Laos’ former royal capital, Luang Prabang, is a beautiful city known for its Buddhist temples. The ancient capital is set in a valley where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. There are several museums showing the city’s culture and history, so you’ll certainly not be bored!
With everything going on in Luang Prabang, it can be hard deciding on somewhere to stay. The cost of travel in Laos is inexpensive, but hostels are still a good idea as they can help you make friends and meet other travellers.
To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Luang Prabang, taking into account your budget, itinerary, and travel style!
Thankfully, there’s lots of choice! From some chilled-out backpacker hostels to riverside lodges with pools, and even some pretty upmarket guest houses, this place has it all. So, let’s dive in and see the best hostels that Luang Prabang has to offer.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Luang Prabang
#1 Best overall hostel in Luang Prabang: Smile Luang Prabang Hostel
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang: Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2
#3 Best hostel for digital nomads in Luang Prabang: Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel
#4 Best hostel near Luang Prabang Royal Palace: Nocknoy Lanexang Guesthouse
#5 Best hostel near Wat Xieng Thong: Souk Lan Xang Guest House
#6 Best hostel near Mount Phousi: Y Not Laos Hostel
#7 Best hostel near Luang Prabang Night Market: Matata Garden Guest House
#8 Best hostel near Luang Prabang International Airport: Fan Dee Hotel
#9 Best hostel near Naluang International Bus Station: Mano Temple Hostel
#10 Best high-end hostel in Luang Prabang: Villa Mahasok Hotel
#11 Best budget hostel in Luang Prabang: Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel
#12 Best hostel with private rooms in Luang Prabang: Tha Vi Souk Family Home
#13 Best hostel with a pool in Luang Prabang: Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel
#1 – Smile Luang Prabang Hostel
Best overall hostel in Luang Prabang
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel is the best overall hostel in Luang Prabang
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel is the best overall hostel in Luang Prabang
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel is the best overall hostel in Luang Prabang- Cost – $$
- Location – Ban Vat Nong, Kounxoa Rd.
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Smile Luang Prabang Hostel…
This brand-new hostel is a hop, skip, and a jump from all of Luang Prabang’s main attractions, including the Night Market, Mount Phousi, and the Royal Palace. The always open reception can help with renting scooters or doing your laundry, just some of the things that make this the best hostel in Luang Prabang!
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel is perfect for…
If you want a sociable hostel with plenty of places to relax (there’s a garden with a pond and a common room), then this is the perfect hostel for you! These areas make it really easy to get chatting to other travellers, as does this fully equipped shared kitchen where you can prepare dinner together!
#2 – Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2
Best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang
Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is the best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang
Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is the best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang
Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is the best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang- Cost – $
- Location – Ban What That, Luang Prabang
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2…
This hostel has a big shared kitchen and a shared lounge with a billiard table, so it’s easy to meet new people. That makes it the best hostel for solo travellers in Luang Prabang! The friendly and knowledgeable staff are only too happy to help you to plan the next step of your trip or just assist you in finding your way around the city!
Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is perfect for…
If you want to easily meet other people on your travels to Luang Prabang, then Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 is the perfect option! It’s not only great for meeting other people, but the free Wi-Fi helps you keep up to date with friends and family back home, and they’ll be jealous of your stunning Insta shots!
#3 – Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel
Best hostel for digital nomads in Luang Prabang
Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel for digital nomads in Luang Prabang
Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel for digital nomads in Luang Prabang
Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel for digital nomads in Luang Prabang- Cost – $
- Location – Next to Utopia Bar, Ban Aphay
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel…
This hostel is right by the Nam Khan River (as you may have guessed by the name), and due to the lovely riverside terrace, free Wi-Fi, and the free breakfast where you can fill up on coffee, it’s the best hostel in Luang Prabang for digital nomads! We loved the chilled-out vibes in this great hostel.
Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel is perfect for…
Digital nomads will feel right at home at Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel and the laidback roof terrace will help you deal with even the most frustrating emails with calmness! The free breakfast just adds to the charm, meaning you don’t have to search for a café before you get set up and working in the morning!
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#4 – Nocknoy Lanexang Guesthouse
Best hostel near Luang Prabang Royal Palace
- Cost – $
- Location – Ban Huaxieng
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Nocknoy Lanexang Guesthouse…
This clean and comfortable guest house offers some lovely private rooms right near one of the city’s most important attractions, so it’s easily the best place to stay near Luang Prabang Royal Palace! We love the delicious local dishes served at the on-site restaurant and bar and the views of the river from the seating area!
