We’re not surprised you’re here to suss out the best hostels in Pai. With nearby gorges, hot springs and gorgeous waterfalls to discover, Pai is a top adventurous traveller destination!
Our collection of hostels will suit solo travellers, couples and anyone looking to wind down and chill.
Our favorite hostels in Pai are:
- Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel - best for Female Solo Traveler
- UP2U Guesthouse - best for Solo Traveler
- Happy House Backpackers - best for Backpacker
- Extra: Nolo Hub Pai - best for Backpacker (age limit 18 to 35)
1. Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel
2. UP2U Guesthouse
3. Happy House Backpackers
If you’re a foody then you’re going to really enjoy the awesome food stalls Pai has to offer.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Don’t stop there. Thailand is home to some seriously fantastic hostels. We put together this ultimate guide to the 57 coolest hostels in Thailand. Looking for party hostels in Thailand? We have a detailed guide to the best party hostels in Phuket.
- Quick Introduction to Pai
- The 3 Best Hostels in Pai
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Pai
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Pai cost 3€ – 9€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 8€ up to 25€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
How to get to Pai: x trillion curves take you up from Chiang Mai to Pai. There are endless stories of travelers taking a bus up there and vomit along the way. It is very, very curvy! Therefore, we highly recommend either buying motion-sickness pills (you will find them at any 7/11 store) or rent a scooter in Chiang Mai and drive up yourself. We took our own scooter; it was the better choice for us.
Backpacker Vibes vs Hippies vs People seeking life: Pai has this spritiual bohemian vibe, attracting young hippy backpackers. You will find many vegan restaurants, spritial healing courses, yoga, reiki courses and everything that comes with it. However, the vibe is a bit odd at times. Some places are incredibly inviting, others are just not so welcoming for travelers staying here 2 nights only.
We highly recommend picking one of the hostels we recommend here. We checked a few others, and it was just a weird feeling, especially as a solo-traveler. In a few instances, I run into other travelers who were just rude but at the same time tried to be this spriritual person. In all honesty, these few people felt more like they were still seeking their own personality and life.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Pai are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Pai.
- Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel – best for Female Solo Traveler
- UP2U Guesthouse – best for Solo Traveler
- Happy House Backpackers – best for Backpacker
- Extra: Nolo Hub Pai - best for Backpacker (age limit 18 to 35)
These are our favorite hostels in Pai. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel
2. UP2U Guesthouse
3. Happy House Backpackers
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | UP2U Guesthouse |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Happy House Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | UP2U Guesthouse |
| 👨🦳Older Travelers: | Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Happy House Backpackers |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | UP2U Guesthouse |
| 🧑🦰 Social Traveler (18-35): | Nolo Hub Pai |
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
1. Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel
Chali's Family Hotel & Hostel is great, quiet place to stay. With their beautiful pool, this is definitely place where you can relax, and also catch some sleep.
Rooms are equipped with a comfort bed, big spacious lockers, very clean bathroom with hairdryers and hair straighteners and a coffee station. The bathroom have the hottest showers in Thailand (proper hot showers, no heaters) and the beds are very comfortable and spacious.
The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and they are very helpful for organiing day tours and with advices on where to go in Pai to eat and drink.
This is not as social as party hostels, but there are still people to get talking to at the pool. The whole place is spotlessly clean and brand new looking. The pool is gorgeous and a life saver on hot days.
A à la carte, American or vegetarian breakfast is available every morning at the hostel. And you will also find a restaurant serving American cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Location: This hostel is set right in the city center, in Ban Mo Paeng, 4.4 km from Pai Night Market. Pai Bus station is 4.5 km from Cha Li’s Family Hotel&Hostel, while Wat Phra That Mae Yen is 6.7 km from the property.
The best choice in Pai for
- Female Solo Traveler
- Older Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. UP2U Guesthouse
Coming in at a close second is the absolutely gorgeous UP2U Guesthouse.
It’s obvious why they use the word ‘guesthouse’ instead of hostel – it’s so homely here and it still offers shared accommodation for the travellers that like to meet others.
How do you like the sound of an outdoor swimming pool, hammocks and beds made from bamboo?! YES PLEASE!
The entire property is set up as a open-plan house to encourage the social atmosphere and homely feel of the place.
