Where Do Backpackers Go in Thailand? A Review of Hostels and Guesthouses.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, particularly for backpackers. Southeast Asia attracts budget travelers from around the world, and Thailand is the most frequently visited country in Southeast Asia. There is no shortage of hostels in Thailand. Whether you're visiting the capital city of Bangkok, heading to the southern beaches, or traveling north to the cultural highlands, Thailand has no shortage of hostels to choose from.

In general, accommodation is not too expensive in Thailand, so staying at a hostel isn't the only affordable option. There are often budget friendly guesthouses around that don't cost more than hostels, so look into all of your options before you decide where to stay.

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Bangkok?

The Best Hostels in Khao San Road

Khao San Road (sometimes "Khaosan Road") is one of the most famous backpacker areas in Bangkok. It's located on the northern side of Rattanakosin, just a few blocks from the Chao Phraya River. This is where you'll find some of the cheapest accommodation in the city. Although Khao San Road has historically been the backpackers mecca of the city, it has recently started to appeal to a wider audience. The neighborhood comes alive at night, when street stalls light up and crowds flock to the area.

There is no shortage of cheap accommodation in the Khao San neighborhood. Many places open and close their doors regularly, so recommendations may be unreliable. Below are several of the more popular options in the area.
Dorm Bed: $2.09
Private Room: $17.77
Overall Rating: 91%
Dorm Bed: $13.38
Private Room: $8.73
Overall Rating: 95%
Dorm Bed: $9.68
Overall Rating: 94%
Dorm Bed: $26.13
Private Room: $21.77
Overall Rating: 93%
Dorm Bed: $10.83
Private Room: $16.58
Overall Rating: 92%

The Best Hostels in Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is a popular district for foreign visitors and expats in Bangkok. It has no shortage of bars and clubs, and there are plenty of high end apartments and restaurants nearby. There are plenty of high end hotels nearby and you can expect to pay about twice as much for a room here as you would in Koh San Road. There are also hotels in the neighborhood that cater to the sex industry. Although these options are cheaper, they are best avoided.
Dorm Bed: $11.52
Overall Rating: 91%
Dorm Bed: $4.91
Private Room: $19.06
Overall Rating: 62%
Dorm Bed: $0.03
Overall Rating: 89%
Dorm Bed: $10.50
Private Room: $13.82
Overall Rating: 96%
Dorm Bed: $10.99
Private Room: $10.08
Overall Rating: 89%
Dorm Bed: $18.91
Private Room: $17.40
Overall Rating: 91%

The Best Hostels in Siam Square

Siam Square is the main shopping area in Bangkok. In addition to the shopping, there are accommodation options in the area they meet all budgets, from high end accommodation to hostels.
Dorm Bed: $12.60
Private Room: $16.62
Overall Rating: 76%
Dorm Bed: $9.67
Private Room: $9.55
Overall Rating: 84%
Dorm Bed: $13.64
Overall Rating: 89%
Dorm Bed: $12.09
Private Room: $16.80
Overall Rating: 85%

The Best Hostels in Silom

Silom is the main financial district in Bangkok, and it's more popular with business travelers than backpackers. High end hotels are a more a common sight in this neighborhood, but still, there are several good hostels in the area that are good options for budget travelers.
Dorm Bed: $11.78
Private Room: $15.71
Overall Rating: 83%
Dorm Bed: $11.63
Overall Rating: 87%
Dorm Bed: $10.26
Private Room: $11.78
Overall Rating: 81%
Dorm Bed: $14.83
Private Room: $13.09
Overall Rating: 89%

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Phuket?

The Best Hostels in Patong

Patong is the most popular beach resort area on Phuket Island. It's famous for it's parties and nightlife scene, and there is no shortage of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the area. The area is more expensive than Phuket Town, but more affordable than many other beach areas. Prices are particularly expensive during the peak seasons.
Dorm Bed: $13.44
Private Room: $25.34
Overall Rating: 89%
Dorm Bed: $24.72
Private Room: $23.63
Overall Rating: 80%
Dorm Bed: $8.73
Private Room: $5.82
Overall Rating: 83%
Dorm Bed: $4.36
Overall Rating: 63%
Dorm Bed: $17.09
Private Room: $19.19
Overall Rating: 93%
Dorm Bed: $5.79
Private Room: $11.63
Overall Rating: 75%

