The best hostels in Chiang Mai can be compared to the best in Southeast Asia. This city has been on the tourism upswing for over a decade and is quickly catching up to Bangkok regarding accommodation options.

Chiang Mai is popular not only because of the great cities surrounding it but also because of the nature and history on which it thrives. To make your stay a little more manageable, we've accumulated a shortlist of our favorite hostels in Chiang Mai. Spend more time doing what you came to do, and let our hostels in Chiang Mai article guide you to the right place!
Quick Recommendations
Quiet Night — S*Trips the Poshtel
Social Atmosphere — Thailand Wow Hostel
Partying — Bodega Chiang Mai Thapae
Amenities — Family Home Chiang Mai
City Entertainment — Na La Da Hostel
Cheap Stay — Hug Hostel Rooftop

What to Look For
Chiang Mai is a busy city that has developed with tourism in mind over the past decade. Now, it is easier than ever to find accommodation in Chiang Mai.
Best Neighborhoods
Although there are many neighborhoods and districts to explore in Chiang Mai, most backpackers visiting Thailand's northern capital prefer to stay in one of three areas.
Old City, Riverside, or Night Bazaar
Old City, with its 700-year-old fortress and the surrounding moat, is where most travelers in Chiang Mai choose to stay. It has most of what people come to Chiang Mai for: ancient temples, great Thai food, and bustling markets.
Riverside offers a more tranquil experience than either of the other two districts. The Ping River can be beautiful, and many waterfront bars, restaurants, and artisan shops are along it.
The Night Bazaar district offers the best shopping in town, with its nightly markets buzzing with randomness. Likewise, the area offers a wide array of accommodation options, too. Though not as lively as Niman across town, the nightlife isn't too shabby.
Cost of Hostels
Though there aren't as many ultra-budget options for accommodation in Chiang Mai compared to Bangkok, rates are reasonable based on what you are given. Expect to pay anywhere from $7-12 per night for a bed in most hostels in Chiang Mai during the high travel season.
Although this may seem a little steep compared to other destinations in Thailand, your experience will likely be top-notch in Chiang Mai at any hostel you choose.
See also: Cost of Travel in Thailand
Best Hostels in Chiang Mai
Let's get on with the search. Below, we have highlighted some of the best hostels in Chiang Mai based on what you may be looking for.
Best Hostel for a Quiet Night — STrips the Poshtel
From $10 for a dorm (10 beds)
STrips the Poshtel is perfect for a rest. It is near all the action at the heart of Chiang Mai's downtown but separated enough from the buzz of daily/nightly life. It is only a five-minute walk to the night bazaar and dozens of restaurants to try out.
We like STrips because it provides a few nice common areas perfect for relaxing and super-fast, reliable WiFi, making it easy to research the rest of your trip. Not to mention, bottled water is complimentary, which is a luxury, and there are private rooms that will not break the budget (~ $ $22) for a rest and recovery sort of visit.
Best Hostel for Social Atmosphere — Thailand Wow Hostel
From $5 for a dorm (11 beds)
Thailand Wow Hostel is Adam's (Go Backpacking's Community Manager) favorite hostel in Chiang Mai. He stayed three nights at Thailand Wow Hostel and said it is the perfect blend for those looking for a social scene and party mixed into the center of all the action of Chiang Mai.
The staff organizes nightly events such as family dinners, group outings to the nearby night markets, trivia and movie nights, and more! The hostel can provide you with all the tour information you want, and the bar also cooks delicious homemade Thai food. You will feel right at home in this cozy hostel.
Best Hostel for Partying — Bodega Chiang Mai Thapae
From $10 for a dorm (6-bed ensuite)
Bodega is synonymous with a good time in Thailand, and it's no different in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai isn't known as the party hotspot of Thailand, Bodega Chiang Mai Thapae does its best to bring the nightlife scene alive.
Pool parties, pub crawls, and nightly drinking games make for a very social atmosphere, and it would be surprising if you didn't meet a friend or two at this place. They offer free cocktail shots to kick off the night for all guests, so it can only get busier from there. Don't come here expecting a quiet night!
Despite the reputation of being a loud party hostel, the staff at Bodega Chiang Mai Thapae are still friendly and willing to help you sort out any problems. During Adam's stay, they were more than helpful in setting up transportation to the train station even while the party had already started. A+ customer service!
See also: Thailand Nightlife
Best Hostel for Amenities — Family Home Chiang Mai
From $8 for a dorm (8 beds)
Family Home Chiang Mai has cultivated what it advertises -- a 'family-like' atmosphere that all travelers can appreciate. Although it is not a party hostel, nightly events are still organized, adding social value to the experience.
We have listed it as best for amenities instead of the best social atmosphere because of the sheer amount of services provided during your stay if you choose. They can organize almost any tour, transport, laundry, or anything else you need. There is also a hot tub for the ultimate treat. There are board games, a cafe/bar, and nightly happy hour deals to keep everyone light on their feet.
Best Hostel for City Entertainment — Na La Da Hostel
From $6 for a dorm (6 beds)
Na La Da Hostel makes it easy for its guests! There's nothing better than checking into a hostel that offers everything. If you want tours, you can book them directly from the hostel, and they will organize pick-up and drop-off right outside the front door.
We have listed Na La Da Hostel as the best for city entertainment because free massages are provided when you book tours through the hostel. Adam received a free hour-long massage to book a tour. Talk about service!
Management is very friendly, and the hostel is just a short walk from the night bazaar and Saturday market. This place is quiet, cozy, and just what you need after a few weeks, months, (years!) of backpacking.
Best Cheap Hostel — Hug Hostel Rooftop
From $4 for a dorm (12 beds)
Our choice for the top cheap hostel in Chiang Mai is Hug Hostel Rooftop (which recently moved locations and changed its name from 'Hug Hostel'). Located in the heart of the old city at Chang Phuak Gate, it's just around the corner from the best food stalls in the city and weekend markets.
The facility offers a lively rooftop bar with incomparable views of Doi Suthep Mountain, which makes you feel lost in nature. It is conveniently located in the city. The beer is cheap, and the nightly rooftop parties are even better. It is a perfect place to meet company on your backpacking trip and the ideal place to stay, too!
Conclusion
Chiang Mai is a quieter alternative for those travelers who want the same richness in culture and history without the crazy party atmosphere of the Thailand islands in your face 24/7. As of the past five years, it has become one of the most popular cities among digital nomads because of strong internet connections in many places around the city.
People travel to Chiang Mai for the temple-hopping experience, nature, adventure activities, and the rising food scene. This list includes some of our favorite hostels in Chiang Mai. We hope you find one that suits you well!