This awesome backpackers’ paradise in north-western Thailand is defined by its laidback vibe and nearby natural waterfalls. The Pai River flows through the town and valley, with hot springs, gorges, and great hiking. It’s impossible to be bored here!

With everything going on in Pai, it can be hard knowing where to stay – hostels are a great way to save cash and although Thailand is inexpensive when it comes to travelling, you want to make sure that your money isn’t being wasted on sub-standard accommodation!

With all that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Pai, taking into account your travel style, itinerary, and above all – your budget!

Thankfully, there’s lots to choose from, including laidback backpacker retreats, lively party hostels, and some boutique hostels where you can just forget about the stresses of the world! So, let’s get down to exploring the best hostels Pai has to offer!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Pai

#1 Best overall hostel in Pai: Common Grounds Pai
#2 Best party hostel in Pai: The Famous Pai Circus Hostel
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Pai: Happy House Backpackers
#4 Best hostel for digital nomads in Pai: Juno Hostel
#5 Best hostel near Pai Night Market: Hugga Pai
#6 Best hostel near Chedi Phra Tat Mae Yen: Deejai Pai Backpackers
#7 Best hostel near Pai Canyon: Host Family Pai
#8 Best hostel near Pai Airport: UP2U Guesthouse
#9 Best hostel near Pai Bus Station: Pai In The Sky Hostel
#10 Best high-end hostel in Pai: La Mom Hostelo
#11 Best budget hostel in Pai: Pai Backpacker Meeting Place
#12 Best hostel with private rooms in Pai: Suandoi Backpacker Resort
#13 Best hostel with a pool in Pai: Slow life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast

#1 – Common Grounds Pai

 Best overall hostel in Pai

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 116 Moo 3, T.Wiang Tai, Pai City Center, on the Walking Street, by the Riv
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Common Grounds Pai…
This sociable backpacker hostel is in one of Pai’s best locations – right on the Walking Street with the Night Market and bus station right on your doorstep! Each night, there are pre-drinks from 9pm before you hit the best nightly events in town such as open mics and pub quizzes! These are just some of the reasons that it’s the best hostel in Pai!

Common Grounds Pai is perfect for…
If you want to be in a sociable and lively backpacker where you can take part in activities as part of a group, then look no further than Common Grounds Pai. As well as the events on offer each night, there are daily activities such as day trips to Pai Canyon or cool swimming pools nearby!

MUST READ – Take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand.

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#2 – The Famous Pai Circus Hostel

 Best party hostel in Pai

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 323 M.1 T.Mae hee
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like The Famous Pai Circus Hostel…
This is one of the liveliest hostels in the whole of Thailand, so it’s safe to say it’s the best party hostel in Pai! Every night has free entertainment on offer, with pub quizzes, group dinners, and fire shows just some of the things on the menu. Also, we don’t think we’ve mentioned the gorgeous infinity pool yet?!

The Famous Pai Circus Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re coming to Pai to party, then the Famous Pai Circus Hostel should be right at the top of your list! The all you can eat buffet breakfast is perfect for curing your hangover but unfortunately, it’s not included in the room price. You can enjoy that before spending the afternoon in the pool taking in the beautiful mountain views!

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#3 – Happy House Backpackers

Best hostel for solo travellers in Pai

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 227 Moo 8, Vieng Tai
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Happy House Backpackers…
This family run hostel is super sociable, but it also has a homely and chilled-out vibe, making it the best place for solo travellers in Pai. There’s a great bar that’s always playing great tunes where you can play table tennis or pool. We love the cool common area – another great spot to make friends with other guests!

Happy House Backpackers is perfect for…
If you’re travelling solo and want it to be as easy as possible to meet other travellers and strike up a conversation, then look no further than Happy House Backpackers! When it comes to food, you’re only minutes away from some great street food stands and a 7-11 convenience store!

MUST READ – Heading to Chiang Mai next? Check out our post about some of the most fun day trips from Chiang Mai!

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#4 – Juno Hostel

 Best hostel for digital nomads in Pai

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 54/5 moo2, Vieng Tai, Pai, Mae Hong Son
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Juno Hostel…
This modern and quiet hostel has high-speed Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee all day, and some nice common areas where you can set up your laptop so it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Pai. There’s also a personal locker for every guest, meaning you can keep your expensive electronic equipment safe!

