Chiang Rai is a sleepy, mountain-wrapped city that is packed with temples, hiking trails and damn good food! Thailand’s tourism has absolutely boomed over the last decade, but Chiang Rai has managed to retain an authentic charm that you can’t find anywhere else on the “classic” backpacking in Thailand route.
Chiang Rai has solidified itself on the backpacker map, as it’s on route to the famous slow boat to Laos. Many travellers wind up in this quiet city looking for a hostel before their early morning departure.
Because of this, there are plenty of hostels to choose from. The hostel scene in Chiang Rai is mellow and modern. Most backpacker pads are centrally located and offer a peaceful vibe, rather than an overly social one.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Chiang Rai, and although many treat it as a stopover destination, it has a lot to offer. If you can, I’d suggest staying at least a couple of nights to explore it properly!
And, on that note, let’s find the best bed in town for you…
Photo: @amandaadraper
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In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Chiang Rai
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
Chiang Rai is one of my favourite places to stay in Thailand, and is home to a few bangin’ hostels, each one catering to a slightly different traveller. I’ve collected my favourite backpacker pads below and included who they are best for. So, let’s dive in.
1. Best Overall Hostel – Backpack Hostel
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, budget backpackers, anyone heading to Laos via the slow boat, travellers who want a central base
Highlights: 150 m from Bus Station 1, rooftop terrace, free snacks (bananas, biscuits, tea & coffee), helpful staff, tour desk, scooter rental
Dorms from: $6
Private rooms from: $15
Location: Central in Wiang. 150 m from Bus Station 1, near the Clock Tower, Night Bazaar, and many temples!
It seems fitting that the Backpack Hostel is designed for solo backpackers in Thailand! Located right by Bus Station 1, you’ll be super close to all the best things to do in Chiang Rai. The vibe here is social without being a party place. There’s a rooftop terrace and a lounge hangout space, so it’s easy to settle in and meet fellow travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Central location, near the bus station
- Free snacks, tea and coffee
- Social but not a party vibe
Lots of people who stay here are following the classic Southeast Asia backpacking route and will jump on the slow boat to Luang Prabang from Chiang Rai. The hostel can help you to organise your transport, visa and tours for your onward trip.
2. Best Hostel for Couples – Mercy Hostel
Price: $$
Best for: Solo travellers, digital nomads, long‑term backpackers, couples
Highlights: Huge terrace, shallow plunge pool, comfy beds, free snacks & breakfast, billiards, TV room
Dorms from: $11
Private rooms from: $38
Location: Central but quiet. It’s 600m from the Clock Tower, 700m from the Old Bus Station, and 800m from Saturday Night Walking Street.
Mercey Hostel is my favourite hostel in Chiang Rai. It’s in a super central location with most of Chiang Rai’s attractions within walking distance. However, as the hostel is tucked away, just off the main road, you get to enjoy some peace during your stay.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Handy, central location near the Clock Tower
- Shallow swimming pool and terrace to chill on
- Not a big social vibe, but perfect to relax
There is a big terrace with mats to sunbathe, a shallow swimming pool, a billiards table, board games and a TV room for cosy movie nights – there is plenty to do here, even if you don’t leave the hotel! There isn’t a big social vibe, but if you just want a comfortable, homely vibe, it’s perfect 🙂
3. Best Hostel for Large Groups – BED Friends Poshtel
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, couples and digital nomads
Highlights: Loft-style, modern design, rooftop bar, free breakfast (toast & coffee)
Dorms from: $9
Private rooms from: $15
Location: Central in Wiang. Walking distance to Bus Station 1, Clock Tower, Night Bazaar and Saturday Walking Market.
I have never heard of the term ‘poshtel’ before, but I am here for it! It’s one of the best hostels in Chiang Rai for groups, thanks to its flexible room setups: you can book entire dorms, mixed rooms with doubles and bunks, or just a regular dorm bed.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Hotel quality, hostel prices!
- Large family rooms with various set-ups
- Great central location, walking distance to everything!
This hostel has an accessible rooftop with incredible views of Chiang Rai. This space can be used to plan your days during the morning or watch the sunsets in the evening. It’s not the most social hostel, but if you’re coming with your own crew or family, you’ll bring the vibes anyway 🙂
4. Best for Local Experiences – Grace Hostel
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, budget backpackers and long‑term travellers
Highlights: Free breakfast (toast, fruit & eggs), friendly owners, motorbike rental, modern, quiet area
Dorms from: $8
Location: It’s located in a quiet residential neighbourhood near Oub Kham Museum, about a 20‑minute walk or a short ride from the city centre.
If you’re travelling to Thailand for its affordability, the Grace Hostel is the accommodation option for you. In the name of transparency, this hostel is a little further out than the main city, but for the price, you really cannot complain.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Family-run hostel – the mum and son duo who host it are amazing!
- Free breakfast, including toast, fruit and eggs
- Outside of the centre, a more “local” experience
You can easily visit the Denha market, Oub Kham Museum and truly embed yourself into the local way of life. You can walk 20 minutes, and you’ll be in the centre. You can also get a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) or rent a scooter/ push bike.
5. Best Hostel for Digital Nomads – Baan Mai Kradan Hostel
Price: $$
Best for: Design-lovers, solo backpackers, couples, digital nomads
Highlights: Beautiful renovated 1960s Thai house, garden, rooftop with yoga mats, free breakfast (salad bar), co-working friendly spaces, solid wifi, multiple chill areas
Dorms from: $10
Private rooms from: $39
Location: In Wiang, Chiang Rai’s downtown district – great central location
Close enough to walk into the main city yet secluded in the suburbs, this hostel in Chiang Rai is great for couples. Originally an old Thai house built in 1964, this house was renovated into one of the best-looking hostels I have seen. It’s ideal for digital nomads in Thailand as it has co-working-friendly spaces and fast wifi.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Co-working friendly spaces and solid wifi
- Surrounded by nature
- Gorgeous interior, modern design
Located in the downtown area, you’ll be minutes away from Saturday Walking Street, where an abundance of authentic cuisine is served. You can even easily access a free city tour by tram, where you can stop by the most popular temples.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
I never travel without insurance, and you shouldn’t either. Just because Thailand is a relatively safe place to travel doesn’t mean things don’t go wrong.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Still not sure where to stay in Chiang Rai?
The hostels in Chiang Rai are affordable, conveniently located, and surrounded by nature. There isn’t a big social vibe at any of the hostels, but if that is what you’re after, I’d suggest locking in your bed at Backpack Hostel; it’s my favourite place to stay in Chiang Rai. It’s super central, and the hosts can help you to organise your slow boat trip (if that’s up next on your agenda!)
If you want a more low-key stay, Mercy Hostel is great and has a pool, which is unreal if you’re travelling in the hot season. Or, if you want a more local stay, just outside of the centre, you can’t beat Grace Hostel.
Wherever you end up staying, I hope you enjoy this sleepy, temple-filled city! It is one of my favourite places and is worth spending a few days to soak in a truly authentic side of Thailand <3
