Laos and Thailand Hostels: A Budget Traveler’s Ultimate Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

Affordable, Social, and Authentic Stays

Laos and Thailand are backpacker paradises, offering vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and some of the most welcoming hostel communities in Southeast Asia. From the tranquil riverside vibes of Luang Prabang to the electric energy of Bangkok’s Khao San Road, hostels provide more than just a bed—they’re gateways to local life, new friendships, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're planning Laos Tours or Thailand Tours, staying in a hostel keeps your budget low and your experiences high. With Legend Travel Group, you only need a 10% deposit to secure your tour—up to 30 days before departure—so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

This guide covers top hostel picks, booking tips, cultural etiquette, and how to pair your stay with sustainable Laos Travel and Thailand Travel adventures.

Administrative Note

Hostels in Laos and Thailand typically cost $5–$15 per night for dorms and $15–$40 for private rooms. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and laundry are often included. Book early during peak season (November–February). No visa is needed for short stays for many nationalities, but check entry rules. All Legend Travel Group tours include expert guides, eco-friendly itineraries, and flexible payment—secure your spot today with just 10% down.

Luang Prabang – The Cultural Heart

• Chill Riverside Hostel
  Located along the Mekong, this eco-friendly hostel offers dorms with river views, free bicycle rentals, and nightly communal dinners. Perfect base for Laos Tours exploring Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves.
  Price: $6–$12/night | Amenities: Free breakfast, rooftop yoga, laundry service.

• Downtown Backpackers Hostel
  Steps from the Night Market and Mount Phousi, this social hub hosts daily pub crawls and cooking classes. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Laos Travel experiences.
  Price: $5–$10/night | Amenities: Bar, tour desk, lockers.

Vang Vieng – Adventure Central

• Nana Backpacker Hostel
  Famous for its cave tubing and lagoon trips, this party-friendly hostel has a pool, hammock garden, and on-site travel agency for seamless Laos Tours.
  Price: $7–$14/night | Amenities: Swimming pool, free tubes, movie room.

• Real Backpackers Hostel
  A quieter option with stunning karst mountain views, offering free kayaks and guided treks. Great for nature-focused Laos Travel.
  Price: $6–$11/night | Amenities: Free kayaks, breakfast included, bike rental.

Vientiane – The Laid-Back Capital

• Sailom Guesthouse & Hostel
  Centrally located near Patuxai and the Mekong Night Market, this clean, friendly hostel is perfect for city explorers on Laos Tours.
  Price: $5–$9/night | Amenities: Free coffee, tour booking, air-conditioned dorms.

Bangkok – The Gateway City

• Mad Monkey Bangkok
  A legendary party hostel near Khao San Road with a rooftop pool, daily events, and free walking tours. The ultimate launchpad for Thailand Tours.
  Price: $8–$15/night | Amenities: Pool, bar crawls, free breakfast.

• Lub d Bangkok Siam
  Modern, design-focused hostel with private pods, co-working space, and cinema room. Ideal for digital nomads exploring Thailand Travel.
  Price: $10–$18/night | Amenities: Cinema, gym, 24/7 café.

Chiang Mai – Northern Charm

• Hug Hostel Rooftop
  Perched above the Old City, this boutique hostel offers stunning Doi Suthep views, craft beer nights, and temple tour partnerships for Thailand Tours.
  Price: $7–$13/night | Amenities: Rooftop bar, free bikes, cooking classes.

• Stamps Backpackers
  Cozy, community-driven hostel near Tha Pae Gate with family dinners and ethical elephant sanctuary trips. Perfect for conscious Thailand Travel.
  Price: $6–$12/night | Amenities: Home-cooked meals, ethical tours, board games.

Phuket & Islands – Beach Vibes

• Bodega Phuket
  Party-central in Patong with a pool, DJ nights, and island-hopping packages. Book your Thailand Tours to Phi Phi or James Bond Island here.
  Price: $9–$16/night | Amenities: Pool parties, travel desk, free shots.

