Reviews of Backpack Hostel
612/31 Soi. Sirikornuthid Phahonyothin Road,, 57000 Chiang Rai, Thailand
#16 of 144 hotels in Chiang Rai
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 224 hostel reviews
9.2Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
9.2
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Comfort
9.4
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Location
9.8
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Facilities
9.1
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Staff
9.8
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Value for money
9.4
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Free WiFi
10.0
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Reviewed: 13 August 2025
Anurag
India37 reviews3 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The host whose name is Apple is a very nice and helpful person.
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 19 July 2025
Jasmine
United Kingdom43 reviews5 helpful votes10“My best hostel experience throughout my 6 months in Southeast Asia”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
NA
I had an amazing stay at Backpack Hostel, Chiang Rai. From the moment I arrived I felt like a member of the Backpack family. Apple and Som (please excuse my spelling) were friendly and helpful throughout my stay and I will miss them dearly! Perfect location, just 2 minute walk from the bus station and night market. The dorm was clean with comfortable beds, curtains, duvets and good AC. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly and provided toilet roll, soap and shampoo. Good water pressure in the showers too. Free tea and coffee available to guests, which was always welcomed after a day exploring. If I find myself in Chiang Rai again, I will be back without hesitation.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 12 July 2025
Harper
United States61 reviews4 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
It’s in a great location in the downtown, right around the corner from the bus station and the night market. The owner was lovely and the spaces are nice and clean. The free tea/coffee/snack bar is such a lovely touch!
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 27 June 2025
Kay
United Kingdom64 reviews8 helpful votes9.0“Good location, lovely staff”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Please replace the dripping soap dispenser on the third floor - there's so much waste every day and it's such an easy fix!
I had traveller burnout so kept extending! Loved being able to binge watch Amazon Prime every night! Close to weekend street market, 7/11 round the corner, kitchen available for use. Walking distance to all of old city. Kind, helpful staff. The Burmese guy (sorry can't remember your name!) is the absolute sweetest and keeps the entire place spotlessly clean! He seems to clean the bathrooms thoroughly several times a day. Dorm is relatively small and there's not much space for bags but everybody put them against the wall and no issues. I used a locker outside the bathroom which was actually better as your things were closer to where you needed them! HOT shower with good pressure
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 23 May 2025
Dara
Ireland6 reviews10“Brilliant”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
One of the best hostels I’ve stayed at so far. Got stuck in Chiang Rai waiting on my Laos visa. This place made it bearable. Lady who runs the place is an absolute delight. Has great local knowledge too!
Stayed in May 2025
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Reviewed: 16 May 2025
Roxana
Australia10 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Everything about this Hostel is absolutely perfect! From the first moment you walk in , the beautiful welcome , from staff.the dorm rooms are a very classic look , black and white themed and there are always delicious treats that Apple the owner makes everyday . It’s those little this that separate the good hostel to an exceptional one . My second time here and I will definitely keep coming back ! Thank you Apple and staff see you guys next year !
Stayed in May 2025
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Reviewed: 15 April 2025
Klaudia
Czech Republic34 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Good hostel”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The lady is friendly Complimentary services Everything good The beds are so comfy!!!
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 5 April 2025
Kirsty
United Kingdom12 reviews10“Friendly, good location, places to socialise with others in the hostel but also to chill by yourself if that is what you”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The staff here were amazing, very friendly and always said hello to me when I came downstairs in the morning or walked in the door throughout the day. Wished me well on my future travels as I was leaving as well. I would definitely go back here if I’m ever in Chiang Rai again.
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: 29 March 2025
Andrew
Ireland11 reviews9.0“Friendly staff, great location”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Queen Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The hostel had a lovely, welcoming atmosphere from the moment I checked in. The staff are exceptional - always willing to help and they make a point of remembering your name to greet you every time they see you, which I hadn’t experienced in any hostel previously. Perfect location too - I’d happily stay again.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 24 March 2025
Qazi
Pakistan14 reviews2 helpful votes10“Great!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
It was all good. A little distant from the main sights but all good otherwise.
The best staff ever. She bakes the best cookies and banana bread and what not!! If you’re taking the bus to CR you can literally walk to this place.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 23 March 2025
Mery
Australia49 reviews2 helpful votes10“Perfect location and friendly owners.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing
Everything was exceptional from the time I arrived until I left. The owners are so friendly and very helpful especially for helping me to rent a scooter and the places where are more enjoyable. Perfect location. 1 minute from bus station and 1 minute to the night market. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend this place when you come to Chiang Rai.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 17 March 2025
Connor
Australia5 reviews10“Perfect hostel for any traveler and very knowledge staff”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Awesome location, bus station and market are 2 and 5min walk. Staff are very friendly and will accommodate to make sure your stay is as good as possible. In house laundry, free coffee, tea and even some snacks. Sells beer and water too
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 9 March 2025
Raghav
Australia9 reviews1 helpful vote10“Wonderful, helpful and oh so well located”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nil
Clean, lovely atmosphere, Apple (owner) is soooo helpful and delightful. A complete one stop shop for discovering Chiang Rai or taking the slow boat. Delightful. Oh and the location is fantastic.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: 26 February 2025
Marlon
France15 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The most comfortable hostel I have stayed in Thailand The owner is really nice and will help you out any time Plus, it is placed besides the bus terminal station which is a nice bonus You can rent motorbike from the hostel directly
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 19 February 2025
Marcos
Australia38 reviews5 helpful votes10“Nice place”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nice staff, good location, free cookies and coffee
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: 13 February 2025
Justus
Germany3 reviews9.0“Ideal for backpackers that want to explore Chiangrai and dont need much more than a place to sleep, shower and socialize”- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Very close to bus terminal and night market. Nice and beautiful owner
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 12 February 2025
Dominik
Germany4 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
nothing
Lovely host, amazing place!!
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 9 February 2025
Danielle
United States12 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Awesome roof top to hangout and close to night market
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: 6 February 2025
Blake
Canada15 reviews1 helpful vote10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Good clean hostel. Owner is awesome and very helpful and bakes fresh treats everyday. Rooftop was nice to hang out and meet people
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 3 February 2025
Evereet
United States10 reviews2 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
the boss is very friendly
Stayed in November 2024
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Reviewed: 2 February 2025
Daniel
United Kingdom1 review10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Was a great hostel the staff are super friendly. Close by to a few bars and found it very social
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: 31 January 2025
Lior
Israel38 reviews12 helpful votes10“Location and cleanness make it worth it!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
I know it’s east Asia, but to have to keep the shoes outside is annoying. Also the dorm rooms felt a little bit cramped. You only get a locker in the lobby near the reception.
The cleanest dorms I’ve stayed in. They keep the place clean and tidy all day, not one or two times a day. And make sure it smells good. Strong wifi and Free coffee stand with cakes! Location is just around the night market!
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: 12 January 2025
Bunn
United Kingdom23 reviews9 helpful votes10“Perfect location clean lovely with freshly made cakes”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Couple more showers upstairs would be ideal.
Lovely host. Very helpful and friendly speaks great English. Really tidy comfy bedroom. Clearly a lot of love and care has gone into the hostel.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 10 January 2025
Martin
Netherlands83 reviews20 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The owners and Som made my stay. I loved talking to them and they are the reason that I stayed 1.5 months. The hostel is well located next to the bus station and imo Thailand's best cook is just around the corner (Mheewok). Their scooter rental partner is trustworthy and flexible.
Stayed in November 2024
