When it comes to weekend trips from Bangkok, you have a lot of options. However, head for Kanchanaburi, and you’ll want to extend your trip way past Monday morning. The Province is known as Thailand’s Wild West, and there are a number of national parks that are easy to access by public transport – including Erawan Falls, which is just one hour away!
Of course, Kanchanaburi is also famous for its dark history. Home to the Death Railway Bridge, many people come to pay respects to the Allied Prisoners of War and Asian labourers who lost their lives in the railway’s construction.
Whether you want to visit the region for its natural beauty or to learn more about its history, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay. While there are several gorgeous resorts on the Khwae Yai River, they might eat into your budget. Better to look towards a hostel. The good news is, you’re spoiled for choice!
With a range of cute and quirky hostels, boutiques, and backpacker pads, we’ve compiled a list of the best hostels in Kanchanaburi. All you need to do is pick out which one suits your style best!
Let’s help you make that decision so you can get on with planning your vacation to Thailand!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Kanchanaburi
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Kanchanaburi – Latima Boutique Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Kanchanaburi – Thyme X Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Kanchanaburi – HOME@HOSTEL KANCHANABURI
- Best Hostel for Families in Kanchanaburi – Wee Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kanchanaburi – D Luck Hostel
Best Hostels in Kanchanaburi
We’re not going to lie, all backpacking Thailand itineraries should have Kanchanaburi on the list – it’s unique, it’s chill and not far from Bangkok either. But first, let’s decide where you’re going to stay for the duration of your trip.
All seven hostels you’re about to see are different from each other, which is how we know one of them will be perfectly suited to how you like to travel. A couple of them can even be considered as some of the best hostels in Thailand. Let’s check them out!
Latima Boutique Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Kanchanaburi
Another lovely boutique hostel in Kanchanaburi, this one is based on both Chinese and Portuguese architecture. How fancy! While the architecture might not seem important, it means you can make the most of a huge common area, a swimming pool, and a roof terrace. And yep, from there, you can enjoy totally awesome mountain views! Breakfast is included in the price, and if you want to keep your costs down for lunch and dinner, you’re welcome to use the fully equipped kitchen.
Thyme X Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Kanchanaburi
While some people will want a boutique hostel with loads of fancy extras, some might just need a bed at a bargain-basement price. That’s what you’ll get at Thyme X Hostel – perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring. Its located right in the centre of town, where you can easily reach all the museums, restaurants, and of course – the Railway Bridge. What this hostel lacks in features and personality it makes up for in convenience and price!
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View on Osprey View on REIHOME@HOSTEL KANCHANABURI – Best Hostel for Couples in Kanchanaburi
If you’re travelling to Kanchanaburi with your other half, you probably aren’t keen on getting a bunk bed in a dorm. Thankfully, the cost of travel in Thailand is pretty low anyway, so you can get hotel-like stays for hostel prices. That’s certainly the case with this homely hostel! It’s not right in the centre of town, but free bicycle rental makes it easy to get there.
The location also gives you a chance to enjoy the fresh air and gardens around the hostel. It’s a really tranquil setting. If you’re looking to expend some energy, there’s mini-golf on-site… although that might lead to a break up if one of you is a sore loser!
Wee Hostel – Best Hostel for Families in Kanchanaburi
While we have a few reservations about the name of Wee Hostel, we have absolutely none in recommending this place! It’s still fairly new, having opened in 2018, but it has quickly become one of the most popular hostels in Kanchanaburi. There’s a huge variety of private rooms, with groups between 2 and 8 catered for – that’s what makes it so great for families or groups of friends travelling together. There are several common areas where you can spend time with your group and others – and make sure to take a dip in that pool.
D Luck Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kanchanaburi
This brightly-coloured hostel is open only to adults and boasts a range of dorms and private rooms. Sometimes, a hostel with great private rooms can be lacking in atmosphere, as everyone keeps themselves to themselves. However, no need to worry about that here. There’s a shared lounge, garden, and terrace, all of which make it super easy to meet fellow travellers!
No. 25 Café & Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Kanchanaburi
This isn’t the cheapest hostel in Kanchanaburi, but it’s worth paying extra to bag a bed in this boutique offering. Solo travellers will have no problem making friends here; bond over a beer in the gorgeous outdoor space with hammocks and chairs. Bunk beds are comfortable, and you won’t find yourself in a dorm with more than three people – so there’s less chance of being kept awake by snorers!
Not only is this hostel close to the railway bridge, but it also has a tour desk that can help plan your days. Why not sip on a smoothie in the cafe while getting expert help on choosing whether to kayak or paddleboard on the river?!
Lab Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kanchanaburi
Essentials for digital nomads include Wi-Fi, somewhere to work, and coffee. Why not take a look at a hostel that has a cafe on-site? Lab Hostel offers exactly that, with a central location thrown in as well. It’s one of the cheapest hostels in Kanchanaburi, meaning you can save a little here and perhaps get yourself a nice Airbnb or resort on your next stop!
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Kanchanaburi Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Kanchanaburi
Though it receives less press than Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or the southern islands, Kanchanaburi deserves a spot on any Thailand itinerary. The blend of natural beauty, important history, and excellent range of places to sample traditional Thai food mean you’ll come away from Kanchanburi feeling refreshed and recharged.
But only if you pick the right hostel for you, of course. We know that after seeing seven great Thai hostels, you may still be scratching your head and wondering which one is right. If that’s the case, just go for our top recommended hostel in Kanchanaburi. That’s No. 25 Cafe & Hostel. It’s in a great location and offers excellent value for money.
FAQ about Hostels in Kanchanaburi
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Kanchanaburi.
How much do hostels in Kanchanaburi cost?
Kanchanaburi dorms can start for as low as $6 per bed, while private rooms can range from $17 to $55 per room.
What are the best hostels in Kanchanaburi for couples?
A homely hostel that has free bikes, beautiful garden, and wide lounge is just the right hostel to bring your partner. HOME@HOSTEL KANCHANABURI has everything that you’ll need to have a fun stay.
What is the best hostel in Kanchanaburi near the airport?
The nearest airport to Kanchanaburi is Don Muang (DMK) which is in Bangkok and is atleast a 4 hours drive away. Here is my top list of hostels in the area instead:
– Latima Boutique Hostel
– Thyme X Hostel
– D Luck Hostel
Travel Safety Tips for Kanchanaburi
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Kanchanaburi
If you want to set foot on the incredible Bridge over the River Kwai, try traditional food in the markets, and spend time resting and relaxing, you couldn’t pick a better destination in Thailand. The city is also an awesome base to get to know more of the region, including Erawan Falls or Thong Pha Phum National Park. If you’re making an overnight trip there, perhaps consider camping before returning to the city.
While you’re in Kanchanaburi, a hostel is likely to be where you’ll have the best experience. Just make sure to pick the right one for you; it’ll set the tone for the rest of your trip. Thankfully, whether you want a backpacker pad, a romantic spot for you and your partner, or a classy flashpacker dorm, you won’t be disappointed by the Kanchanaburi hostels on offer.
Have you travelled to Kanchanaburi? If so, we’d love to hear about your trip. And if you think we’ve missed off a great place to stay, let us know in the comments below!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Thailand covered.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Thailand.
- Check out where to stay in Thailand for some dope accommodation
- Our ultimate Backpacking in Thailand guide is an essential read before you travel.
- Sort out your travel insurance for Thailand before your trip.
- Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth backpacking packing list.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