Nocknoy Lanexang Guesthouse is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be close to not only the Luang Prabang Royal Palace but also the Night Market and the National Museum have found the perfect place to stay! There’s still a shared area, but all the rooms are private so it’s a great place to stay if you want a break from the dorm or you’re travelling with the other half!
#5 – Souk Lan Xang Guest House
Best hostel near Wat Xieng Thong
- Cost – $$
- Location – NO: 2, Unite: 20, Groups:Xeingthong,, Ban: WAT NONG, Luang prabang District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Souk Lan Xang Guest House…
This traditional wooden guest house will give you an insight into authentic Laotian life, and it’s also the best-rated property in Luang Prabang on Hostelworld. It may not be a hostel, but it’s the best budget accommodation near the iconic Wat Xieng Thong! We love that the guest house offers mountain biking, guided trekking, and kayaking!
Souk Lan Xang Guest House is perfect for…
Travellers who want to have one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang on their doorstep can’t go far wrong when staying at Souk Lan Xang Guest House. As the rooms are all private here, it’s a great option if you’re a small group of friends or family travelling together, or a couple!
#6 – Y Not Laos Hostel
Best hostel near Mount Phousi
- Cost – $
- Location – Aphai village, phousi road,Luang Prabang,Laos
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Y Not Laos Hostel…
Mount Phousi is a popular city centre hiking spot, and the 100m hill is a 300-step climb to the top. After that, you’ll definitely want to stay nearby to save your legs, and this welcoming and friendly guesthouse is very close, so it’s the best hostel near Mount Phousi! We love the breakfast, which is included in your room rate!
Y Not Laos Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be within a few steps of the 300 steps of Mount Phousi, then there’s nowhere better than the fabulous Y Not Laos Hostel! There’s plenty to do in the hostel too, with a seating area, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. If you’re feeling really tired after your hike, why not order room service, which is available too!
#7 – Matata Garden Guest House
Best hostel near Luang Prabang Night Market
- Cost – $$
- Location – Sisouphan Road No.047 near the Dara Market, Town Center
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Matata Garden Guest House…
This relaxed and eco-friendly hostel is just a 5-minute walk from the best place to buy souvenirs and street food in town, meaning it’s the best hostel near Luang Prabang Night Market. We love that the hostel is made up of 5 lovely bungalows which feel like hotels rather than hostels!
Matata Garden Guest House is perfect for…
If you want to be within a stone’s throw of Luang Prabang’s Night market, then look no further than Matata Garden Guest House! It’s easy to relax in the spacious rooms and while it may be more expensive than some of the other hostels on this list, you’re getting a real deluxe experience for what you pay!
#8 – Fan Dee Hotel
Best hostel near Luang Prabang International Airport
- Cost – $
- Location – Ban Vieng Mai
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Fan Dee Hotel…
This simple yet relaxing hostel is the easiest to reach after getting off your flight, as it’s only a 10-minute drive in a taxi or tuk-tuk. It’s definitely the best hostel near Luang Prabang International Airport! We love the detailed bamboo decoration that you can find all over the hostel and its gardens!
Fan Dee Hotel is perfect for…
If you have an early morning or late-night flight and are a little stressed about getting to or from the airport, staying so close in this great hostel is sure to alleviate some of those worries! It’s also a great spot for budget travellers, as the dorms here are some of the least costly in the whole of Luang Prabang!
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#9 – Mano Temple House
Best hostel near Naluang International Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Mano Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Mano Temple House…
This clean and comfortable offering is in the south of the city, so it’s the best hostel near Naluang International Bus Station. The city isn’t too big so it’s also less than 1km to attractions like Mount Phousi and the night market! We love the tasty free breakfast, perfect before a day of sightseeing or a long bus journey!
Mano Temple House is perfect for…
If you’re arriving or leaving Luang Prabang by bus, this is a great option as it means you won’t have to drag your luggage halfway across town to get to or from your hostel! There’s baggage storage too, so you can check out in the morning and leave your stuff in a safe place if you plan on exploring for the day before you catch a night bus!
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#10 – Villa Mahasok Hotel
Best high-end hostel in Luang Prabang
- Cost – $$
- Location – Ban Visoun, Oupparath Xiengkong Road
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Villa Mahasok Hotel…
So, we’ve cheated a little here as Villa Mahasok is a hotel, but you wouldn’t believe that for the price! For a very reasonable price, you can get a great private room with big comfy beds and the true sign of class, towels folded into a swan! It’s also within walking distance of all the city’s most popular attractions. What more could you want?!
