Best Hostels in Thailand: Top 15 for Solo Female Travelers (2026)

I've stayed in 15 hostels across Thailand. Here are the 15 I'd actually recommend to my friends.

The truth? Not all hostels are created equal. Some are $12/night and incredible. Others are $8/night and unbearable.

After 6 months of hostel-hopping, I know exactly which hostels deliver safety, cleanliness, social atmosphere, and value. This isn't a generic list—these are hostels where I actually stayed, with honest pros and cons.

After reading, you'll know exactly which hostel to book for YOUR needs.

MY OVERALL #1: Lub d Bangkok Silom

Why it's perfect:

✓ Social but not party (perfect balance)

✓ Design hostel (stylish, clean, modern)

✓ Female dorms excellent (curtains, outlets, lockers)

✓ Rooftop bar (social hub, closes 11pm)

✓ Perfect location (BTS 5 min, Silom)

✓ I met my entire Bangkok friend group here.

Price: $12-15/night (March 2024)

Stayed: 2 weeks, extended twice

Would return: Absolutely (already have 3x!)

Book female dorm specifically—mixed dorms noisier

Book on Hostelworld

How to Choose the Right Hostel

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Safety (Most Important):

• Female-only dorms available?
• Could you provide information about the size and quality of the lockers?
• Safe neighborhood?
• 24/7 reception?
• Good locks?

2. Social Atmosphere:

• Common areas?
• Organized events?
• Is it easy to meet people there?
• Age range?
• Solo traveler percentage?

3. Cleanliness:

• Hostelworld reviews mention cleanliness?
• Daily cleaning?
• Bathroom quality?

4. Location:

• Near BTS/MRT?
• Are the attractions easily accessible by foot?
• Safe neighborhood?
• 7-Eleven nearby?

5. Value:

• Price vs. quality?
• What's included?
• Weekly rates available?

Hostel Types:

Party Hostels: Pub crawls, loud until late, 20s crowd (Bodega, Slumber Party)

Social-But-Chill: Events but quiet by 11pm, mix of ages (Lub d, Hug Hostel)

Quiet/Boutique: Minimal events, good for introverts (MIX Bangkok, Stamps)

Work-Friendly: Coworking, fast WiFi, digital nomads (BED Nimman, The Yard)

Best Hostels in Bangkok

1. LUB D BANGKOK SILOM ⭐ #1 Bangkok Pick

Location: Silom, BTS Chong Nonsi (5-min walk) Price: $12-15/night female dorm Hostelworld Rating: 8.9/10 Vibe: Social but not party, design hostel

WHY I LOVED IT:

✅ Perfect location (5-min to BTS)

✅ Rooftop bar (closes 11pm—social but not too loud)

✅ Design hostel (stylish, Instagram-worthy)

✅ Female dorms excellent (curtains, outlets, reading lights, lockers)

✅ Super clean (daily cleaning, spotless bathrooms)

✅ Social atmosphere (easy to meet people without forced party)

✅ Staff organized dinners and tours

✅ Fast WiFi (good for digital nomads)

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Can be noisy (thin walls)

⚠️ Rooftop bar music until 11pm (bring earplugs)

⚠️ More expensive ($12-15 vs $8-10 budget)

⚠️ Female dorms book fast (book 3-5 days ahead)

FACILITIES:

• AC dorms ✓
• Hot showers ✓
• Large lockers ✓
• Small kitchen ✓
• Paid laundry ✓
• Towels provided ✓

WHO IT'S FOR:

• First-time Bangkok visitors
• Solo travelers wanting to meet people
• Digital nomads
• 25-35 age range

MY EXPERIENCE: "Stayed 2 weeks (March 2024). Met the entire Bangkok friend group at a rooftop bar. Female dorm clean, safe, and comfortable. Only complaint: thin walls. Overall, the best Bangkok hostel I tried."

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 9/10

2. BODEGA PARTY HOSTEL (Party Lovers)

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 11, near BTS Nana

Price: $10-14/night

Hostelworld Rating: 8.7/10

Vibe: PARTY hostel, pub crawls nightly, 20s crowd

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT:

✅ Super social (impossible not to meet people)

✅ Organized events nightly (pub crawl, beer pong)

✅ Rooftop bar and pool

✅ Great location (Sukhumvit)

✅ Young, fun crowd (20-26 mainly)

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ LOUD (party until 2am some nights)

⚠️ Not for light sleepers

⚠️ Can feel pressured to drink/party

⚠️ Cleanliness okay but not great

⚠️ Exhausting if staying 3+ days

WHO IT'S FOR: Party lovers 20-25, high energy, meeting people is a priority #1, short stays 2-4 days

MY TAKE: "Stayed 3 nights. Fun but exhausting. Met tons of people, went on a pub crawl. Perfect for a party weekend, not a week-plus stay."