Juno Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling and working at the same time, you’ll find nowhere better in Pai than Juno Hostel. There are lots of facilities to make your stay as comfortable possible and let you get on easily with your work, such as free toiletries, breakfast, and drinks throughout the day. It’s also in a great position for exploring when you’ve closed your laptop!

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#5 – Hugga Pai

 Best hostel near Pai Night Market

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 230 Wiang Tai, Pai, Maehongson 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hugga Pai…
This light and breezy hostel is just steps away from the best souvenirs and street food in Pai, so it’s the best hostel near Pai Night Market. There’s a great choice between comfortable private rooms with big beds and sociable dorms – so there’s something to suit every budget!

Hugga Pai is perfect for…
Planning on filling your bag full of Thai handicrafts and filling up on tasty Pad Thai and spring rolls? Then you’ll want to be right by the night market – in which case Hugga Pai is the perfect place to stay! The cool lobby is a lovely place to sit and read or update your social media!

Heading to Bangkok? These are some of the best day trips from Bangkok!

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#6 – Deejai Pai Backpackers

 Best hostel near Chedi Phra Tat Mae Yen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 234 Maehi Pai Mae, Hong Sorn
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Deejai Pai Backpackers…
This social, colonial style hostel is situated on the edge of its own rice fields, and it’s also close to one of the top attractions in town. Yes – it’s the best hostel near Chedi Phra Tat Mae Yen! We love the panoramic views of the sunset over Pai, perfect for making your Insta followers jealous!

Deejai Pai Backpackers is perfect for…
If you want to relax near to huge Buddha statue and temple that sits above Pai, then there’s nowhere better to stay than Deejai Pai Backpackers. Make sure you take advantage of the free yoga and meditation classes. If you prefer something a bit more adrenaline fuelled, there’s an outdoor gym and a basketball court too!

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Still haven’t booked for Pattaya? Find out where to stay in Pattaya for any type of trip!

 

#7 – Host Family Pai

 Best hostel near Pai Canyon

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 22 Moo 4 Maehea Pai
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Host Family Pai…
This peaceful and traditional hostel will allow you to learn the ways of life of Pai’s Karen Tribe close to waterfalls and natural hot springs. It’s also near one of the top hiking destinations in Pai, so it’s the best hostel near Pai Canyon! We love waking up and being surrounded entirely by nature!

Host Family Pai is perfect for…
This hostel is perfect if you want something a little off the beaten track that’s sure to be an unforgettable memory. It’s a small and intimate family run hostel, and there’s just one room with futon mattresses but it’s comfortable and clean, and it’s certainly not your average backpacker dorm!

Need to stay near the airport? These are the top hostels near the Phuket airport.

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#8 – UP2U Guesthouse

 Best hostel near Pai Airport

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 29 Moo1, Vieng Tai 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like UP2U Guesthouse…
This laid back and open plan hostel is as close as you can get to Pai Airport so it’s the best place to stay if you’re catching a flight to or from Pai! We love how relaxing the large gardens are, the perfect place to get chatting to other guests or lie in a hammock and get lost in a good book!

UP2U Guesthouse is perfect for…
If you’re worried about getting to or from Pai Airport, then stay here and forget your worries! There’s fast Wi-Fi to update your social media or plan the next step of your trip, while the on-site restaurant and café offers delicious healthy food and awesome fresh coffee! The wood and bamboo beds ensure you sleep well too.

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#9 – Pai In The Sky Hostel

 Best hostel near Pai Bus Station

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 114 Moo 3 T.Wiangtai, Pai
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Pai In The Sky Hostel…
This comfortable hostel is hidden away in an alley of Pai’s Walking Street, and it’s the best place to stay near Pai Bus Station. We love the free breakfast here, as sometimes it comes with fresh seasonal fruit and cookies! There is a range of private rooms here as well as dorms, so it’s a good option for couples!

Pai In The Sky Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re nervous about being on time for your bus to Chiang Mai or whatever your next destination is, then don’t be! When staying at Pai In The Sky, you can just roll out of bed and be at the bus station within minutes! It’s also handy if you don’t want to transport your luggage halfway across town.