The Best Hostels in Karon

Karon is on the west coast of PHket between Patong and Kata. It's the second largest tourist beach but most of the hotels aren't directly on the beach. The benefit of this is that much of the beach is public.
Dorm Bed: $7.22
Overall Rating: 92%
Private Room: $29.08
Dorm Bed: $8.73
Private Room: $7.27
Overall Rating: 86%

The Best Hostels in Kata

Kata Beach is a bit more relaxed than Patong, and there's somewhat of a family atmosphere. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, and there is no shortage of guesthouses, although they are not as obvious as in some other beach area.
Overall Rating: 100%
Dorm Bed: $13.09
Private Room: $17.01
Overall Rating: 90%
Dorm Bed: $8.14
Private Room: $15.51
Overall Rating: 68%

The Best Hostels in Phuket Town

Phuket Town is the provincial capital of the Phuket Province. It's also the largest town on the island. Most tourists pass right through Phuket Town, but if you decide to hang out for a while, there are some interesting places to visit. The town is generally cheaper than the beach areas as well.
Dorm Bed: $9.16
Private Room: $9.51
Overall Rating: 90%
Dorm Bed: $10.18
Overall Rating: 84%
Dorm Bed: $22.98
Private Room: $28.65
Overall Rating: 79%
Dorm Bed: $10.18
Private Room: $13.09
Overall Rating: 75%
Dorm Bed: $8.73
Private Room: $8.00
Overall Rating: 75%
Dorm Bed: $11.63
Private Room: $8.73
Overall Rating: 72%

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Chiang Mai?

The Best Hostels in the Old City (Tha Phae Gate)

The Old City in Chiang Mai is the most historic area. There are many temples in the area and it's easy to explore on foot. There are also many shops, bars, and restaurants, and every Sunday there's a street festival. This is the most popular backpacker area in the city. You'll find plenty of cheap hostels and guesthouses, and a very laid back vibe.
Dorm Bed: $10.14
Private Room: $9.10
Overall Rating: 99%
Dorm Bed: $11.05
Private Room: $11.05
Overall Rating: 95%
Dorm Bed: $8.73
Private Room: $13.09
Overall Rating: 91%
Dorm Bed: $7.35
Overall Rating: 87%
Dorm Bed: $11.52
Private Room: $9.85
Overall Rating: 85%
Dorm Bed: $4.65
Overall Rating: 78%

The Best Hostels in Riverside

The Riverside area runs along the two major rivers in Chiang Mai. It's a bit removed from the main part of the city, but still relatively accessible. There are many nice hotels in the area.
Dorm Bed: $11.12
Private Room: $10.83
Overall Rating: 94%
Dorm Bed: $8.72
Private Room: $15.20
Overall Rating: 86%
Dorm Bed: $14.54
Private Room: $14.54
Overall Rating: 82%

The Best Hostels Near the Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar area is another popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. It's located between the Old City and the Ping River, and is a popular shopping area.
Dorm Bed: $8.93
Private Room: $10.85
Overall Rating: 89%
Overall Rating: 79%

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Koh Phangan?

The Best Hostels in Haad Rin

The Haad Rin peninsula is the main tourist area on Koh Phangan. This is where you'll find the most bars, clubs, and restaurants. This is also where you'll find the famous Full Moon Party. If you're looking for nightlife and the party scene, then you should stay in the Haad Rin area.
Dorm Bed: $7.27
Private Room: $8.73
Overall Rating: 95%
Dorm Bed: $0.60
Private Room: $6.00
Overall Rating: 77%
Dorm Bed: $8.73
Private Room: $5.82
Overall Rating: 81%

The Best Hostels in Thong Sala

Thong Sala is the main town on the island and it has most of the essentials including the main hospital, banks, and Obidos port. Most visitors don't stay in town. There are beaches in the area, but they aren't the best and the nightlife scene is generally better in Haad Rin.
Dorm Bed: $10.63
Private Room: $19.21
Overall Rating: 88%
Dorm Bed: $10.18
Private Room: $2.91
Overall Rating: 84%
Dorm Bed: $10.18
Private Room: $10.18
Overall Rating: 62%

The Best Hostels in Northwest Koh Phangan

The Northwestern part of Koh Phangan is much less developed and it still has a more remote feel. There are bars along the beach but the nightlife is much more relaxed and mellow than other parts of the island.
Dorm Bed: $10.19
Private Room: $9.09
Overall Rating: 89%
This highly regarded and frequently visited hostel often receives reviews similar to this recent one: "This place is literally a backpackers paradise, you're missing out if you don't visit!"
58/18 Moo 8 Haad Yao West , Koh Phangan, Thailand,

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Koh Samui?