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 8/10 | Social 10/10 (party)

3. MIX BANGKOK BOUTIQUE HOTEL (Quiet Option)

Location: Silom, BTS Surasak Price: $13-18/night Hostelworld Rating: 9.0/10 Vibe: boutique, quiet, clean, more of a hotel than a hostel.

WHY I LIKED IT:

✅ Very clean (spotless bathrooms)

✅ Quiet (11pm lights out, enforced)

✅ Pool and gym (rare for hostel)

✅ Breakfast included

✅ Female dorms are spacious with curtains.

✅ Good for digital nomads.

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Not very social (no organized events)

⚠️ More expensive ($13-18)

⚠️ Hard to meet people

⚠️ Can feel lonely

WHO IT'S FOR: Introverts, those who need good sleep, digital nomads, and those in the 30+ age range

MY TAKE: "Stayed 5 nights when I needed rest after party hostels. Super clean and quiet. Good for recharging but felt lonely. Better as a second hostel after a social one."

Book on Hostelworld → [LINK]

RATING: Location 8/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 5/10

4. NAPPARK HOSTEL @ KHAO SAN (Budget)

Location: Khao San Road area Price: $8-12/night Hostelworld Rating: 8.5/10 Vibe: Social, pool, backpacker central

WHY CONSIDER IT:

✅ Great location (walking distance to Grand Palace)

✅ Pool (rare for budget hostel!)

✅ Social atmosphere

✅ Budget-friendly

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Khao San noise (street loud 24/7)

⚠️ Far from BTS (30-min walk or taxi)

⚠️ Party atmosphere

⚠️ Cleanliness okay but not great

WHO IT'S FOR: Extreme budget, want Khao San experience, Grand Palace area, 20s backpackers, 2-3 day stay max

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location: 7/10, Safety: 7/10, Social: 9/10

5. THE YARD HOSTEL (Digital Nomads)

Location: Near BTS Ratchathewi Price: $15-20/night Hostelworld Rating: 9.1/10 Vibe: Design hostel, coworking space, 25-35 crowd

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT:

✅ Beautiful design

✅ Coworking space (excellent for digital nomads)

✅ Cafe on-site

✅ Female dorms premium (privacy curtains, individual AC!)

✅ Very clean

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Expensive ($15-20 for dorm)

⚠️ Location okay but not amazing

⚠️ Smaller (fills up quickly)

WHO IT'S FOR: Digital nomads, 28-35, want design and comfort and work remotely

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 7/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 7/10

Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

1. HUG HOSTEL ROOFTOP ⭐ #1 Chiang Mai Pick

Location: Old City, near Tha Pae Gate Price: $10-14/night Hostelworld Rating: 9.0/10 Vibe: Social, rooftop vibes, pool, perfect

WHY I LOVED IT:

✅ Rooftop common area with mountain views (AMAZING)

✅ Pool (essential in Chiang Mai heat!)

✅ Perfect location (Old City, walking distance to temples)

✅ Super social without being party hostel

✅ Female dorms excellent (curtains, lockers, outlets, AC)

✅ Kitchen (rare in Thailand!)

✅ Staff organized activities

✅ Met my entire Chiang Mai friend group here

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Can be noisy (rooftop until 11pm)

⚠️ Pool is small (crowded peak season)

⚠️ Books up fast (reserve 5-7 days ahead)

⚠️ Street-facing rooms noisy

MY EXPERIENCE: "Stayed 2 weeks, extended twice. Rooftop was THE social hub. Met 15+ solo travelers and went to the Full Moon Party with a group from here. Best Chiang Mai hostel I tried."

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 10/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 10/10

2. BED NIMMAN (Digital Nomad Central)

Location: Nimman Soi 7 Price: $12-16/night Hostelworld Rating: 8.8/10 Vibe: Coworking + hostel, digital nomad heaven

WHY NOMADS LOVE IT:

✅ Coworking space INSIDE hostel (included!)

