BACKPACK HOSTEL
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Backpack Hostel sits in a prime spot in Tambon Wiang, Chiang Rai's central district, making it a natural choice for travellers 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 travellers 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.
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.
Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
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: March – May (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 centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
612 WR3P+CHQ 31 ซ.ศิริกรณ์อุทิศ5 Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand+66 94 979 9791Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
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.
Nearby Places
BUSKET HOSTEL
A well-located, spotlessly clean hostel in central Chiang Rai, steps from the night market and bus station.
Secret Corner Boutique Hostel
A brand-new boutique hostel in Chiang Rai praised for its spotless rooms, modern design, and quiet atmosphere.
Little One hostel
A highly rated, centrally located hostel in Chiang Rai offering clean private rooms and helpful staff.
Nakaraj Princess Chiang Rai
Charming, centrally located Chiang Rai hotel offering spacious rooms, free breakfast, and exceptionally friendly staff.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)