Comfortable stays without breaking the bank – 8 affordable hostels in Chiang Mai recommended by travelers!

Text & Photos /Xiao Sheng

Accommodation is one of the most important aspects of travel. Some people prefer high-end hotels, while others opt for unique guesthouses. For me, comfort isn’t the top priority—I care more about whether the place lets me meet lots of international friends. Hanging out with interesting people from abroad is what matters most.

Another key factor is price; I’d rather save on lodging to enjoy more local delicacies. Over the years during my travels in Chiang Mai, I’ve stayed at quite a few budget hostels. This article compiles the ones I’ve experienced, showing you that you can live comfortably in Chiang Mai without spending a fortune.

1. Chang Home Guesthouse:

Bunk: 100B. Run by Taiwanese in Chiang Mai, this hostel has distinctive interiors. A small green space in the city is especially refreshing. Since the Zhang family can speak Chinese, most guests are from mainland China, offering a great chance to interact with fellow travelers. The location is convenient, but note that rooms don’t have air conditioning. On the downside, the rooms aren’t kept very clean, which is a bit disappointing.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/60055546

2. Chada House:

Bunk: 120B. Located southeast of the Old City, Chada House is convenient and quiet. Most backpackers here are foreigners. Though there’s potential to meet international friends, the only communal area is two sets of tables and chairs outside the rooms—not very comfortable—so most people either go out or stay in bed. The atmosphere is pretty average. Bunk rooms don’t have air conditioning; you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier room for that.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/59998795

3. Tipsy Manor:

3-person room: 400B (no AC), 500B (with AC). Situated northeast of the Old City, Tipsy Manor is very close to the North Gate, the market, and the bar street—super convenient. It mainly hosts foreign backpackers. The first floor has a pool table, seating, and some puzzle games for socializing, plus occasional movie screenings. Even more surprisingly, there’s a Wii. They also offer bunk rooms, making it a decent backpacker hostel. Cleanliness is just okay, but I think it could be better.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/59970145

4. A Little Bird 2 Guesthouse:

Bunk: 170B. My favorite backpacker hostel in Chiang Mai, A Little Bird 2 offers cheap bunk rooms with air conditioning for a more comfortable stay. It’s located near the North Gate, close to my favorite Feng Fei Fei’s pork knuckle rice. The owner is Hong Kongese, so about 70% of the guests are Chinese. The first-floor common area is cozy, perfect for lounging comfortably. The staff and owner are super friendly—this is my top pick among Chiang Mai’s backpacker hostels.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/59970142

5. Jaidii House:

Jaidii House is a budget homestay tucked away in a lane near Somphet Market in the northeast Old City. It’s very affordable—I paid just 250B for my room in 2012 (though I didn’t check the current price). The downside? No air conditioning, which might not suit everyone. They also offer bamboo hut rooms, but I strongly advise against them—the mosquitoes are insane XD. The French owner is super welcoming, creating a comfortable environment for backpackers.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/52295730

6. MD House:

MD House was the first hostel I stayed at in Chiang Mai. Near Tha Phae Gate and the market, I booked a single room for about 300B. At first, it seemed reasonably priced, and there was even a swimming pool—albeit tiny and amusingly small. Later, after learning more about Chiang Mai’s accommodation prices, I realized 300B was actually a bit steep, as the facilities were quite basic. Five years later, I found MD House listed on Hostelworld for 600–650B per single room (including breakfast), seemingly renovated. I’m not sure how it is now.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/52295372

7. Royal Panerai Hotel:

Royal Panerai Hotel is one of only two decent hotels I’ve stayed at in Chiang Mai. Back then, I was traveling with my sister and didn’t want to stay somewhere too sketchy XD. It was Loy Krathong Festival, and all the budget homestays in the city were fully booked, so we had no choice. The hotel is located just outside the northeast corner of the Old City, so the location isn’t super convenient. While it was fairly comfortable, the facilities weren’t very new. Still, it only cost 700B (in 2011)—Chiang Mai’s hotel prices are really a steal.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/52295714

8. Lux Hotel:

Lux Hotel is the second hotel I stayed at and the one I preferred. Opened in 2009, it reportedly cost a lot to build, so initial prices were high. But due to low occupancy, rates kept dropping until they reached 800B (excluding breakfast). The rooms had very new furniture, and the location near Tha Phae Gate made it a short walk to Sunday Market—extremely convenient. I often recommend this budget hotel to friends.

Read more:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/52295628

A Small Regret:

9. Lanna Family Home:

Lanna Family Home is my favorite and most frequently stayed homestay in Chiang Mai. The Malaysian owner is very welcoming to guests, and it was through her that I discovered many local Chiang Mai snacks. However, due to the expiration of the lease, it has been temporarily closed. She is currently looking for a new location and will inform everyone once it reopens.

Read More:http://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog/post/52295760

After introducing all the accommodations I've stayed in, it’s not hard to see that lodging in Chiang Mai is really affordable and great value. Coupled with the launch of low-cost airline V Air, traveling to Chiang Mai doesn’t actually require spending much to have a wonderful experience. In fact, the entire trip, including flights, might even be cheaper than traveling within Taiwan. I hope this guide to choosing accommodation in Chiang Mai will be helpful for your consideration.

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey
Every journey, every trip, is a pursuit. Though I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for, what I ultimately gain always turns out to be more than I expected. That’s why my wandering journey will continue without end.

Work and school are so boring—want to go traveling?
Download the “ETtoday News Cloud APP” and take a virtual journey with us →
iOS:https://goo.gl/rmIDdx
Android:https://goo.gl/XPe8Uj