✅ Fast WiFi (50+ Mbps)

✅ Nimman location (cafes, coworking, modern area)

✅ Desks in dorms

✅ Social digital nomad crowd (25-35)

✅ Weekly rates available

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Less social than party hostels (everyone working)

⚠️ Further from Old City temples

⚠️ More expensive

⚠️ Can feel too work-focused

WHO IT'S FOR: Digital nomads, remote workers, 1+ week stays, 25-35 age range

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 8/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 7/10

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3. STAMPS BACKPACKERS (Quiet Oasis)

Location: Old City Price: $8-12/night Hostelworld Rating: 8.9/10 Vibe: Chill, garden setting, introvert-friendly

WHY I LIKED IT:

✅ Beautiful garden setting (peaceful!) $

✅ Very quiet (enforced quiet hours)

✅ Clean and well-maintained

✅ Walking distance to temples

✅ Budget-friendly

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Not social (minimal common areas, no events)

⚠️ Hard to meet people

⚠️ Can feel lonely

⚠️ Basic facilities

WHO IT'S FOR: Introverts who need rest/recharge, after social hostels; quiet atmosphere essential

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 4/10

4. DEEJAI BACKPACKERS (Ultra-Budget)

Location: Old City Price: $7-11/night Hostelworld Rating: 8.4/10 Vibe: Budget, social, pool, young backpackers

WHY BUDGET TRAVELERS PICK IT:

✅ Cheapest quality hostel ($7-11)

✅ Pool

✅ Social atmosphere

✅ Good location

✅ Young, fun crowd (20-27)

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Very basic facilities

⚠️ Cleanliness okay but not great

⚠️ Can be loud

⚠️ Crowded

WHO IT'S FOR: Extreme budget ($25/day travelers), 20-25 age, don't mind basic, social priority

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 7/10 | Social 9/10

5. TRIBAL BALI CHIANG MAI (Design + Social)

Location: Old City Price: $11-15/night Hostelworld Rating: 9.2/10 Vibe: Design hostel, social, organized events

WHY IT'S HIGHLY RATED:

✅ Beautiful design (tribal/Bali aesthetic)

✅ Very clean

✅ Social events organized

✅ Female dorms premium

✅ Pool and common areas

✅ Great staff

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ More expensive ($11-15)

⚠️ Books up very fast

⚠️ Can feel too curated

Book on Hostelworld → [LINK]

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 9/10

Best Hostels on Thai Islands

1. SLUMBER PARTY KOH TAO ⭐ Best Island Hostel

Location: Sairee Beach, Koh Tao Price: $14-18/night Hostelworld Rating: 9.0/10 Vibe: Social, diving crowd, beach, party-adjacent

WHY DIVERS LOVE IT:

✅ 2 minutes to beach

✅ Walking distance to all dive shops

✅ Pool (essential after diving!)

✅ Rooftop bar (pool tournament nightly)

✅ Huge social scene (everyone's diving = instant bond)

✅ Organized events

✅ Female dorms are excellent.

✅ Met my dive buddy group from Koh Tao here

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Can be loud (rooftop until 11pm)

⚠️ More expensive ($14-18)

⚠️ Party vibe

⚠️ Books up fast (reserve one week ahead).

MY EXPERIENCE: "Stayed 10 days during Open Water certification. Every diver on the island stayed here. Pool tournament = best way to meet people. Female dorm safe, clean, and comfortable. Diving + this hostel = perfect Koh Tao combo."

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 10/10 | Safety 9/10 | Social 10/10

2. BANS DIVING RESORT (Koh Tao Alternative)

Location: Sairee Beach, Koh Tao Price: $12-16/night Hostelworld Rating: 8.7/10 Vibe: Diving focus, social, beach access

WHY DIVERS LIKE IT:

✅ Dive shop attached

✅ Beach access

✅ Social atmosphere

✅ Cheaper than Slumber Party

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Slightly older facilities

⚠️ Smaller social scene

⚠️ More dive-shop-focused

Book on Hostelworld

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 8/10 | Social 8/10

3. SLUMBER PARTY KOH PHANGAN (Full Moon Base)

Location: Haad Rin Beach Price: $15-25/night (varies by Full Moon timing) Hostelworld Rating: 8.8/10 Vibe: Party central, Full Moon prep base

WHY FULL MOONERS LOVE IT:

✅ 10-min walk to Full Moon Party beach

✅ Organized group for Full Moon (safety in numbers!)

