Chiang Dao Hostel in Chiang Dao

I have mixed feelings about this place

The location is stunning, and the communal decks are a real highlight — I could happily spend days in those hammocks. The mosquito nets in the dorm building worked fine and so did the hot water, and while the facilities are basic, they’re reasonable for the price

That said, the shared dorm wasn’t very comfortable. It’s tucked at the back of the garden right beside a neighbor’s house, and their dog barked literally nonstop from dusk until dawn. The bedding was also a bit odd — just a thick fleece blanket with no top sheet or duvet cover. Since it was hot inside with no AC, I ended up having to sleep on top of it and using a towel as a cover. Overall not a good rest

Another downside was the stray dogs roaming in the area. I only learned about them a good while after arriving, when staff noticed me on my way out into town and showed me a safer shortcut. I understand that the hostel can’t do much about the stray problem but heads-up message before I walked alone from the bus station with a heavy bag would have been much appreciated, and maybe a fence at the entrance since they seem to wander in sometimes

On the positive side, the private rooms with their own decks overlooking the river (and far from the barking) are very cool and good value for money. I’d still recommend staying in one of those, especially if you have your own transport or don’t mind the stray dogs

Very humble hostel. I stayed one night in an AC-less room which was cheap. The bed was very hard. It was more like a table than a bed. Haha