• Slumber Party Hostel Koh Phi Phi
  Infamous for its full moon pre-parties and beachfront location. The best base for island-hopping Thailand Travel.
  Price: $8–$14/night | Amenities: Beach access, boat tours, nightly events.

Respecting Local Customs

• Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples (common day trips from hostels). Most provide sarongs.

• Remove Shoes: Always take off shoes before entering dorms, common areas, or temples.

• Keep Noise Down: Be mindful after 10 PM—many hostels enforce quiet hours.

• Wai Greeting: Use the traditional Thai/Lao “wai” to greet staff and locals.

• Tipping: Not expected, but 20–50 THB/lao kip for exceptional service is appreciated.

• Eco-Conscious: Use reusable bottles—hostels often have free filtered water stations.

Tip: Say “khob khun” (Thailand) or “khop jai” (Laos) to show gratitude. Tony Bùi notes: “Respect earns you the best local tips—and upgrades!”

• Book Your Stay: Use Hostelworld, Booking.com, or contact hostels directly. Mention you’re with Legend Travel Group for potential discounts.

• Secure Your Tour: Book Laos Tours or Thailand Tours with just 10% deposit—pay the rest up to 30 days before departure.

• Bundle & Save: Many hostels partner with Legend Travel Group for combo deals (hostel stay + tour).

• Eco-Tip: Choose hostels with solar power, recycling programs, and plastic-free initiatives.

• Contact: Reach us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84825862222).

• Essentials: Quick-dry towel, flip-flops, earplugs, padlock, power bank.

• Clothing: Light layers, swimwear, modest temple outfit, rain jacket (wet season).

• Tech: Universal adapter (Type A/B/C), waterproof phone case.

• Eco Items: Reusable straw, cutlery, water bottle.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, hostel booking confirmation. Tip: Pack light—most hostels have laundry ($1–$2/kg).

Average Daily Costs (Per Person)

• Hostel Dorm: $5–$15

• Private Room: $15–$40

• Street Food: $1–$3/meal

• Local Transport: $1–$5

• Activities: $5–$20

• Total Budget: $25–$50/day

• Mid-Range: $50–$80/day

Tip: Book multi-day Laos Tours or Thailand Tours with Legend Travel Group to lock in value—only 10% deposit required.

• Book Ahead: November–February fills fast.

• Check Reviews: Look for cleanliness, staff helpfulness, and location.

• Join Activities: Hostels offer free walking tours, cooking classes, and pub crawls.

• Stay Connected: Most have strong Wi-Fi; get a local SIM ($3–$5).

• Be Social: Common rooms are where lifelong travel buddies are made.

• Safety: Use lockers, avoid flashing valuables, share taxi with fellow travelers at night.

• Are hostels in Laos and Thailand safe? Yes—most are secure with lockers and 24/7 staff. Choose highly-rated ones.

• Do hostels include breakfast? 80% offer free toast, coffee, and fruit.

• Can I work remotely? Many have co-working spaces and fast Wi-Fi.

• Are private rooms available? Yes—great for couples or light sleepers.

• How do I book tours from hostels? Front desks partner with Legend Travel Group—ask for eco-friendly Laos Tours or Thailand Tours.

Pair your hostel adventure with eco-conscious tours:

• Laos Eco Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng with ethical elephant sanctuaries.

• Thailand Island Hopper ($200–$350/person, 4 days): Phuket to Koh Phi Phi with marine conservation activities.

• Mekong Cultural Journey ($300–$500/person, 5 days): Laos to Thailand by slow boat.

All tours include expert guides, eco-lodges, and community support. Book with just 10% deposit—pay later, travel sooner.

Contact: www.legendtravelgroup.com | WhatsApp: (+84825862222)

Staying in Laos and Thailand hostels is the ultimate way to travel affordably, authentically, and sustainably. From riverside dorms in Luang Prabang to rooftop pools in Bangkok, these social hubs connect you to local life and fellow adventurers. Pair your stay with Laos Tours or Thailand Tours from Legend Travel Group—secure your spot with only 10% deposit and pay the rest up to 30 days before departure. No stress, all adventure.

By Legend Travel Group — Crafting Unforgettable Journeys Since 2008.