✅ Pool and rooftop bar

✅ Social atmosphere

DOWNSIDES:

⚠️ Expensive during Full Moon week ($25+).

⚠️ VERY loud during Full Moon

⚠️ It feels like a party hostel.

⚠️ Less interesting outside Full Moon Week.

BOOKING TIP: Book 2 weeks ahead for Full Moon. Prices spike.

Book on Hostelworld → [LINK]

RATING: Location 9/10 | Safety 7/10 | Social 10/10

DON'T MAKE MY MISTAKE: Booked Cheapest Hostel

What happened:

I spent my first night in Bangkok. I conducted a search for the "cheapest hostel" on Hostelworld.

Found: $6/night hostel (seemed like a fantastic deal!)

Reality:

• Dirty (questionable sheets, gross bathroom)
• Unsafe feeling (sketchy neighborhood, broken lock)
• No lockers (keeping valuables with me 24/7).
• LOUD (party hostel, music until 3am)
• Couldn't sleep (left after one night).

Lost: $6 (abandoned) + $15 (emergency booking at Lub d)

Lesson: $6 hostel vs $12 hostel = $6 difference. But the experience difference = HUGE.

My Rule:

• Hostelworld rating 8.0+ minimum
• Read reviews mentioning "clean" and "safe."
• Budget $10-15/night for quality
• Your sleep and safety are more important than saving $5/night

MY HOSTEL BOOKING SYSTEM

First Hostel (Before Arrival):

• Book 3-7 days ahead
• Choose a social hostel to make it easier to meet people.
• Female dorm
• Good location
• Book 3-5 nights

After the First Week:

• Book next hostel 1-3 days ahead (better rates)
• Now you know your vibe preferences.
• Ask the current hostel about its weekly rates.

Long-term (1+ week):

• Ask about weekly rate (10-20% off)
• Example: Hug Hostel Chiang Mai
  • Nightly: $12 × 7 = $84
  • Weekly rate: $70 (asked at reception)
  • Saved: $14/week

Result: Flexibility + savings + better rates

FEMALE DORMS VS MIXED: Worth the Extra $3?

I tested both. Here's the truth:

Mixed Dorm (8-bed):

• Price: $11/night
• Noisier (guys coming in drunk)
• Less comfortable changing
• LOUD snoring
• Sleep: 6/10

Female Dorm (6-bed):

• Price: $14/night ($3 more)
• Quieter (women respect quiet hours)
• Comfortable changing
• Less snoring
• Sleep: 8/10

Difference: $3/night = $21/week

Worth it? ABSOLUTELY

Why:

• Better sleep (essential)
• Safer feeling
• More comfortable
• Easier to make friends
• Usually cleaner

My rule: Female dorms 100% of the time. Sleep + comfort > saving $3.

Hostel Safety Tips

CHOOSING SAFE HOSTELS:

✅ Hostelworld rating 8.0+ minimum

✅ Recent reviews mention "safe," "clean," and "secure."

✅ Female dorms are available.

✅ 24/7 reception

✅ Key card or lock system

✅ Well-lit at night

IN THE HOSTEL:

✅ Use lockers ALWAYS ( bring your own padlock)

✅ Don't leave valuables in the room.

✅ Keep phone/wallet with you

✅ Meet people in common areas first

✅ Trust your gut (if sketchy, leave)

DORM ETIQUETTE:

✅ Quiet after 10-11pm

✅ Use headphones

✅ Don't pack at 6am

✅ Take showers at reasonable hours

✅ Set alarm vibrate

Budget Comparison

You Found Your Perfect Hostel

✓ Thailand has amazing hostels for solo women

✓ Best picks: Lub d (Bangkok), Hug Hostel (Chiang Mai), Slumber Party (Koh Tao)

✓ Choose based on vibe (party vs chill vs work)

✓ Book female dorms (safer, quieter, worth $2-4 extra)

✓ 8.0+ Hostelworld rating minimum

✓ Use lockers, trust gut, prioritize safety

✓ Budget $10-15/night for quality

✓ Book the first hostel 3-7 days in advance, and subsequent hostels 1-3 days ahead.

Your perfect Thailand hostel awaits!