It also means that the staff are always around and able to help out or answer any questions, if needed.
Some other things we just love about this hostel:
- Spacious gardens
- Delicious, healthy food menu
- Drinks & coffee available
- Oh and again…. a swimming pool!
The photos say it all, really – take a look below!
If you prefer to cook there is also a shared kitchen onsite.
You won’t be disappointed when it comes to room choices, either.
There’s a great mix of female and male dorms, plus separate chalets which a perfect for couples and older travellers looking for a bit more privacy.
The overall atmosphere here is quiet and laid-back, so do not expect party vibes or organised activities. It’s more like a retreat place for relaxation and a chance to get back to nature.
Location: It’s an easy and safe short walk to town from here. That means Pai Night Market and Pai Bus Station are easily accessible. It’s possible to rent motorbikes and bicycles at one of the many shops in town if you don’t fancy exploring on foot.
This is one of the coolest hostels in Pai for
- Solo travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Happy House Backpackers
Happy House Backpackers is a chilled but very social family run hostel with a homely vibe. They have a fully stocked bar with pool table and ping pong. There is a shared fully equipped kitchen available with free tea and coffee, drinking water & WIFI. The common area with lounges and chairs is large and comfy. There are large tables for cards and drinking games. The table tennis can become beer bong at any time.
This hostel has the perfect mix of being social and chilled and the chill out areas are really great. The cleaning is consistent and facilities are well kept. The staff are really some of the loveliest and chattiest people we’ve met and they always have great recommendations on where to go and what to visit.
Perks at Happy House Backpackers:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Location: This hostel is located in Pai, and it is within a 15-minute walk of Pai Night Market, Wat Luang and Wat Klang. Walking Street and Pai River are also within 15 minutes. The location feels a bit like you’re on the edge of town but it is only like a 5-10 minute walk to the center walking street. However a motorbike is 100-200 baht a day so get one of those !
This is one of the best hostels in Pai for
- Backpacker
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
4. Nolo Hub Pai
Nolo Hub Pai is a social, activity based hostel made for outgoing, adventurous and social solo and group travelers aged between 18 and 35 years old. The hostel has a great social vibe and it is a nice place to meet people. The hostel does a good job arranging tours with transportation for everyone during the day which is helpful to not have to plan activities.
The pod beds are super comfortable and offer tons of privacy, and everything is very clean. They have a huge indoor/outdoor common area for picnics, movies, pool table, ping pong and much more.
And also it is good to know that they have hostel dogs, young and friendly French bulldogs. But – if you are allergic or do not like dogs then please take note of this when booking.
Age Limit: You should know there is an AGE LIMIT. However, we have asked thim if this a strict thing. Well, it is NOT. Anyone is welcome, but they emphasize it to make clear this is a hostel for very young people with lots of fun nights, music, and all the fun young backpacker stuff. If you are up for that and to join that ambiance, you are welcome to stay.
Location: This hostel is located 10-15 minutes walking distance from the bus station, walking street and main part of town. It’s an easy and safe walk, however, if you’re not someone who likes to walk we DO NOT recommend Nolo Hub for your stay in Pai.
This is one of the best Pai hostel for:
- Backpackers (age limit 18 to 35)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Pai for Solo Travellers?
Easily the top choice here has to go to Nolo Hub Pai. It’s a great place to meet people and ever so easy to do by joining one of the many day and night activities on offer.
There is also plenty of chance to wind down with yourself in one of the hammocks and well kitted out beds.
For the female solo travellers we highly recommend opting for UP2U Guesthouse. It’s a lovely low-key hostel with ample air-conditioning and a safe, friendly environment that will ease any solo lady in to Pai graciously and without pressure.
Party Hostels in Pai
What we really enjoy about many of the Pai hostels is the seemingly shared respect for both party animals and travellers looking to sleep soundly.
If you’re looking for that real crazy full on party hostel you’re probably going to love Famous Pai Circus Hostel.
This one has its very own on-site bar and no fun cut-off time, woohoo!
Kick start the fun with a dip in the pool, and continue by joining one of the many weekly activies including beer pong, pub crawls and themed parties. The rooms range from budget backpackers to fancy flash packers so everyone can join in the good vibes.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
More Hostels Worth a Mention
Still thinking where to stay in Pai?
