It's so beautiful it looks like a tourist attraction itself—the Beiche Backpackers Inn, whose owner is also a backpacker.

▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Interview & Report

There are more and more hostels offering accommodation for backpackers around the world. One such hostel near Taipei Railway Station has been reviewed by guests as “a tourist attraction in itself.” Kelly, one of the managers, said that most independent travelers are young people, so the hostel’s space design aims to give off a vibrant and energetic vibe.She mentioned that since she is also a backpacker, “backpackers always radiate positive energy,” and therefore, the friendly and joyful interactions between staff and guests aim to give backpackers a similar uplifting feeling.

▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel, with its bright colors, makes guests feel like they’ve arrived in a foreign world. (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

This hostel, named “Red Rice,” features a design using bright, vivid, and lively colors. Kelly explained that such bold color schemes are more commonly seen abroad, and stepping into “Red Rice” feels like being in a foreign country—even though it’s tucked away inside a commercial building. The hostel is filled with thoughtful little designs tailored for independent travelers. As Kelly put it, they designed from the guests’ perspective and incorporated their own travel concepts into the space.

       
▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel, with its spacious common areas, allows travelers to share their travel experiences. (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

Kelly said that “Red Rice” was founded together with her brother. “After graduation, we both worked in the financial industry—what many would consider a dream job. We started this business together, complementing each other’s personalities. I’m the bold one charging at the front, while he’s the strategist planning from behind. But at first, only I left my job, while he helped out while still working. That way, if things failed, we’d still have some income. His personality is very conservative yet steady. Since neither of us had any academic or work background in tourism, we faced a lot of hardships and took many wrong turns during the startup process. The upside is that we learned a great deal through hands-on experience. We never once thought about giving up because we wanted to use our own strength to change our lives.”

▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

Red Rice offers both double rooms and backpacker dorms. The dorms mostly feature bunk beds and use saturated, bright colors in a fresh, clean, and bright style. The rooms also include large storage boxes big enough to fit a whole person, and every bunk bed has its own small lamp for individual use, making it ideal for friends traveling together.

▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

▲ Double Room (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

▲ Red Rice International Youth Hostel (Photo provided by Red Rice International Youth Hostel)

Red Rice regularly hosts events, which have become one of the hostel’s attractions. For example, there’s Friday night outings to see the best night views of Taipei, Monday dinner nights to experience authentic Taiwanese cuisine, and even Beer Night every Wednesday where travelers from all over gather to share joy and connect. Don’t miss these when staying at Red Rice.

Red Rice International Youth Hostel Homey Hostel
Phone: 02-25504499
Website:http://www.homeyhostel.com.tw
Facebook Page: 7F, No. 180, Chang’an West Road, Taipei City
Room Types: Dormitory bed NT$600, Double Room (bunk beds) NT$1460 (subject to official website)