Chiang Mai is a budget traveller's dream. Dorm beds cost a few dollars, a private guesthouse room costs less than a coffee back home, and a monthly apartment can cost less than a week in a Western city. The savings do not come at the expense of quality: the hostels are clean, sociable, and often stylish, and the city is cheap to live in day to day. This guide covers where to stay cheap, the best backpacker areas, and what it costs.
For the wider picture, see our where-to-stay hub.
The best budget areas
- The Old City: the classic backpacker base, full of hostels, cheap eats, walkable sights, the Sunday Walking Street, and a social scene (the northeast corner near the bars for nightlife). Central and lively.
- Santitham: the cheapest area, north of Nimman, with budget guesthouses, apartments, and local food. Best for longer stays and quiet savings.
- Night Bazaar area: central and affordable, close to the action.
What it costs
| Type | Price/night |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | ฿150 to ฿400 |
| Private hostel / guesthouse room | ฿400 to ฿900 |
| Budget monthly apartment | ฿5,000 to ฿12,000/month |
Among the best value in Southeast Asia for the quality. Even the cheapest beds are generally clean and safe.
The hostels
Chiang Mai has excellent hostels, from cheap basic dorms to stylish modern flashpacker spots with pools, cafes, co-working corners, and strong social programmes. Read recent reviews for cleanliness, atmosphere (party vs quiet), and location, and choose the vibe you want. The standard is high for the low prices, and it is easy to meet people. Book ahead in high season for the popular ones.
Cheap monthly stays
For long-stay budget travellers, monthly apartments and older condos run roughly 5,000 to 12,000 baht a month, especially in Santitham and outside Nimman, often furnished and sometimes with a pool. Cheap guesthouses also offer monthly rates. A private apartment for the month can cost less than a week elsewhere, which is why so many budget travellers and nomads stay long-term. View in person for the best deals.
A budget day
- Hostel bed: ฿150 to ฿400.
- Street food and cheap meals: ฿150 to ฿300.
- Local transport (songthaew, Grab): ฿50 to ฿150.
- An activity or drinks: varies.
- Total: roughly ฿700 to ฿1,200 a day all-in, less on a monthly rental.
Tips
- Use hostel lockers and keep valuables secure.
- Eat street food and at markets for the cheapest, best meals (see our street food guide).
- Book ahead in high season; wing it more in low season.
- View monthly apartments in person for the best long-stay rates.
The bottom line
Chiang Mai lets budget travellers live well for very little: cheap, clean, sociable hostels in the Old City, the lowest costs in Santitham, and monthly apartments that make long stays a bargain. Eat at the markets, use the lockers, and enjoy one of Asia's best-value cities. Plan the rest with our where-to-stay hub.