Traveling to Khao San? These are the best hostels near the Khao San Road

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#10 – La Mom Hostelo

Best high-end hostel in Pai

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 78 moo 3 Weingtai, Pai, Mae Hong Son.
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like La Mom Hostelo…
This sociable and friendly boutique hostel comes with power showers, comfy mattresses, and stylish design, so it’s the best high-end hostel in Pai. We love the garden in the backyard which is home to a tasty burger house and jazz bar, both great spots if you’re looking to meet people and enjoy some fine food and music!

La Mom Hostelo is perfect for…
If you don’t mind splashing out a little extra to be in a boutique hostel with some very nice features, then La Mom Hostelo is just what you’re looking for in Pai! The hostel has a great location downtown, just moments from the famous Pai Walking Street, and you can be sure of friendly and attentive hospitality with a smile during your stay!

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#11 – Pai Backpacker Meeting Place

 Best budget hostel in Pai

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 109 Moo 11 T.Tungyao, Pai
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Pai Backpacker Meeting Place…
This cosy, fun, and friendly hostel is a favourite among backpackers who visit the city, and that’s in some part down to the reasonable prices. It really is the best budget hostel in Pai! You can still expect some great events including open mic nights, free yoga, and chilling around the campfire!

Pai Backpacker Meeting Place is perfect for…
Part of the reason so many travellers love this hostel is that the price totally doesn’t reflect what’s on offer! There’s a lovely courtyard and a roof terrace with excellent views of Pai and the surrounding hills, all of which you can enjoy from the comfort of a hammock!

Check this out – these are the wildest and craziest party hostels in Bangkok!

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#12 – Suandoi Backpacker Resort

Best hostel with private rooms in Pai

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 84 Moo1, Maehee 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Suandoi Backpacker Resort…
This hillside hostel offers singles, doubles, twins, and quadruple rooms where you won’t be disturbed by anyone else, so it’s definitely the best hostel in Pai with a private room! We love the occasional free yoga classes in the garden and the Thai massages in the studio. Surprisingly, really helpful for recovering from a hangover!

Suandoi Backpacker Resort is perfect for…
Solo travellers who want the benefits of a hostel but their own space for sleeping, and couples who want a bit of privacy are just a couple of examples of travellers that will find Suandoi Backpacker Resort the perfect fit for their holiday in Pai! And who could say no to a game of volleyball followed by a BBQ?!

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#13 – Slow life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast

 Best hostel with a pool in Pai

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 815 Moo.8, T. Viengtai Pai
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Slow life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast…
Pai, like most of Thailand, can get very hot and humid, so it’s good to be able to cool off in a swimming pool once in a while. This laidback hostel has a pretty good one, and plenty of spots to relax around it so it’s safe to say this is the best hostel with a pool in Pai!

Slow life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast is perfect for…
If you want to take a dip during your trip to Pai, then take a closer look at this awesome hostel. Not only can you enjoy the pool, but you can also easily meet travellers in the bar and common area. The traditional Thai food in the restaurant is as good as anywhere you’ll find in town too!

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Other best hostels in Pai

#14 – Pai Way

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 40/2 Moo 3, Banphakarm Viengtai, Pai Maehongsorn ,
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Pai Way…
Although technically you’re booking a dorm when you decide to stay at Pai Way, you’re getting your own private and personal space as the beds here are super cool capsules! When you take into consideration the fully equipped kitchen, relaxing gazebo, and free breakfast, you get all the benefits of a hostel without the noise of a dorm!

Pai Way is perfect for…
If you’re curious about trying a capsule hostel during your stay in Pai, then Pai Way is the perfect place for you. It’s also a punny name, and who doesn’t love that?! The hostel has only been open since the beginning of 2018, but since then it’s had lots of guests who are impressed with the cleanliness and lovely garden!

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#15 – Nine House

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 285, Moo1, Chai Songkhram, Tambon Wiang Tai, Ampher Pai, Mae Hong Son
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Nine House…
This traditional hostel is pretty quiet and peaceful, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re planning on resting, relaxing, and recuperating on your trip to Pai. It’s a Thai teakwood building with Japanese tatami mat rooms, so you are getting the best of not one but two Asian cultures in this hostel!

