
Chiang Mai
Quiet, adults-only hostel with free parking and a library, a short walk from the Mae Kha Loi Kroh Bridge.
M
Old Town value
Chiang Mai
A friendly, clean hostel in the Old Town with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and a handy location near Tha Phae Gate.
H
Boutique Hostel
An adult-only hostel with an exceptionally rated owner, walking distance to the night market and old town.
W
Adults-only
Chiang Mai
A quiet, adults-only hostel with a saltwater pool and a 7-minute walk to Terra Cotta Arts.
Map & live prices by our partner
The top-rated hostels in Chiang Mai are spread across the Old City and adjacent quarters. For a social, award-winning stay, Stamps Backpackers Hostel (9.0, 268 reviews) offers nightly activities and private pods. Hidden Garden Hostel (9.3, 307 reviews) is an adults-only retreat just outside the old walls, with a pool and garden. The Yard Hostel (9.4, 569 reviews) sits near Chedi Luang and is perfect for travellers who want a mix of dorms and private rooms.
If you're after a party atmosphere, Chiang Mai delivers with several social hostels that go beyond the basics. Mad Monkey Chiang Mai Hostel boasts a pool, bar, and nightly activities, just steps from the night bazaar. Revolution Chiang Mai – Old Town Hostel offers a pool, bar, and a famous family dinner, all within the old city walls. For a slightly quieter but still lively option, The Cabin Backpackers Hostel & Bar (8.9) keeps social events calm and spacious.
You can find a clean, comfortable dorm in Chiang Mai for as little as 331 THB. Stamps Backpackers Hostel and Sylvis Hostel both start at that price, offering social vibes and central locations. The Entaneer Poshtel (8.9) is just 431 THB and includes a made-to-order breakfast. Even at the low end, expect free Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and often a pool or garden to relax in after a day of exploring.
Many of the best-rated hostels cluster around the Old City moat, where you can walk to temples, markets, and cafes. Green Sleep Hostel (9.0) offers a central Old Town location with free breakfast. Iris Hostel, near Tha Phae Gate, is a wallet-friendly pick at 497 THB. For a touch more comfort, The Sila Boutique Bed & Breakfast (9.0) sits steps from Wat Phra Sing, though it's more of a boutique stay than a traditional hostel.
For travellers who prefer an adults-only atmosphere, several hostels cater specifically to that. Hidden Garden Hostel (9.3) offers a garden, pool, and free snacks, just outside the old city. Hostel Lullaby (9.0) provides free breakfast, daily activities, and a calm garden in the Old City. Monkey Toe Guesthouse (8.5) combines private dorm pods with a rooftop terrace, making it a popular choice for solo adults.
For first-timers, the Old City is ideal—it's walkable, full of temples, and close to the night bazaars. Hostels like Green Sleep and Revolution Chiang Mai put you right inside the moat, with easy access to sights like Chedi Luang and the Sunday Walking Street.
Budget dorms start at around 331 THB, and many social hostels like Stamps and Sylvis are in that range. Upgraded private rooms or more boutique hostels can go up to 1,000 THB or more, but you'll still get great value compared to hotels.
Absolutely. Hostels like Mad Monkey, Revolution, and Stamps are known for their social scenes, with nightly activities, bars, and family dinners. Most have female-only dorms and private pods, making them comfortable for solo travellers.
Yes, the airport is just a short drive from the Old City. Many hostels offer airport shuttle services, like Lucky Panda Hotel, or you can take a Grab taxi for about 150-200 THB. Some hostels also have free airport pick-up, so check before booking.
Rates are generally lower during the low season (May to October), except during the Yi Peng lantern festival in November. Hostels are cheap year-round, but you'll find the fewest crowds and best prices during the rainy season.
Chiang Mai’s hostel scene is as varied as the city itself. In the Old City, you’ll find backpacker favourites tucked inside the ancient moat, steps from temples like Chedi Luang and the night bazaars. Head to Nimmanhaemin for a more stylish, cafe-lined vibe, or stay near Tha Phae Gate for easy access to the Sunday Walking Street and the Ping River.
The set ranges from party-ready social hostels with pools and bars to calm, adults-only garden retreats. Budget dorms start at just 331 THB, while a few upgraded rooms and private options push toward 1,000 THB and beyond. The best-rated properties here — like The Yard Hostel with a 9.4 guest rating — prove that a hostel can be both social and serene, offering gardens, shared kitchens, and a genuine sense of community.
This collection of hostels is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, and budget-conscious explorers who want a social, central base. If you're looking for more space, privacy, or amenities like a spa or a pool for day use, consider browsing Chiang Mai's hotels, 3-star properties, or family-friendly options. Those driving up from the south should check the hotels with parking, while business or early-morning travellers might prefer airport hotels.