BACKPACK HOSTEL
Budget-friendly hostel steps from Chiang Rai's bus station, praised for its exceptionally warm and helpful staff.
Details
- Phone
- +66 94 979 9791
Is this your business?Feature it
About BACKPACK HOSTEL
Backpack Hostel sits in a prime spot in Tambon Wiang, Chiang Rai's central district, making it a natural choice for travelers moving through the region — particularly those heading onward to Laos via the slow boat route. The hostel is a roughly two-to-three minute walk from the bus station, which reviewers consistently highlight as a major practical advantage when arriving with luggage or catching an early departure.
What sets this hostel apart is its staff, with guests repeatedly singling out team members by name for their genuine warmth, hands-on helpfulness, and personal touches like baking cookies and banana bread for guests. The atmosphere leans social and welcoming, suiting solo backpackers and independent travelers looking for a friendly, low-fuss base rather than a purely transactional stay. Rooms are clean and functional, appropriate for short to medium-length visits while exploring Chiang Rai's temples, night markets, and surrounding attractions including the White Temple and nearby hill tribe villages.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Comparing hotels?
Other Top-Ranked Hotels in Chiang Rai
My pick at each price level in Chiang Rai, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand4.7 (2,844 reviews)
A riverside luxury resort in Chiang Rai with spacious grounds, an infinity pool, and consistently praised service.
Check rates
#3Mid-range · 4-star
Nak Nakara Hotel4.6 (1,402 reviews)
Centrally located Chiang Rai hotel offering spacious rooms, a pool, and generous complimentary extras.
Check rates
#4Budget · 2-star
B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel4.3 (1,989 reviews)
Budget-friendly boutique hotel steps from Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar, offering comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Check rates
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of BACKPACK HOSTEL, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minBUSKET HOSTELHotels & Resorts · 50 m · 4.8★
- 1 minKhao Soi RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 80 m · 4.7★
- 1 minSareeneen food & sweet (halal)Restaurants & Food · 90 m · 4.4★
- 1 minSirikorn Fruit and Vegetable MarketMarkets & Shopping · 100 m · 4.2★
- 1 minChiang Rai Nice MassageWellness & Spas · 100 m · 4.9★
- 2 min3 Naraya3 Massage&Relax ChiangraiWellness & Spas · 130 m · 4.9★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After BACKPACK HOSTEL, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
If you are going to Chiang Rai to go on to Laos, you're making your life difficult if you don't stay at Backpack hostel. Firstly the location is fantastic, a 3 minute walk from the bus station and close to the night market. Ness and Apple were so helpful in getting me organised, they booked my tickets, helped me fill out the visa and gave me directions on how to get through the border. They also had great recommendations around chiang rai so i could make the most of my time in the city. The hostel is so lovely, clean and with an amazing roof garden with a great view of the surrounding mountains. If I'm ever back in chiang rai will definitely stay here again.
Wonderful stay, very kind owner and team. Had two nights here after nan, and before slowboat crossing. 2 min walk from the bus station so it's very handy (but if coming from phrae that's the other bus station). And great rooftop view. We stayed in private twin room. We book our slowboat through the hotel too. Slightly higher price, but very easy. If you want to do it solo, you now need to stay the night in Chiang Khong as there is no longer the 6.30am bus to get to the border in time to buy the ticket at the pier. Enjoy.
We loved our stay at the Backpack Hostel!! Unfortunately we were only there for a night but it was super nice and clean! The hosts were so nice and helpful and even baked cookies and banana bread! A big recommendation for me if you want to stay in chiang rai! 🤓
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 192 reviews on Google.
612 WR3P+CHQ 31 ซ.ศิริกรณ์อุทิศ5 Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore hotels & resorts nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of BACKPACK HOSTEL.
BUSKET HOSTEL
Secret Corner Boutique Hostel
Little One hostel
Nakaraj Princess Chiang Rai
Tips for Visiting Hotels & Resorts
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.
Location Matters More Than Stars
A well-located 3-star hotel often beats a remote 5-star resort. In Bangkok, staying near a BTS or MRT station saves hours; on islands, proximity to the beach you actually want matters most.
BACKPACK HOSTEL: Frequently Asked Questions
Is BACKPACK HOSTEL worth visiting?
BACKPACK HOSTEL holds a 4.4★ rating from 192 Google reviews — a strong rating for hotels & resorts in Chiang Rai.
When is the best time to visit BACKPACK HOSTEL?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is BACKPACK HOSTEL located?
BACKPACK HOSTEL is at 612 WR3P+CHQ 31 ซ.ศิริกรณ์อุทิศ5 Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.
Also popular in Chiang Rai
Lulum Restaurant Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle
Thai Watsadu Chiang Rai
King Mangrai Monument
Similar Hotels & Resorts across Thailand
T2B Hostel
Revolution Hostel Pai Riverside
Van Vliet Hostel Ayutthaya