We suggest that if you found the place for you, it is time to check availability right away and book it now!
We have given you our personal favorites and we wish that you won’t need to look to other sites. But if our provided places to stay in Pai are not good enough for you, we have more hostels in Pai Thailand listed for you.
In this list, you will see other hostels that we think you might consider. So, check it out.
- Baan Mai Sak
- Famous Pai Circus Hostel
- Slow Life Sabaidee Pai Bed & Breakfast
Baan Mai Sak
There’s more hostel in Pai we’d like to put on the radar. It’s a lovely quiet hostel that has more of a home-stay feel to it thanks to the friendly staff and homely decor.
The chill lounge has hammocks and they kindly ask for quiet after 11pm.
Baan Mai Sak deserves respect and we think older travellers that enjoy having the option to socialise will absolutely love it here.
Perks at Baan Mai Sak:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Outdoor Terrace
- Security Lockers
Location: Located in Pai, 300 m from Pai Bus station. The property is around 8 km from Pai Canyon, 10 km from The World War 2 bridge and 3.8 km from Wat Nam Hoo. The property is 8 km from Tha Pai Hot Spring and 9 km from Mor Paeng Waterfall.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Famous Pai Circus Hostel
Famous Pai Circus Hostel will give you a unique experience. The beds are in a hut and the view of the mountain is breathtaking. The view: just incredible!
Fire dancing, swimming and yoga are some of the activities you should try while staying in the hostel. The vibe and atmosphere is absolutely perfect for meeting new souls. Scooter rental is available so you can go explore the place. The buffet is also worth it! It is cheap but so tasty.
However: There are numerous complains that this hostel is actually more of a party hostel rather than a fun circus show. Check the reviews. External guests have to pay an entrance fee. Circus classes and yoga classes do not take place on a regular basis.
The accommodation itself is very basic. Do not expect to sleep very comfy. Travelers staying at Circus come here for the people, the fun, the views, the party. Travelers do not come here for the comfortable accommodation.
Perks at Famous Pai Circus Hostel:
- Swimming pool
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Location: Pai circus hostel is a convenient 10 minute walk to Pai Nordthailand night market. The resort is a 10-minute drive to Pai Airport. It is a 15-minute ride to Wat Phra That Mae Yen and Mo Paeng Waterfall. It is 4 km away from Pai Backpacker Meeting Place.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Slow Life Sabaidee Pai Bed & Breakfast
Slow Life Sabaidee Pai Bed & Breakfast is amazing! It is like a little paradise. Rooms are spacious and beds are comfortable.
Food on site is cheap but delicious. So, instead of preparing your meals, it is best to just order it and you’ll have more time exploring Pai.
The staff are super friendly and will help with anything you need.
What else? You can also enjoy its pool. Perfect location to just chill out an relax!
Perks at Slow Life Sabaidee Pai Bed & Breakfast:
- Swimming pool
- Motorbike rental
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Location: Pai Night Market is 1.2 km from the accommodation, while Wat Phra That Mae Yen is 2.8 km from the property. It is 1.4 km away from Pai bus station.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Pai best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Pai for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Pai hostels on a map. Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Pai Walking Street
- Santichon Village
- Pai Canyon
- Pai Historical Village
- Pai Hotsprings
- Mor Pang Waterfall
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Pai.
For more guides throughout Thailand:
- best hostels in Thailand
- best hostels in Bangkok
- coolest hostels in Krabi
- greatest hostels in Koh Phangan
- best hostels in Chiang Mai
- best hostels in Chiang Rai
- best hostels in Koh Samui
- best hostels in Koh Tao
- best hostels in Koh Lanta
- best hostels in Koh Phi Phi
- best hostels in Phuket
- best hostels in Pattaya
- best hostels in Ao Nang
- best hostels in Kanchanaburi
And nearby countries:
- best hostels in Yangon, Myanmar
- best hostels in Luang Prabang, Laos
- best hostels in Vang Vieng, Laos
- best hostels in Vientiane, Laos
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
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CLOSED: Hummingbird Hostel
Update: Our former #3 hostel has permanently closed its doors.
