Myanmar is an incredible country to explore, but also one that is sadly fraught with controversy. Myanmar’s modern history alone is marred by ethnic genocide (see The Rohingya Crisis), and the events of an unjust military coup and false imprisonment of political leaders. For a long time, Myanmar has been run by a military junta and free elections have not been held.
While there are ethical questions around traveling to Myanmar, we believe that the people of Myanmar deserve the opportunity to benefit from tourism. The people of Myanmar are undoubtedly some of the kindest people you will ever meet and will welcome you into their home with a smile. Tourism was the country’s biggest economic industry but the people have been suffering for over 5 years now, from Covid and now from the war and diminished tourism.
Supporting locals with your tourist dollars can really help them, just ensure that you opt for locally run businesses rather than big hotels (which are usually owned by the military junta). The local people are excited to see tourists and show you around their homeland, ensure that you tip generously where you can as there are very limited opportunities in the country.
Tourists are unlikely to come into contact with any of the conflict as it is in areas that are off-limits to travelers. Whilst it is sometimes possible to get into Shan state, we do not recommend trying to explore areas with active conflicts.
Like anywhere in the world, there is a risk involved in travelling in Myanmar. Crucially though, Myanmar remains one of the most magical backpacker destinations (this is REAL exploring) and you can still make a big difference in the daily lives of the locals by supporting small businesses.
Be smart and safe, spend your money wisely to ensure it supports the government as little as possible, and do research ahead of time on the current situation as it changes daily. We recommend that you do not take photos of police or military units and do not say anything disparaging about the government on social media whilst in the country.
Yangon stands out as one of the most remarkable Asian cities I’ve ever visited. Every step I took left me in awe, from the mouth watering street food to the peaceful sight of monks moving through the streets. My journal was practically glued to my hand throughout much of my stay here.
Embarking on an adventure in Myanmar begins with selecting an EPIC hostel. It sets the stage for forging new friendships, exciting experiences, and, of course, finding a comfortable spot to recharge.
That’s exactly why I’ve curated this list of the top five BEST hostels in Yangon!
Stay tuned to uncover my favorite accommodations from my unforgettable journey through Yangon.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Yangon
- Overall Best Hostel in Yangon – Hood Hostel
- Best Hostel in Yangon for Digital Nomads – Winner Inn
- Best Party Hostel in Yangon – Golden Gate China Town Hotel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Yangon – Hotel Shwe Eain Taw
- Best Hostel in Yangon for Solo Travellers – The Rangoon Hotel
Photo: @amandaadraper
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What to Expect from Hostels in Yangon
Staying in a great hostel in Yangon is key when backpacking in Myanmar. Because of the political situation, few people travel to Myanmar. So, the travelers you will meet will hang out in the hostels. and finding a great one will help you find people to adventure with.
Although there are few hostels in Yangon, I found many accommodation options that didn’t break the bank, such as homestays and budget hotels. In my experience, the prices usually range from $10 to $50 USD. You could also try Couchsurfing if you are feeling adventurous.
The city of Yangon is unlike anything else you’ll experience in Asia. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of things to do. Finding a cozy place to rest will kickstart all of your adventures.
Photo: @audyscala
In general, most hostels in Yangon are very accommodating. A comfy dorm bed, warm showers, and free breakfast for $11 USD… That sounds like a steal to me. Here are the average prices I saw during my stay in Yangon:
- Private Rooms: $30-100
- Dorm Rooms: $10-15
Most Hostels in Yangon have everything you need for a great stay—from warm linen sheets to fresh towels and even a TV! I was impressed, coming from Backpacking in Thailand. However, budget hostels often don’t offer free towels or warm water, which was always a given when booking a hostel in Myanmar.
The key to booking a hostel stay in Yangon is to BRING USD. When you book online with Booking.com or Hostelworld, choose the option that allows you to pay at the hostel reception. This is so important for spending less. Currently, there is a black market rate for currency exchange, and hostels will give you a better price if you pay with USD cash instead of local currency.
Finding out where to stay in Yangon is the first step; I found that most of the hostels will be in these three neighborhoods:
- Downtown–perfect for exploring the city’s hotspots
- Botahtaung – For history enthusiasts
- China Town – offers the best nightlife action
The 5 Best Hostels in Yangon
Here are 5 of my favorite hostels in Yangon, separated by category to help you get the most out of your stay!
1. Hood Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Yangon
Around 45 minutes by car from the airport, HOOD hostel is a cozy place to crash in the center of Yangon. I found it to be the BEST hostel in Yangon, so I extended my stay a few days. From the comfortable dorm rooms to the warm showers and delicious Burmese noodles served at the restaurant. Everything was 10/10 during my stay.
They also have various accommodation options suitable for many different tourists. From dorm beds to family deluxe rooms, every traveler is welcome at HOOD hostel. When I stayed at HOOD hostel, I stayed in a dorm room. The beds were comfortable, and the other travelers were very respectful (no loud alarms or drunken wake-up calls).
Another cool thing about this hostel is that it is run by students studying hospitality! Everyone who works at the hostel is between 18 and 25 years old. I think this brings a youthful energy to the hostel, making it feel very inviting.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Extremely friendly staff
- On-site restaurant
- Free Wifi
The prices range from $12-35 USD a night. Whether you want a private room or a dorm bed, both are extremely comfortable options.