Nine House is perfect for…
If you want to feel close to nature in a peaceful environment, Nine House’s beautiful back garden is the perfect place to chill for the morning or afternoon. Of course, when you want a change of scenery it’s just a 10-minute walk to Pai’s famous walking street, so it’s easy to get to the heart of the action!

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#16 – Green Hostel and Skate Park

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 124 Moo 1, Wiang Tai, Amphur Pai, Mae Hong Son
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Green Hostel and Skate Park…
This relaxing hostel has something that sets it apart from all the other hostels in Pai, and probably most in Thailand – there’s a skate park! There are other reasons to stay here, such as free skateboard rental, friendly staff, and fast Wi-Fi. There are free water refills too which is a bigger perk than you might expect!

Green Hostel and Skate Park is perfect for…
If you want to get a bit of skating done while you’re in Pai, then Green Hostel and Skate Park is the perfect place to spend your holiday! It’s in a quiet neighbourhood which means you don’t have to listen to the loud music from the Walking Street, but you’re still close enough to get involved in the partying if you want to!

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#17 – Baan Aomsin Resort

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 254 Moo 1 Vientai 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Baan Aomsin Resort…
This relaxed hostel offers simple rooms less than a kilometre from the Walking Street and Night Market in Pai. It’s a lovely spot to meet other travellers and get chatting around a nighttime bonfire or in the outdoor communal area where you’ll find tables, chairs, and hammocks!

Baan Aomsin Resort is perfect for…
If you’re looking for a relaxing resort style hostel with wide-open gardens where you can take in the sun, play some sports, or just get chatting to fellow guests, then Baan Aomsin is the perfect place for you to stay! Of course, service here comes with a smile too.

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FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Pai?

Most dorm rooms come in at less than $10, making Pai a very budget friendly place! If you want a private room, you'll need to spend $10 to $30 depending on the facilities.

What are Hostels in Pai Like?

Exotic, nature-themed, and artsy describe many of the hostels in Pai! The town is known for its stunning natural scenery, and most hostels will help you to plan tours and travel plans in the area. You can find hostels for party animals and those who want some peace and quiet.

How Safe are Hostels in Pai?

Pai does have some issues, but the hostels themselves tend to be very safe with good security features. When going out you should exercise caution and you can ask if there are areas you should avoid.

How to Find Hostels in Pai?

Begin your search using HostelWorld to see a list of all the options. If you're traveling around other places in Thailand like Bangkok, you can probably get some recommendations from other travelers along the way!

 

	Best overall hostel in Pai Common Grounds Pai Free WiFi, Security Lockers, Common Room	Check for Best Price
	Best party hostel in Pai The Famous Pai Circus Hostel Free WiFi, Luggage Storage, 24 Hour Security	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel for solo travellers in Pai Happy House Backpackers Free WiFi, Free Parking, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel for digital nomads in Pai Juno Hostel Free WiFi, Hot Showers, Common Room	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Pai Night Market Hugga Pai Free WiFi, 24 Hour Reception,Security Lockers	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Chedi Phra Tat Mae Yen Deejai Pai Backpackers Free WiFi, Parking, Safe Deposit Box	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Pai Canyon Host Family Pai Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Housekeeping	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Pai Airport UP2U Guesthouse Free WiFi, Free Parking, Free Breakfast	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel near Pai Bus Station Pai In The Sky Hostel Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Hot Showers	Check for Best Price
	Best high-end hostel in Pai La Mom Hostelo Free WiFi, Security Lockers, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best budget hostel in Pai Pai Backpacker Meeting Place Free WiFi, Security Lockers, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel with private rooms in Pai Suandoi Backpacker Resort Free WiFi, Parking, Luggage Storage	Check for Best Price
	Best hostel with a pool in Pai Slow life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Housekeeping	Check for Best Price

 

Conclusion

So, there we go. We’ve taken a detailed look at the best hostels in Pai and we’re sure that there’ll be something on our list that will suit you perfectly without putting too much of a hole in your bank account!

It would be such a shame to miss out on this Thai backpacker paradise now, wouldn’t it?!

Hostels are an important way to travel as they can help you maximise your budget while making friendships that will last long after you’ve checked out. And with the money you save, you can enjoy more of the best things Thailand has to offer!

Don’t forget our best hostel in Pai – Common Grounds Pai. We hope that wherever you decide to stay, you have an amazing trip!

 

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