Come as you are and Hummingbird Hostel will welcome you with open arms. This is the place to be your ultimate self in a home-away-from-home setting.
This is truly a cute hostel and one of the best hostels in Pai for female solo travellers.
Why, do we hear you ask? Well, there’s…
- An air-conditioned living room
- Fun day tours on offer
- Free breakfast
- Free, safe drinking water
The dorms come with 8 ready-made and sturdy beds, yet if you fancy some privacy, there is a double with en-suite available at a great price.
Note: this hostel requires a minimum of 2 nights stay.
We really like the little courtyard round the back – a nifty little hidden space ideal for sunbathing.
From 10pm onwards there is a Quiet Time rule.
Instead of upsetting your fellow travellers, head out to the nearby pubs and enjoy your night with the reassuring knowledge that you can look forward to a lovely, quiet sleep when you get back.
Location: if you can manage a 4-minute stroll you can enjoy the popular walking street of Pai along with the nearby restaurants, bars and street food.
This is one of the top hostels in Pai for
- Female solo traveller
- Couples
CLOSED: Juno Hostel
Update: Our former #1 hostel has closed its doors.
Intimate and cosy are the two words to best describe Juno Hostel. This is a nice hostel best suited to travellers looking for a relaxed, homely place to put their feet up. It’s thanks to the small number of rooms that give Juno that warm feeling. There are in fact a total of 18 beds spread over 3 dorm rooms here.
Either keep it small with a 4-bed dorm, or widen your social options with a 6 or 8-bed dorm. All of the dorms are mixed and come with that all important air-conditioning.
Some of them have bunks, and others single beds on the floor – check which is which before you book.
So yes, couples will need to keep scrolling in order to discover great private rooms.
Do you know what we love? The fact these dorms come with 2 pillows each!
Reading in bed just got a whole lot easier.
If you’re feeling an inside day coming on, take advantage of:
- Free bread, jam + snacks
- Free water top ups + coffee
- Complimentary towel + toiletries
Near reception you will find an attached hangout area. This too is quaint but offers a nice space to meet other people. The hosts are wonderfully sociable and always up for a chat so no worries if the hostel is quiet.
Location: Just around the corner you’ll find the main walking street in Pai. Great food and shops are at your disposal.
This is one of the best hostels in Pai for
- Older travellers
- Peace seekers
CLOSED: Common Grounds Pai
Update: Our former #3 hostel has closed its doors.
Welcome to the coolest backpacker hostel with the best location in Pai. Common Grounds Pai is all about the social vibes and is the perfect hangout. Though strictly NOT a party hostel, Common Grounds offers:
- Social day trips
- Nightly events
- Great communal area w/ pool table
- Cosy 6-bed dorms & 3-bed privates
Join the gang and head out to the streets of Pai for a great night out, and then return to a quiet, comfortable accommodation to enjoy a good nights sleep.
Isn’t that just the perfect balance? Events include everything from a local pub crawl, to quizzes and dance parties. Whatever is happening, it all kick starts in the communal area and ends there at 9pm.
This is where you’ll also find hammocks and cushions aplenty in a fresh, outside setting.
A few other perks include free water refills, tea & coffee and that all important Wi-Fi.
Location: a mere 50 metres from the main walking street, close enough to all that you could possibly need outside of Common Grounds hostel.
This is one of the coolest hostels in Pai for
- Backpackers
- Solo travellers
CLOSED: Suandoi Backpacker Resort
Suandoi Backpacker Resort has a relaxing atmosphere. The bungalow that they have will allow you to experience the one of a kind accommodation in Pai Thailand.
Their bungalow has balcony and the beds are comfortable. The staff are amazing and they can help you whenever you have questions about Pai tourist map and other things. They can also arrange tours for you to explore the beautiful Pai attractions.
They have plenty of activities that you can try like yoga, badminton, billiards and more.
Perks at Suandoi Backpacker Resort:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Luggage Storage
- Free Breakfast
- Free parking
Location: Around 1.5 km from Pai Bus station, the property is also 1.5 km away from Pai Night Market.Wat Phra That Mae Yen is 2 km from the accommodation, while Pai Canyon is 9 km away.