This is the perfect place to start your Myanmar adventures! The staff even helped me book a bus to the next town and book a taxi back to the airport. Centrally located, for you to head off into Yangon to explore.
2. Winner Inn – Best Hostel in Yangon for Digital Nomads
Winner Inn is a sweet hotel with hostel vibes, ideal for digital nomads looking for comfort and good Wi-Fi. This is the ideal setup for a digital nomad looking to get a decent amount of work done. It has private rooms, an on-site restaurant (with yummy food), and a fitness center! The amenities are a recipe for a successful trip to Yangon.
I felt comfortable in the room during my stay at Winner Inn. The amenities provided were perfect for all the work I had to get done. Paired with the high-speed Wi-Fi, it was a recipe for success. Whenever it was time for a break, I just popped downstairs for a gym session and food at the restaurant.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Wifi
- Private rooms
- Fitness centre
The price is great for everything, including around $40 USD for a fitness center and breakfast. The Wi-Fi was so good that I didn’t even have to use my travel SIM card, which was a HUGE win. It made my online work sessions easy and breezy.
During my stay, I booked a room with a balcony, which gave me a great glimpse of the neighborhood. As it is situated in an uptown residential area, you will have a feel for the local environment. Although it isn’t in the heart of Yangon, I found the location ideal for my quiet stay.
3. Golden Gate China Town Hotel – Best Party Hostel in Yangon
Golden Gate China Town Hotel is in the center of Chinatown, the BEST area in Yangon for nightlife. As you step outside, you will be amazed by all the street food options and local bars with various local songs playing. Staying in this area helped me integrate into the local environment!
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Breakfast
- Private rooms
- 24-hour front desk
The single room option is only $33 USD for a private room and free breakfast. I was so happy with the price. They even brought us some chocolate when we arrived. The 24-hour reception is handy, especially If you have a late flight to Myanmar or need help from reception after a night out.
Mahabandoola Gardens is a 15-minute walk away from this hotel. Although the taxi ride was really cheap, we preferred walking because it gave us a nice feel for the neighborhood and the local environment.
This hotel is a great base for all your Yangon adventures. It is close to downtown Yangon, in the center of Chinatown. The reception staff are also happy to help you organize bus rides to other towns and excursions in the city.
4. Hotel Shwe Eain Taw– Best Cheap Hostel in Yangon
Hotel Shwe Eain Taw is a cozy and charming hotel in Yangon. The prices when I arrived were a bargain! You get free breakfast and a very large room for under $15 USD. For a private room! The most impressive part of the hotel for me was the owner’s incredible linguistic skills. He speaks fluent English, Japanese, and Chinese.
The owner was also happy to help me with my laundry and had it ready in under 24 hours. I am usually cautious about who I trust to do my laundry, but they did a great job, and all my clothes returned! A huge win…
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Wifi
- Private rooms
- Laundry Services
The best part of this hotel is that the price of a private room is INCREDIBLE. I pay $15 USD in most hostels for a dorm bed, so I was happy to get to this hotel and enjoy a night of privacy.
All the rooms at Hotel Shwe Eain Taw are air-conditioned, which is a relief, especially for travelers used to cooler climates! when I visited Yangon, the temperature reached 98 degrees Fahrenheit. And after a long day, nothing feels better than laying in a nice AC room.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIHere are 5 of my favorite hostels in Yangon, separated by category to help you get the most out of your stay!
5. The Rangoon Hotel – Best Hostel in Yangon for Solo Travellers
I can’t believe I found this spot in Yangon—the Rangoon Hotel. When I arrived in Myanmar, this place was one of the first comfortable hotels I stayed at. The staff was so welcoming. Stepping into the lobby felt like walking into a cozy sanctuary. From day one, they treated me like family, going above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable.
A standout moment occurred when I realized I had forgotten to pack my phone charger. Without hesitation, the front desk staff offered to lend me one for the duration of my stay, easing my worries and exemplifying the hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Extremely friendly staff
- On-site restaurant
- Free Wifi
Beyond their exceptional service, the staff at the Rangoon Hotel have extensive local knowledge. They eagerly share insider tips and recommendations to enhance my experience in the city. Their guidance led me to discover hidden gem restaurants and must-visit cultural landmarks.
So, if you’re ever in Yangon and need a place to crash, the Rangoon Hotel is where it’s at. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Yangon Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me: Packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. I have perfected the art of deciding what to bring and what to leave at home 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 our top packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Yangon
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Yangon.
How much does a hostel cost in Yangon?
It all depends on whether you prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom or a bed in a shared dorm. The average price is $13 USD for a bed in a shared dorm room and around $20 for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Yangon near the airport?
Hood Hostel is the best hostel near the airport. It offers a free late check-out for any guests who wish to stay a little longer on their last day.
Travel Safety Tips for Yangon
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.
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.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Yangon
Booking a hostel is part of the experience while traveling in Yangon. During our stay in Myanmar, we booked both hostels and resorts and greatly preferred the hostels. How else will you catch the vibe? New friends, late-night guitar sessions—it’s all part of the experience.
While staying at HOOD hostel, the hostel receptionist took us out after his shift for a street food tour in Chinatown, Yangon. That was the perfect representation of why I love staying at hostels. It’s always the people who make the travel experience 100% better.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Myanmar for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Yangon before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
Photo: @audyscala
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