Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
ShaPel Hostel x Cafés
Hotels & Resorts
Chiang Mai

ShaPel Hostel x Cafés

4.8(97 reviews)

ShaPel Hostel x Cafés is a fresh, modern hostel on Mun Mueang Road, positioned within easy walking distance of Tha Phae Gate and the heart of Chiang Mai's historic old city. The property combines comfortable dormitory-style accommodation with a charming ground-floor café, making it a practical and pleasant base for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers exploring the region. Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness of the rooms, the quality of the air conditioning, and the thoughtful design details — including private beds with lockable under-bed storage drawers. The atmosphere is calm and friendly rather than loud or social, making it a strong choice for those seeking a quiet, safe environment over a party scene. The café downstairs serves drinks including a well-regarded Thai tea, offering a convenient spot to relax without leaving the property. For practical planning, the hostel suits solo travellers and first-time hostel-goers particularly well, given its welcoming staff and secure setup. As it is a smaller, well-reviewed property, booking in advance is advisable, especially during Chiang Mai's busy cool-season months between November and February. No website is currently listed, so reservations are best made through third-party accommodation platforms.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After ShaPel Hostel x Cafés, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

It’s clean, aircon is great and comfortable, beds are great and private with under bed drawers that lock. Bathroom facilities are nice and perfect location for a backpacker in Chiang Mai. Will note that it isn’t a very social hostel so if you’re looking for that wouldn’t recommend this place, but besides that I had an amazing time and experience here.

First time staying in a hostel! I booked this one as it appeared to be fresh, modern and clean. It was a really good experience and the hostess was amazing. I will 100% stay at the same place when I travel to Chiang mai in the future.

Had a great time at ShaPel Hostel. It's clean and quiet and well-located. A cute café is located downstairs. Recommend if you're looking for a friendly, safe environment. Definitely not a party hostel.

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)

Tips for Visiting Hotels & Resorts

Book Shoulder Season

May–June and September–October offer dramatic discounts (30–50% off peak rates) with fewer crowds. Weather is mixed but rarely a washout — afternoon showers clear quickly.

Compare OTAs and Direct Rates

Always check the hotel's own website after finding a rate on Agoda or Booking.com. Many Thai properties offer a best-rate guarantee or throw in perks like free breakfast when you book direct.

Pool Villa Doesn't Mean Expensive

Private pool villas in Krabi, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai start around 2,500–4,000 THB/night — a fraction of Bali or Maldives prices. Search specifically for 'pool villa' to surface hidden gems.

Also Popular in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.6(58,000)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate

4.4(28,355)
Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Chiang Mai's iconic eastern Old City gate, a restored Lanna-era landmark surrounded by a lively public square.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

4.3(26,375)
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

4.7(22,083)
Moo 3, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.

Similar Hotels & Resorts Across Thailand

Hilton Pattaya

Hilton Pattaya

4.6(16,382)
333/101 Moo 9 Nongprue Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand

A polished beachfront hotel perched above Central Festival mall, offering sea-view rooms, an infinity pool, and five dining venues.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

4.6(13,798)
277 หมู่ที่ 5, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

A family-focused beachfront resort in Pattaya featuring a water park, six restaurants, and sea-view rooms.

Arbour Hotel and Residence Pattaya

Arbour Hotel and Residence Pattaya

4.9(11,880)
99 10 Soi Durian Pattaya Sai 3, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

A highly regarded Pattaya hotel offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, spa, and restaurant.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

4.6(11,681)
123 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Upscale riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya with strong service and sweeping river views.