Villa Mahasok Hotel is perfect for…
If you’re happy to splash out a little more on a luxurious and fancy stay in Luang Prabang, then you should definitely have Villa Mahasok Hotel high up on your list! You can choose between standard and deluxe private rooms, so if you’re travelling in a couple this is a great place to treat and pamper yourselves!
#11 – Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel
Best budget hostel in Luang Prabang
- Cost – $
- Location – Soi off of Visounnarath Rd Ban Visoun, Ban Visoun
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel…
This friendly and sociable hostel offers some of the best prices in the whole of the ancient Laotian capital, making it the best budget hostel in Luang Prabang. Low prices don’t mean you won’t have a good time though – the on-site restaurant and billiards table will see to it that you’re not bored!
Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel is perfect for…
This is the place that budget travellers have been looking for in Luang Prabang – their prices are almost criminally low. You’ll still get slippers and use of a hairdryer though, as well as other features like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and private parking if you’ve brought your own car!
#12 – Tha Vi Souk Family Home
Best hostel with private rooms in Luang Prabang
- Cost – $$
- Location – Manonai Road, Ban Mano
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Tha Vi Souk Family Home…
This cool family home style hostel won the award for the best hostel in the whole of Laos this year, so you don’t just have to take our word for it that it’s a great hostel. It offers twins and doubles, as well as triple and quadruple family rooms, so it’s by far the best hostel with a private room in Luang Prabang!
Tha Vi Souk Family Home is perfect for…
Couples, small groups of friends, and family travelling together will love the private rooms and homely atmosphere on offer here at Tha Vi Souk Family Home! It’s got a high rating from couples in particular – who just love the place! We love that you get a free breakfast and all rooms come with a flat-screen TV!
#13 – Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel
Best hostel with a pool in Luang Prabang
- Cost – $$
- Location – Near Utopia Bar, Ban Aphay, Luang prabang
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel…
This chilled-out hostel sprawls over a huge area at the Riverside, and one of their features makes it very attractive indeed. Yes, it’s the best hostel in Luang Prabang with a swimming pool! We love that you get a free breakfast too, which you can enjoy on the roof terrace or out in the huge garden!
Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel is perfect for…
The heat and humidity in Luang Prabang can sometimes get a bit much, so of course, you want to be in a hostel where you can escape that by jumping into the swimming pool. This is the perfect place for that! The pool is covered too, so you don’t have to worry too much about getting burned. Although suncream is still recommended!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Luang Prabang?
Dorm rooms in Luang Prabang are usually less than $10 per night, making it a great place for budget travelers! For a private room you will usually pay between $20 and $30 for a night.
What are Hostels in Luang Prabang Like?
Chill, tropical, and fun! Some hostels have amenities like pools to cool off during hot Laos afternoons, and you can find a combination of party hostels and quieter places. Luang Prabang is a more popular tourist destination in Laos, known for its nature, history, and temples.
How Safe are Hostels in Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang is a small city, and generally very safe. You should of course take normal precautions, but hostels typically have good security and are centrally located, so there's not much need for concern!
How to Find Hostels in Luang Prabang?
Start your search on HostelWorld to select your travel dates and price range. If you're traveling around Laos, you can ask for suggestions from other travelers or at your current hotel or hostel.
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Best overall hostel in Luang Prabang
Smile Luang Prabang Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Luang
Prabang Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for digital nomads in Luang
Prabang Chill Riverside Backpackers Hostel
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Best hostel near Luang Prabang Royal Palace
Nocknoy Lanexang Guesthouse
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Best hostel near Wat Xieng Thong
Souk Lan Xang Guest House
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Best hostel near Mount Phousi
Y Not Laos Hostel
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Best hostel near Luang Prabang Night Market
Matata Garden Guest House
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Best hostel near Luang Prabang International
Airport Fan Dee Hotel
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Best hostel near Naluang International Bus
Station Mano Temple Hostel
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Best high-end hostel in Luang Prabang
Villa Mahasok Hotel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Luang Prabang
Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel with private rooms in Luang
Prabang Tha Vi Souk Family Home
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel with a pool in Luang Prabang
Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, that’s everything from us. We’ve taken a close look at the best hostels in Luang Prabang and we’re sure that there will be something on our extensive list that takes your fancy!
After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on one of the most beautiful cities in Laos, would you?!
Hostels are an important way to travel. Even in a country where you can travel cheaply like Laos, it’s always good to have a few extra pennies saved up if you want to splurge on a cool activity! We hope with the money you save you can enjoy seeing more of this beautiful country!
And don’t forget our top hostel in Luang Prabang – Smile Luang Prabang Hostel. We hope that wherever you decide to stay, you have an incredible trip!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