The Best Hostels in Chaweng

Chaweng is a popular beach on Koh Samui that has no shortage of hostels and hotels, restaurants, and bars. Backpackers head to the area for the Green Mango strip, which has plenty of bars and pubs.
Dorm Bed: $18.64
Private Room: $24.70
Overall Rating: 93%
Dorm Bed: $8.11
Private Room: $9.45
Overall Rating: 85%
Dorm Bed: $18.77
Private Room: $36.10
Overall Rating: 80%

The Best Hostels in Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is the second largest tourist area on the island after Chaweng. It's a bit quieter, but still has plenty of restaurants, hostels, and guesthouses to choose between. It's slightly older and more affordable than Chaweng.
Dorm Bed: $26.18
Private Room: $19.39
Overall Rating: 94%
Dorm Bed: $11.02
Overall Rating: 93%

The Best Hostels in Bophut

Bophut can be divided into Bophut Beach and Fisherman's Village. Fisherman's Village is one of the more preserved parts of the island and it has a unique atmosphere.
Dorm Bed: $7.27
Private Room: $11.63
Overall Rating: 87%
Dorm Bed: $6.40
Private Room: $5.82
Overall Rating: 84%
Dorm Bed: $13.00
Private Room: $6.50
Overall Rating: 74%

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Koh Tao?

The Best Hostels in Sairee Beach

Most backpackers head to Sairee Beach, which is the most popular part of the island. If you want to meet other travelers and enjoy good food and a lively nightlife, then this is the place to stay.
Dorm Bed: $10.18
Private Room: $14.54
Overall Rating: 91%
Dorm Bed: $15.88
Private Room: $93.86
Overall Rating: 73%
Dorm Bed: $6.95
Private Room: $8.71
Overall Rating: 78%

The Best Hostels in Mae Haad

Mae Haad is the main "city center" for the island. It is by the pier and is one of the busiest places on the island. There are a wide variety of hostels and guesthouses, but it's not really the best place to stay while you're on Koh Tao. There isn't a great beach or much to do at night.
Dorm Bed: $11.20
Private Room: $24.43
Overall Rating: 86%
Dorm Bed: $17.33
Private Room: $17.33
Overall Rating: 84%
Dorm Bed: $7.22
Private Room: $14.44
Overall Rating: 68%

The Best Hostels in Chalok Bay

If you want to get away from the crowds, the Chalok Bay on the south part of there island is a good option. It's a beautiful area and it's very quiet. It's also close to Freedom Beach and Shark Bay.
Dorm Bed: $11.60
Private Room: $26.94
Overall Rating: 97%
Dorm Bed: $14.40
Private Room: $14.40
Overall Rating: 93%

Where Do Backpackers Stay in Koh Phi Phi?

Best Hostels in Tonsai Bay

Most visitors arrive and leave from Tonsai Bay. Tonsai Village is the main town on the island.
Dorm Bed: $16.00
Overall Rating: 92%
Dorm Bed: $13.09
Overall Rating: 79%
Dorm Bed: $13.00
Overall Rating: 92%

Best Hostels in Loh Dalum Beach

Loh Dalum Beach is on the northern shore of Tonsai town, and it is not clear where the "town" ends and this neighborhood begins. The beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs, making it a beautiful area. This is also a very busy area with easy access to the main town which is full of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Dorm Bed: $13.50
Overall Rating: 91%
Dorm Bed: $10.08
Overall Rating: 76%

Best Hostels in Long Beach

Long Beach has one of the best sand beaches on the island. It is close enough to everything you might need but a little quieter than some areas. It is out on the eastern point of the island, but still easily reached by road and water taxi.
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