Best Hostels Across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam

Backpacking through Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting and rewarding travel experiences out there. The region is known for its vibrant backpacker culture, where hostels aren’t just a place to sleep—they’re a way to meet people, find adventure, and create unforgettable memories. With so many travelers passing through, Southeast Asia is home to some of the best hostels in the world, offering everything from rooftop bars and infinity pools to cozy co-working spaces and community dinners.

After staying in dozens of hostels across Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia, I’ve had my fair share of both incredible and not-so-great experiences. Some hostels made me want to extend my stay, while others made me grateful to check out. Through it all, I’ve found some standout spots that every backpacker should experience. Whether you’re looking for a party atmosphere, a laid-back retreat, or a place to connect with like-minded travelers, this list covers my top 10 favorite hostels in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—each one a must-stay if you’re exploring the region.

Of course, it’s important to remember that hostels are shared spaces. Whether you’re in a dorm or a private room, you’ll be sharing common areas and bathrooms, so respect for others is key. Hostels are an affordable and social way to travel, especially for solo travelers, but they come with trade-offs. You won’t always get the best night’s sleep or the fluffiest blanket, but with good recommendations and a little research, you can find hostels that feel like hidden paradises—all at budget-friendly prices.

So, pack your bags, get ready to meet new people, and dive into some of the best hostel experiences Southeast Asia has to offer.

Cambodia

One of the best hostel chains I’ve ever booked with is ONDERZ Hostel. I started my experience at their Siem Reap location, and it was outstanding. They have a rooftop pool, a downstairs pool, and a huge restaurant and café with reasonably priced food. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but what really stood out to me was their commitment to cleanliness. Throughout the day, I saw cleaners going in and out of the bathrooms almost every hour, and they were always spotless.

Another highlight of ONDERZ is the staff. They’re incredibly welcoming and eager to help with your stay, activities, and further travels. I booked tours, onward transportation, and laundry services through them, and they were always happy to assist with recommendations. I stayed here during Christmas when they hosted a party, created a special menu, and even gave away prizes. They truly go above and beyond hostel standards.

That’s why I continued my stay with them at their Koh Rong Sanloem location. While it’s not as clean and modern as the Siem Reap branch, it’s right on the beach and has an incredible atmosphere. The hostel is connected to a bar and restaurant with plenty of food options, and they host a nightly beach BBQ on the sand, complete with hammocks, swings, and bean bags. They also offer activities and transfers you can book through reception, with the same friendly and welcoming staff. The outdoor vibes of this hostel make it a 10/10 stay—with an outdoor gym, plenty of lounging areas, and full beach access, it truly feels like paradise.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a dream for backpackers, with so many amazing and affordable hostels.

In the capital city of Hanoi, Central Backpackers is one of my all-time favorite hostels in the world. It has a rooftop terrace that turns into a social gathering and party every night. They offer pub crawls, city tours, and Ha Long Bay trips—all of which are well-organized and worth booking through them. The rooms are simple but have everything you need, the staff is friendly, and they offer a buffet breakfast and free beer during happy hour. It’s a backpacker’s haven, perfectly located in the city with endless things to do.

Another iconic stay in Vietnam is iHome Resort in Mui Ne. While the rooms aren’t as modern as some other hostels, the atmosphere and location more than make up for it. The hostel sits right on the beach with plenty of lounging areas and a pool. There’s tons of space to socialize, with games, activities, and an on-site bar and restaurant. They offer various tours throughout the day, and I had so many fun nights here that I didn’t mind the basic rooms. You’ll get a mosquito net, which is key, and you’ll love this spot on the water.

One of my favorite hostel chains in Vietnam is Fuse Hostels, with two standout locations:

• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An): Located right on the beach and connected to a beach club, this hostel is all about good vibes. You can lounge by the pool or beach, enjoy great food, and take part in their daily activities. The rooms are clean and simple, and the staff helps with tours and transfers. They also offer free shuttles to their partner hostel in the Old Town, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—beach during the day, city at night.
• Fuse Nha Trang: This hostel is close to the beach and surrounded by restaurants. The staff goes above and beyond, the entire hostel is spotless, and they have an on-site café and bar. They also organize tours, and I had an amazing time on their snorkeling trip. It’s the perfect place to stay in Nha Trang.

Laos

In Luang Prabang, The Jam is an unreal hostel that feels like a backpacker resort. It has a gorgeous pool area with lounge chairs, a café, a bar, and plenty of social spaces, including a pool table. It’s laid-back—definitely not a party hostel—but still perfect for meeting people. The pod-style dorms offer ultimate privacy, and the beds are some of the comfiest I’ve slept in. The reception is super helpful for booking tours, transfers, and motorbike rentals. It’s also centrally located, within walking distance of many restaurants and cafés.

A more unique stay in Laos is Sabai Sabai Guesthouse along the Thakhek Loop. It’s a stop only accessible by motorbike, but it’s well worth it. Every night, they host a BBQ for travelers doing the loop, with a fun, communal atmosphere around a campfire. The outdoor space is massive, with games and activities, and they have a full restaurant with delicious meals. The whole place feels like an adult summer camp, and the staff is incredibly helpful with bikes and loop logistics. If you’re doing the Thakhek Loop, this is a must-stay.

Thailand

One of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed in is Bed Station in Bangkok. If you don’t like party vibes, this isn’t for you—it’s located right near Khao San Road. But if that doesn’t bother you, the amenities here are next-level. The entire facility is spotless, with high-end bathrooms, spacious dorms, and a poolside social area. There’s also a restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, and tons of activities, from pub crawls to fitness classes. It’s one of the most well-designed hostels I’ve seen.

In Koh Lanta, AHA Hostel is another favorite. It’s perfectly located near a quiet beach, with beautiful outdoor spaces for relaxing, socializing, and even doing yoga. They offer free breakfast, great tours and transfers, and the dorms are huge, with ultimate privacy. But the best part? The bathrooms. They’re clean, spacious, and feel like a spa. This hostel truly has everything you want from a nice, budget-friendly stay.

Finally, Atlas Valley in Pai is one of the most unique hostels I’ve ever stayed at. The views of the rice fields and mountains are breathtaking, creating a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. They have an incredible café with fresh baked treats, and the hostel offers daily workshops like yoga, meditation, ice baths, ecstatic dance, and fire spinning. It’s more than just a hostel—it’s a creative, like-minded community. I met amazing people here, and I can’t recommend it enough.

If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, these hostels should definitely be on your list. Happy travels!

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